Our summer vacation was in beautiful, sunny Portugal this year! As a country I have never been to before, I was SUPER excited to explore the picturesque sights and the delicious food. Here are some snaps from half of our trip, in the lovely Lisbon!
Arriving in Lisbon!
I think I love this place already…
One of the simplest Metro systems I have ever used. Helps that the map is so pretty!
The famous Tram! Also useful as a canvas for street artists.
We were lucky enough to be walking by when the Tour de Portugal was coming through the square. They go properly fast!
The Bairro Alto! The streets that lie atop the hill that burst with life at night. This is where all the bars are and where you can go see the sorrowful Fado singers.
There’s lots more photos after the jump!
The most intricate Nativity I have ever seen inside a tiny little church.
Our first taste of Portugal. This restaurant is so popular it has pretty much taken over a whole side street! It has stores on both sides, with outdoor tables that were heaving with people.
At Bon Jardim they are known for rotisserie chicken. This chicken is then ‘painted’ with a Piri Piri chili oil. Ever heard of the restaurant Nando’s? It’s a huge chain here in the UK and has some outposts on the East Coast. Here is the inspiration.That Piri Piri ‘paint I was talking about? Why aren’t more sauces served with paint brushes? So cute.
It sounds weird, but this is a Bacalhau fritter. Bacalhau is a dried, salted cod which is rehydrated and mixed with potato, seasonings and fried. A delicacy is Portugal, and actually quite delicious!A popular drink in Portugal, other than Port wine of course, is Ginginha or Cherry Brandy. They have little stalls on the street which sell this tipple by the shot glass. Feeling fancy? Sip on one in a dark chocolate glass! Great for after dinner on the way home!
Wasn’t sure whether I should post this, but I just had to. This was the view outside our window one morning. I guess he had a good night? Oh, and he wasn’t dead. Shortly after this he went to sleep in the trunk of that car next to him. There were about 5 other people in the car!
My hubby surprised me by taking me to the brand new Mercado de Ribeira. Opened a few months ago by Time Out, it was in none of the books or research I had done, so when he told me about this food market, I was hesitant to say the least. I am so glad I didn’t listen to my instincts! It was my absolute favorite part of the trip. The outer rim of the warehouse like development was lined with outpost from famous Portuguese chefs and restaurants, with food all served food court style. We stayed for about 4 hours just sampling bits and pieces of almost everything. A must do for any food fanatic visiting Lisbon.
The Beer Experience. Pay for your beer at the counter, then go up to the tap, press go on the iPad, and it pours you a perfect beer!
Super Bock, the reigning King of Beer in Portugal.
Here are some of the things we tried that day. On the left is a sardine slider, on the right a pork cheek and mustard slider.
This was an awesome chocolate mousse topped with Chocolate Salami. No, it’s not meat, it’s made with chocolate, cookies and almonds!
On our way back from the Mercado de Ribeira, we came across a cute little shop that only sold fish in tins! The best bit was the amazing packaging each of these Portuguese companies had for their tiny little fish tins. Works of art!
Grilled octopus. My first thoughts were chewy and fishy, but it was nothing of the sort. So tender and packed full of flavor. I’m a convert!
A plate of stunning charcuterie on top a flattened wine bottle. Great presentation! I am searching online for one as we speak.A giant wheel of Parmesan that had been hollowed out and filled with grated cheese! Can I have one at home?Fruits de mer. Portugal had some of the best seafood I’ve had in my entire life, and I’m from California!
Another view down the Lisbon streets.One of my favorite things about the trip? My souvenir! A porcelain sardine tin which we keep our butter in!
Well, that’s just a taste of Lisbon. I can’t wait to go back! Check back soon for a snippet of out 3 day trip to Porto!
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