The joys of Spain and Portugal

When I think of a Spanish dish, I’m salivating over a Paella. A rice dish filled with seafood cooked over a frypan in a succulent vegetable stock. Well, I guess there are many variations but it certainly was on my bucket list. Although, my Paella experience wasn’t what I expected. Travelling from Spain starting in Barcelona and then to Madrid, then venturing to Salamanca, then to Ciombra, Lisbon and the Algaves in Portugal and finishing via Saville to Tarifa in Spain.

Again, the meals don’t mean much without a story. So, I have captured the establishments, the plates and, of course, the reviews. This is the second post of four. I will provide a rating, one (1) being the worst and ten (10) being the best of the trip. It’s in Chronological order.

Barcelona Spain

Barcelona’s La Rambla strip provides plenty of cafes. Finally sitting at the Oriente Restaurant

The simple tapas dish. Tabla de tapas (Table of Tapas) 7/10

Touring the streets of Barcelona viewing the previous Olympic sector

Stopping off at the seaside Marina of Port Vell, we settled at the Molo 39 Cafe.
5/10

At the city hall theater, we experience Flamenco dancing.

Across the street was the Tapa Tapa Bar de Tapes. Yet again when in Spain…
7/10

Madrid Spain

Tripping across the barren lands of Spain ( Sierra of Alcubierre region) to arrive in Madrid.

Not far from the Puerta Del Sol Square in Madrid was the lovely Churrería Masa y Dora Cafe, we were enjoying a crusty flowery shape churros. 6/10

Still staying with the spanish influence, we dined out at the Nacho Bravo.

Intrepid Tour Salamanca Spain

This is our intrepid tour group relaxing in the Salamanca square

The cafe proved to be yummy, I went back for seconds. 9/10

The group stopped for lunch in this funky downtown restaurant.

Generally known as a mixed salad across Spain (As we found out). All salads seemed to come with Tuna. 3/10

The narrow Salamanca streets with many tourist, it was time to try the national dish.

The Paella dish turned out to be the worst of the trip. 1/10

Coimbra Portugal

Arriving in Coimbra and walking along the Medina walls prove to be quite cultural experience.

Squeezed into the Brasserie (Boutique Tapas e Petiscos) the group got quite cozy.

Lisbon Portugal

Our Lisbon tour started on the Castle of St George.

The tour group assembles again at the Restaurant Portas in the Lisbon grid.

Walking the Lisbon streets, Presentation to perfection

Enjoying a Sagres beer on the Lisbon river. 9/10

Of course, you must try this iconic drink.

Algaves

Arriving in Olhao, we made a trip across the sound to enjoy the Atlantic Ocean.

Trekking across the Culatra island to the Atlantic, there was a beach chair and an umbrella waiting for us.

Enjoyed the ice cream on the beach.
8/10

Tarifa

Dining with the group again, we enjoyed our meal at Mic Moc, Chicken Mozarabic style with rice 6/10

Not much for fishing in the Mediterranean

After tripping from Saville to the southern most point of the Iberian peninsula (Tarifa), we ferried across to Morocco, Tagine territory. The next part of the food adventure.

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