In a city as sprawling and diverse as São Paulo, one isn’t wrong to assume its culinary stature is just as impressive. In fact, the restaurant scene has been flourishing for quite some time, reflecting its eclectic population, many flavours, and last but not least, popular trends along the way. A recent addition in the tony Vila Madalena neighbourhood is Cajuí, a vegan restaurant founded by chef Natalia Luglio which offers a menu of seasonal dishes, all 100% organic and using locally sourced ingredients. Following her formal training in the U.S, and a number of stints at renowned establishments, Luglio embarked on a new journey which saw her evolve into a protagonist of vegetarian food, sustainable agriculture and moderate consumption. Mind you, the restaurant takes its name from the eponymous native Brazilian fruit, and comes as an alert for the growing deforestation of this rich and unique biome, which serves as an inspiration for both the menu and the ambience of the restaurant. Next to giving classes, holding events and studying sustainable agriculture formats, agroforestry and Brazilian native plants, Cajuí has become the multitasker’s latest interest.
Situated along Rua Aspicuelta, one the of the area’s many treelined streets, the restaurant occupies an existing yet fully redeveloped low-rise structure and sees an interior design by São Paulo-based architecture and design practice VAGA. Sitting on an elongated, narrow and sloping plot, the restaurant has four levels, all connected by stairs. Given Cajuí‘s eco-inspired concept and principles, the design reflects a balance between nature and architecture, and as a result, major structural alterations have been avoided in favour of introducing temporary interventions which serve to shelter and at the same time help permeate the premises with natural light. This main objective has been achieved by adding a wooden structure, translucent roof tiles and organic jute lining which filters the floods of light and influences the colour of the interior at different hours of the day. The cement floor with red pigmentation acts in harmony with light, making the white walls absorb some of the earthy colours used in the project.
Along with the attempt to minimise interferences during the renovation, it was ensured that almost all the waste generated on the construction site was reused, whether for the waiting area deck, for levelling the floors or for the bamboo ceiling in the back area of the plot. Upon entering, guests pass a roofed outdoor terrace which looks onto Rua Aspicuelta, before encountering a cozy bar. Going up another flight of stairs, the main dining area unfolds which sits below a magnificent, exposed timber roof and large beams. A roofed corridor, punctuated at intervals by actual palm trees, runs along one side of the dining section and allows in floods of daylight. Additionally, large plant beds were built next to the staff area to grow the main ingredients used in the menu. Lush potted plants can be found in abundance, and in a certain way complement the restaurant’s concept and architecture. Cajuí is an all-day restaurant with a mission, and as such, it features an elaborate menu of tasty dishes with unique recipes, whether entrees, mains or desserts, using little-used or totally forgotten ingredients from the most diverse regions of Brazil. Do we hear you say veggie heaven? It most certainly is.
Cajuí
Rua Aspicuelta 202 (Vila Madalena)
05433-010 São Paulo
Telephone: +55 11 991168660
Mon-Fri 12-11
Sat 10-5 and 6-12
Sun 10-5
Publishers Note
Just to be clear – superfuture® is a design blog and not a political commentator. No surprise there. The scope of our content has always been global and borderless, however that can often mean covering projects in countries where we will not agree with the politics or actions of those countries. In a world that’s as screwed up as ever right now, the focus of our support is to those designers, architects and other creatives who aim to make the world a more liveable one – as opposed to people that try their hardest to destroy it. So if a project hits our desk and we like it based on its design credentials, we may choose to publish regardless of its location or creators nationality. superfuture® has always been inclusive and hopes for all current wars, aggression, violence, hate and extremism to end.
