Members and their guests met at the atmospheric, cosy restaurant O Leao de Porches. Their hostess Bianca Salden, a long-time good friend of the Chaîne, had promised an exciting, tasty menu. Members were looking forward to seeing what she and her Portuguese Chef Marisa Alface were planning to serve them.

Marisa has been at Chef at O Leao de Porches for more than three years now. After leaving the hotel and tourism school in her hometown of Setúbal she gained experience in several Portuguese kitchens before taking up her present position in Porches.

At the reception Espumante S. João from the Bairrada region was served with amuse-bouches of filled poppadoms and olives.

Dinner started with a soup of beetroot, ginger, coconut and green apple served with Lacrau Moscatel Galego from the Douro region.

The fish course was traditional Portuguese bluemouth fish (known locally as cantaril) on a bed of creamy orange risotto with fennel and radish. The white wine accompaniment came from the Lisbon area: Quinta do Pinto Estate Collection 2018 made from Arinto, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Fernão Pires, Roussanne and Viosinho.

Loin of lamb with seasonal chestnut puree, daikon (Japanese winter radish) and pistachio-almond crumble formed the main course, which was partnered by Quinta do Alorna Reserva 2015, a Touriga National/Cabernet-Sauvignon red blend from the Tejo.

Orange textures formed the dessert; a dish made with local oranges prepared in five different ways and complemented by Vinha d’Ervideira produced by Antão Vaz in the Alentejo.

As promised the menu was seasonal, local and tasty being served with exciting wines from all over Portugal.

Bianca and Marissa were thanked by Chargé de Missions Jean Ferran, who acts as Bailli of Algarve. He was joined by the group who also showed their appreciation for the expertise shown by Bianca and Chef Marissa.

Valerie Lantau
Vice-Chargée de Presse