Holiday Gastro, Eno & Steeped in The Arts Destinations ..

[Alexandria Profile]

Friday, June 14th ..

Early this morning, our 1st
excursión was to the Torre
Belem, which is astonishingly
impacting with a wonderful
multi lingual gentleman, our
local official licensed guide.

11.30am, as in Spain,
it is local café & mid
morning breakfast
hour.

We shall be off to the
historic district which houses
the renowned " YellowTrolley"
for a view of the historic
quarter of the city.

Lunch shall be in Casçáis,
a short drive from Lisbon.

This afternoon, we shall have
free time to buy souvenirs,
go shopping and / or relax,
gym, spa or take a jacuzzi or a
swim.

Dinner shall be accompanied by the
legendary Fado music ..

Saturday: Off to Sevilla, so over the bridge,
and we shall be in Spain.

Our next Circuit shall be:
Algarve, mas que sol .. Algarve, more than just sun ..

Have a lovely weekend.

[Alexandria Profile]

Friday Evening, 14th June.

Dinner & Fado Show
CASA DE LINHARES
Beco dos Amazenés do Linho 2
(Close to The Museum of Fado)

FADO, dates back to the Africans travelling to
Brazil and it is "stories told via singing" and also
a dance which accompanies the music.

In Latin, FATUM denotes: Destiny.

Fado spread throughout Portugal.

The lyrics contain 4 or 6 line stanzas
which are historical vocal and musical stories.

The dinner was very very light.
Just a large portion for two of
Camaroas ao Alhino, Mozambique
Grilled Prawns, served with an
Alioli ..
(alhino = dressing of home made mayonnaise).

Extraordinary music and exceptional
grilled Prawns.

Arrived in Sevilla, where we shall spend
2 days and 1 night prior to returning to
Lisbon for the next tour group.

Have a lovely weekend.

[Alexandria Profile]

Sunday, 16th June.


Saturday Evening Dinner ..

Sevilla, has grown into
quite a gourmet city
for tapas.

We went to an amazingly
extraordinary Tapas Bar, and
Restaurant called:

AZ AZAIT, which is "olive oil" in English ..

Az Zait Tapas Bar & Restaurant
Plaza de San Lorenzo 1
Sevilla.

The stunningly gorgeous ambiance is extraordinarily
Marrakesh, Moroccan
however, the tapas are regional Spanish.
and Mediterranean.

We had the Lobster Carpaccio
which is a specialty of the
establishment and then, I
had the freshly grilled Sea
Scallops with Romesco Salsa
on the side for dipping. My
dear had the Low temperature
prepared eggs with seasonal truffles.

Quite unforgettable and Price
wise, quite reasonable for the
quality.

Off for a stroll of Triana, and
a wine and light bite.

Shall be headed back to Lisbon
early tomorrow morning.

Have a lovely evening.

[Alexandria Profile]

Monday, 17th June.

Have just arrived in Lisbon,
just in time for "café hour" ..

This week brings us to
a wonderful Circuit (Package)
Tour called "Algarve
Mas Que Sol" ..

"Algarve, More than Sun" ..

The itineraries of this Circuit,
or Packaged Tour include:

1st /Lisbon.

2nd day / Silves, the City of Poets (Roman) &
The renowned Markets, Castle and
the fortress walled historic city.

3rd day / Vila Real de Santo Antonio, Tavira
and Faro.

4th day / Algarve, free time for sport,
beach, relax and spa.
Lunch at a Marvel of a Michelin
Starred Restaurant.


5th day /Vilamoura, with its spectacular
port .. And Albufeira ..

Then, to Lisbon for 3 days,
2 nights.

Have a lovely week ahead ..
Best wishes from Lisbon.

[Alexandria Profile]

June 18th, Tuesday ..

On Sunday evening and Monday,
my dear and I, had a
wonderful time in Lisbon,
very close to main artery
of the city ..

We met up with the
Spanish Group for dinner
at the Hotel ..

Tuesday, today:

We had an early morning
excursión after breakfast
at the hotel, and headed to the
capital of Algarve, called Silves.

This city is entitled the City of Philosophers
and Poets. The historic district is located
up a hill and upon arrival the Dynamic
Impact of the Roman Bridge and the
abundant Fruit
Markets and the Stone fortress
walls, surely take one back in
time.

La Puerta Almedina and the Plaza
are breathtakingly amazing.

The must see is the sensational
Castle .. Quite memorable ..

Then we drove to a
Michelin Starred Restaurant,
called " Ocean " .. Absolutely
outstanding on all accounts,
the service, the views of the sea,
the food and the wines, in addition
to the company.

Shall cover the carte at the weekend
when I have more time to write the
details of the Degustation ..

Have a lovely week ..

[Alexandria Profile]

Wednesday the 19th, June.

After breakfast, we headed
to Santo Antonio, a small
Portuguese town, close to
The Spanish Frontier, where we
went to see, The Diplomatic artifacts
of The Marqués
De Pombal, at the University.

Then we continued to Tavira,
a beautiful historic town most
renowned for its gardens,
plazas and architecture.
The tiny port is simply a Marvel.

Faro, the Capital of Algarve,
and its historic fortress walls,
and the Palace of King Alfonso
III, were breathtakingly
beautiful.

Lunch was at a lovely Hotel with
Villas, The Alvor Atlantico, located on
the beach of Portimao, not far from
Faro. (30 km.)

Have a lovely evening.

[Renee Profile]

Member 461, it has been such a pleasure reading about your visit to the Algarve, which has brought back happy memories of staying with family in the Vale do Lobo area in a villa which was high up on a hill overlooking a golf course. I remember a short visit to Vilamoura where we spent some time looking at the boats in the harbour. Lagos was a wonderful place to visit with its 14th century walls and picturesque churches like the mediaeval São João Hermitage.

I have spent a happy hour looking up places that we visited, which were only a few compared to your wonderful visit!

Thank you so much!

[Alexandria Profile]

Thursday, 20th June.

Renée,

Yes, Algarve is absolutely
exceptionally extraordinary.

Yes, we drove through
uncountable villages and
towns both in La Sierra,
Hill Country (Eastern )
and the west coastal fishing
villages.

Today is a free day, to do as
one wishes. Most of the group
are at the beach, spa or pool.

Friday, we are going to
VILAMOURA !!

It has a spectacular Marina and
we shall have time to walk
through the historic district.
Then we shall head to Albufeira
known for its white architecture
and villas, bars, restaurants and
Street Markets.

I know Vilamoura and it is
a marvel ..

All our best wishes and
Thank you for all your
compliments.

[Alexandria Profile]

Friday, June 21st ..

Vilamoura, and its spectacular
Port was our 1st destination after breakfast today.

Continuing our trip, the next destination was
Albufeira, with its white villas, and shops,
markets, bars and restaurants, in addition to its
historic district.

Possessing an amazing array of emblematic monuments,
The Tower do Relógio is a true masterpiece of art.

Of course the Street Market is a true gem featuring
local fresh fruit, vegetables, fresh herbs, charcuterie
and shellfish .. The bars are chockful of locals and
tourists alike sampling the day´s "tapas" and local
wines, beers and cocktails.

The tiny boutiques are fascinating.

This zone is located along the road, of 30 km. of amazing beaches.
The seaviews are just incredible.

Lunch was " fresh wild " catches of the day.

The fresh wild oysters and the wild fresh squid were exquisite.

Off to the hotel after lunch for free time, Jacuzzi, the beach, etcetra.

Saturday, we shall be headed to Lisbon for a tour of the city
and an evening of Fado.

Have a lovely weekend ..

[Alexandria Profile]

Saturday, 22nd June ..

At the new Belcanto
Restaurant ..
Rua Serpa Pinto 10 A
Barrio Chiada, Lisbon

At Belcanto, José Avillez offers contemporary Portuguese Cuisine in a
sophisticated yet comfortable
setting, that takes one upon a journey in
time, from Chiado´s old romantic palatial feeling to the future. In a
place, full of details, where art and memories share the interior and
exterior, Chef Avillez offers a unique sensory and gastronomic adventure.

Belcanto By: José Avillez, opened in the beginning of 2012, and was
distinguised with one Michelin Star, that same year.

In 2014, Belcanto earned its 2nd Michelin Star. In 2018, on The
World´s 50 Best Restaurant List, organised by Restaurant Magazine, Belcanto was number 75.

In 2019, Belcanto moved to a new, wider space, next to its previous address, still facing
Sao Carlos Square, in Barrio Chiada, and on its priviledged location. The
restarant´s dining room offers and enhanced and sensory experience to its diners.

Regarding the new Belcanto, Chef José Avillez stated, " We are very happy about
Belcanto´s move to such a nearby place that maintained its history and to the city´s
history and about having more room to develop our creativity in a space with solid
architectural dignity" ..

Lunch ..

Elderini, or an appetiser with spherical olive and brioche with lupin bean hummus, crab and orange blossoms.

Cherry Saraptel. ( Portuguese Berry Cherry Liquor )

Foie Gras suits.

Tempura of Avocado.

Grilled wild Portuguese Sardines.

Coastal Wild Prawns & Algarve Scarlett Prawns.

Sautéed Hake and Ginger.

Sea Bass with razor clams, lime zest and Pistachos.

Inside out Suckling Piglet ..

Desserts (2):

Tinta de Choco in Portuguese, which is Chocolate with Squid Ink !
Sounds quite odd however, so does Chocolate with sea salt or chocolate with
chili peppers, and all 3 are amazing !!

Pannacotta Matisse creation ..

The wine pairings were all Portuguese and amazingly exemplary.

Have a wonderful weekend and Best wishes from Lisbon.

[Gillthepainter Profile Website]

As this has turned into blog posts, i wonder if it would be a good idea to start a blog.
A lot of us here have one. Where personal details can be shared with followers.

[Alexandria Profile]

Gill,

Hope you are having a lovely
summer so far ..

In all honesty, I have very
little free time for a website
or blog at this time as it
is tourism season until
end of October.

Many people view this
as noted by the numbers
viewing.


Have a lovely Sunday.

[Sakkarin Profile]

I'm sorry Member 461, I'm closing this thread. Please arrange with your gastro eno (whatever that is) tour sponsors to arrange blog facilities.

If anyone has any problems with this decision, please PM me.