Chef Ivo Braz took us on a culinary journey between the Alentejo and the Algarve combining elegance with the essence of these cuisines. His use of crisp chickpea pastry was innovative in the tasty mushroom-filled tartlet which was served as the amuse-bouche. Four interesting tapas with a variety of flavours and textures followed, including a lamb croquette with a hint of mint (popular with our British members!), pumpkin and goat’s cheese ravioli, cured mackerel on cornbread with shallot purée and a savoury veal tartelette with pickle.

The fish course was sea bass, oven-baked, and presented with mussel migas and emulsion which complemented the dish perfectly. Many members considered the lamb which followed to be the highlight of the meal. Beautifully tender, its succulent flavour enhanced by a mint and pea risotto, it almost melted in the mouth.


Dessert is always a treat, and this was no exception. An almond tart with ice cream and a carob crumble.

The wines chosen to complement the dinner were a local white from the Joăo Clara vineyards in Alcantarilha, and a Lagoa Premium field blend - from a mixture of grapes grown together in the same vineyard and then co-fermented.


A convivial, friendly group of members and guests of many nationalities enjoyed an evening in a lovely restaurant with good food and wine and great conversation. Thanks and congratulations go to Marie-Anne Ferran, promoted to Chancelier da Chaîne de Rôtisseurs for Portugal, and to Robert Kirchgaessner who now replaces her as Chargé de Mission for the 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 - Chargée de Mission Honoraire