Food Chronicles | 10 Things to Eat & Drink in Lisbon

Portugal is a great place for food lovers and Lisbon is no exception. You can find several suggestions for nice places to eat in Lisbon right here o the blog, but you just have to walk around in the city and most probably you'll have a great food experience waiting for you. Of course that with the growing tourism, there can be some tourist traps waiting for you but, most probably you will find good food and drinks at a very pleasant price. On this post I'll be charing with you some of the things that you will not want to miss while visiting the city.



SARDINES

If you visit Lisbon in the Summer, make sure you have some grilled sardines. This time of the year, the fish is loaded with fat (the good kind of fat that you must have!) and flavor. Unfortunately it has also lots of fishbones! Make sure you eat your sardines with a fresh salad and maybe some boiled potatoes. My tip: place the sardine on top of a slice of bread that you can eat in the end.



PREGO NO PÃO

First let me explain for those  reading that are not Portuguese, what is a "Prego" (nail). If we are talking about food, Prego is a sandwich in which the filling is a beef steak, often spiced with mustard. You can find a good Prego almost anywhere in the city, but one of my favorite is the one at Prego da Peixaria where the beef loin melts down in the mouth and the bread ("bolo do caco", a tradicional bread form Madeira island) is delicious.



SEAFOOD

In Portugal you can find some of the freshest and tastiest seafood you'll ever eat. Look out for a Marisqueira (a restaurant specialized on seafood) and ask for your favorite seafood. Some of my favs include  Clams (ask for Ameijoas à Bulhão Pato), razor clams (Lingueirão), Grilled Limpets (Lapas) and barnacles (Perceves).



PETISCOS

Portuguese love Petiscos! And what are Petiscos, you may ask. Well, Petiscos are a sort of Tapas, small portions of tasty food just made to share with our friends. In some restaurants you can find them on the starters section of the menu, and other places are specialized on this kind of food. Ask for some drinks and different options of food to share. Enjoy it!


PORTUGUESE WINE

No matter what you're eating, if you love a nice glass of wine you must have some Portuguese wine. Red or white, fresh green wine (great with seafood!) or rosé, you'll find lots of great options at amazing prices. Drink it while you're in the country and take some bottles home to remember your Portuguese adventure.



SANGRIA

Nothing like a nice glass of Sangria on a Summer afternoon to wash down some tasty Petiscos or a greasy grilled sardine! Either red (my favorite) or white, this drink screams Summer. It must have lots of fruit inside the jug and also some mint and cinnamon sticks. You can also go for the more posh version of it, made with red fruits and champagne. I'm a simple girl and I'll stick by my red wine Sangria anytime I can!



GINGINHA

Ginjinha, or simply Ginja, is a liquor obtained from the maceration of tart cherry, with spirit, sugar and cinnamon. Tis is a very popular drink in Portugal, especially in Lisbon. Made with the finest spirit and with local fruits, with  either no preservatives or artificial colorings, the liquor has a beautiful ruby color and a sweet and fruity taste. It can be served pure or with a macerated cherry in the bottom of the glass, what is called a “Ginjinha com elas”, meaning with them (the cherries). In this last few years, it became common to serve the liquor in a small chocolate cup, so if you like chocolate this is the way to try it.



CHEESE

Portuguese cheese is also not to be missed and if you're in Lisbon I suggest a good cheese from Azeitão. This sheep milk cheese is a DOP product and its soft and tasty paste is amazing. You can have it with a fresh white wine from the Setúbal's Peninsula Wine Region or with a Moscatel the Setúbal. Trust me, you'll love it!



ARROZ DOCE

No matter the restaurant you will find a long list of desserts to choose from. Some more sophisticated, some more traditional, but you can't get more traditional than choosing an Arroz Doce (Portuguese rice pudding). With lots of cinnamon on top is one of the best ways to taste our love for a sweet way to end our meals.



PASTÉIS DE BELÉM

You can find Pastéis de Nata in almost every coffee shop in Lisbon (and all over Portugal for that matter!), but the original Pastéis de Belém, with its secret recipe, can only be found in Belém. The recipe, first developed by the monks from the Jerónimos Monastery, was sold to the Antiga Confeitaria de Belém in 1837 and since became one of the most famous pastries in Portugal and known world wide as Portuguese Custard Tarts.

Food Chronicles | Lunch at Audrey's (Lisbon)

I have already written about Audrey's on my Tea for Two series, but tea is not the only thing you can have in this charming Alfama's venue. Audrey's is open for breakfast and for tea, but also for lunch, presenting a selection of petiscos to share, and of meat and fish dishes. Salads and delicatessen boards, and some nice dessert options complete the menu.

Eu já escrevi sobre o Audrey's na minha série Tea for Two, mas o chá não é a única coisa que pode saborear neste local encantador de Alfama. O Audrey's está aberto para o pequeno almoço e para o chá, mas também para o almoço, apresentando uma seleção de petiscos para compartilhar e pratos de carne e peixe. Saladas e tábuas de queijos e enchidos, e algumas opções agradáveis de sobremesa completam o menu.

You can find Audrey's at Santiago de Alfama Boutique Hotel, situated on the historical Alfama district. I've lunched there a couple of weeks ago, after a morning visit to Lisbon's Flea Market at Largo de Santa Clara (commonly known as Feira da Ladra).

This is a great place to visit with friends and to calmly have lunch while you catch up. The beautiful venue and the delicious food will invite you to stay for quite a while. Although the room is not very large, there is a good space between the tables so you can keep a good sense of privacy. The natural light and the breeze that entered trough the window, made this the perfect setting for a Spring lunch in the city.

The interior decoration successfully brings together a mix of styles and references, that contribute to a relaxed atmosphere and to create the feeling of being home. The color palete is a delightful combination of blues, browns and beiges, present in the amazing wall paper and dramatically lightened up by some red velvet curtains.

Podem encontrar o Audrey's Café no Hotel Boutique Santiago de Alfama, situado no histórico bairro de Alfama. O restaurante está aberto para o pequeno almoço e para o chá, mas também para as refeições principais, apresentando uma seleção de petiscos para compartilhar, e de pratos de carne e peixe. 

Saladas e pratos de delicatessen, e algumas boas opções de sobremesas completam o menu. Embora a sala não seja muito grande, há um bom espaço entre as mesas para que possa manter uma boa sensação de privacidade. A luz natural e a brisa que entram através da janela, tornaram esta a opção perfeita para um almoço da primavera na cidade. 

A decoração de interiores reúne com sucesso uma mistura de estilos e referências, que contribuem para uma atmosfera descontraída e para criar a sensação de estar em casa. O paleta de cores é uma deliciosa combinação de azuis, castanhos e beiges, presente no incrível papel de parede e dramaticamente iluminado por umas cortinas de veludo vermelho.

For our meal, we seat in a cozy corner, by the cupboard, with a view to the room and to the outside terrace, and talk for hours about food and travels while having a delightful lunch.  The couvert includes some good Portuguese bread with olives, olive oil and tuna patê. I've tried it all and it was delicious. Then we have some amuse bouche of Azores's tuna, marinated with spicy Asian sauce and chives. It was so good that I totally forgot to photograph it! I'll ask the restaurant for a pic just to show you how nice it is.

O couvert inclui um bom pão português com azeitonas, azeite e patê de atum. Experimentei tudo e estava delicioso. Em seguida amuse bouche de atum dos Açores, marinado com molho asiático picante e cebolinha. Delicioso! 

The restaurant presents an interesting selection of starters and I suggest you to do the Portuguese way, ordering different options and sharing with your friends. We had clams cooked by a traditional Portuguese recipe (Bulhão Pato), where the simplicity of the method (the clams are poached with olive oil, garlic and coriander) relies on the freshness and quality of the seafood. And this clams where outstandingly fresh, succulent and tasty!

Para a entrada escolhemos ameijoas à Bulhão Pato. A simplicidade do método depende da frescura e da qualidade dos ingredientes e estas ameijoas estavam excepcionalmente frescas, suculentas e saborosas. 

Next we had tenderloin steak with grilled vegetables and Port wine reduction. The combination of tender and juicy meat with the crispy vegetables is close to perfection. You can choose to have some home made chips instead of the vegetables or choose a different sauce, just have to ask. Audrey's menu also features some delicious fish and vegetarian  options if you're not in the mood for meat.

Em seguida, optamos pelo bife do lombo com vegetais grelhados e redução do vinho do Porto. A combinação de carne macia e suculenta com os vegetais crocantes é próxima da perfeição. Pode optar ter batatas fritas caseiras em vez dos vegetais ou escolher um molho diferente, só precisa pedir. O menu do Audrey's também apresenta algumas deliciosas opções de peixe e vegetarianos se não estiver com disposição para a carne. 

To finish this fantastic foodie experience we shared a Chocolate Brownie with Strawberries, that was to die for. With the right consistency and flavor, vanilla ice-cream and a red fruit coulis, I think the only fault of it is its huge size. Actually that it's only bad for me as  I'm trying to loose some weight but don't seem to have the willpower to resist a good chocolate dessert!

Para terminar esta fantástica experiência gastronômica, compartilhámos um Brownie Chocolate com Morangos, que estava de morrer. Com a consistência e o sabor certos, sorvete de baunilha e um coulis de frutas vermelhas, acho que a única falha é o seu tamanho enorme, caso esteja a tentar perder peso e sofra da mesma falta de força de vontade que eu. 

The restaurant presents a well trained staff team and all trough the meal, the service was attentive, friendly and helpful.  The menu is created every season by Chef Carlos Robalo, featuring locally sourced produce that presenting dishes with a true Portuguese inspiration. This was my first lunch at Audrey's but I'm sure it won't be the last.

O restaurante apresenta uma equipa de pessoal bem treinada e durante toda a refeição, o serviço foi atento, amigável e prestável para esclarecer todas as nossas dúvidas. O menu é criado a cada temporada pelo Chef Carlos Robalo, com produtos de origem local que apresentam pratos com uma verdadeira inspiração portuguesa. Este foi o meu primeiro almoço no Audrey's Café, mas tenho certeza que não será o último. 

Audrey's

Hotel Santiago de Alfama

R. Santiago 10

1100-538 Lisboa

+351 21 394 1616

Food Chronicles | Skye Restaurant (São Paulo)

Photo via Hotel Unique

The Skye was the first restaurant that I visit in São Paulo. In fact, had just arrived from an intercontinental trip (Lisbon – São Paulo), of more than ten hours, and hubby, who certainly wanted to impress, took me directly from the airport (another hour by car!) to the restaurant.

Despite being exhausted, it is certain that I was impressed. The Unique Hotel (designed by architect Ruy Ohtake), on top of which is the restaurant, is absolutely stunning. The Skye has an independent entrance and we go up to the restaurant in a panoramic lift, but is when we get to the terrace, that the view of the São Paulo’s skyline sweeps us out of our feet. Looking to a city that continues to the horizon, with a drink in hand and the warm  November breeze touching the face, is almost possible to forget the long flight.

Photo via Hotel Unique

The view is gorgeous, the service is attentive and very professional and the dishes served rely on the creativity of Chef Emmanuel Bassoleil. Reflection of the cosmopolitan and multicultural character of the city of São Paulo, the restaurant menu is quite eclectic, been its inspiration from Brazilian, French, Italian and Japanese cuisine.

If your budget allows it, is certainly an experience that will please the senses. You can also visit the Skye for a drink or for breakfast.

Photo via Hotel Unique

Skye Restaurant and Bar - Hotel Unique
Av. Brigadeiro Luis Antônio, 4700
Jardim Paulista, Sao Paulo
+55 11 3055-4700

Lisbon Chronicles | 6 Hotels to Fall in Love

With Valentine's Day approaching most travel blogs and magazines will bring us articles on places to go and things to do with that special person in our lives. And I couldn't resist to jump on the band wagon and bring you some suggestions for those of you who live or are visiting this city I love so much.

And is also about my life long love for Lisbon that this post is about.  In this small city, full of light, you can find, in each neighborhood, a specific moment in the story of Lisbon, a different atmosphere and a myriad of things to do. Some of you may prefer an historical district, others a more bohemian ambiance, a cultural experience or a more trendy place. But I'm sure everyone will find their perfect spot to stay in Lisbon.

Therefore I selected 6 amazing places to stay across the city where you can surprise your loved one and enjoy a good time together. Some are housed in historical buildings or are part of historical areas in the city. Others stand out for their architectural features and interior design. Luxurious rooms, remarkable restaurants and top of the line SPAs are factors that will contribute to an unforgettable experience. The view of the city that you can reach and the outstanding service are a trademark of them all.


ALTIS BELÉM HOTEL & SPA

The Altis Belém Hotel & SPA is a modern boutique hotel situated in the historical Belém district. Although not in the city center, Belém is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich neighborhoods of Lisbon, combining UNESCO World Heritage sites with new and striking architectural projects.

Overlooking the Tagus River, this small design hotel represents a contemporary view of the Golden Ages of Portugal during the Discoveries, which is translated in a curated interior design that transports its guests to all the places the Portuguese traveled to.

The photos are courtesy of Altis Belém Hotel

The Tagus banks are perfect for a walk, hand in hand, or to wait the sunset, seating together in the steps by the river. If you choose Altis Belém to stay with your loved one, you can be sure to find a spacious room, with a contemporary decor, where the bespoke panels, evocative of distant places, make each room unique. Marble bathrooms with large soaking tubs, terraces with a stunning view where you can rest with a glass of a good Portuguese wine in hand, can surely add to a pleasurable stay.

Love is all about experiences together. So, why not schedule a couple massage (B in love) at the Hotel in-house Spa, BSpa by Karin Herzog? This awarded signature spa, that is the only exclusive spa of the Swiss brand in Portugal, presents amenities and treatments that are nothing but outstanding.

The photos are courtesy of Altis Belém Hotel

To start the night you can book a table at the Hotel signature Restaurant Feitoria (One Michelin Star) that this 14th February holds a special Valentine's Menu for dinner. That night, Chef João Rodrigues adds to his award wining suggestions a menu designed for lovers and crafted with the best of Portuguese ingredients. Pairing this delicacies with some of the best Portuguese fine wines will make this dinner an unforgettable experience.




CORINTHIA HOTEL LISBOA

In the first half of the 20th century Lisbon expanded north and away from the river bank. The new residential and business neighborhoods were designed along broad avenues, lined with modernist buildings.  Today, this part of the city is known as Avenidas Novas and it's in this district that you can find Corinthia Hotel Lisboa. With a direct view to Monsanto Forest Park and the monumental Aqueduct, the Corinthia is in walking distance to Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian, that holds one of the best museums in the city, and of upscale shopping areas.

The photos are courtesy of Corinthia Hotel Lisboa

Checking in to the Corinthia Hotel Lisboa, you will find a carefully decorated hotel, with spacious social areas and dedicated service. The rooms are large and luminous, and welcome you with all the comfort you can aspire. Settle in and go out, exploring the city with your partner.

After a visit to the museum or just a walk in the beautiful Gulbenkian gardens, come back to the hotel and indulge in a Valentine's Couple SPA experience. The Corinthia SPA,  is extraordinaire in every way, and together you will be able to enjoy not only an hour of total relaxation in the Aqua area, but also some of the treatments with  the world-renowned  ESPA products, delivered by a pair of expert therapists. There are several options among the set of special offers designed for Valentines Day, to find out your favorite check here.

The photos are courtesy of Corinthia Hotel Lisboa

Relaxed and revitalized with the SPA experience, you just have to dress up and come down to the restaurant Típico where the menu showcases a fusion of Mediterranean and international cuisine along with a fine Portuguese wine collection carefully selected. The Lobby Lounge has entered the Valentine's spirit too, and created a special offer for the occasion, with hot drinks and a selection of pastries, to warm your heart and sweeten your lips, if you are in the mood for an afternoon snack.




FOUR SEASONS HOTEL RITZ LISBON

The photo is courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon

Located in a different part of Avenidas Novas district, at the top of one of the Lisbon's seven hills, the Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon is an architectural and design landmark in the city and a privileged view point for its historic sites.

The hotel overlooks the gardens of Parque Eduardo VII and is the perfect starting point for exploring Lisbon. Coming back to the hotel is not the end of your visit to the city, as the Ritz is an attraction itself. The elegant 10-storey building, designed by the modernist architect Porfirio Pardal Monteiro, presents an outstanding collection of contemporary Portuguese tapestries, paintings and sculptures, including dozens of works from some of Portugal's most renowned artists, such as Almada Negreiros, Pedro Leitão, Estrela Faria and Querubim Lapa.

The photos are courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon

The rooms are spacious, comfortable and elegant, providing all the services and amenities one can desire. If you want to relax, the Ritz Spa is the place to go. With windows overlooking the garden and park, the SPA presents an indoor pool  and selection of treatments with top tear brands like Swiss Perfection, ESPA and Sodashi.

The photos are courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon

This year, the Valentine's Day dinner at the Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon will be held in the intimate setting of the Ritz Spa, by the candlelit pool. For the couples in love, the moment will be accompanied by an exclusive and sumptuous three course dinner, specially designed by executive chef Pascal Meynard. On any other days, the restaurant Varanda, with its privileged view over the park and the city and a menu characterized by the rich variety of authentic and diverse Portuguese cuisine, is, no doubt, a special place to go.




PALÁCIO BELMONTE

The photo is courtesy of Palácio Belmonte

Palácio Belmonte is not a hotel. Is a Guest Palace where beauty and simplicity are the key words, and aesthetic and ecology are considered of the out most importance. You will not find a formal reception or a TV in your room, but the light, the colors and, above all, the details will conquer your heart.

Perched on the Castle's walls, in the Castelo neighborhood, Palácio Belmonte stands on milenar foundations. The noble residence of the House of Belmonte, opened to guests in 2000 after a careful reconstruction that lasted six years. The works, respecting sustainability and history, bring the 16th century palace to our days, providing their guests the luxury of natural simplicity.

The photos are courtesy of Palácio Belmonte

You may find difficult to choose one of the 10 suites. The light and the views are sublime. The care taken in the interior design is exquisite. The space is the one of a small apartment and the feeling is the one of owning a palace. So, if you want to go the extra mile in surprising your loved one, this is the place. The privilege of staying in a room lined with 18th century blue painted tiles, with a breathtaking view of Alfama and the Tagus, may not be for every day, but can make a day a very special one.

The photos are courtesy of Palácio Belmonte

After wandering the old town neighborhoods, return for a special dinner at the Palácio Belmont restaurant, Leopold. The restaurant is reopening the 11th February and Chef Tiago Feio will be waiting to surprise its visitors with a menu where the natural ingredients used and the mastery of cuisine technique are key.




PESTANA PALACE HOTEL


East of Belém district, situated near the banks of the Tagus River, the palace, that houses the Pestana Palace Hotel, was built in the first years of the 20th century by a cocoa baron who gained his fortune in Brazil. The luxurious nature of the southern hemisphere was brought into the surrounding gardens, filled with subtropical trees. Classified as a National Monument, went under extensive restoration before it opened as a hotel in 2001. Therefore, a visit to the palace itself, with its fresco decorated ceilings  and Regency style furniture, is a must.  Not very far from the hotel you can find Ajuda's Botanical Garden, a truly romantic spot, where you can spend a few hours totally in love.

The photos are courtesy of Pestana Palace Hotel

The royal suites in the original palace are huge, and the bedrooms with grand canopied beds and antique furniture contribute for a truly regal experience. For this season, the hotel holds a special Valentine's Day promotion including accommodation and dinner that you can find interesting. A visit to the Magic Spa by Pestana is also a experience to have together, and there you can choose from an exclusive menu of face and body treatments of the highest quality.

The photos are courtesy of Pestana Palace Hotel

After being pampered in the SPA, prepare yourself for a special dinner at the Valle-Flôr restaurant. There you can enjoy the best of Portuguese cuisine. The classical atmosphere of the beautifully decorated room  is the right scenery for a perfect evening. The company, the food, the wine and the discrete and attentive service will make this memorable experience. 

SANTIAGO DE ALFAMA

Santiago de Alfama is a small boutique hotel nestled in Alfama neighborhood.  Housed in the recovered 15th century Palácio dos Castros, the hotel is situated on Rua de Santiago, the road where the hotel site says "globalisation was financed, Christopher Columbus married and (is Lisbon's) start of the Caminho de Santiago de Compostela". So, if you have the travel bug inside of you, this seems to be the place. Right in the heart of the oldest bairro of Lisbon, you are in walking distance to downtown, to Castelo, Graça and Mouraria districts.

The photos are courtesy of Santiago de Alfama

The 19 rooms of Santiago de Alfama are all different but share the spacious and fluid layout and the bright  light that enters trough its numerous windows, presenting a simple yet luxurious decoration where modern art pieces punctuate the carefully recovered spaces. Would not be easy to choose among all the nice options available. But if you follow my advice, the Santiago Suite with its panoramic view is the perfect choice for a romantic night. If you want to get an extra dose of beauty before dinner, just head to the Beauty Bar, where you can choose from a menu of treatments from facials to manicures, accompanied by a cocktail.

The photos are courtesy of Santiago de Alfama

At the Restaurant Fábrica de Santiago, under the direction of Chef Carlos Robalo, the clients can find a cosy room, attentive staff and seasonal menus created with locally sourced produce. Specially for  the occasion, the restaurant is presenting a special Valentine's Day menu that surely will satisfy the more demanding palates (the Valentine's package also includes some treats that I can not disclose). The guests will have their dinner accompanied by live music and how romantic is it to end the night over a drink at the bar to the sound of Bossa Nova?