Dinner With

Celine Deblon

Heavily pregnant and still stunningly beautiful, I interviewed Celine. She had previously been seen here on the site with her luxury sports line Deblon. Deblon's clothing is produced in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and as the slogan goes: “The magical city that touches our hearts, where our inspiration comes from and the place where Deblon produces its collection with great love.” Celine has also lived in Brazil for years and to stay in the Olympic spirit, I asked her about her favorite spots in Rio.

Tell me, why is Brazil so amazing?
‘Rio is a city full of magic. A city that stimulates all your senses, a place of extremes.
A metropolis with all its amenities surrounded by beautiful mountains and a robust sea, with thousands of small islands hidden within. Rio is also a place where you can be yourself, because it doesn't matter if you're poor or rich, old or young, white or dark: Rio is the city where everything and everyone coexists. What makes it amazing for me is that you feel welcome, truly welcome. Brazilians are incredibly curious and interested in everything that happens, whether it's about politics or people from another culture.’

Okay, I am absolutely convinced. Which restaurants should we reserve there?
‘I would start the day with breakfast at hotel Fasano, the five-star hotel on Ipanema beach. Of course, it is a bit fancy to start your day like this, but for a special weekend or pampering moment, this is a real recommendation.

Cafe Grande (pronounced as kaffé ghrandje) is the Brazilian term for an elaborate breakfast with everything included.

Also, hotel Fasano is the sleeping place of many Brazilian top models and famous actors, so it's also an experience for your eyes…

If you've shopped in the Leblon district, then an organic lunch at  Celeiro Culinária is a must (Rua Dias Ferreira, 199, Leblon, Rio de Janeiro).

If you are in Leblon, then Delírio Tropical is also super good, organic and nice easy going (Rua Garcia d’Avila, 48, Ipanema).

Then there is a place you really must not miss: at any time of the day you can come here to retreat from the busy city, enjoy breakfast, lunch, a simple dinner or drinks, and that is at the restaurant section of the art school in Parque Lage.

Well, you can dine in many places, but for good Brazilian food, you go to  Zazá Bistrô, R. Joana Angélica, 40, Ipanema.

The best sushi can be found at Sushi Leblon.

And for a good atmosphere and delicious Mediterranean dining, Zuka is great (Rua dias Ferreira, 233B, Leblon).’

And who would you really like to have dinner with? It can be anyone.
‘To stay in the Brazilian spirit: Gisele Bündchen. This woman has such a positive spirit and relaxed vibe that I am sure it would be an unforgettable evening.’

What should you really order on a Brazilian menu?

‘Farofa. This Brazilian side dish has such a unique texture. You either hate it or love it. I immediately loved it. You eat it with a typical Brazilian barbecue next to your meat. Or at lunch next to rice and beans.’

And what should we better skip?
‘Brazilians love barbecuing, and chicken livers are actually never to be missed. They look very cute, but the taste is far from goose or duck liver.’

Do you find your way on the wine list? And are Brazilians a bit good at making wine?
‘Because Brazil has such a hot climate, Brazilians mainly love beer and cocktails. I have never been able to find really good Brazilian wine. Brazilians have a love-hate relationship with their Argentine neighbors: in football, it's hate, but when it comes to wine, it's love. I recommend that if you have the choice, go for an Argentine malbec.’

Do you prefer a starter or a dessert?
‘I love dining extensively, so I go for a delicious starter AND a dessert.’

In which hotel in Rio do you prefer to sleep?
‘Just outside Rio (an hour, which is not far for Rio) you will find the boutique hotel Le Relais de Marambaia. An indescribably beautiful place, very romantic!’

Tell me, are there any exciting things coming up for Deblon?
‘Deblon has had an extremely exciting time. Last year, the Zika virus was detected, which meant that I suddenly could not go to Brazil with my pregnant belly. Doing business efficiently with Brazil is a real art, let alone from the Netherlands. Deception, but without bad intentions, is daily fare, and thus we encountered big and small pitfalls along the way. But we persevered and the result is there. On August 24, we will have our new collection photographed by Paul Bellaart, with a Brazilian top model that we will bring to the Netherlands. From the end of September, beginning of October, the collection will be available, oh oh oh, so exciting!’