Ricardo, “O Grande” (The Great): with a name worthy of a king, this carioca (person from Rio de Janeiro) displays all his nobility from Flamengo to Lapa, where he is the most sought-after barbecue master in the area. The same ease with which he makes friends on the street is the same with which he prepares meats to perfection and incredibly creative side dishes. He learned to cook by observing his aunts and grandmother, who had indigenous ancestry. A former ice skating instructor, he has lived in Haiti and Germany, and since settling in the streets of Rio de Janeiro, he has found his place: “The street teaches a lot, it teaches respect for people, for the world.” In his kingdom and beyond, few make such delicious and inventive barbecue, which is why he is always invited to events. On the grill, he prepares everything from salmon and tambaqui to premium cuts of meat, from vegetables and cheeses to nuts. And everything he prepares is enhanced. The pork shoulder is served with pineapple, the chicken comes with honey and sesame, the picanha (top sirloin cap) is stuffed with queijo coalho (a type of cheese), the vegetables are seasoned with lemon pepper, cumin, curry, and Worcestershire sauce. Even the simple garlic bread from O Grande is different, made with gorgonzola, and the farofa (toasted cassava flour) includes banana, apple, and cheese. If it depends on his customers, O Grande will never change his profession or city.