Article by José Avillez
One night, a unique vegetarian dinner and brunch, prepared by Encanto – 1 Michelin Star.
Get ready to experience unforgettable moments at Casa Nossa,a hidden paradise in Alentejo.
Lisbon, February 2025 – On March 23 and 24, Sunday and Monday, José Avillez’s 1-Michelin-starred Encanto, led by Chef Diogo Formiga, will take over Casa Nossa to prepare a vegetarian Dinner and Brunch for all guests, inspired by the flavors of Alentejo and featuring fresh produce from the estate’s garden.
Chef Diogo Formiga and his team will leave Lisbon right after the last dinner service at Encanto on Saturday, March 22, heading to Campinho, Alentejo, where Casa Nossa is located — José Avillez’s Alentejo estate, nestled on the banks of Alqueva, offering breathtaking views, complete privacy, and the comfort and service of a five-star hotel. There, the Encanto team will craft two unique menus — one for the dinner on March 23, another for the brunch on March 24 — in what promises to be an absolutely unique, surprising, and memorable vegetarian experience, fully embodying the Michelin-starred excellence of the restaurant.
The night will be spent at Casa Nossa, an exclusive and comfortable estate with breathtaking views of Alqueva. The property features 10 cozy suites and several inviting spaces to relax and socialize: a Living room with stunning views, a warm and welcoming Library and Bar, a Dining room, a Wine Cellar, and a Cinema and performance Room. Outside, a charming Veranda offers a spectacular 180-degree view of the lake.
During their stay, guests can enjoy the two outdoor pools — an infinity pool and a hydrotherapy pool heated to around 30 degrees — as well as the sauna, Turkish bath, and gym. They can also take part in activities such as tennis, padel, five-a-side football, kayaking, and paddle surfing.
The house is surrounded by centuries-old holm oaks, native plants, fruit trees, aromatic herbs, and a vegetable garden where the finest seasonal produce is grown.
Casa Nossa spans 65 hectares of natural landscape by the Alqueva lake.
The place was discovered and restored by award-winning Portuguese chef José Avillez and his wife, Sofia Ulrich, a passionate reader and amateur photographer. Together, they designed and built this Alentejo-inspired home, striking a balance between tradition and modernity.
