2 minute read
TASTE GREAT Great view, fantastic food
TASTES great
A VER TAVIRA
SANDRA GATO TRIED ONE OF THE SUMMER MENUS AND MET CHEF LUÍS BRITO, OF THE NEWLY AWARDED MICHELIN STAR RESTAURANT IN TAVIRA
AS THE name suggests – the translation is something like
“looking on Tavira” – the view is an essential part of this restaurant’s personality.
After parking the car (wherever you can in central Tavira) you have to walk up to the magnificent spot where the A Ver Tavira is situated, next to the city’s castle. It’s a steep climb (and hot in the summertime!) but worth every step.
It was a blessing to be seated on the beautiful terrace – to make the best of the view and the sunset but also because of the nice breeze that pays a refreshing visit throughout the evening... And then it starts.
Chef Luís Brito – an Alentejano who has cooked all over the world, including Brazil and Angola – decided to create his own gastronomic concept in Tavira, respecting his motto: “Simplicity is the last degree of sophistication”. So brace yourself for real flavours, local products and creative techniques.
“We have no borders in terms of inspiration, our references can come from anywhere in the world,” he tells us when he comes to greet us at the table, adding: “We take the traditional Portuguese flavours and reinterpret them in a contemporary style.”
At the chef’s right hand is the sommelier, Cláudia Abrantes, who presents us with surprising Portuguese wines, that pair perfectly with what is being served at the table.
For lunch there are different menus on offer: A Viagem do Sabor (7 Moments); Menu A Ver Tavira (5 Moments) and a 4 Moment menu; in the evening, just the first two are available.
Before anything, I want to share my words of praise for the moments before the Moments: an incredible fake olive oil, a fresh green tomato gaspacho...
And then the true journey begins: we were lucky enough to try the A Viagem do Sabor menu – with amazing tastes from Portugal and India opening the way: a carabineiro (big prawn) with a touch of curry. Then my favourite: A Estiva de Biqueirão, a taste of ocean, with algae and almonds (advice: take a second look!) from the Algarve.
After, we stop at the Azores with a marvellous white wine (Arinto) and then move to Africa with the freshest of fish (the chosen one depends on the day and time of year) with a unique seasoning.
Then a coffee with a memorable peanut suprise while Luís Brito assures us that he will continue his “cuisine with imagination”.
FOOD
Seasonal, local products cooked and presented in a Michelin Star way
DECOR
A traditional confortable room with breathtaking views over Tavira.
PRICE
From €75 pp for the 4-moment lunch menu.
