From soupy dishes to exquisite fish-stews for vacationers. The rise and transfiguration of stray fish in Sesimbra

Abstract

Within the scope of the work developed in the fishing village of Sesimbra, this article aims to analyse the processes of transfiguration of the fish-stew into a tourist attraction and a symbol of the local gastronomic identity. The food supply offered by the restaurants of this maritime town, converted into a tourist village, led to the construction of food practices and consequent memory heritage processes based on social recognition of prestige through renowned cultural products. In a complex game of concealment, memory, selection, oblivion and promotion, and in the context of modern food distribution networks, a culinary practice rooted in the daily life of artisanal fishing has been converted, refined and elevated to a major symbol of local cuisine aimed at visitors.