In my travels, I’ve had my share of Michelin star restaurant experiences, in Spain, England, and the US. And though the food has been amazing, only one or two are etched in my mind as perhaps the most incredible dining experience I’ve ever had. But after dining at Vila Joya on the Mediterranean in Portugal, I can now add a third to the list.
Austrian chef Dieter Koschina came to southern Portugal in 1991, and earned his first Michelin star in 1995. He received his second in 1999. And he has been creating outrageously beautiful dishes ever since.
My reservation was at 7:30 PM, and they asked if I would like to make a cocktail reservation a half hour earlier, at 7. I thought that would be a great idea, and so I arrived, to be shown a comfortable couch facing the Mediterranean as I was handed the drink list. I’ve had OK cocktails up to this point on my trip, so I was really craving a perfectly made ice cold gin martini, and that’s exactly what showed up moments later.
As I sipped my martini, I looked over the tasting menu I was about to explore with much anticipation.
Once I finished my cocktail, I was moved a bit closer to the large floor-to-ceiling windows, to get a much better view of the beautiful Mediterranean waters below.
The sun was setting as I started my dinner experience, mother nature‘s light show illuminating every plate as it appeared on my table.
I’m going to let you follow along with the menu I posted above to see if you can match the dishes with the list!
All small plates, intensely flavored, all beautifully plated and skillfully prepared.
…And more than one dessert!
End of the meal…now dark outside…
Live the Live ™ 