The Lisbon Dining Club.
Jul 17th, 2006, 07:09 AM
#21
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Sarasara
If you can, would you please email me with the details of your car rental?
Someone has just posted a horrible report about economycarrentals and since it is the first time they have posted, I really don't know how valid it is.
Thanks
[email protected]
If you can, would you please email me with the details of your car rental?
Someone has just posted a horrible report about economycarrentals and since it is the first time they have posted, I really don't know how valid it is.
Thanks
[email protected]
Jul 17th, 2006, 10:25 AM
#22
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Matt..your LDC reports and pics. are wonderful. Surely makes us want to get over there. Ruth and my planning is going well now that I am not tied to the TV so much! The LDC with Sara and family report was especially exciting to read..made my mouth water just to read what was on the menu. Have also posted some questions on the Lisbon part III site. Looking forward to meeting you and Lobo and family. Bob
Jul 27th, 2006, 06:12 PM
#23
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BELEM, RAIN AND THE L.D.C.
The sky was full of a storm’s premonition – sun cutting through the grey to shine upon the old River Tagus:
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f3...ngland/2-1.jpg
(On the right can just be made out Torre de Belem)
And upon leaving the ferry behind did I feel the first light drops of rain,
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f3...ngland/3-1.jpg
but I didn’t care for the early evening light was incredible and thunderclaps accompanied me through Belem’s gardens.
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f3...ngland/4-1.jpg
Meeting point for tonight’s meal was the green cow lurking just outside McDonald’s but I happened across the group sheltering from the rain underneath the awning of a newspaper stand. (I’m sure the guy was trying to close up and was waiting impatiently for us to depart.)
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f3...ngland/5-1.jpg
(Left to right: João, (Lobo), Jorge, (George), Isabel, Gertrude, Mindy, Jaclyn, Adam and Nikki.) – Perhaps dressed not expecting the weather to change.
So it was a short walk uphill to Pateo da Memorias, sheltering momentarily from the rain and catching enticing glimpses of Ponte 25 de Abril down through the side streets. You walk up past the Botanical gardens and it is a place that I keep meaning to visit but never do – perhaps now the school holidays are upon us.
Entering the restaurant we were greeted by Jaime, the owner and manager and once more had he laid out an expansive spread for us:
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f3...ngland/6-1.jpg
The starters were the same as last time with pigs ear salad, octopus salad, olives and bread etc with the nice little chouriço sausages braized over aguardente. In fact everybody seemed not to be put off when told what the plates were, although I did feel sorry for Jaclyn who I feel was not as adventurous as her brother…
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f3...ngland/7-1.jpg
(Isabel and Mindy)
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f3...ngland/8-1.jpg
(George and Jaclyn – a great shot this one, I managed to capture a rare smile
)
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f3...ngland/9-1.jpg
(João and Nikki)
For some reason Adam didn’t appear – were you in the bathroom? and the self portrait I took of myself with Gertrude was so horrendous, (me, not Gertrude) that I daren’t upload it for fear of putting future meal go-ers off.
When booking the private fado nights at Pateo Jaime will arrange a menu with set main courses which everybody can share, and tonight it was the turn of Açorda das Gambas:
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f3...gland/10-1.jpg
And Arroz do Pato, duck with rice glazed with egg yolks and topped with slices of carrot and chouriço sausage:
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f3...gland/12-1.jpg
Drinks included red wine sangria and water – and as much sangria as one drinks there never comes the sensation of getting drunk – perhaps more wine next time?
I’m not sure what João and Nikki were talking of here:
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f3...gland/11-1.jpg
Perhaps we can have a sort of funny caption competition? I’ll start off –
João: “If you don’t like it you can alway be sick into this bowl.”
Nikki: “Okay. BLEUGHHHH.”
Now Isabel who was sat opposite me has obviously been studying Lizzie’s reactions to my camera’s presence…
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f3...gland/13-1.jpg
However we ended up taking many photos each and I was warned not to publish any that turned out real bad as she’d only go ahead and upload images of me and you know how much I hate having my photo taken.
As the main meals were cleared away so the fado singing began and Nikki chose to sit down next to me: in the quiet moments we had some most excellent conversation regarding classical music, the moon landings and Yankee baseball, this was done out of earshot of João as I think it bores him a little. (Just wait till I take him to a game – then he’ll understand…)
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f3...gland/14-1.jpg
Deserts were made up of various choices from the cold cabinet – Bola do Bolacha, (biscuit cake) cheesecake, ice cream, chocolate cake and so on: I’m not really a pudding person so had the biscuit cake with a coffee.
The fado lasted much longer than on the last occasion and as it was only us left in the restaurant by the end, (not because of the singing I hasten to add) it really was a personal performance and the encore as Nikki has said elsewhere was “Cheira bem, Cheira Lisboa!” (Smells good, smells of Lisbon) in which everybody was singing:
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f3...England/17.jpg
I got the impression talking with everyone that they really enjoyed the fado – in fact it is a pleasure to see it in this way where the atmosphere is less serious than a proper fado house, where one can join in and have a go should you be thus inclined. Actually João who mineswept all the untouched Ports was there at the end singing along… And following coffee I managed to talk some with Adam and Jaclyn and George who was keen to practise his Portuguese. (Though perhaps I was the wrong person with whom to try.)
Now owing to the fact that we were less in the group this time the bill came to 30 euros per person and although the fado performance offered good value for money I feel there is some justified criticism to be levelled at the food. The starters were fine but the Açorda was very poor with a chewy texture owing to the type of bread used. It was not as good as the last time, or indeed other restaurants in which we have eaten and I actually felt awkward that this was an introduction to Portuguese food as I myself was not impressed. But the duck rice was good and so to were the deserts. But I think that should we return then this set menu idea needs to be addressed: not everyone eats meat (as in the case of Lizzy) and thus would feel very let down with only the poor açorda to eat. Likewise others may not be that adventurous and as people have commented the idea of raw eggs going into a dish, (if you are not used to eating this way) can be somewhat off putting. I don’t think Jaclyn ate much if anything at all.
But, complaint aside it was an excellent evening and you can overlook shortcomings with the quality of the fado performance. Conversation was very interesting with so many backgrounds present round the table, and I’m always keen to hear a little after dinner politics should the subject be raised.
The internet is a great resource and once again Fodor’s has brought more people together – it so turned out none of us were crazed axe murderers which came as a relief and the enthusiasm for travel and experience shone. So thankyou everyone for coming, sorry that the food was not to the usual high standard but I sincerely hope you enjoyed the fado, execpt for the fact of Joãos drunken singing in the background ;-)
Take care and happy trails,
Matt
The sky was full of a storm’s premonition – sun cutting through the grey to shine upon the old River Tagus:
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f3...ngland/2-1.jpg
(On the right can just be made out Torre de Belem)
And upon leaving the ferry behind did I feel the first light drops of rain,
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f3...ngland/3-1.jpg
but I didn’t care for the early evening light was incredible and thunderclaps accompanied me through Belem’s gardens.
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f3...ngland/4-1.jpg
Meeting point for tonight’s meal was the green cow lurking just outside McDonald’s but I happened across the group sheltering from the rain underneath the awning of a newspaper stand. (I’m sure the guy was trying to close up and was waiting impatiently for us to depart.)
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f3...ngland/5-1.jpg
(Left to right: João, (Lobo), Jorge, (George), Isabel, Gertrude, Mindy, Jaclyn, Adam and Nikki.) – Perhaps dressed not expecting the weather to change.
So it was a short walk uphill to Pateo da Memorias, sheltering momentarily from the rain and catching enticing glimpses of Ponte 25 de Abril down through the side streets. You walk up past the Botanical gardens and it is a place that I keep meaning to visit but never do – perhaps now the school holidays are upon us.
Entering the restaurant we were greeted by Jaime, the owner and manager and once more had he laid out an expansive spread for us:
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f3...ngland/6-1.jpg
The starters were the same as last time with pigs ear salad, octopus salad, olives and bread etc with the nice little chouriço sausages braized over aguardente. In fact everybody seemed not to be put off when told what the plates were, although I did feel sorry for Jaclyn who I feel was not as adventurous as her brother…
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f3...ngland/7-1.jpg
(Isabel and Mindy)
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f3...ngland/8-1.jpg
(George and Jaclyn – a great shot this one, I managed to capture a rare smile
)http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f3...ngland/9-1.jpg
(João and Nikki)
For some reason Adam didn’t appear – were you in the bathroom? and the self portrait I took of myself with Gertrude was so horrendous, (me, not Gertrude) that I daren’t upload it for fear of putting future meal go-ers off.
When booking the private fado nights at Pateo Jaime will arrange a menu with set main courses which everybody can share, and tonight it was the turn of Açorda das Gambas:
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f3...gland/10-1.jpg
And Arroz do Pato, duck with rice glazed with egg yolks and topped with slices of carrot and chouriço sausage:
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f3...gland/12-1.jpg
Drinks included red wine sangria and water – and as much sangria as one drinks there never comes the sensation of getting drunk – perhaps more wine next time?
I’m not sure what João and Nikki were talking of here:
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f3...gland/11-1.jpg
Perhaps we can have a sort of funny caption competition? I’ll start off –
João: “If you don’t like it you can alway be sick into this bowl.”
Nikki: “Okay. BLEUGHHHH.”
Now Isabel who was sat opposite me has obviously been studying Lizzie’s reactions to my camera’s presence…
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f3...gland/13-1.jpg
However we ended up taking many photos each and I was warned not to publish any that turned out real bad as she’d only go ahead and upload images of me and you know how much I hate having my photo taken.
As the main meals were cleared away so the fado singing began and Nikki chose to sit down next to me: in the quiet moments we had some most excellent conversation regarding classical music, the moon landings and Yankee baseball, this was done out of earshot of João as I think it bores him a little. (Just wait till I take him to a game – then he’ll understand…)
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f3...gland/14-1.jpg
Deserts were made up of various choices from the cold cabinet – Bola do Bolacha, (biscuit cake) cheesecake, ice cream, chocolate cake and so on: I’m not really a pudding person so had the biscuit cake with a coffee.
The fado lasted much longer than on the last occasion and as it was only us left in the restaurant by the end, (not because of the singing I hasten to add) it really was a personal performance and the encore as Nikki has said elsewhere was “Cheira bem, Cheira Lisboa!” (Smells good, smells of Lisbon) in which everybody was singing:
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f3...England/17.jpg
I got the impression talking with everyone that they really enjoyed the fado – in fact it is a pleasure to see it in this way where the atmosphere is less serious than a proper fado house, where one can join in and have a go should you be thus inclined. Actually João who mineswept all the untouched Ports was there at the end singing along… And following coffee I managed to talk some with Adam and Jaclyn and George who was keen to practise his Portuguese. (Though perhaps I was the wrong person with whom to try.)
Now owing to the fact that we were less in the group this time the bill came to 30 euros per person and although the fado performance offered good value for money I feel there is some justified criticism to be levelled at the food. The starters were fine but the Açorda was very poor with a chewy texture owing to the type of bread used. It was not as good as the last time, or indeed other restaurants in which we have eaten and I actually felt awkward that this was an introduction to Portuguese food as I myself was not impressed. But the duck rice was good and so to were the deserts. But I think that should we return then this set menu idea needs to be addressed: not everyone eats meat (as in the case of Lizzy) and thus would feel very let down with only the poor açorda to eat. Likewise others may not be that adventurous and as people have commented the idea of raw eggs going into a dish, (if you are not used to eating this way) can be somewhat off putting. I don’t think Jaclyn ate much if anything at all.
But, complaint aside it was an excellent evening and you can overlook shortcomings with the quality of the fado performance. Conversation was very interesting with so many backgrounds present round the table, and I’m always keen to hear a little after dinner politics should the subject be raised.
The internet is a great resource and once again Fodor’s has brought more people together – it so turned out none of us were crazed axe murderers which came as a relief and the enthusiasm for travel and experience shone. So thankyou everyone for coming, sorry that the food was not to the usual high standard but I sincerely hope you enjoyed the fado, execpt for the fact of Joãos drunken singing in the background ;-)
Take care and happy trails,
Matt
Jul 28th, 2006, 04:06 AM
#26
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Matt, it was all included!!! There was no point in leaving untouched Ports behind
And it's always a pleasure to listen from you. I was not bored by your talk at all. I even love you imitation of an hyena, which you fail to do this time.
And it's always a pleasure to listen from you. I was not bored by your talk at all. I even love you imitation of an hyena, which you fail to do this time.
Jul 30th, 2006, 11:19 AM
#27
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Hey, I didn't get the hyena imitation?
I feel so left out (lol)!
And if you ever make it to a Yankee's game, I too would love to maybe make that trip to NY. Maybe since I couldn't talk my father into Lisbon, I could at least talk him into NY;as long as it included going home to Rhode Island.Plus, he is a die-hard Yankee's fan!
I feel so left out (lol)!
And if you ever make it to a Yankee's game, I too would love to maybe make that trip to NY. Maybe since I couldn't talk my father into Lisbon, I could at least talk him into NY;as long as it included going home to Rhode Island.Plus, he is a die-hard Yankee's fan!
Jul 30th, 2006, 12:33 PM
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Many thanks for the delightful reports, wish these threads had been on this spring while I was in Lisbon.
How much fun it would be if fordorites in othere cities had the same idea and researches!
How much fun it would be if fordorites in othere cities had the same idea and researches!
Jul 30th, 2006, 01:17 PM
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I echo JudyC's sentiment - "How much fun it would be if fordorites in othere cities had the same idea and researches!". Is there some fodorite out there in cyber space who would set up something similar for Madrid? To be totally selfish, Madrid is one of our next vacation destinations.
Aug 9th, 2006, 12:45 PM
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Matt...Ruth and I certainly enjoyed this LDC report and the great pictures..was sorry to hear the Acorda dos Gambas was not up to your expectations as I have told Ruth how wonderful it is...perhaps at our LDC event. Planning for trip is going well and we become more anxious each day to get on the way....see you soon, Bob
Aug 15th, 2006, 04:51 AM
#31
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Hi Matt and Lobo, I'm from the UK and would
like to find out more about the Dining Club - it sounds fascinating . I'm curious as to when the next meet is planned.. do either of you have an email address/telephone number, so I can contact you directly?.
bests.
like to find out more about the Dining Club - it sounds fascinating . I'm curious as to when the next meet is planned.. do either of you have an email address/telephone number, so I can contact you directly?.
bests.
Aug 16th, 2006, 10:27 AM
#32
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Hi Jay
The LDC is a non profit and non-governmental organization
How does it work?
The main purpose is to talk and share good food and wine. When there are Fodorite fellows in town willing to meet us (I've never understood why, but there are some), we arrange a meeting point, and after that we follow to a restaurant previously booked.
LDC already included diners in Trindade, Casa dos Passarinhos, Adega das Gravatas, Páteo da Memória (with Fado performace) and a place in Alfama that I don't remember the name. There are side activities like Dulce Pontes show in the Castle, Santo Antonio in Alfama, coffee in a Brazileira, drinks in Catacumbas bar and tea in Pavilhao Chinês.
The food is varied, but the most popular choices are Açorda de Gambas and Secrets of black pig, camel spit, saw dust, etc. The drinks include usually red wine and sangria.
When everybody is satisfied, we ask the bill and divide it according to the head count. The bill has been kept around 20 euros, except in Pateo where it was 27.5 euros. By the end we share emails, telephone numbers, hugs and kisses.
LDC scheduled events:
- 25 August - LDC with Bob (BYoung4u2) + Ruth + Frog (?) + boy friend (?)
- 21 September - LDC with David (dwsnyder) + Susan + Kenderina + Emilio - Páteo da Memória (?)
- from 8 to 12 October - cheese and wine in Leslie's (Imernal) appartment
- x>20 September - LDC with Sher
As you might understand, I don't post my telephone number here, but I'll be glad to send it by mail. My email is [email protected] , Matt's email is easily found in "Thinks do to in and around Lisbon" thread.
The LDC is a non profit and non-governmental organization
How does it work?
The main purpose is to talk and share good food and wine. When there are Fodorite fellows in town willing to meet us (I've never understood why, but there are some), we arrange a meeting point, and after that we follow to a restaurant previously booked.
LDC already included diners in Trindade, Casa dos Passarinhos, Adega das Gravatas, Páteo da Memória (with Fado performace) and a place in Alfama that I don't remember the name. There are side activities like Dulce Pontes show in the Castle, Santo Antonio in Alfama, coffee in a Brazileira, drinks in Catacumbas bar and tea in Pavilhao Chinês.
The food is varied, but the most popular choices are Açorda de Gambas and Secrets of black pig, camel spit, saw dust, etc. The drinks include usually red wine and sangria.
When everybody is satisfied, we ask the bill and divide it according to the head count. The bill has been kept around 20 euros, except in Pateo where it was 27.5 euros. By the end we share emails, telephone numbers, hugs and kisses.
LDC scheduled events:
- 25 August - LDC with Bob (BYoung4u2) + Ruth + Frog (?) + boy friend (?)
- 21 September - LDC with David (dwsnyder) + Susan + Kenderina + Emilio - Páteo da Memória (?)
- from 8 to 12 October - cheese and wine in Leslie's (Imernal) appartment
- x>20 September - LDC with Sher
As you might understand, I don't post my telephone number here, but I'll be glad to send it by mail. My email is [email protected] , Matt's email is easily found in "Thinks do to in and around Lisbon" thread.
Aug 16th, 2006, 03:34 PM
#34
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Matt and Lobo
I am dying to join the LDC! As you may remember, I live in Salvador da Bahia, Brazil, and Lisbon is my gate in and out of Europe. I will be there on the evening of September 30 and, again, on November 10. Anything planned for those dates? I would love to join you!
I am dying to join the LDC! As you may remember, I live in Salvador da Bahia, Brazil, and Lisbon is my gate in and out of Europe. I will be there on the evening of September 30 and, again, on November 10. Anything planned for those dates? I would love to join you!
Aug 16th, 2006, 08:22 PM
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Lobo/Matt...unfortunately we have had to make a major change in plans...while still stopping off in Spain on business we will be going on to Croatia. I want to thank both of you and other LDC members for all your help in designing our trip through Portugal...hopefully we will be able to make it there in the not too distant future. Best of luck to all of you. Bob and Ruth
Aug 17th, 2006, 12:07 PM
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Lobo mau,
Any suggestions? In September, a friend of mine will be with me (another fiftiesh woman like me), also Brazilian.
We were thinking about going to Cantinho do Bem Estar - we love to eat there! But we welcome other suggestions, specially with good company!
We will be flying from Rome on Satuday, sept 30, and will stay overnight at the Hotel Olissippo Oriente, by Parque das Nações and the Airport (we are living early on Sunday, back to Salvador da Bahia).
Any suggestions? In September, a friend of mine will be with me (another fiftiesh woman like me), also Brazilian.
We were thinking about going to Cantinho do Bem Estar - we love to eat there! But we welcome other suggestions, specially with good company!
We will be flying from Rome on Satuday, sept 30, and will stay overnight at the Hotel Olissippo Oriente, by Parque das Nações and the Airport (we are living early on Sunday, back to Salvador da Bahia).
Aug 22nd, 2006, 04:44 AM
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LDC scheduled events:
- 21 September - LDC with David (dwsnyder) + Susan + Kenderina + Emilio
- 29 September - LDC with Brazilnut + friend (the 1st LDC to be held in Portuguese language) in "O Cantinho do Bem Estar"
- 9 or/and 10 October - cheese and wine party with Leslie + ?? + Judi + ?? in Leslie's (Imernal) appartment
- x>20 September - LDC with Sher
Jay1, contact me [email protected] (I'll reply back my telephone number). Matt posted his mail address several times.
- 21 September - LDC with David (dwsnyder) + Susan + Kenderina + Emilio
- 29 September - LDC with Brazilnut + friend (the 1st LDC to be held in Portuguese language) in "O Cantinho do Bem Estar"
- 9 or/and 10 October - cheese and wine party with Leslie + ?? + Judi + ?? in Leslie's (Imernal) appartment
- x>20 September - LDC with Sher
Jay1, contact me [email protected] (I'll reply back my telephone number). Matt posted his mail address several times.
