Vila Real de Santo António will host a new gastronomic route named “Do Mar p’ra Mesa” from March 30 to April 5, an initiative designed to highlight the town’s fishing traditions and local cuisine.
Organised by the Centro Comercial a Céu Aberto (Open-Air Shopping Centre) association together with the local council, the event will bring together 18 restaurants located in the historic centre and along Avenida da República.
Each restaurant will offer themed tapas inspired by the sea and the Guadiana River, with fresh fish, tuna, seafood and traditional regional dishes taking centre stage. Each tapa will cost €3.
Participating venues include 2000, Cantarinha do Guadiana, Cuca, Green Buddha, La Rep, Mangata, Moleiro, Núcleo do Sporting de VRSA, O Coração da Cidade, O Coração do Marquês, O Pescador, Os Arcos, O Serrano, Pataco, Porto Recreio do Guadiana, Taberna do 16, Três Marias and Trinca-dela.
Visitors will also be able to collect stamps in a “route passport”. Each time a participant tries a tapa from the “Do Mar p’ra Mesa” menu at one of the participating restaurants, they will receive a stamp.
Those who collect five stamps can enter a prize draw by submitting their completed passport to the town hall or the local tourist office within five days after the event ends.
Prizes include a weekend stay for two people at a local tourist establishment, a meal for two at one of the participating restaurants and discount vouchers for businesses, restaurants or accommodation within the open-air shopping area.
Throughout the event, participants will also be able to vote for the best tapa of the route through an online form accessible via QR code. Each person can vote once per restaurant.
Clients will be asked to rate factors such as taste and quality, creativity and presentation, the use of seafood and regional ingredients, and the overall dining experience.
The winning restaurant will receive the title of “Best Tapa of the Do Mar p’ra Mesa Gastronomic Route” and may also be invited to take part in future promotional initiatives organised by the municipality.
Organisers say the event aims to strengthen Vila Real de Santo António’s reputation as a gastronomic destination while supporting local businesses and promoting regional products and traditional cuisine.
