Divine delicacies of Madeira
Discovery of a new culinary delicacy is an unparalleled feeling of joy for a self-prescribed foodie like myself. Grilled Lapas. An oasis of flavours carrying the sweetness and saltiness of the sea. With its clam-like and abalone texture, these little marine creatures were indeed a treat for one who loves eating shellfish.
Patella vulgata (lapas) are dome shaped molluscs and can be found on rocky shores in clear water by Seixal, a small fishing village on the northern coast of Madeira as well as in the archipelago of the Azores.
Lapas are best served grilled in garlic oil and lemon with Bolo do caco on the side. Bolo do Caco is a local bread from the Madeira islands, made with sweet potato and traditionally cooked on a tile or stone slab above a wood fire.
Ovas de Espada, Scabbard fish roe is another tasty Madeiran delicacy. Scabbardfish is a dark metallic fish, elongated and eel-like found in deep waters. To some the Scabbardfish may not seem a very attractive fish, though what it lacks in aesthetics is certainly made up for in its taste, particularly its fish roe. The fish roe is deep fried and lightly tossed in olive oil with garlic, onions and parsley - a savoury dish indeed.
Ovas de Espada, O Tasco in Funchal
For a taste of traditional Madeiran dishes, pop into O Tasco in Funchal, a small and quaint tapas bar in Funchal Old Town, serving mouth-watering Madeiran tapas, great Portugese house wines, craft beers and its special Poncha recipe.
Driving along the coastal towns and valleys of Madeira you will find wonderfully scenic routes with traditional wineries and homes dotted along the hillsides. Câmara de Lobos has some of the best Madeiran vineyards in the region with beautiful views stretching from mountains, valleys and its seaside coast. It has been said that these stunning views were the inspiration behind some of Sir Winston Churchill's paintings.
If you find yourself near Câmara de Lobos, I would recommend stopping for lunch at Vila do Peixe, a lovely seafood restaurant perched on the hillsides overlooking the bay of Câmara de Lobos.
From sea to table. Choose your fresh catch of the day from the extensive seafood display at Vila do Peixe and take a seat at your table overlooking the water. Sip on a chilled glass of Verdelho wine as you await your seafood being freshly prepared.
Madeira - from surreal mountaintop views, rolling vineyards to coastal fishing villages and traditional Madeiran delicacies, there is so much to take in with your senses. A tranquil and idyllic archipelago island to return to time and time again.
LOCATIONS
O Tasco
Rua Bela S Tiago 137
Funchal, Madeira 9060-400, Portugal
+351 291 623 374
www.facebook.com/otascomadeira
Hours: 9am - 11pm (closed Mondays)
Vila do Peixe
Rua Dr. João Abel de Freitas,
Câmara de Lobos, Portugal
+351 291 09 99 09
www.viladopeixe.com
Hours: 12pm - 11pm (Daily)
MOST RECENTLY VISITED
28 February 2018