All Food and Drink
Culinary Experiences
Fresh Catch
Join our Chef at Peixaria Centenária for a masterclass on selecting and preparing fresh fish, then bring your selection back to the Hotel’s kitchen to learn the secrets to creating the perfect plate of cataplana, one of Portugal’s most famous dishes. (Minimum of eight attendees)1 / 2In the Shade of Olive Trees
On a day trip from the Hotel to Alentejo, learn about the process of olive oil production and enjoy a guided tasting – savouring the qualities of extra virgin olive oil in the shade of an ancient tree. Combine the tour with tasting other creations such as the rich wines and gastronomy of the region.2 / 2
Meet The Team

Executive Chef Pascal Meynard
Chef Pascal Meynard is a bit of a thrill-seeker. Of dual French and Canadian citizenship, he grew up surfing and kayaking in the beautiful Basque region of France and returns there every summer to experiment with the latest water-based activities. Chef Pascal’s adventurous spirit has taken him to work in far-flung places such as Tasmania, the remote wilderness of Canada and the Michelin-starred restaurants of Paris.
“I’m a fan of everything related to the ocean, from fish and seafood to bodyboarding and kayaking.”

Pedro Pena Bastos
Chef of CURA RestaurantIn his open kitchen, the Chef is intent upon bringing “more joy and soul” to CURA’s offerings than are typical of fine-dining fare. He works with small local suppliers to source ingredients of superb flavour and condition, and he plucks others such as crunchy reindeer moss, marbled meat from Alentejo Iberian pigs, and “the best chickpeas we can find” directly from the wild. His menu highlights a dozen or so dishes at a time, changing with the seasons, and he tries to work with just two or three ingredients “and one really sharp knife” at a time, the better to ensure that guests taste the food as it is meant to taste.
“We carefully consider everything to keep the spotlight on the food. That’s our inspiration – the highlight of everything we do.”

Diogo Lopes
Pastry ChefPastry Chef at CURA Restaurant, Lopes traces his interest in the pastry arts to his childhood in Portugal. A “chubby kid” with a big appetite, he watched his mother and grandmother in the kitchen and began making simple dishes of his own. “I thought, ‘I like to eat so much, maybe I should cook.’ A lot of kids would say things like that, but I meant it.” His dream came true, and today his carob & black garlic, egg & honey, raspberry & lavender dessert is the perfect finale to CURA’s Meia Cura menu.
“We really value the one-on-one moments we get with guests. People like having a connection with the kitchen, and it’s always good to remind us who we’re working for.”
Events
- Every Saturday and Sunday
Weekend Brunch
Stick with the classics or opt for something new during brunch at Varanda, a favourite weekend stop for local foodies every Saturday and Sunday from 12:30 pm to 4:00 pm.
Portugal has the best fish in the world, and we love sharing something that’s part of the local culture.
Pascal Meynard Pascal Meynard