Members and their guests celebrated World Chaîne Day at Monte Rei Golf and Country Club together with students from the Cookery School in Evora which they support.

The idea of Monte Rei’s General Manager, Maître Hotelier Salvador de Lucena, was to let the students experience the full range of works which his dedicated teams fulfil in providing first class accommodation and gastronomic experiences in the hospitality industry.

Bailli Délégué Aníbal Soares and Chargé de Missions Dr Jean Ferran, who acts as Bailli Provincial of South of the Tagus which includes the Bailliage of Algarve, planned this memorable weekend for members and the excursion for students and their teachers.

The pinnacle of the three-day event was the five-course tasting menu dinner prepared by Executive Chef Albano Lourenço and his passionate team.

Albano, a well-respected, highly appreciated chef, explained his philosophy of food prepared in the style of Mediterranean Cuisine emphasising locally sourced ingredients.

Sommelier Nuno Pires revealed how he had chosen the accompanying wines. In doing so he provided information regarding the wine producers and the production methods.

To ensure that we could all share in the World Chaîne Day happenings around the globe, a large screen displayed the “social wall” of pictures posted from celebration events taking place worldwide. Portugal was well represented by the pictures which we posted from Monte Rei!

The students, who attend the Cookery School on a voluntary basis after their normal school day, agreed that this had been an inspiring experience. They can obtain a certificate after completing one year’s study or a diploma after two years.

For the Chaîne members it was a unique opportunity to meet the students and their teachers from the school which has now been running for five years. It was particularly rewarding to hear of the successes of students who have gone into the hospitality business and who are beginning to make their mark in their chosen profession.

Valerie Lantau
Vice-Chargée de Presse