In the heart of a restaurant called “O Lúdico” in Sao Paulo, a new space has enchanted the senses and redefined the concept of immersive gastronomy in Brazil: “O Alaric, o Cozinheiro Mágico” (or “Alaric, the Magic Chef”), a bold and innovative creation that combines gourmet cuisine, storytelling, and cutting-edge audiovisual technology. 

The project was born from the collaboration between chef Cadu Alves and mapping specialist Gabriel Branco, from Class TechExperience, and has established itself as one of the most outstanding sensory experiences on the current local gastronomic scene.

One Dinner, One Story 

The starting point of the project was the shared desire to create something truly innovative. On one hand, Gabriel Branco brought more than 10 years of knowledge in immersive experiences and inspiration from international cases such as “Le Petit Chef.” On the other hand, Chef Cadu Alves dreamed of creating an original tasting menu with elements of molecular gastronomy. 

Using the tasting menu as a base, the team jointly developed the script, characters, and the entire narrative and visual concept that accompanies the experience, including 3D animations, voice-overs, and a soundtrack. 

The result of this collaboration is an original narrative built from the ground up: "Alaric" is a magical chef who guides participants through a captivating journey, in which each dish served represents a chapter in the story. This integration of story and gastronomy transforms the dinner into a magical, multisensory trip, and this is precisely the essence of Class TechExperience's proposal. 

Projection Mapping and Cutting-Edge Technology 

The goal was to completely transform the space, from the table to the walls, into a setting that would accompany the molecular tasting menu created by Chef Cadu, enriching each stage of the meal with visual and narrative stimuli. From concept to opening, seven months of intense work were required. 

Projection mapping technology is at the heart of the experience. Using EPSON short-throw projectors and software such as Blender, Unreal Engine 5, After Effects, Resolume, and others, images are projected with high precision directly onto tables, dishes, and walls, creating a completely transformed environment. 

“From the scenic entrance through a fake fireplace to the closing with a magical ritual, every detail was carefully planned,” highlights Lilian Ronchel, CEO of Class TechExperience. 

The projection also interacts with participants at specific moments in the narrative, promoting interactive scenes and inviting visitors to actively participate in the story. In some sections, augmented reality elements also enhance the impact of the experience. 

Challenges and Creative Solutions 

Creating a fully immersive environment within a conventional restaurant dining room was one of the main challenges of the project. The space, not originally designed to support this type of technological installation, required clever and creative structural adaptations. Still, the team managed to assemble a robust and stable system, capable of operating accurately even in a venue with high audience turnover. 

The experience also features full integration between video, audio, and control, utilizing professional AV market protocols such as OSC (Open Sound Control), NDI, and MIDI, ensuring real-time synchronization between the soundtrack, animations, and visual effects. 

Audience Reactions and Impact 

The audience has reacted very positively. Many visitors describe the experience as magical, surprising, and even thrilling. In addition to word of mouth, the clients themselves share images and videos on social media, helping to organically boost advertisement for the project. 

“We ask for feedback at the end of each session, and that shows us that we were able to create a true connection with the audience,” explains Lilian. “People leave enchanted and with a physical memory of the experience, which extends the magical feeling beyond the dinner.” 

A Look into the Future 

For Class TechExperience, the “Alaric, the Magic Chef" project is just the beginning. There are already plans to expand this type of experience to themed hotels, immersive classrooms, spas, and sensory clinics. The next step includes incorporating artificial intelligence, holography, motion sensors, and responsive environments, creating even more customized experiences. 

"We believe we are ushering in a new era of immersion. Holograms, for example, will allow characters to come to life before the audience's eyes, while augmented reality will allow the experience transcend the physical space, connecting the real with the digital in a natural way,” says Lilian. “We want to transform physical spaces into portals to other worlds, where each visit becomes an unforgettable memory.” 

If you want to learn more about experiences like this, don’t miss InfoComm Latin America 2025, where top manufacturers and integrators in the sector will showcase the latest trends and solutions.

This article was originally posted in Spanish by AVIXA Español and in Portuguese by AVIXA Português.