This August, we had the absolute pleasure of catering a beautiful wedding at Quinta do Carrascal for 70 guests who embraced the perfect "effortless chic" aesthetic. Set in the stunning Portuguese countryside, this celebration was everything a destination wedding should be - relaxed, elegant, and utterly memorable.
A Perfect Portuguese Wedding Venue
Quinta do Carrascal never fails to take our breath away. The historic venue provides the most romantic backdrop, blending rustic charm with sophisticated elegance. As Lisbon caterers, we've worked at many beautiful locations, but there's something magical about this particular quinta that makes every celebration feel extra special.
Cocktails and Canapés to Start
The evening began with our signature canapés, each one designed to delight while accommodating all dietary preferences:
- Our famous smoked salmon on pumpernickel with vegan cheese
- Crispy mushroom arancini with truffle mayo
- Chicken yakitori skewers bringing international flair
- Greek spanakopita rolls with flaky, golden pastry
Family-Style Feast
For dinner, we created a sharing-style experience that brought everyone together around the table. The menu celebrated Mediterranean flavors:
To Share: Beef carpaccio, grilled peach salad showcasing summer's best, seabass ceviche with bright citrus notes, Mediterranean dips with artisanal breads, crispy aubergine fritti, and a fresh green bean and fennel salad.
Mains: We presented both a show-stopping tomahawk steak and delicate seabass fillet with Greek-style dressing as sharing platters, beautifully presented for everyone to enjoy together.
Sweet Endings and Late Night Magic
Our vegan chocolate mousse had everyone questioning whether it could truly be dairy-free, but the real showstopper was the 60cm pavlova masterpiece. Designed to look like a giant seashell adorned with raspberries and gold leaf, it was pure edible art that perfectly captured the evening's effortless elegance.
As the night continued, we kept the energy alive with a stunning seasonal fruit grazing table and late-night gourmet burgers for the dancing crowd.
What Made It Special
This wedding perfectly showcased what we love about destination weddings in Portugal. Our team received countless compliments throughout the evening - guests kept commenting on how professional, friendly, and genuinely happy our staff were. There's nothing better than seeing smiles all around, from the couple to their families to our own team.
Every detail was carefully considered, from accommodating special dietary needs to timing each course perfectly. The result was a celebration that felt effortless for the guests while being expertly orchestrated behind the scenes.
At Piato Catering, we bring this same passion and attention to detail to every event - whether it's an intimate wedding, corporate gathering, or private celebration throughout Lisbon and beyond. We believe every occasion deserves exceptional food, impeccable service, and those special touches that make memories last a lifetime.
Ready to plan your dream event in Portugal? Let's create something beautiful together.