Our first night in Lisbon we celebrated by attending a Marisqueira. This is how the Portugese celebrate the big things in life such as weddings - a feast of seafood that just keeps on coming washed down with black beer. We crossed the river by ferry and all trooped into Cervejaris Farol on the waterfront. There were no other tourists in the place cause this is where the locals eat. We were greeted at the door with big glasses of Sagres black beer. I admit to being dubious, but I was soon converted. Then the food started coming and didn't stop. King prawns in the shell - i had to teach a number of my new friends how to peel the prawns because they had only ever had them already prepared for them. Then garlic prawns. Marinated pippies. Sardine pate. Grilled sardines. And crab in the shell that we smashed open with hammers. All served with home made piri-piri sauce and marinated roast vegetables plus whole small potatoes roasted and basted in butter. After the beer came a slightly sparkling Vino Verde, a Vino Blanco, and a nice Rioja. Finished off with a cherry liquer and a final glass of port.
It was a great night. Lots of laughing and fun. And very good company.