Ana Maria do Carmo Costa is at the helm of the company, Anise – A Cuisine Affair. “There’s something magical about entertaining at home in the Algarve with its long evenings, warm air, and tables filled with friends and family, she says. “At Anise, that’s exactly the experience I love to create; relaxed, memorable dining in the comfort of your own space, whether it’s a holiday villa, a private home, or a special celebration.”

The beauty here is that Ana and her team will take care of everything so that you don’t have to lift a finger and can become a guest in your own home. Anise is, crucially, very flexible, and offers everything from elegant plated dinners to colourful buffets and family-style feasts perfect for holiday homes and group gatherings.

Ana handles the menu planning, shopping, cooking, serving, and she prides herself on leaving the kitchen spotless afterwards. Many of her clients are just visiting the Algarve, and she wants to make sure that they sample the full culinary experience with dishes that are fresh, vibrant, and full of flavour, with the option of including her Goan heritage dishes for something a little different and memorable, if that’s what is wanted.

Because every event is different, there is no one set cost and pricing is, helpfully, bespoke. It depends on the number of guests, the style of menu, and the level of service required. A relaxed sharing-style dinner in a holiday villa will look very different to a multi-course private dining experience.

There’s also the chance for clients to get involved, should they want to immerse themselves in the experience. Ana says that while some guests love nothing more than to sit back with a glass of wine and watch the magic happen, others get stuck in, asking questions, learning a few tips, or even helping out a little in the kitchen. One of her most memorable occasions was a villa celebration where a family had gathered from different parts of the world and it turned into “one of those perfect Algarve evenings – great food, laughter, music, and stories being shared late into the night.”

Ana’s biggest advice is to keep things simple and enjoyable. Choose dishes that suit the space and the occasion rather than overcomplicating the menu. If you’re in a holiday villa, think about the flow of the evening, whether it’s indoor or outdoor dining, timing, and how you want your guests to feel: but, most importantly, to let go and enjoy it. That way, you get to be the host without the stress and truly be part of your own celebration.

Anise / T: 919 817 212 / E: ana@anise.pt/
W: anise.pt