International Affair

Can you say 5 stars?

If you're ever in Luanda, Angola make sure you stop by Tamariz Restaurant and Beach Club.  This upscale restaurant rests on the Rua da Murtala which is located in a section of Luanda known as "a isla" (island).  The restaurant was large, modern, and on the beach.  With European and African influences, the decoration, food, and ambiance were spectacular.  Have children that you want to keep busy while you wine and dine?  No problem, they have a kiddie room full of toys and activities that is sure to keep them busy.

So if you're ever in the area be sure to eat the calamari, mixed meats dish, lombo de porco (pork loin) and mashed potatoes, shrimp, and any fish dish because they are all fantastic.

BANG FOR YOUR BUCK $$$$

I went with about 5 or 6 other people, we ordered 2 appetizers and 4 dishes (2 meat and 2 fish).  Ask for all the dishes to be placed in the middle of the table and everyone sample a portion of each dish!  This is a very cost effective way to try a wide array of dishes without splurging.  Trust me after all that sampling, you will definitely have a full belly :)

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The BEST croissants

You don't have to travel to France to enjoy a good croissant.  If you happen to be in Portugal, be sure to stop by Santo Andre located in the region of Portugal known as "Alentejo".  Perco Tempo is a small cafe that from the outside does not seem to harbor any special fixins but once you order your first croissant there, you'll want to keep returning.

Advantage: Every croissant is made fresh to order and is larger than life!

Disadvantagee: It's in Portugal, if you happen to be anywhere else you wont be able to enjoy this pastry (bummer).

Author's pick*

Try the chocolate filled croissant and the sweet egg and almond filled croissant.  It may sound strange but I invite you to take this taste challenge that I am sure you will love!

Food for thought****  Make sure you come there very hungry because you will want to order two croissants and they are huge.  Who thinks they can finish two?

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Alentejo

This summer I traveled to Portugal and I rested my head in a small town in the "Alentejo" called Sines.  One day I happened to be walking around and decided to sit down at this restaurant to grab a bite to eat.  Restaurant a nau  is a small restaurant/cafe with outside seating and very reasonable pricing.

Advantage:  They have daily deals on dishes.

Disadvantage: The dishes (on this daily deal list) are limited.

Author's Pick*

Bacalhao com natas (cod fish with cream)

This dish is amazing!  In this restaurant, this dish contains little pieces of shredded cod fish, potatoes, shredded carrots as well as natas.  After it is baked in the oven the top becomes nice and toasted and it gives another element of flavor to this dish.

BANG FOR YOUR BUCK$$$$

Each daily deal includes bread and olives, a choice from one of the preselected dishes, a drink, and coffee.  All this comes to your table for....only 7.50 euros!  If this isn't a deal I don't know what is.

Food for thought****  The portions are made for two so if you come with a friend and want to save even more, you can share ;)

A Portuguese Favorite

Anyone who is Portuguese or who has a Portuguese friend knows that Pasteis de Nata are a traditional dessert.  However, Pasteis de Belem top Pasteis de Nata any day.  The only place where you can get these top notch desserts is of course....in Belem, Portugal. 

I am going to attempt to describe this dessert but the only way to truly capture the essence of it is to go and try it yourself.

*****Caution, your mouth may salivate while reading****

Pastel de Nata is a dessert is an egg tart pastry that is very common in countries influenced by Portugal.

It is believed that pastéis de natas was created before the 18th century by Catholic nuns at the of Belém, in Lisbon.  The Casa Pastéis de Belém in Lisbon was the first place outside the convent selling the original creamy dessert, after the monastery was closed in 1820s, and there they are called pastéis de Belém, after the name of the area and its famous bakery. Since 1837, locals have gone there to get them warm out of the oven and sprinkled with the cinnamon and powdered sugar. These are very popular, with tourists literally waiting hours for them.

 Information taken from Wikipedia

To me, Pasteis de Belem are that much richer, creamier, warmer, and tastier than any random Pastel de Nata found around the world.  The only place that you can get Pasteis de Belem is in Belem and the whole plane ride to Portugal all I could think about was this pastry. 

Battle of the lunch trucks

I never thought I would be writing about lunch trucks.  I'm on the search for lunch trucks that offer unique and tasty edible treats and I am sure I have found my first one. 

TACOS IDIOLO
 Often when I get out of class I am distracted by this lunch truck, it is colorful and there is always a long line standing in front of it.  One day I finally decided to give this lunch truck a try.  This truck serves Mexican food and when you first approach it, you instantly hear the music that prepares you for this tasty journey. 
As I looked at the menu I realized that the food offered did not look out of the ordinary but it did have some mild differences compared to the usual Mexican fast-food. 
I tried the Taco (soft corn tortilla topped with onions, cilantro, radish, and your choice of meat) with a side lime wedges.  This BANG FOR YOUR BUCK was only $3.00 and although it may appear small it is very fulfilling.  When I tasted this taco it was very delicious and the ingredients all seemed very fresh. 

My next experimentation was the Tamales (with chicken on red or green sauce) and the key to both dishes is the spicy, green salsa sauce.  Each Tamale was only $1.50!  The flavors in both of these dishes were bright and like an explosion of fireworks. 

The meat selection was not your average pork, beef, or chicken menu.  It ranged from chorizo (sausage), beef tongue, fried pork, beef tripe, ear, goat, and spicy chicken and pork!  You can wash it all down with their Agua Frescas (horchata, tamarindo, or arroz con leche).  So if you're in the mood for some tasty, cheap, and fresh Mexican food be sure to locate this food truck in NYC!

Food for Thought**  The best part about this food is that the portions are very manageable and everything seems so fresh.  You can almost trick yourself into believing you are eating healthy food, so eat away!