From the desk of Penelope Alice, Britain’s most fabulous PA: Taste Portugal launch party

You’ll no doubt have noticed by now that I love food. More importantly, I’m a big fan of international cuisine, so when I was invited to sample some delicious canapés at the Taste Portugal launch party at Notting Hill Kitchen, it was obviously an essential event for this self-proclaimed foodie.

I had never been to the Notting Hill Kitchen before, but I was impressed by its pleasant décor and ample space. The restaurant’s Luis Baena played host to the Taste Portugal team, whose goal is to promote inbound tourism by presenting the people of London with a series of tantalising tasting evenings and informative cooking demonstrations.

If the food served up at this event is anything to go by, then sign me up for everything that’s happening over the next several months. Luis’s contribution to the evening included yummy oyster croquets, cheese and dried Algarve fig maki, spider crab donuts and veal turnover, as well as black pork and Algarve prawn dim sum. Visiting chef Matteo Ferrantino brought his own unique flare to the evening with chicken Tandoori, a surprising foie gras praline and sour cream with oysters and caviar.

Portuguese wines have been rated as some of the best in the world and I can see why. Last night’s choice of local vintages complemented the dishes without being too heavy. My favourite was by far the 2011 Malhadinha Tinto, a light and fruity red.

There are lots of events planned right up until April 2015, so check out the website at tasteportugal-london.com for the full schedule.

This blog originally appeared on the PA Life Club site. To read more of Penelope Alice’s blog entries and get access to a range of fantastic benefits, including discounts and special deals at dozens of selected retailers and venues, as well as exclusive monthly competitions, networking events and 50% off PA Life’s new training courses, click here: palife.co.uk/pa-life-club