On Tuesday we made our way to Amsterdam. This has been a steady place for visiting with #3 and family having lived here for 16 years. But they are on their way to Copenhagen Denmark following a job opportunity for 3A and will be moving this summer. So this was our last chance to see them in this spot that has been a real favorite of ours (not least to sample some of our favorite street food once again). Given how much effort we put out in Porto, Wife and I were both ready to chill and let our bodies recuperate and spend serious time with each of the family members. So not a whole lot to blog about. So have decided to do a bit of a gastronomic overview of the trip.
I mentioned throughout my posting that the food in Portugal definitely was a disappointment. It was worst in the Algarve (the south) where other Portuguese said the influence of British expat and vacationers is very strong. In general, we found the food under flavored, especially salt. And there was never salt on the tables! So here are the highlights.
Our first really good meal was in Elvas where we had a very acceptable plate of clams (me), but that incredible fruit salad!
The were things were EXCEPTIONAL all throughout Portugal
Wine
The wine, day in and day out, red or white, was simply the best value I have had anywhere. Better than France. Better than Italy. Better than anywhere. And so economical!
Oranges
Great. Had them all the time and were always delicious.
Pastel de Natas, tiny custard tarts
In Mafra, we had an experience like none I have had where the Airbnb host welcomed us with a ton of cured meat, cheese, breads, and wine.
We had two good meals during our time in Mafra
I ate baccalhao (salt cod), a big favorite in Portugal, numerous times. This preparation was in a cream sauce with potatoes
This was a seafood stew
And in Porto there was one restaurant we went to twice with very good food. I tried this because it was one of those things that I just had to...Tripas a Moda de Porto - Porto style tripe.
What was interesting was this tasted just like ham and beans in the U.S. When you think of the number of Portuguese immigrants over the centuries, it makes sense.
Octopus is very popular as well.
The grilled whole fish was something we frequently had and enjoyed.
I love the tradition of espresso coffee.
For the vast majority of our life together, Wife has never drunk coffee. But after one of our lunches, WHAT, she ordered one. It was a singular event.
Driving from Mafra to Aveiro, all the restaurants at the autostrada rest stops were closed. We were forced to eat at the gas station itself where I had this.
A hot dog. The bun lined with ham and cheese. Topped with fried potato sticks. Served with Mayo and mustard. A bit weird but not the worst thing I've eaten.
Saved in Porto
Our great Doner Kebap
We fly to Lisbon tomorrow and catch our flight home on Tuesday
3 comments:
I agree, none of us will miss those Amsterdam stairs.
That gas station good is really interesting.
glad you got a shot of my underpants going up those stairs for posterity.
Definitely got a shot of your posterity...
Post a Comment