The renowned chef Noélia, whose famous restaurant is in Cabanas de Tavira, presented oysters with an unusual passion fruit dressing reflecting her desire to experiment with new combinations. Chef Nuno Martins, from Numa in Portimão, gave us a more classical approach, his oysters being bathed in a vinaigrette made with quince vinegar from Lagoa, and topped with lightly pickled onion. And our host, Chef Jossara Martins, added a touch of the exotic to her oysters with an exuberant mango and coriander vinaigrette topped with a lime foam and garnished with a piece of samphire - a visual delight! And then to finish, there were plenty of unadulterated, fresh, local oysters to enjoy as well.

Credits: Supplied Image; Author: Chaîne des Rôtisseurs;

We sat down to the traditional couvert which was followed by slices of bluefin tuna on a celery purée with a cucumber and citrus jus. The elegant Barranco Longo Oaked Rosé, made from touriga national and aragonez grapes, complemented the bold flavours of the dish. This was followed by a piece of stone bass served with Algarvian squid gnocchi and a accompanied with a delicately-flavoured curry sauce which allowed the taste of the fish to shine through. A cold, crisp arinto from the same producer was a fine accompaniment.

A delicious traditional dessert made with almonds, figs and pumpkin served with a light sauce finished the meal, accompanied by a deep yellow wine, Remexido Barranco Longo, made from arinto, chardonnay and viognier grapes. This wine with notable minerality and iodised saltiness, was a perfect accompaniment in cutting through the sweetness of the dish.

Credits: Supplied Image;

Altogether, this was a memorable evening with high-quality food and wine, with a spectacular sunset and last, but definitely not least, good company, which is one of the principal trademarks of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs.

Thanks to Marie-Anne Ferran – Chancelier, Chargée de Missions Algarve.

The Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, as an International Association of Gastronomy established in over 75 countries, always welcomes new enthusiastic members, amateurs and professionals, who share the same values of quality, fine dining, conviviality, the encouragement of the culinary arts and the pleasures of the table. If you would like to know more about the Chaîne, don’t hesitate to contact us by e-mail: ma@monchique.com or visit www.chainedesrotisseurs.com

By Dr. Jane Mott