Last Sunday Angela and I experienced a most unusual, unexpected, but highly enjoyable lunch – where else but at our favourite restaurant, Pepe Vieira. The original purpose of our visit was for business, to discuss a forthcoming function. However, as time passed, lunchtime approached, and so quite naturally, we decided to stay for a bite to eat……. but there was a problem. The restaurant was fully booked! Our friend, and co-owner of the restaurant Xosé Cannas immediately offered us a solution – the Chef’s table. A table in the kitchen, virtually adjoining the hotplate and overlooking the whole operation. Being a frustrated chef myself, this was my idea of food heaven – great dishes on my plate with a ringside seat watching exactly how they were put together.

Having started my career in the hotel trade, I know exactly how loud and animated a kitchen can be during service, but I have to confess that Xosé’s domain was simply the epitome of calm and professionalism. Everyone in their corner, knowing exactly what was expected of them, and producing some great food. No fuss, no shouting or swearing. Gordon Ramsay would certainly have felt out of place in this kitchen – definitely not a nightmare!

We had arrived at 12.30am,  and eventually left about 4 hours later. A bit longer than we had anticipated, but altogether a very memorable Sunday lunch, and as always, highly recommended.

Last Sunday Angela and I experienced a most unusual, unexpected, but highly enjoyable lunch – where else but at our favourite restaurant, Pepe Vieira. The original purpose of our visit was for business, to discuss a forthcoming function. However, as time passed, lunchtime approached, and so quite naturally, we decided to stay for a bite to eat……. but there was a problem. The restaurant was fully booked! Our friend, and co-owner of the restaurant Xosé Cannas immediately offered us a solution – the Chef’s table. A table in the kitchen, virtually adjoining the hotplate and overlooking the whole operation. Being a frustrated chef myself, this was my idea of food heaven – great dishes on my plate with a ringside seat watching exactly how they were put together.

Having started my career in the hotel trade, I know exactly how loud and animated a kitchen can be during service, but I have to confess that Xosé’s domain was simply the epitome of calm and professionalism. Everyone in their corner, knowing exactly what was expected of them, and producing some great food. No fuss, no shouting or swearing. Gordon Ramsay would certainly have felt out of place in this kitchen – definitely not a nightmare!

We had arrived at 12.30am,  and eventually left about 4 hours later. A bit longer than we had anticipated, but altogether a very memorable Sunday lunch, and as always, highly recommended.