It is a brothy, consistent and full-bodied stew, characterized by a mixture of veal, pork chorizo, boiled potatoes, chickpeas and pasta. Since it uses the main food groups in its preparation, it is called in popular language as a “complete dish”. Rancho à Moda de Viseu is said to have emerged in the 19th century, during the war between liberals and absolutists. The Viseu barracksman was in charge of moralizing the troops, giving them quality food. To fulfill this mission, he combined chickpeas, potatoes, vegetables, thick pasta and pork, veal and chicken, creating a dish that was a huge success among diners, and that entourage won the battle that followed.
Diogo Rocha and Miguel Gameiro
So that the memory and flavor of this dish does not disappear, fifty restaurants in the municipality of Viseu, during the 25th, 26th and 27th of October, and also at Mercado 2 de Maio, Rancho à Moda de Viseu, will be highlighted. The highlight of this celebration will be a dinner prepared by the chefs Diogo Rocha, from the Mesa de Lemos restaurant, awarded Golden Fork by the Boa Cama Boa Mesa Guide, and Miguel Gameiro where this specialty will be served. Miguel Gameiro will also be the protagonist of a concert on the night of the 25th, Friday, and, over the three days, the Mercado 2 de Maio, in the city center, will be the stage for tastings, wine tastings, music, conversations and workshops.
Ranch à Moda de Viseu
On this “Rota do Rancho” Dão wines will also be highlighted, which, says Fernando Ruas, mayor of Viseu, “is an opportunity to value and promote our culture and gastronomic identity, which makes us so proud as a Beira community. It is still the right time for tourists and people from Viseu to confirm why we were awarded the Gastronomic Destination of the Year award.”
Viseu
In a return to the origins, Saturday, 26th, there will be a tasting of the famous ranch, prepared by Infantry Regiment No. 14 and, during the afternoon, there will be two conversations alluding to the theme of ranch and Dão wines, with a group of Brotherhoods. The party takes place with DJs Arede and DJ Gaiteirinho. On Sunday, the third and last day of the “Rota do Rancho”, the responsibility for preparing and tasting the ranch lies with the Gastronomic Association of Rancho da Póvoa de Sobrinhos. That afternoon, the Dão Wine Commission promotes the workshop “Dão wines for comfort foods” by David Teixeira, so that you can learn basic concepts of oenology, including how to choose the best wine for so-called “comfort foods”.
The list of participating restaurants and the complete schedule of “Ranch Route” can be consulted HERE.
