The Easter weekend started off in true spring fashion for the Algarve Chaîne Des Rôtisseurs, an international fine dining group. Chef Nuno Martins of Numa Restaurant in Portimão demonstrated his mastery of culinary arts and an infallible palate in an impressive series of delicious courses.
The judicious wine pairings were from PIRR, a new brand winery near Almodôvar in the southern Alentejo.
Enjoying the traditional couvert of bread, brioche, butter and oils of exceptional quality, accompanied by a savoury duck croquette, the conversation flowed in true Chaîne manner.
Thin slices of shrimp tartare with pea and apple, flavoured with sumac, followed by smoked mackerel with cucumber, orange and a hint of eucalyptus illustrated Chef Nuno’s understanding of flavour and his desire to experiment. The final, unexpected, entrada (starter)was steak tartare, one of my favourites, perfectly seasoned.
Three PIRR wines added to our gastronomic enjoyment. The PIRR Colheita white wine, fresh with a hint of citrus, was served first, followed by the PIRR Reserva white, a more intense and complex wine which complemented the more pronounced flavour of the mackerel. A refined and versatile rosé was also served.
The main course was a local speciality – octopus with sweet potatoes and a fragrant chouriço mayonnaise, alongside the fresh, yet elegant, PIRR Colheita red wine.
Lightly cooked duck breast with a delightful seasonal accompaniment of green peas and asparagus with a richer, velvety PIRR Reserva completed the savoury elements of the dinner.
Dessert was focused on chocolate. Layers of wafer-thin pastry filled with chocolate, hazelnuts and salty caramel was a very popular finale.
This was a very pleasant evening in a family-run restaurant that prides itself on quality food served with love. In addition, the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs prides itself on friendship and good company, one of its principal trademarks. The evening succeeded on both counts, our thanks to Marie-Anne Ferran – Chancelier and 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 professional, 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 email: ma@monchique.com or visit www.chainedesrotisseurs.com
