Members and their guests met at the charming restaurant “O Leão de Porches”. This was to celebrate the much-awaited reopening of restaurants in Portugal and show support for our Professional members in these difficult times. In accordance with the current rules, the number of participants was limited with carefully spaced seating!

“Leão de Porches” is the twin restaurant of our Chaîne member “BonBon” in Carvoeiro which boasts a Michelin star.

Owner and manager Bianca Salden served a fantastic dinner on the outside patio. We started with three amuse-bouches and a sparkling Chardonnay “Poço de Lobo” from the Bairrada region. A surprising salad of beetroot, fresh cheese and pickled cauliflower followed with a “Muros Antigos”, a Loureiro white wine from the Vinhos Verde region. A perfect match!

Dinner continued with a fillet of sole dressed with a buttery sauce on a bed of red quinoa which was nicely complemented by a rare wine from the Alentejo, “Vinho do Tareco” produced the traditional way in clay pots.

The main course, a duck breast served rare with wild rice, baby carrots and a blueberry sauce, was perfectly matched with a “Vinha du Putto” a solid red wine from the Bairrada region.

For dessert a semi-frio of sweet-rice with cinnamon mousse and lemon jelly was served with Real Companhia Velha Grandjo Meio Doce Branco. This semi-sweet wine is from the Douro region where it is made from Viosinho, Moscatel and Gewurztraminer grapes.

This memorable dinner finished with coffee and delicious petits-fours. As a souvenir we were presented with a protection visor stamped with the Chaîne logo, ideal to go gourmet shopping!

Our thanks go to Bianca Salden and her Chef Marisa Alface, as well as to the participants for showing their dedication to gastronomy and conviviality.

A great event, a great dinner and great company!

Jean Ferran
Bailli Provincial of South of the Tagus