We went to the beautiful village of Alter do Chão to pay a visit to Chef Filipe Ramalho, who is responsible for the Páteo Real restaurant project.
Our Alentejo chef, from Vaiamonte, needs no introduction as he has had a life path that has projected him into the world of gastronomy in an enviable way, having been honoured several times for his work.
Filipe's time in Portugal is noteworthy, when he worked at Chef Ljubomir Stanisic's renowned space 100 maneiras and, later, as Chef at the Basilii Restaurant at the emblematic Torre de Palma Wine Hotel in Monforte.
The identity of Filipe Ramalho's signature cuisine is that of renewed Alentejo tradition, but always in a recognisable way, accentuated with the various Alentejo flavours. There is an eminent concern for sustainability and the seasonality of raw materials, which is reflected in everything he brings to the table!
On our visit we were surprised by the queen of the Páteo, the farinheira tart with drunken pears, the dish most sought after by customers. It was a real treat for the senses and a tasting of very well made concoctions.
It was a pleasure for Despensa Franciscana to meet Filipe, as well as the friendliness with which he treated us, we realised that he is a person with a very particular sensibility and has the Alentejo in his DNA. He has an enormous capacity for the "Midas touch" and for transforming everything he touches into absolutely fantastic results.
Meeting Filipe was an inspiration and we believe that he will continue to be a national and international reference for our gastronomy.
We recommend a visit to the Páteo Real Restaurant in Alter do Chão and you'll also have the chance to buy a Franciscan Ginjinha!
Contacts:
Avenida Dr João Pestana, 37
7440-013 Alter do Chão
Tel. 960 155 363
Email for bookings: reservas@pateoreal.pt
