Chef Raúl Ferreira already knows his way around Alambique. But now he has a new kitchen, open to the dining room, where customers can watch the spectacle of culinary creation live. The renovation of the Saccharum hotel's signature restaurant in Calheta has allowed for a new concept, inspired by ‘local cuisine’.
The dining room has also been remodelled, increasing the space and taking advantage of the sea view. The menu has followed suit. The dishes are in line with the hotel's concept of sustainability but feature new flavors.
The dishes, created in collaboration with Savoy Signature's corporate chef, Celestino Grave, focus on the richness of Madeira's products in a fusion inspired by the Mediterranean. A veal tartare can be served with tropical avocado and crispy quinoa. Madeira trout from Chão da Ribeira do Seixal is also served, with locally produced yams and carrots grown at Savoy Signature's Meia Légua farm.
But there is also an international grilled octopus or duck breast, accompanied by artichokes and Madeiran barley. Or cod with cuttlefish, açorda, and coriander oil, which combines tradition and sustainability, with cod confit in Portuguese olive oil and a coriander açorda made with recycled bread.
The Alambique offers à la carte options, but also offers three tasting menus: Sea, with six dishes; Vegetarian, with five dishes; and Macaronesia, also with five dishes. A wine pairing has been prepared for each menu.
The restaurant team ensures respect for the products and seasonality. The menu is adjusted every six months to be in line with what the land provides.
Despite being a fine dining restaurant integrated into a hotel, the Alambique is not a formal space. It has a cosmopolitan, casual atmosphere that suits the spirit of a vacation resort. It is open to all customers.
It is inspired by the sugarcane culture, which is also the theme of the Saccharum hotel. This is evident in the colours and decor. But it is also a restaurant that is both spacious and welcoming, with natural light, where on hot days a cool breeze blows in from the Atlantic Ocean.
