(photograph © Kiwidutch)
We have arrived in the recreation area on the edge of the small town of Vila Nova de Cerveira , Portugal.
There is the water park directly next door, and also a small cafe/restaurant here that Himself went into a few days ago to get cold drinks.
He and the kids were here mini-golfing at the time (expending some energy while I preferred to catch a nap back at our holiday house villa and to start investigating how my new camera worked).
Whilst he was inside the cafe he spied a blackboard menu for the restaurant.
It was a very short menu and very Portuguese.
We haven’t actually eaten out much so far since we have been cooking for ourselves at the villa or eating with Bing and Gea at Convivio.
Today after a day of leisure and laziness , some grocery shopping and an unsuccessful hunt for some flip flops that fit, Himself and I come to the conclusion that we really can’t be bothered to cook.
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
Himself remembers the little blackboard and suggests we come into Vila Nova de Cerveira to check it out, so here we are to investigate this further.
The full menu is on the blackboard and Himself does for a local specialty… a meaty stew.
The kids and I want something simple so opt to share some fried fish, salad, fries and rice. Something to please everyone!
Kiwidutch Daughter is feeling very hungry and in a small miraculous fit of adventure, asks if she can try the local soup.
She has only very recently discovered that she actually likes soup (Yes, I’ve been telling her for years it’s great but until now she’s been turning her nose up) so this is a big step forward and I’m even more proud of her being brave enough to go for a soup where none of us are even really sure of the ingredients.
It turns out to have a potato base that has a very similar taste to Vichyssoise, the main difference being that this soup was served warm.
There’s a green vegetable in it that is apparently a local specialty. Kiwi Daughter likes it and finishes most of it.. Well done indeed!!!
The Menu board says it’s called ” Nabiças” which Himself looked up later in his Portuguese Dictionary and found out was Turnip Leaf soup! Guess what? Turnip Leaf soup is good!
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
Himself’s Cozida Portuguesa… a type of stew with bacon, meat, beans, carrots, cabbage, potatoes… and it met with Himself’s approval. I’m going to see if I can find a recipe for it in one of my Portuguese cookbooks.
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
Both kids make a good effort at dinner and are rewarded with ice-cream for dessert… (very sadly no Dulce de leche on offer in the selection here)
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
Amazingly the whole meal was also very inexpensive.
So the summary is: good food to end a great day,… perfect holiday stuff. Obrigado (Thank You) Portugal!
