The February event of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs was a most entertaining evening at the charmingly rustic Moiras Encantadas restaurant in Paderne. Our hosts, the owners, Rogelio Cabrita Jorge and his wife (and well known painter) Carla Neto, prepared for some 30 members a fascinating and original ´local´ menu which reflected not only their skills and creativity but the atmosphere and environment which they have so imaginatively created.
The evening opened and the atmosphere quickly established, with a positively mouthwatering array of original amuse-bouches accompanied by Terras do Demo Brut espumante.
Dinner commenced with wonderfully flavoured Steamed Tiger Prawn with Aioli and Capers, followed by Wild Pigeon Soup with Mint. These were most agreeably accompanied by Quinta de Saes 2011 Branco Reserva.
Then came an original and distinctive fish, Raia Alhada, with a Vegetable Risotto. This was paired with a Dona Maria Amantis 2010 Branco Reserva.
This was followed by a delicately flavoured Oven Roasted Lamb with a ´Xerém´ of Cockles and Seasonal Vegetables partnered by Quinta de la Rosa 2010 Tinto Reserva. A delectable Delicia de Chocolate with a Wild Fruit Sauce accompanied by Quinta Seará d´Ordens 2005 LBV Port.
The dinner was further enhanced by the charming presence of respected ´Fadista´, Ondina and her two guitarists with a selection of her wonderful interpretations of well, and lesser, known fados.
This was a really agreeable and atmospheric evening of good food, good wine and good company in a splendid environment.
If you are tempted and would like to join or know more about the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs and its activities and charities, then contact the Algarve Bailli, Mich Dressler, on 938 818 582.
