News 2009
Bistro des Z’Artes Looks Picture Perfect!
Bistro des Z’Artes, the popular bistro in Almancil, has been to the beauty parlour. A makeover of this friendly and intimate town-centre restaurant has been undertaken by Lisbon interior designer Teresa Azevedo Coutinho. As part of the new look, chef-patron Jonnie Pratt has also entered into a partnership with Corte Real Gallery in Paderne, who have created a showcase gallery on the new-look walls to put the ‘art’ into Bistro des Z’Artes.
Since taking over the ownership of the bistro in January this year, Jonnie has been cooking up a proverbial storm in this delightful 42-seater restaurant. Classically and technically trained with a CV that reads like a who’s who of international brands, Jonnie has worked for leading five-star hotels Marriott, Le Meridien and Hilton around the world, as well as Norwegian Cruise Lines and in Dubai at the height of its rise to global fame.
Now with an enourmous passion to match the talent, he has launched his own restaurant, and has created a partnership with Corte Real to offer real diversity and imagination both on the plate and on the walls of this increasingly popular bistro.
Corte Real owner Pedro Corte Real commented: “We have highlighted John Lamonby, Paula Will, Jan Johnson, Beaman Cole and Jasper Hulshoff Pol to launch the makeover, and will be back each month to change the pictures so that the restaurant moves and changes with the seasons and keeps its look fresh and exciting. We have been approached by many restaurants since we opened Corte Real and have always declined their kind offers to hang our pictures, but with Jonnie and Bistro des Z’Artes, we have found a true partnership. Jonnie’s passion for food and attention to detail matches ours. We love the new look and the modern, clean lines showcase the pictures perfectly.”
Teresa Azevedo Coutinho was introduced to Jonnie by a mutual friend, and as a true ‘foodie’ was bowled over by food and the atmosphere of the restaurant. However the dark décor Jonnie inherited was something she was very keen to change. Her attitude to design has always been that it must fit the client’s character and lifestyle, and nothing could be truer of a restaurant with a ebullient Irishman at the helm. Responsible for Montes in Lagos, the new Vila Joya beach installation this summer and a host of private homes throughout the Algarve, Lisbon and the Silver Coast, Teresa was thrilled when commissioned to work alongside Jonnie and his team to develop a fresh, open and inviting space which would reflect his food and of course act as a backdrop to international art. Not an easy task, as in the challenging economic climate, the budget was far from excessive. But with the final results gaining applause from all corners, it would seem that Jonnie, Teresa and Pedro have developed a winning formula on the Almancil restaurant scene.
Jonnie’s food is based around interesting flavours, classic dishes and seasonal produce. Every Friday night he produces a 6-course tasting menu of produce picked that week from a small selection of local Algarve farms. Priced at €18 per person, it offers a great opportunity to discover the pleasures of Bistro des Z’Artes without breaking the bank. With house wine priced at just €11.50 per bottle, Bistro des Z’Artes offers everyone the chance for a great night out on a credit crunch budget. Even taking the most expensive starter, main course and dessert off the a la carte menu, you can only spend €35 per head.
Bistro des Z’Artes showcasing Corte Real art is open every day for dinner except Tuesday from 7pm. Rua Calvario 69, Almancil. Tel: 91 940 73 66 email: info@bistroalgarve.com or www.bistroalgarve.com
Corte Real in the country is open Thurs to Sunday from 11am - 5pm. Located just outside Paderne, near Albufeira. Tel: 912 737 762 / 918 980 199 email: galeria@corterealarte.com www.corterealarte.com
Teresa Azevedo Coutinho is available for private consultation in the Algarve, Lisbon or Silver Coast. Tel: 282 792 130 email: teresa@teresaazevedocoutinho.com www.teresaazevedocoutinho.com