Our Philosophy
Our philosophy is clear and simple but definite. We believe in our people. It is not just mere saying because we have the best people to believe in. Our passion for people, food, service and place describes our philosophy.
Our Executive Chef
Let’s begin with our executive chef, Mr. Lou Chi Seng. Chef Lou has been with Platão since its establishment. It all began in 1971 when he started to have an eye for Portuguese Gastronomy. Upon completion of his high-school education, he began working in a hotel as a bartender. As he began to develop an interest in cooking, he got the chance to become chef in a Portuguese restaurant. His talent in cooking hadn’t been revealed until he became chef in the Macao’s Governor’s Palace in 1974. This opportunity was not an easy nor fast track as he beat some forty contestants. During the years from 1985 to 1999 he served as Executive Chef for the governors of Macau where he had the chance to serve large banquets to some 200 important official guests visiting the Governors throughout the world. He also received intensive training for three years on the art of Portuguese Cuisine in Portugal. In 1999, Sir Vasco Rocha Riviera, the last Governor of Macao (before the handover of Macao from the Portuguese to the Chinese) awarded Chef Lou the Professional Merit Medal on the 18th December.
The mystery behind Chef Lou’s success lies in his skill in working with various kinds of ingredients, his ability to grasp the natural flavor of each delicacy and then translating them into sumptuous dishes by applying just the right amount of spices, as well as his ever-lasting creativity in transforming different brand-new dishes. Chef Lou is well versed in catching the appetites of all the past governors and their invited guests because his passion is to create a menu for any dining event held by the governor.
Chef Lou is still sharing his culinary triumphs at Platão.
Our People
Chef Lou and his people are dedicated to provide just the perfect dining experience for patrons. No employee starts working at Platão without going through a series of training. Our staff is well-trained to provide not only the ideal service but the knowledge on how to serve. That’s why Platão treasures its people and is passionate about the people within.
Our Food
Platão insists on selecting only the freshest and best quality food. Whether fresh poultry or seafood from the market or top quality ingredients from selected suppliers, Platão combines it all to complete the final perfect dish that is presented on the dining table.
Our Service
Whether with family or friends in a casual setting, or dining for business purposes, our well-trained staff will try their best to serve patrons with detailed attention.
Our Place
At Platão, we try to create a setting for just the right dining ambience and comfort. Whether the desire is to experience al fresco delight, or an intimate romantic table for two, or with the crowd stretched across the hall, Platão has a separate area to cater to just the right need. Detail is placed in the interior design, music and lighting to create that perfect atmosphere and thus to enhance that perfect dining experience.
Upon entering Platão, a spacious courtyard surprises visitors in a leisurely open-air café setting, creating a mixed Mediterranean ambience with Portuguese taste and culture. The garden patio opens into two restaurants: to the right is the perfect setting for smaller crowds or pairs, whereas to the left, is the ideal place where the party and family celebrate. Both restaurants are low profile, lofty and have pleasant ambience, yet their styles of design are completely different. This is simply one of the ways Platão strives to provide more choices in the dining environment.
On the right, the interior decor exudes an intimate and romantic feeling. Rippled salmon-hued walls, exposed brick around an arched opening, and rustic floor tiles are enhanced with abundant touches of grained wood and a play of tones in the brass-and-copper bar and marble tabletops. Subdued lighting in the evening adds to the warmth.
To the left, enter and experience the modern decor. The terrazzo floor, glass, mirrors, hanging drapes and dyed wood finishes form the backbone of the whole design complemented by the subtle disorderly arrangement of lighting. The lighting builds up the ambience in an artistic manner hence, the prevailing romantic mood in the restaurant can be maintained. This environment is the perfect setting for events where wine glasses cheer constantly. The music adds to the climax of the mood.