Il Galo D’Oro will once again be the stage for this gastronomic festival’s kick-off event.
The first event of the 2016 Stars Route will happen between the 19th and the 23rd of February and once more, its host will be Chef Benoît Sinthon and the Il Gallo D’Oro and all of the Cliff Bay Hotel.
There will be a total of 16 guests not only from Portugal but from many parts of Europe: Michel Van der Kroft (‘t nonnetje, the Netherlands, 2 Michelin Stars), Erik van Loo (Parkheuvel, the Netherlands, 2 Michelin Stars), Richard van Oostenbrugge (Bord'Eau, the Netherlands, 2 Michelin Stars), Dieter Koschina (Vila Joya, Algarve, 2 Michelin Stars), Hans Neuner (Ocean, Algarve, 2 Michelin Stars), José Avillez (Belcanto, Lisbon, 2 Michelin Stars), Olivier Barbarin (Châteaux d’Audrieu, France, 1 Michelin Star), Henrique Leis (Henrique Leis, Algarve, 1 Michelin Star), Rui Silvestre (Bon Bon, Algarve, 1 Michelin Star), Kiko Martins (A Cevicheria e O Talho, Lisbon), Joannic Taton (Les Terrasses de Lyon, France) David Faure (Aphrodite, France), Miguel Gameiro (Alain Ducasse school, Portugal), Paulo Morais (Asian food expert, Portugal), Julien Boutonnet (International Patisserie School Olivier Bajard, France), Cristophe Renou (Valrhona Schoolp , França). And because wine is one of this edition’s protagonists, several wine producers, oenologists and sommeliers will attend the event as guests.
Other than the traditional dinner services at the table, the program includes the already famous Kitchen Alive, with more than 300 people which allows for more interaction between the Chefs and the participants through show-cooking.
The route, however, will not be limited to The Cliff Bay hotel; it will engage the natural beauty of the ‘Best Island Destination of the World’ (World Travels Awards 2015): it will include an excursion through the north side of Madeira island and a catamaran ride with gastronomy, wine, local products and flavours and the ever present dazzling landscapes.
KITCHEN ALIVE . FEBRUARY 19. THE CLIFF BAY
Champagne, caviar, seafood, foie gras, ceviche and sushi, molecular cuisine, international and Portuguese wines and various winemaker, oenologists and sommeliers present… from the lower lobby of the hotel through The Rose Garden restaurant everything leads to the interior kitchen where the molecular cuisine equipment is sure to surprise all who see it. This year’s novelty is the possibility of enjoying a ‘micro experience’ at Il Gallo D’Oro. Together, these 4 environments make the stage for this unique dinner service paying tribute to gastronomy and wine, with exquisite flavours in a relaxed environment.
Besides Benoît Sinthon, Chefs os Chefes Erik van Loo (Parkheuvel, the Netherlands, 2 Michelin Stars), Richard van Oostenbrugge (Bord'Eau, the Netherlands, 2 Michelin Stars), José Avillez (Belcanto, Lisbon, 2 Michelin Stars), Olivier Barbarin (Châteaux d’Audrieu, France, 1 Michelin Star), Henrique Leis (Henrique Leis, Algarve,1 Michelin Star), Kiko Martins (A Cevicheria and O Talho, Lisbon), Paulo Morais (Asian food expert, Portugal), Joannic Taton (Les Terrasses de Lyon, France) David Faure (Aphrodite, France) and Miguel Gameiro (Alain Ducasse school, Portugal) will be participating and interacting with the audience as they share foody tips with the curious. Each will have his own station at the event.
TRIP TO THE CENTRE OF THE ISLAND . FEBRUARY 20. TOUR THROUGH THE NORTH OF THE ISLAND
A tour of the north of the island of Madeira with passing through Encumeada and the Caves of São Vicente and finishing with a lunch in a private home at the heart of the Laurel Forest, recognized by UNESCO as World Natural Heritage. An idyllic setting with several stops for tastings and some surprises.
SEA NATURE, WINE & MORE … . FEBRUARY 21 . CATAMARAN RIDE
From the Mountains to the Sea… a catamaran cruise through the deep waters of the Atlantic. Wine will be the highlight of this activity which includes lunch and musical entertainment.
GOURMET DINNERS . FEBRUARY 22 & 23. IL GALLO D’ORO
The talent of the Chefs meets for a tasting of the best local and world products, interwoven with the best winemaking references of the country. The tasting menu with at a minimum of 6 dishes, is accompanied by a selection of great references of national wines. There will be a cocktail with the Chefs before dinner. The Stars Route festival will travel the nation, from North to South, passing by Spain. It can be followed at www.rotadasestrelas.com, available in Portuguese and English. The schedule and news of each participating restaurant, namely guest Chefs, will be updated in the website as the date of each of the events to be held throughout the year draws nearer. Here, you can also find the clipping created throughout the years as the Stars Route received coverage by various quality institutions in the international medial such as El Mundo, The Independent and the Daily Telegraph.
