So it’s my first time in Portugal and my purpose? To catch up with friends who recently relocated from Dubai who are on a quest to experience the simpler things in life. First up I head to centro Portugal and the small town of Alvaiazere about an hour and a half north of Lisbon. My friends are chefs and passionate about good food and fresh ingredients and they have bought land with old oaks, olive groves, lemon and orange trees with a view to living a sustainable life growing their own fruit and veg and connecting with the local food producers and markets.
Here is a taste of my experience…
Local olives
Fresh lambs lettuce with baby spinach & watercress with local walnuts and ricotta
Butternut squash soup
Sheep’s milk brinza with celeriac soaked in chicken soup and a dollop of honey to finish.
‘Driving Miss Daisy’ my dear friend Gail drives me to the Wednesday market!
This traditional Portuguese town in centro Portugal grew on me for the simplicity, generosity of the people and honesty of the produce plucked from the land. Very few tourists but a pass through from the coast to the alps possibly and close to the historic town of Tomar.
I’m mad about oranges!
