Cataplana for all: from market to the table

We started the class in the Faro market where Chef Alexandra taught us about the history of the market and the agriculture of the Algarve. We had previously taken a cataplana cooking class in another region of the country so this background was helpful in us better understanding the dish as well as the Algarve region. After our time in the market, we went to Tertulia where we had a delicious regional snack of muxama (dried tuna) while Chef Alexandra prepped for our class. The restaurant was accommodating of my gluten allergy. We then went into the cooking classroom area above the restaurant where we learned more about cooking and food traditions in the Algarve as we prepared our meal. We then returned to the restaurant and had regional appetizers, our cataplana, roasted potatoes, dessert, wine, and coffee. This was an educational, fun, and delicious was to spend the day in Faro. Tertulia’s atmosphere is wonderful and the staff were attentive. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience. We also came away with a restaurant recommendation for our next stop in Tavira, which was equally enjoyable.

We had such an incredible time exploring the market, understanding the social hub of the community and experiencing the freshest ingredients (fruit, veg, fish and all!) The cooking class itself was held at the restaurant which was very gorgeously decorated and set up for the cooking classes. We also had coffee and a starter (the most delicious cured tuna) before the class began! The class itself was really personable and great conversation and knowledge :) we made the most delicious cataplana! Then we ate the cataplana alongside some other dishes and the most incredible white wine! We would definitely be recommending this to everyone, it was such a lovely time in such a gorgeous space! Everyone was so friendly and knowledgable!

Had a great fun time and some good food. We were very well looked after by the chef and the restaurant staff.

I'm an experienced traveler. Pretty much tired of most museums and churches. I'm always looking for experiences that will teach me more about the local culture, traditions and foods. This is an excellent example! Tertulia was started about 10 years ago and is a real tribute to an entrepreneurial owner. ' Alexandra' hosted my cataplana cooking class and made it clear. The recipe is not complicated but she explained the subtleties. Trip to the market beforehand was also delightful. I highly recommend !!

Amazing experience from the Faro market to the cooking class. Chef Alex did a great job of providing history to the best cataplana method for our dish.

Very good tour, with visit of a market, food testing, cooking and eating what we cook. The chef is really good to explain, give tips and teach how to cook a cataplana However, this course would need more cooking, we spend just 30 minutes cooking over a 4-hour lesson.

Amazing! Chef Suzanna was such a delight. Starting with the market. We learned so much about the culture and picking out produce and fish. She is such a great teacher and talented chef. We got to make cataplana it was so good! The restaurant was amazing and treated us like queens 👸🏼

Good time cooking and eating our cataplana! Chef made it easy and accessible even for those of us not great at cooking

Loved cooking Cataplana with Suzanna. So much fun! Enjoyed the market, cooking and eating the delicious Cataplana!

We had a great experience at the market, learning to make Cataplana, then enjoying the dish and other surprises after class.