Essentia was not just a dinner, but a gastronomic narrative that invited participants on a journey of sensory self-discovery. Here, design played a crucial role in building the narrative, from the choice of ingredients to the specific presentation of each support, which were carefully selected and designed for the experience. The narrative began even before serving the first dish, with an environment and space meticulously planned so that the atmosphere was in line with the story that was intended to be told. We started the experience with the use of ingredients from local and seasonal producers, which combined with advanced cooking techniques allowed us to explore the senses in a unique way. Here the design did not have a merely aesthetic intervention, functionality and the way guests interacted with the food were considered. Each moment was a micro-experience, which combined flavors, textures, aromas and a careful and detailed presentation, with the aim of making the trip more immersive, and thus stimulating both the taste, smell and vision.

Essentia was a staging experience, the diner was not a mere spectator, but part of the narrative, the choreography of the room service, the timing of the presentation and the interaction between the chef and the teams contributed to a feeling of being inside the history, a fact that was also reinforced with introductory and immersive videos at each moment. Each dish was a chapter, and the diner was the protagonist of the story which centered on the family; the people; nature; Portugal; innovation; the demand and the emotion.

Innovation was an essential part of the project, the multidisciplinary team behind the event was committed to challenging conventional catering norms, adding value to the traditional offer. Without fear of exploring new flavors, new techniques and approaches, and providing participants with a unique and surprising journey. This experience reinforced the importance of design in the development of this type of projects, and this is evident in the words of some guests who highlighted the unexpected and delicious nature of Essentia. Every moment was a pleasant surprise, and the chef and team managed to surprise us from start to finish. Essentia was not just a dinner, but a story that remains in memory, a narrative that transcended food and involved the five senses. As mentioned by Sofia Almeida from the European University, it is an experience that can only be truly understood by experiencing it.

The Essentia experience demonstrated that design is not just about aesthetics, but a differentiating factor for creating meaningful experiences. It was an inspiring example of how it can be used to tell stories through food, engaging the senses and providing unforgettable moments for diners.

Essentia – Feeling Who We Are was a successful example of how design plays a crucial role in creating memorable gastronomic experiences. It was a testament to the breadth of design in gastronomy and an inspiration for everyone who wants to create and discover new approaches to gastronomy in a sensorial way.