Rodrigo Castelo
Chef Dishes
Fataça, walnuts, grilled pear, Alcobaça tabby belly and roast sauce
The the fataça (mullet, river fish) comes from Tagus, the pig from Alcobaça. Rodrigo Castelo introduced them both and celebrated an unexpected but very happy wedding.
Products used
Liza mullet
It is one of the most popular river fish in Portugal, particularly in Ribatejo, where it is reputed to be one of the best.
There are about 70 species of mullets in the Mugilidae family spread over temperate and tropical waters around the world. Fish that lives along the coast and frequently goes up the rivers (there are mullets exclusively of fresh water) feed from the bottom and is a favorite in commercial and sport fishing. The liza mullet (fataça) is one of such 70 species. It adapts to low levels of salinity, travels in numerous schools, and feeds on practically everything. It is one of the most popular river fish in Portugal, particularly in Ribatejo, where it is reputed to be one of the best. It usually arrives fried or roasted at the dish, but depending on the chef‘s boldness, there are more ways to cook it!
Regions
Alentejo and Ribatejo
Miguel Torga once wrote that “more than enjoying the emotion of an enjoyable trip, whoever visits the Alentejo has to meditate”. Let’s meditate then, as we’re back to the ever charming Alentejo. Land of sea and mountains, its virtue lies in the middle, in the plains, where our product of the week comes from.
