To celebrate World Chaîne day, the theme of which was ‘celebrating local produce’, members of the Portugal Chaîne des Rôtisseurs gathered in the Algarve to visit an oyster farm followed by a gourmet meal.
The day started at Ostra Select in the Rio de Alvor estuary, where the fascinating life cycle of the oyster was explained alongside how they are farmed. This was followed by oyster tasting in the beautiful surroundings of the estuary, accompanied by sparkling Algarvian wine. And, despite a demonstration of how to open an oyster safely, we did not have to open them ourselves – always a bonus!
We went on to a ‘Ria and the Sea’ themed lunch at the Palmares Golf Club, orchestrated by Michelin starred Chef Luís Anjos. A melodic and accomplished performance on the Portuguese guitar, and a glass of espumante, welcomed us onto the terrace, with spectacular views over both the Alvor estuary and Meia Praia.
After the couvert, which included a delightful octopus salad and roasted Monchique sausage, we were treated to a refreshing tuna tartare with a local oyster and a cucumber dressing. This was followed by a vibrantly colourful, delicious spider crab cream with fennel and citrus. Cured sea bass with Algarvian xerém and shrimp was a wonderfully tasty display of local produce, and we finished with a spectacular carob tart with Amarguinho ice cream. All dishes were paired with Algarvian wines of the highest quality, including some from the Paxá and Sentidos vineyards near Silves.
It was a truly exceptional experience to celebrate World Chaîne Day amongst an international group of friends and a wonderful showcase of local Algarvian produce.
Thank you to Chef Mauro Alison and Marie-Anne Ferran, the Algarve Chargée de Mission for organising such a successful event.
The Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, as an International Association of Gastronomy established in over 75 countries, always welcome 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 the Algarve branch by e-mail: ma@monchique.com or visit www.chainedesrotisseurs.com.
By Dr. Jane Mott
Chargée de Mission
