Helena Rizzo, born in 1978 in Porto Alegre, Brazil, grew up in a creative household with an artist mother and an engineer father. Initially drawn to architecture, she briefly attended university before deciding to explore life beyond her hometown. At 18, she moved to São Paulo, working as a model and waitress while gaining experience in renowned kitchens like Roanne and Gero.
At 21, she traveled to Europe, training in Italian restaurants before an eye-opening meal at El Celler de Can Roca in Spain. Inspired by its approach to food as an art form, she secured a stage at the restaurant, refining her culinary perspective.
Returning to Brazil, she co-founded Maní in 2006, creating a contemporary cuisine rooted in Brazilian ingredients. Over time, the Maní Group expanded to include Casa Manioca, Restaurante Manioca, and Padoca do Maní.
Beyond the kitchen, Helena enjoys music, literature, and visual arts, incorporating her illustrations into restaurant packaging and wine labels. She lives in São Paulo with her husband, musician Bruno Kayapy, and their daughter, Manoela, with whom she shares a love for drawing and outdoor activities.
