MADEIRA’S FIRST MICHELIN STAR


Friday 23rd January 2009 – The island of Madeira has further strengthened its position as a culinary hotspot with the announcement of its first ever Michelin Star. Il Gallo d’Oro Restaurant at The Cliff Bay, Funchal is delighted to have been awarded this auspicious accolade.

Il Gallo’s Head Chef, Benôit Sinthon, who is married to a Madeiran woman, has finally realised his culinary vision at The Cliff Bay. Having worked previously at the three Michelin starred Côte Saint Jacques, Benôit comments that winning a Michelin Star is ‘a dream I have long chased’. His use of the freshest Madeiran ingredients enhances the creative Mediterranean dining experience at The Cliff Bay. Perched on top of a rocky natural peninsula guests can sate their appetites whilst enjoying unrivalled views of the Atlantic Ocean.

With a natural heritage dating back 40 million years, the fertile soils of Madeira yield organic fruit and vegetables of all varieties. This, combined with the subtropical climate lengthening the seasonal growing periods, make Madeira the ideal destination for gastronomic gurus.

Typical Madeiran fare includes limpets cooked in garlic and fresh Espada (Scabbard fish) served in a wine and vinegar marinade. Meat-eaters will be won over by Espetada. Madeira’s most famous meat dish comprising cubes of meat, skewered onto a laurel stick and cooked over an open wood fire. If there’s still room for pudding, Madeira’s traditional honey cake, made from sugar cane molasses, will round off the meal.

The wealth of culinary options on the island along with The Cliff Bay’s new Michelin star has certainly made their mark on Madeira’s status as a gourmet destination.

For further information on Madeira do visit www.madeiraislands.travel / The Cliff Bay www.portobay.com


Data: 23 JANV. 2009