By CRISTINA ALCOCK new[email protected]
Having established itself as a popular after-work venue in just a few short weeks, the sunset terrace at TEMPO, Portimão’s municipal theatre, welcomed a special Sunset Cocktail Party to mark the launch of Mercearia Bio’s new online store on Friday, July 5.
Customers, partners and friends of the organic grocers, based in Companheira, just outside Portimão, were able to sample entirely organic appetisers prepared by guest chefs Luís Correia from The Lake Resort Vilamoura, and Augusto Lima, of the Algarve’s Slow Food Movement, both friends of Mercearia Bio founder Pedro Gonçalves, a hotelier by profession.
Alongside creations such as the pepper, mushroom and purple onion
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frittata, the vegetable à brás, and the shot of caramelised fruit with almonds, guests also enjoyed canapés, cheese boards, fruit, and organic wine and juices, all specially selected for the event.
“For the launch of our third version of the online store, we decided there was no better place than TEMPO, right here in Portimão,” said Pedro, who decided to upgrade the website due to the sheer growth in business.
“Despite people having less spending power, they are investing far more in food. The online store is more appealing, more functional, more intuitive and easier to use.”
Able to deliver across the country, and hoping to open its first store in early 2014 – a revival of the traditional Portuguese grocers with a café on site – Mercearia Bio also has a warehouse, open weekdays from 10.30am to 6.30pm, and Saturdays from 9.30am to 1pm.
