I think taking tours when in a new place is always a good idea. It is a great way to learn the new spot you are in, and they are almost always fun and informative. The same is true for food tours. You are introduced to new and different foods by taking food tours, plus you are walking all around taking in the sights as well. We took tours all over Portugal. And one of those tours was also a food tour back in the Baixia district.
We met with our guide, Attila, in the Baixia district about 6:30 PM. We had a private tour, since no one else showed up. More for us. 🙂 We started with a vinho verde wine from one of the local hot spots. I love vinho verde wines, and drink them all the time, particularly in the warmer weather.
Vinho Verde is a crisp, low-alcohol wine from Northwestern Portugal renowned for its high acidity, refreshing nature, and light, “spritzy” mouthfeel. Vinho verde means “green wine.” It refers to the lush, verdant region where it’s produced—not its color—and is best enjoyed young (within 3-6 months of harvest) as a perfect, affordable summer wine. Typically they include notes of lemon, white melon, gooseberry, grapefruit, and lime blossom. They are very fresh with and high acidity, and often feature a light sparkle (carbonation) added to brighten the palate. They are blended from indigenous Portuguese grapes like Loureiro, Arinto, Trajadura, and Alvarinho. We found out later that almost all of the Portuguese wines are blends. Vinho Verde comes from the Minho region in northern Portugal.
From our first stop for the vinho verde, we went to a little family owned restaurant for some piri piri chicken. The piri piri chicken I’ve made is more Peruvian styled. The one we tried this time is from Mozambique, which was once a Portuguese colony. the two types of piri piri chicken are very different.
And we enjoyed some more vinho verde there as well. The chicken was delicious, as was the wine.
Next stop, another small family owned and operated restaurant for some Portuguese meats. The owner is the older gentleman sitting in the corner, watching everything that is going on inside his restaurant.
Everything was delicious, but we were already very full. There was supposed to be yet another food stop, but since it was just us, we declined that stop. Our last stop was to a little club for an after dinner drink. We had drinks that were like liquid pasteis de nata or like a custard drink, topped with cinnamon or nutmeg. Again, they were very good and tasty.
It’s a good thing we had a nice walk back to our train. We were so full. We are not used to eating or drinking like this. But when in Rome, or in this case, Lisboa, do what the locals do right?! Every now and then is fine, but we can’t do this on a regular basis, that’s for sure. 🙂 Everything was good and it was a fun night and a fun tour to take.
Have a great day and make everyday great. Live life to the fullest. It’s not the destination that matters, but the journey. ‘Til next time.
A Jeanne in the Kitchen 