French by Name but Portuguese in Cuisine: Tonight we find ourselves in Chez Lapin, a rustic restaurant on Oporto's waterfront, close to where we disembarked from our river cruise. Although this restaurant has a French name, Chez Lapin serves traditional Portuguese and Oporto cuisine. I ask Sergio, the owner's son, what was behind the French restaurant name and he explains that his mother's side of the family is French, I think, which explains Sergio's looks. Chez Lapin has been serving … [Read more...]
A Cataplana Meal in the Algarve
The Flavours of the Algarve: Portuguese food in the Algarve is more than just grilled sardines and grilled chicken. To get away from the stereo-type touristy food, and for a taste of the true flavours of the Algarve, have a dinner at a cataplana restaurant. Cataplana - The Utensil The cataplana is a wok-shape hammered copper pan with a hinged domed lid. It was introduced to the southern Portugal region during the Moorish occupation in the 8th century AD. The cataplana is meant to be a … [Read more...]
