Luxury Algarve resort Quinta do Lago will host a series of exclusive culinary events this April, welcoming acclaimed Dutch Master Chef Angélique Schmeinck for three evenings of creative dining across its signature restaurants.
Taking place from 8–10 April 2026, the “Creative Dinners” programme will see Schmeinck collaborate with chefs at three venues within the Portuguese resort: Casa Velha, Casa do Lago and Umami. Each event will showcase a different culinary theme, blending the visiting chef’s artistic food presentations with the restaurants’ individual styles.
Schmeinck is widely recognised for her refined techniques and distinctive “edible painting” performances, in which dishes are assembled in a visually artistic style before guests. One of only two female Dutch Master Chefs, she is also the founder of CuliAir Skydining, described as the world’s first hot air balloon restaurant, where meals are prepared during flight.
Schmeinck is widely recognised for her refined techniques and distinctive “edible painting” performances, in which dishes are assembled in a visually artistic style before guests.
At Quinta do Lago, Schmeinck will open each evening with one of her signature edible painting presentations, followed by a multi-course tasting menu prepared by the host restaurant’s culinary team. The events will begin with a welcome cocktail, live music and amuse-bouches before the main dining experience.
The first evening, on 8 April, will take place at Casa Velha, the resort’s flagship Portuguese restaurant. The menu will focus on contemporary interpretations of traditional Portuguese cuisine, using seasonal produce and locally sourced ingredients. The tasting dinner is priced at €260 per person.
On 9 April, the series moves to Casa do Lago, a lakeside restaurant specialising in fish and seafood. The menu will highlight ingredients from the Atlantic Ocean, with dishes centred on fresh seafood and lighter preparations. Tickets for this dinner are €280 per person.
The final event, on 10 April, will be hosted at Umami, known for its modern approach to Asian-inspired cooking. The evening will feature dishes that explore bold flavours and contrasting textures, incorporating sweet, sour and savoury elements typical of Asian cuisines. Prices are €280 per person.
All dinners include wine pairings alongside the starter, main course and dessert. Guests booking two or three evenings in the series will receive discounts of 10% and 20% respectively.
Located in Portugal’s Algarve region, around 15 minutes from Faro Airport, Quinta do Lago is a luxury resort set within a protected natural landscape. The destination is known for its restaurants, golf courses and sports facilities, including the multi-sports centre The Campus, as well as nearby accommodation such as the Conrad Algarve hotel.
The art of fine dining
Casa Velha (8 April): a refined take on Portuguese gastronomy with seasonal local ingredients
Casa do Lago (9 April): an Atlantic-inspired seafood menu served beside the lake
Umami (10 April): a contemporary Asian tasting experience with bold, layered flavours
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