Event highlighted raw beauty of fire cooking
Last weekend, Vilamoura welcomed the Algarve’s first edition of Chefs on Fire, a unique open-air food and music festival that lit up the marina from Friday to Sunday.
With its roots in a spontaneous birthday banquet, the concept was born when producer Gonçalo Castel-Branco organised an improvised feast for his sister at a remote house in the Alentejo. With no kitchen in sight, he lit a fire at 4am, buried vegetables in the earth, and hung meats and pineapples from an oak tree. The fire did the rest – creating an unforgettable communal meal under the stars. That spirit of simplicity, authenticity, and connection lives on in Chefs on Fire.
Now in its Algarve debut, the festival took on a pop-up format in Vilamoura, setting the stage for a relaxed sunset celebration where food, fire, and music came together. Guests paid €60 for a single-evening ticket, which included a four-course tasting menu – meat, fish, vegetarian, and dessert – crafted live by some of Portugal’s most celebrated chefs. Among them were José Lopes of Bonbon, Louis Anjos of Al Sud, and Noélia Jerónimo of the beloved Noélia restaurant. Vegetarian diners had access to adapted menus through a dedicated ticket.
Held in an open-air venue with views of the marina, as the sun dipped below the horizon, fires blazed at individual chef stations, where food was prepared without gas or electric stovetops – only fire, smoke, and centuries-old technique.
The event highlighted the raw beauty of fire cooking and celebrated Portugal’s culinary identity with a modern yet rustic edge. Festival-goers mingled with chefs, exchanged stories, and learned more about the inspiration behind each dish, fostering a unique bond between the chefs and the guests.
Adding to the atmosphere was a carefully curated lineup of emerging musical artists, whose live performances amplified the communal energy. With every dish and every chord, festival goers were invited to slow down, savour, and share – a rare opportunity to experience fine food in such a grounded and intimate setting.
As the fires dimmed and the final notes faded into the night, Chefs on Fire Vilamoura left a lasting impression on all those who attended. With incredible food, a laid-back vibe, and chefs who brought real passion to the flame, this first Algarve edition felt like something really special.
By Charlotte Cockayne
