The IFTM Educational Restaurant is the first Macao establishment to be awarded a Michelin Green Star for commitment to sustainable gastronomy. The recognition is featured in the 2021 edition of the Michelin Guide Hong Kong Macau on fine dining, released on 27 January.
Michelin introduced the Green Star category in 2020 and has since incorporated it in its regional guides, including the Michelin Guide Hong Kong and Macau 2021.
According to Michelin, the Green Star is given to restaurants that operate “at the forefront of their field with sustainable gastronomy practices”, and play “a role in bringing their vision to everyone by preserving natural resources, protecting ecological diversity and implementing sustainable gastronomy,” as well as promoting “the application of local food ingredients and reducing food waste”.
The IFTM Educational Restaurant was recognised for its contributions to sustainable gastronomy, including the use of regional produce, the growing of its own herbs at a garden on site, and for its food waste and environmental management systems.
Head Chef Hans Rasmussen mentions other projects the restaurant has in hand for 2021, in order to enhance its sustainable gastronomy practices and enrich the educational experience of IFTM students. Projects include adoption of a food waste management system using artificial intelligence, and the introduction of an in-house water purifying and bottling system to reduce carbon emissions related with transportation of water bottles from overseas.
Chef Rasmussen notes: “I firmly believe that a change in food waste management approach is needed. The strategy should be to prevent and reduce food waste at the source.”
Bib Gourmand status renewed
The Michelin Green Star was not the only recognition for the IFTM Educational Restaurant in the 2021 edition of the Michelin Guide Hong Kong Macau. The venue retained its Bib Gourmand status – first accorded in 2013 – for a ninth consecutive year.
In Macao, only 7 establishments were awarded Bib Gourmand status in 2021. The Michelin Guide awards Bib Gourmand status to dining establishments that provide a high-quality 3-course meal for MOP400 or below.
The IFTM Educational Restaurant, on the Mong-Há Campus, offers a practical education environment for students. Undergraduates, coached and supervised by the restaurant’s team of instructors, can acquire valuable experience of serving paying customers in a food and beverage operation. The establishment provides a selection of Macanese- and Portuguese-cuisine dishes with a modern flourish.
