Laranjal Restaurant
Here we tell stories about this place, about the Algarve and about the Ria that the ancient people decided to call formosa (beautiful) for obvious reasons. The Chef Marco Alban uses your plate as a blank page, the kitchenware as pencils and pens and the ingredients as natural dyes. He writes stories, describing the saltiness of this land, the breeze that travelled from somewhere until it hits us, the colour of the oranges, the dance of the octopus, the patience of the oysters in the sunshine on a sandbank between two ocean inlets. And he writes about the local people, about their hands, wet from pulling in the fishing nets, their skin tanned by the sun as they harvest the earth's bounty. And then along came Miguel Mota, who read the stories and wrote the music for those lyrics, with notes of dust, of ripe or dried fruits; and of smoke.
Some warmer and some fresher; read these stories and take them home with you, in your MEMORIES.
[temporarily closed for dinner]
THE BUILDING
When you enter the Laranjal Restaurant you embark on a journey through the traditions of the Algarve and, simultaneously, through all your senses.
You must walk along a corridor created by the orange trees, which give it its name, to get here. On the way you feel the hot breeze and are immersed in the fragrance that emanates from the trees. With this as your introduction you will soon feel yourself getting carried away.
Strolling through archways, you enter the restaurant. A building with a tall, imposing ceiling. A tiled floor, its coolness contrasting with southern heat. White walls that are synonymous of the Algarve, similar to those we also find in the Mediterranean countries and North Africa. Wickerwork chandeliers and huge amphorae, reminding us that we are in a territory that serves as a border between sea and land.
A unit with shelves along one wall is replete with items of local handicrafts, such as pottery and wickerwork. Baskets full of oranges, lemons and other seasonal fruits. Vases with aromatic herbs that grow on this land that is called Vila Monte.
Outside, a terrace facing the Algarve coast, where you can sit and feel the gentle pleasure of time passing at it's own pace.
