A Michelin Star on Your Plate. But Who Do You Share the Evening With?

I love good food. And I don’t mean just any good food. I mean restaurants where someone has genuinely thought about every detail of what’s on your plate. Where flavours complement each other, the presentation is almost a work of art, and you leave thinking: that wasn’t just a meal, that was an experience.

Now, that’s not necessarily what the average Portuguese person dreams about. Many seem perfectly happy with a generous serving of bacalhau. Nothing wrong with that, of course, but I happen to get excited about a little more culinary adventure.

I’ve visited A Cozinha by chef António Loureiro in Guimarães, a Michelin-starred restaurant, several times now. And every visit has been a pleasure.

But here’s the thing.

It’s so much more enjoyable with good company.

That could be female friends who appreciate what’s on their plates and in their glasses. Or, naturally, a tall, dark and handsome gentleman who can hold an interesting conversation and knows a thing or two about wine.

So far, my luck with Portuguese men in that department has been rather limited. They seem more interested in salt cod than an exquisite tasting menu.

But perhaps I simply haven’t met the right one yet.

And then there’s Gilbert.

Gilbert runs Chez Gilbert in Vilar Seco, near Viseu. He’s still waiting for me to finally pay him a visit.

I really do want to come, Gilbert!

But driving all that way on my own for a wonderful meal… Wouldn’t it be so much nicer to have someone to share the anticipation, the journey and the experience with?

My Social Dining Club: Two Enthusiasts and Eight Empty Chairs

Some time ago, I came up with the idea of starting a Social Dining Club.

Nothing complicated. Just a group of people who enjoy discovering exceptional restaurants together.

Michelin-starred restaurants are my personal favourites, but a surprisingly good restaurant without a star can be just as interesting.

I thought: surely there must be plenty of Dutch and Belgian people living in Portugal who appreciate the finer things in life? People who enjoy good food but would also like to meet interesting new people?

So I put the idea out there.

The result?

Two responses.

One from a holistic veterinarian from the Netherlands and another from a former professional footballer.

Both lovely examples of people who enjoy good food and meeting new people. Exactly what I had in mind!

But two enthusiasts don’t quite fill a dinner table.

Naturally, we wondered whether the price might be putting people off.

So we even tried a Bib Gourmand restaurant. That’s another Michelin distinction, awarded to restaurants offering excellent food at more affordable prices.

You see, we’re perfectly willing to compromise on the budget.

Just not on the company.

Unfortunately, even that didn’t produce the flood of enthusiastic responses I’d hoped for.

I was beginning to wonder whether I might be the only Dutch person in Portugal who gets excited about a beautifully presented dish rather than a large plate of potatoes and bacalhau.

Because what I’d really love is a table of around ten people.

Enough for lively conversations, interesting encounters, new friendships and perhaps even a little romance.

You never know.

Maybe the word club is the problem.

Perhaps people imagine we’ll have to elect a chairman, collect membership fees and organise an annual general meeting.

Good heavens, no!

I just want to book a table.

Great Food, Wonderful Wine and Conversations Worth Having

As far as I’m concerned, nobody needs to be a culinary expert.

You don’t need to know which grape grows on which hillside or be able to explain precisely why a particular sauce is so extraordinary.

But a little curiosity about flavours, beautiful dishes and good wine certainly helps.

And just as importantly, I enjoy people with humour, life experience, opinions of their own and a genuine interest in others.

I love talking about nutrition — it’s my profession, after all.

But over dinner, I’m equally happy discussing travel, entrepreneurship, Portugal, relationships, what’s happening in the world or simply the absurdities of everyday life.

An exceptional meal can easily last three hours.

And if the company is good, I certainly wouldn’t mind staying longer.

So, Who’s Joining the Table?

Perhaps we should simply start with a lovely lunch or dinner together.

At A Cozinha in Guimarães, at Gilbert’s restaurant in Vilar Seco, or somewhere else where an enthusiastic chef creates something extraordinary.

And if the budget is an issue, we can always choose another Bib Gourmand restaurant.

We’ve already demonstrated that we’re flexible!

Everyone pays for their own meal. No obligations, no membership fees and no complicated organisation.

Just ten interesting people around one table.

Men, women, couples and singles are all welcome. All you need is an appreciation for good food, good company and the pleasure of meeting new people.

And if a charming single gentleman happens to join us, someone who enjoys great food, a beautiful glass of wine and a little adventure, well…

You certainly won’t hear me complaining.

So, who’s brave enough to pull up a chair?

Leave a comment below or send me a private message.

Perhaps before long, we’ll find ourselves sitting around a beautiful table with ten wonderful people, enjoying an unforgettable meal.

And no, you don’t need to have a Michelin star yourself.

A little sparkle in your eyes will do just fine. 😉