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Live food has made its way to Brazil, land of tropical fruits and beaches, and Universo Organico, located in Rio de Janeiro.
Universo Organico, Brazil's first live food restaurant, is a hidden treasure in a country full of rich natural resources. Universo Organico first opened as an organic market in 2004 and later as a live food and vegan restaurant in May 2006. The restaurant was the dream of Owner and Chef Tiana Rodrigues, who lived in the United States for 11 years before returning to her native country. Tiana recently spoke about Universo Organico’s roots: Why did you return to Brazil to open a live food restaurant?My dream was to open a restaurant in Brazil where healthy food could taste and look esthetically beautiful. Brazil offers so much in terms of natural, raw, unprocessed plants and fruits, and nature there is so vibrant and colorful. I was finally able to create a life in a city I love and can do what I love. I believe eating live foods gave me the energy and creativity to manifest my dream. How has the response to your restaurant and to your live food cleansing programs and workshops been?Universo Organico is the first raw and live food gourmet restaurant in Brazil, so I wasn’t sure what the response would be. We first started with the juice bar, then I introduced sprouts in our juices, then I began creating my own dishes. I think I wasn’t expecting such a great receptivity and interest, but it’s happening! People are looking to live healthier and more energetic lives, so it’s very rewarding. What would you say is your biggest challenge?People’s pure lack of information and consciousness about nutrition and how food affects their lives. When people come to our restaurant, they read the menu and ask: “What in the world is live food?” Sometimes people get it, other times they think it’s something from another planet—something impossible to do. This industrialized world we live in, with all its frozen and processed foods, has disconnected people from the real source of their ability to live and breathe and think and create. So what is natural—living food, fruits and plants—has become strange and unusual. But when I explain to people what living food is, and they actually see and try it, they love it. There has never been one person in my restaurant who did not like what they tried. What is your most popular dish?Lately it’s the lasagna. It’s made with zucchini, eggplant, macadamia “ricotta,” tomato sauce, herbs, and basil. Have you received any awards?My juices were rated the best of Rio de Janeiro in the national magazine Veja in 2007. Universo Organico was featured in several publications around Brazil. What do you love most about your job?Creating a new dish. When my customers tell me how wonderful the food is and how important my work is. When I see someone’s life changing for the better, or is able to let go of a disease or depression after starting to eat living foods. I am grateful that I can somehow assist in the transformation of someone’s life. What is your advice for someone who is just starting on live foods?Start by eating the raw live foods that taste good and give you pleasure. Let go of the junk foods little by little. I don’t feel that everyone should necessarily go 100% raw right away. Some people can do it, but I believe that in life we change and grow step by step. There’s always a transition period. Your body will start letting you know how it’s changing with time. This is not supposed to be a sacrifice. Living foods are delicious. Have fun in doing it. What’s next for you?It’s very exciting. I plan to expand my live food workshops because I have a waiting list of more than 600 people who want to learn how to cook comida viva. But it’s also been a dream of mine to bring people from around the world to Brazil to learn more about live food in the beautiful setting we provide here. So, live food retreats will be coming soon, through my partner organization, Viva Institute. Who wouldn’t want to learn while drinking juice, right from a coconut? LocationUniverso Organico and Live Food Market and Restaurant Rua Conde de Bernadote, 26 Loja 105-106 Rio de Janeiro, RJ Brazil 22430-200 011-55-21-2274-8983 Related articles: Raw Food and Travel
The copyright of the article Universo Organico in Rio de Janeiro in Vegan/Raw Food is owned by Leigh Hopkins. Permission to republish Universo Organico in Rio de Janeiro in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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