Portugal's renowned hotel group, Octant Hotels, is set to tantalize taste buds with its latest gastronomic initiative, ‘Como em Casa’ (Like at Home). This monthly culinary event, spread across all eight of Octant Hotels' boutique properties, promises guests an authentic taste of Portugal, as it brings in local cooks to curate a three-course dinner that feels just ‘like at home’.
The Como em Casa experience is not just about food; it's a celebration of Portugal's rich culinary heritage. Each menu, crafted in collaboration with local cooks, will spotlight generational recipes and regional specialties. The cooks, handpicked based on commendations from their communities, are the unsung heroes of Portuguese cuisine. Their selection process involved visits to local homes, cafes, and interactions with parish councils, ensuring that the chosen chefs truly represent the heart and soul of their regions.
But the experience doesn't stop at the dining table. Guests are treated to a guided tour of the local village, town, or city, allowing them to immerse themselves in the region's history and culture. After the enlightening tour, a sumptuous multi-course lunch, prepared in tandem with the hotel's Head Chefs, awaits the guests.
The inaugural Como em Casa event is scheduled for November 4, 2023, at Octant Évora, located in the picturesque Alentejo region of Portugal. The village of Nossa Senhora de Machede has given Octant Hotels two of its culinary gems, D. Ermelinda Alvorado and D. Isabel Sapata. Together with Chef Tiago Sales, they will present a lunch that epitomizes Alentejan flavors. Guests can look forward to local delicacies like Alentejo bread, olives, cheeses, Pezinhos de Porco (pork feet), fried Codfish, and the comforting Sopa de Beldroegas (purslane soup with goat cheese). Main course offerings such as Ensopado de Borrego (Lamb Stew) and fried Cação, prepared in traditional Alentejo style, promise to be the highlight. The meal concludes with delectable desserts, allowing guests to mingle with Chef Tiago Sales, D. Ermelinda, and D. Isabel, making it a truly memorable experience.
