Recently, we had the pleasure of catering a breathtaking wedding in the heart of Alentejo, Portugal. With its sun-drenched vineyards, ancient olive groves, and golden fields, the couple’s chosen venue provided a stunning backdrop to a celebration filled with joy, love, and, of course, incredible food. We were honored to create a menu that perfectly reflected the rustic elegance of the setting while adding a contemporary twist to timeless classics.
Here’s a peek into the culinary experience we curated for this day.
Cocktail Hour Starters: A Taste of Summer
As guests arrived, mingling beneath the warm Alentejo sun, we presented an array of light, summery starters to pair with champagne. These appetizers were designed to offer a delightful balance of freshness, sweetness, and savory indulgence.
Prosciutto e Melone
A quintessential Italian classic, this dish brought together the salty, thinly sliced prosciutto with the sweet, juicy freshness of ripe cantaloupe melon. It was a perfect marriage of flavors, reminiscent of the Mediterranean, and set the stage for the rest of the evening’s culinary offerings.
Bruschetta
We served beautifully simple yet flavorful bruschetta, topped with sun-ripened tomatoes, garlic, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil, all on toasted rustic bread. The crunchy texture paired with the burst of fresh tomatoes was a hit among guests looking for a taste of classic Mediterranean flavors.
Smoked Salmon on Pumpernickel
Delicate smoked salmon was served on hearty pumpernickel bread, providing a rich contrast of textures. Each bite was topped with a hint of cream cheese, dill and caviar adding a refreshing and elegant touch to the cocktail hour.
Pear with Honey and Gorgonzola
For something a little more indulgent, we offered slices of grilled pear drizzled with local honey and topped with creamy Gorgonzola. The sweetness of the pear and honey was beautifully balanced by the sharpness of the cheese, creating a sophisticated yet rustic bite that captured the flavors of late summer in Alentejo.
The Appetizers: Flavorful and Fresh Beginnings
As guests transitioned to their seats, we continued the feast with a selection of vibrant entrées that blended regional ingredients with global inspiration.
Grilled Peach Burrata
This dish featured caramelized grilled peaches, sweet and juicy, paired with creamy burrata and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. The contrast between the warm, slightly smoky peaches and the cool, creamy burrata created a refreshing yet decadent start to the meal.
Beef Carpaccio
Thinly sliced beef carpaccio, served with a zesty lemon vinaigrette, capers, and shaved Parmesan, provided a light yet flavorful option that highlighted the natural quality of the beef. It was a classic, elegant appetizer that brought refinement to the table.
Ricotta Stuffed Figs with Walnuts
Fresh, locally sourced figs, stuffed with creamy ricotta and topped with crunchy walnuts, were the perfect bite-sized indulgence. The figs offered a hint of sweetness, beautifully complemented by the nutty richness of the walnuts, making it a dish that reflected the bounty of Alentejo.
Padron Peppers
Blistered Padron peppers added a touch of heat to the mix. These small green peppers, lightly salted and grilled, were simple yet packed with flavor, offering guests a taste of the region’s culinary heritage with a modern twist.
Entrées from the Sea: Light and Fresh
Inspired by the nearby Atlantic coastline, our menu featured a selection of fresh seafood dishes that brought the best of the ocean to the heart of Alentejo.
Yuzu Ponzu Salmon Tataki
Seared on the outside and perfectly raw in the middle, the salmon tataki was paired with a zesty yuzu ponzu sauce, adding a burst of citrusy freshness. This dish was a perfect blend of delicate textures and bright, bold flavors.
Mango Prawn Salad
Tender prawns were paired with juicy mango slices and crisp greens, tossed in a light vinaigrette. The sweetness of the mango complemented the succulent prawns, making this dish a refreshing and tropical addition to the evening.
Main Courses: Land and Sea Elegance
For the main courses, we created two standout dishes that highlighted both the ocean’s bounty and the richness of the Alentejo countryside.
Wild Seabass with Asparagus, Sprout Tops, and Beurre Blanc Sauce
Perfectly cooked wild seabass was served with tender asparagus and sprout tops, all bathed in a silky beurre blanc sauce. The dish was light yet full of flavor, showcasing the best of seasonal, local ingredients.
Fillet Mignon with Green Pepper Jus and Gratin Dauphinois
For those craving something heartier, our fillet mignon did not disappoint. Cooked to perfection, the tender fillet was complemented by a fragrant green pepper jus. The rich, creamy gratin dauphinois, with its layers of thinly sliced potatoes, offered the ultimate comfort to this luxurious dish.
Accompaniments: A Taste of Tradition
To round out the meal, we served freshly baked bread with whipped butter and a selection of local olives. These simple yet flavorful accompaniments provided a rustic touch, connecting guests to the traditions of the region.
An Evening to Remember
From the light, summery bites during cocktail hour to the decadent main courses and comforting accompaniments, each dish we served was designed to reflect the beauty and abundance of Alentejo. As the sun set over the vineyards and the stars began to twinkle, the guests dined under a canopy of lights, surrounded by the love and joy of the occasion.
It was a wedding filled with unforgettable moments, and we were thrilled to contribute to the magic of the day with a menu that celebrated both tradition and innovation. Until our next celebration, we continue to savor the memories of this remarkable feast in the heart of Alentejo!
