TASTE PORTUGAL 2014/15 arrives in London

FINALLY THE LONG awaited TASTE PORTUGAL 2014/15 has arrived and it is being launched in style this coming Monday at Notting Hill’s two Michelin starred Ledbury, where antipodean head chef Brett Graham will be opening up his kitchen and inviting in two Austrians, both now based in Portugal, Dieter Koschina of Vila Joya and Hans Neuner of Ocean. Just to keep expectations high, each of their restaurants also boasts two Michelin stars.

To accompany the international menu, carefully put together to create a Portuguese flavour, there will be precisely paired wines, selected by sommeliers Anya Brieg (The Ledbury) and Antonio Lopes (Gusto, Conrad Algarve). The event will be just a taster of things to come during the six-month-long festival, during which international chefs and sommeliers will meet in London to share the very best of Portuguese culinary magic with lucky guests.

Here is a sneak preview of Monday’s mouthwatering menu at The Ledbury:

Aperitif & Snacks
Antão Vaz da Peceguina 2013 (Raymond Reynolds Ltd) 

Starter
•  Langoustine, Citrus, Yoghurt
HANS NEUNER
Meandro Vale Meão Branco (Raymond Reynolds Ltd) 

Entrée
•  John Dory, burned Artichokes, baby Squid, 'Cozido'
HANS NEUNER
Royal Palmeira 2010 (Atlantico)

Entrée
•  Cataplana, Mussels, Veal Fillet, Gambas
DIETER KOSCHINA
Malhadinha Branco 2011 (Raymond Reynolds Ltd) 

Main course
• Lamb with Padron and Garlic
BRETT GRAHAM
Batuta 2009 (Raymond Reynolds Ltd) 

Pre-dessert
• Tomato and Tamarillo Compote with Basil Yoghurt Sorbet
HANS NEUNER & DIETER KOSCHINA

Dessert
• Lychee and Raspberry 
DIETER KOSCHINA
Colinas Espumante Brut Rosé (Atlantico)

Coffee & Digestive
• Ramos Pinto 20 Years Old Tawny Quinta do Bom Retiro
(Maisons Marques et Domaines)