I CAN "LONDON"

Dear Folks,

it has been a while since I Posted a so-called polemic text. Thus, I will just allow my fingers to click along the board and let’s see what we will get in the end…

I left my home town back in 1995 and moved to London, being raised and born in a small fishing Tourism Town, life was easy, relaxed and we could just enjoy long warm days most of the year. The arrival in London was a mix of excitement and a lasting nostalgia from home, in Portugal we call it “Saudade”.

London was the center of the world for someone like me. A huge city full of all the things that a Western Youngster longs for… freedom, trends, availability, discos, pubs, museums, shops, restaurants, music, education and millions of people living together.

Once a friend of mine that grew up in London told me, “You see, living in a big city can be good or bad, for example you can walk throughout the street completely face painted and no one will pay attention nor look at you. This sense of freedom can be exciting (if you come from a small city where everybody knows you) but at the same time can be very scary, meaning that the other face of the coin is that no one’s cares if something bad happens to you.”

I have really enjoyed my time in London to the max and now-a-days I consider it also as my city, it is part of who I am today, I have learn a lot by living there. I've earned a Master’s degree at the University of Westminster and also worked in Harrods to pay for my costs, thus I can say that I have experienced quite  a lot in my 3 year stay.

I know now most of the city, its Museums, Palaces, squares, parks, markets, cool areas, trendy places, restaurants, stadiums, etc…

London can give you so much, but beware it is a very expensive city.

I have managed to visit the Michelin Star awarded Restaurant at the Dorchester Hotel or the OXO Tower Restaurant, but  attention, both are ridiculously expensive.

Thank God that at least museums are free now, you can enjoy the wonderful British Museum, the amazing National History Museum, the thrilling Science Museum, the highly quoted National Gallery, the vibrant Tate Gallery, the glamour Victoria and Albert Museum, the Imperial War Museum and so many others.

I will never forget the street performers of Covent Garden and Leicester Square, the cool bars of Soho, the West end Musicals, the crazy trendy Camden Town market.

If you know London, you will probably tell me… you forgot Madame Tussauds, the War Cabinets, Big Ben, St Paul’s, Westminster Abbey, the Royal Palace, the Tower of London, Tower Bridge and the Parks…

No, I did not forget anything, I just believe that it is such a vibrant big city that one must live there in order to enjoy it to its most.

If you have the chance go to London (at least for a period) and become a Londoner.

Bon Appétit,

Chef Gourmet Du Art

Portugal wins two Gourmet “Oscars”

The Gourmet International Academy met last week in Paris for the Gourmet Oscars awards.

Such prestigious academy awarded  two Portuguese Chefs amongst the winners.

Armando Fernandes, author of the book "À Mesa em Mação - Carta Gastronómica", and David Jesus, chef of the Restaurant Belcanto, owned by José Avillez, where tow of the main Gourmet personalities that most emerged according to the Gourmet Academy.

One award goes to "À Mesa em Mação" winner of the Gourmet Literature ("Prix de la Littérature Gastronomique").

Also awarded was Chef David Jesus, that daily presents the most sophisticated and interesting Portuguese Cuisine at Restaurant Belcanto owned by Chef José Avillez", according to the Gourmet Academy, he was awarded as the Chef of the Future ("Chef de L' Avenir").

Once again Portuguese Cuisine is breaking both barriers and prejudice and more and more “connoisseurs” are falling in love by such particular cuisine.

Hope that you have the chance to pay a visit to the Country that most have influenced the world and its habits as we know it.

Congratulations to the winners.

Bon Appetit,

Chef Gourmet Du Art

I can “truthful Australia”

Dear Folks,

As you know I am also an enthusiast of History, and being Portuguese means that I was brought up with the idea that my small country discovered the all world and that we (as said in Portugal) gave new worlds to the world.

In past Post I have made some remarks about some facts that are not known to most of the public and that present Historians are not even trying to correct wrong information.

The other day I was watching a TV series in the National Geographic Channel (The history of Mankind) and that episode was about Captain Cook and when he arrived in Australia. In that episode, once again, he was presented as the discoverer of Australia.

In past Posts, I have explained how Cook used a Portuguese Map (Delphin Map) and also took with him Portuguese Translators, because Portuguese Navigators actually have sailed those seas centuries before him.

Well, last week I read a very interesting article, apparently in New York it will be sold in an Auction a Portuguese Document from the XVI century, where a Kangaroo is painted.

I leave all considerations and conclusions to all of you that are fun of world history and lovers of the truth.

Do not forget to pay a visit to Portugal, the land of the Discoveries. Go and walk through the streets of Lisbon filled with “Romanticism” and history. Enjoy the food and enjoy the kindness of its Folks.

Bon Appétit,

Chef Gourmet Du Art

I can delicious Bulgarian fried mushrooms - "Gubi v Maslo"

Dear Folks,

I have just returned from my X.mas break in Bulgaria. In previous Posts I had the chance of praising and advertising a wonderful country, a melting pot of Folks, cultures and landscapes.

It is still a diamond in the rough, meaning that it has so many great potentialities still to be explored.

Today, I am going to share with you one of my favorite Bulgarian “Tapas”, it is a quick delicious dish to be enjoyed with friends and family.

Any typical Bulgarian Restaurant will have it in its Menù, so next time that you go there do not forget to ask for it.

You can have  it with a strong full bodied Bulgarian Red Wine, I recommend Black C.

Hope that you will enjoy it as much as my family and I does it.

Bon Appetit,

Chef Gourmet Du Art

Shopping List

1 large can of sliced Mushrooms

50g of Butter

Q.B. Garlic Cloves Q.B.

Q.B. Dill (fresh or dry)

Q.B. Black Pepper

Q.B. Salt

Q.B. Chili Powder

Q.B. Red Paprika

Preparation

Step 1) Open the can and rinse well the mushrooms under cold water, leave them in a strainer;

Step 2) In a large frying pan place the mushrooms and let the water evaporate;

Step 3) Add the butter, bit by bit and let it melt, continue mixing;

Step 4) Add the chili, pepper, salt and red paprika to your taste;

Step 5) Mix everything and add the dill (plenty of it);

Step 6) Finally add the chopped garlic, do not let it burn but it should fry sufficient to add flavor;

Step 7) Don’t allow the mushrooms to burn but they should be slightly fried;

Step 8) As this kind of tapas is supposed to be eaten with bread, make sure that you have enough sauce, add more butter if necessary;

Step 9) Serve the mushrooms in a large plate to be place at the center of table, guests can eat it together with small pieces of white bread;

I CAN MEXICO OR MEXI CAN

Dear Folks,

I have just returned from a business trip from Mexico City, what a great place. It was my first time in Mexico, so I was worried about my security after reading about all the news of the Drug War Cartels but I was also excited in visiting a country that I have long wished visiting.

My first and lasting impression after this visit goes to the Mexican People, they are genuine and extremely friendly. I was a bit appalled by the way that some “Gringos” (US Americans) treated the poor Mexicans.

Mexico is a vibrant country that finally and after years of lost opportunities is claiming its place amongst the most exciting economies in the world.

Mexico city (the biggest city of the world) is a capital where one can literally find everything and a place where you will for sure not be bored.

The food is divine, being the local food excellent but a word goes as well to some very nice International Restaurants (especially Argentinian ones).

A word of appreciation to a special place, a Trendy and Modern Mexican Restaurant called Porfirio’s, where traditional Mexican food is enjoyed in a sofisticated environment.

Tacos are go… if you are in Mexico you will soon realize how delicious and different flavour multiple choice Tacos can  be. In Mexico you can have them from dusk to dawn. I have also tried the ones with Ant eggs, Crickets and Grasshoppers (delicious).

Tequila is the must, do not be fancy and request Wine, after all you are in Mexico. Local food with its many flavours, smells and tastes are to be enjoyed the local way, meaning with Tequila (reposada or Vieja).

If you stay in the fancy Polanco area like I did, you will find the Mexican Rodeo Drive shopping street with all famous brands available, many nice restaurants, cafes and places to chill out.

I suggest Cantina La 20, an exciting place where you do not know if you are in a sports bar, a restaurant, a disco it is a mixture of all three where you have Mariachis Bands, Fortune Tellers, Taco’s, cocktails, etc… all enjoyed alongside trendy, modern and beautiful Mexican People.

Do not miss the opportunity and pay a visit to the Museum of Anthropology, it is in amazing and huge Museum that you will find the Aztec, the Mayan and the Teotihuacan artefacts. The famous Sun Stone can be found there and I am still dazzled after seeing it live.

Just 45 minutes’ drive from Mexico City you can visit the city of the Gods, Teotihuacan. In this city you can find the pyramids (the one for the Sun and the one for the Moon). It has a huge avenue called the Street of the Dead. It was in its days the biggest city in all Americas. It merits your visit and you will never forget it as long as you live. A piece of suggestion, buy a hat next to pyramids and not in the places where they teach you the stone art and pre-Hispanic life. The differences can be from 200 down to 20 pesos.

Another word of advice is that Mexican’s expect a tip, therefore have always with you some coins or small bill pesos, as they are extremely friendly and hard workers but expect reward.

I hope that I have managed to create curiosity towards Mexico.

Bon Appétit,

Chef Gourmet Du Art

Best Gourmet event in the world



Dear Folks,

this Thursday, in my Home Region of the Algarve (Portugal) it will happen the 7^th edition of the International Gourmet Festival.

During this event, held in the prestigious Hotel Vila Joya (Praia da Galé, Albufeira) you will find 40 Chefs from 14 different countries with a total sum of 60 Michelin Stars between them.

Another great news for Portugal (Tourism Industry) that this time, manages to be in the epicenter of the Gourmet World.

The event that will end next 17^th of November will happen mostly in the Vila Joya Restaurant (Two Michelin Stars) but in other venues as well, such as Monte Rei Golf & Country Club, Herdade da Malhadinha Nova and Hotel Conrad Algarve (that receives tonight the grand opening of the event).

So if you want to meet Joan Roca (El Cellar de Can Roca, Spain - voted best restaurant in the world), Alain Passard (L’Arpège, Paris) or Quique Dacosta. Do not miss this opportunity to have them (the best Chefs in World) all under the same roof.

This special unique event is not about competition between the Chefs but a great haut cuisine experience, as we are talking about personalities that have great impact in the Gourmet world.

Bon Apetit,

Chef Gourmet Du Art

Amonst the best wines in the World - Portugal



Dear Folks,

I read today that the renowned North American Wine Magazine "Wine Enthusiast" elected nine Portuguese Wines to their Top Cellar Selection, placing Portugal right behind France, USA and Italy.

With maximum points out of 100, we will find the famous “Quinta do Noval 2011 Nacional Vintage Port” already mentioned in my Blog in previous Posts, sold in the USA around 650 dollars (roughly 481 euros).

Out of this selection of the 100 best wines in the world to keep and enjoy, five are Ports, two from the Douro region and the other two are from the Dao region.

Other than Quinta do Noval, Top Cellar Selection of the "Wine Enthusiast" Magazine chose Taylor Fladgate 2011 Vintage Port (10.º place, 97 points), Quinta do Vesúvio 2011 Capela Vintage Port (15.º, 98), Wine & Soul 2009 Pintas Character (19.º, 95), Warre´s 2011 Vintage Port (25.º, 96), Niepoort 2011 Vintage Port (31.º, 96), Passarela 2009 Casa da Passarela,Vinhas Velhas Tinto (42.º, 94 pontos), Quinta da Romaneira 2009 Reserva (76.º, 94) and the Sogrape 2009 Quinta dos Carvalhais (89.º, 94).

Another great news for the Portuguese Wines who in times of harsh economic crisis give a strong help in Portuguese exports.

Congratulations to the Producers.

Bon Apetit,

Chef Gourmet Du Art