Chef from Acre is elected 2nd best cook in the North Rubão Neto, 46, from Acre, won 2nd place in the competition for best cook in the North region at the Abrachefs Nacional competition, an award that brings together state winners in the chefs and bartenders categories. The event took place on May 31st, in the city of Peixe, in Tocantins. Rubão's journey began more than a decade ago and in a simple way: selling kebabs in front of the house. With 12 years in the gastronomy sector, he says he runs two restaurants, a buffet service and is about to open a third unit. All establishments are in Rio Branco. 📲 Join the g1 AC channel on WhatsApp Rubão's journey in the market began in 2014, when he found himself unemployed and in need of a new source of income. "It was a period when I was unemployed, needing to generate income. As I always liked cooking, I thought about kebabs because the investment was low and the turnover was quick. Everything worked in my father's house. I cooked and my brother baked the kebabs", he recalls. Rubão Neto, 46 years old, was elected the 2nd best cook in the North Personal file READ MORE: Acre, a descendant of indigenous people, competes for the title of model of the year in a Brazilian award AC artists win Sebrae Amazônia Music Award: 'Achievement' Acre singer Heitor Costa competes for the Multishow Award with the song 'Arrasada' According to him, the kitchen was on the balcony and the tables were set up in front of his father's house. The barbecue was on the sidewalk. The business, according to Rubão, was born out of necessity, but was sustained by a passion for cooking and persistence. "These were difficult times, a small structure, a family business run by my brother and me. The love for gastronomy was always greater than the financial interest", he comments. Regional recognition Over the years, Rubão began to participate in competitions. The beginning of this new side of his career was in 2023, when he won, in the same competition from the Brazilian Association of Chefs and Bartenders (Abrachefs), second place in the state stage and secured a place in the national stage, which took place in Macapá. In 2026, he returned to participate in the competition, winning first place in Acre and, later, second place in the regional stage. In total, according to Rubão, 26 competitors participated, one representative from each state in Brazil. Acreano participated in the Abrachefs Nacional competition, an award that brings together state winners in the chefs and bartenders categories Personal file During the competition, participants were evaluated on criteria such as flavor, harmonization between side dishes and protein, creativity and execution time. Furthermore, it was also mandatory to use two fruits from the cerrado in the recipe, while the main protein of the dish was defined by drawing lots. Culinary identity With all these requirements to be followed, Rubão decided to bet on a preparation that carries his gastronomic identity: picanha on a skewer, accompanied by cerrado murici vinaigrette with passion fruit and coconut farofa. "Always the charcoal marks our identity. We use the charcoal to finish the protein and that was the highlight of the dish", he explains. Acreano decided to make the dish: picanha on a skewer, accompanied by cerrado murici vinaigrette with passion fruit and coconut farofa for the competition Personal file For the cook, the recognition goes beyond an individual achievement and helps to strengthen Acre's image in the Brazilian gastronomic scene. "I was overcome by the feeling of duty accomplished. We came from so far to represent our state in front of big names in national gastronomy and we managed to show our strength. Showing the country that Acre has prominence and its own identity is very important. Today we already have other professionals standing out nationally and, every day, Acre is gaining its place among the best in Brazil", he highlights. The achievement, according to Rubão, is something to be shared with the people who accompanied him throughout his journey. "My family was my biggest supporter. My wife was always by my side, traveling with me to competitions and helping with ideas. I also cannot fail to mention chef Jaire Cunha, my mentor and great supporter", he says. Challenges and plans Despite the current success, Rubão also says that he never imagined achieving recognition like this on the national gastronomic scene. "Honestly, I never imagined getting this far. We know that we are far from the big cities, where haute cuisine takes place", he says. According to the cook, throughout his career, one of the main challenges he had to face was prejudice related to the profession. Competition brought together 26 competitors, one representative from each state of Brazil Personal file "The biggest challenge was the prejudice due to the fact that I was a self-taught cook, without higher education", he highlights. With the award, plans for the future involve maintaining the growth of its restaurants and opening the new venture. "We are about to open our third house. This is another dream that is coming to fruition", he celebrates. Review Acre’s news programs