When Fernanda met Helena Rizzo in her teens in Porto Alegre, she  soon realized her friend’s love for spices and pans. “Helena was always creating new recipes and making treats for our parties, a natural talent”, says Fernanda.

The friendship turned into a partnership and years later, Fernanda and Helena became partners at the restaurant Maní, in São Paulo. The restaurant is considered one of the world’s best and it’s a reference for healthy and creative food.

In 2013, Maní was on 4th place among the 50 Best restaurants in Latin America, and on 36th place among the 50 best of the world, according to the award “The World’s Best 50”. Additionally, Helena was considered the best female chef of the world in 2014 by Veuve Clicquot. Lots of reasons to celebrate!