Who: Jocelina Paixao Fortes
What: Christmas, culinary, shopping press trip to Lisbon
Where: Lisbon
When: November 2011
During my studies I had the pleasure of studying in
Lisbon. After two years I was glad to re-visit the Portuguese city I love so much during a Christmas – Culinary press trip. For this occasion
Turismo Lisboa invited journalists from all countries who represent the region in their country so we had a great mix of Spanish, French, Belgian and Dutch journalists. With our excellent guide Carmo Botelho as our leader I knew from the beginning we would enjoy our stay during the press trip!
‘Bom apetite’
The Portuguese cuisine is very rich and during this trip I was amazed at how diverse it really is. Everybody knows fish, especially cod, is a main ingredient in many Portuguese (Christmas) dishes but did you know that duck and octopus are also culinary delicacies Portuguese people enjoy? ‘Arroz de pato’ (rice with duck) and ‘Polvo’ (octopus) prepared in several, delicious ways are specialties that are a ‘must-taste’ during a trip to Lisbon. People with a sweet tooth will take delight in the Bolo Rei and Broas that are a true Christmas tradition. At the most antique bakery in Lisbon ‘Confeitaria Nacional’ you can taste the best Bolo Rei in town. Founded in 1829 the son of the founder introduced this French recipe in Portugal. From then on the cake Bolo Rei became a yearly culinary tradition that is eaten from Christmas until Three Kings day (January 6). Broas are delicious cookies made with almonds, sweet potato or sweet herb.
Christmas shopping in Lisbon
Recently named one of the best 10 cities to shop in Lisbon, the Portuguese capital is a true shopping paradise for all fashionistas. In the Portuguese capital you will find four shopping malls (Colombo, Vasco da Gama, el Corte Ingles and Dolce Vita) and in Baixa and Chiado, one of coziest neighborhoods in Lisbon, you will find tons of shops such as Bershka, Stradivarius, Mango and Blanco. If you live in North Europe you will really enjoy shopping at these Spanish shops as they are at least 20% cheaper in prize! If you’re still looking for the perfect Christmas gift in Chiado you will find several authentic and international shops. Near the Terreiro do Paço plaza you can buy handmade jewelry, leather and decorative objects made of recycled materials. For a true Lisbon souvenir I would recommend the Lisbon shop at the new meeting point Patio da Galé on Terreiro do Paço plaza.
Jocelina’s tip:
At
restaurant Faz Figura try the ‘Polvo em crosta de milho’ (octopus with corn flour crust). Although many of the journalist were wary about tasting this Portuguese delicacy everybody loved it! It didn’t have that gooey feel that everybody threated. It actually tasted like ‘meat’ and some even said it tasted like turkey. Aproveita!
For more information on Lisbon visit
http://www.visitlisboa.com/
Aviareps Tourism NL
