Despite the lasting influence it has had on food in
such far-away places as Macau and Goa, Portuguese
cuisine is hugely under represented outside Portugal.
Often confused with Spanish cooking, it is, in fact,
quite distinct.
At its best, Portuguese food is simple ingredients
impeccably prepared.
Based on regional produce,
emphasising fish, meat, olive oil, tomato, and
spices,
it features hearty soups, homemade bread and
cheeses, as well as unexpected combinations of meat
and shellfish.
In the local area there are a wide range of
speciality dishes available.
For meat lovers there is Picanhia, which is a traditional beef dish
originating from Brazil. You will also find pork
dishes of varying
descriptions in restaurants
everywhere. Fish lovers are able to enjoy
a whole
range of dishes using "bacalhau" which is salted
cod.
This is a very traditional ingredient in dishes
throughout Portugal
and is cooked in a whole manner
of different ways.
There are also numerous restaurants selling Trout
and Salmon
freshly
caught from the river Zęzere
For those of us who like a tipple, drink is a very
cheap commodity in Portugal. But don't let the
prices fool you, it is very nice to drink. Bottles
of wine retail for as little as €1 a bottle and
paying around €3+ is the equivilant
to buying a Ł7+ bottle
in the UK. Beer is equally as cheap with
a 24 bottle
crate of Sagres or Super Bock costing approximately
€7.
A
recommended guide to local cuisine and restaurants
will be available
on arrival at the cottages.
