Sao Miguel Island, Portugal Dining
If
extreme physical exertion does not appeal to you, but
you're craving excitement all the same, consider a bona
fide eating adventure. On the island of Sao Miguel, in
the Azores, gastronomy is serious business. Of all the
volcanic islands in this mid-Atlantic chain, Sao Miguel
is the most populous. Therefore, it's also the one with
the most gourmet restaurants. If you want traditional
Portuguese fare, forget Lisbon and head here.
Succulent dishes such as "caldo azedo" (a kind of sour
soup) and "torresmos em molho de figado" (rashers of
bacon with liver sauce) are commonplace around Ponta
Delgada, the island's largest town. Another must-try
is "cozido," a meat-and-veggie stew made by wrapping
a pot and burying it in soil. The island's natural volcanic
heat cooks the meat and vegetables.
The Azores offer other culinary specialties, too. Seafood,
naturally, is plentiful -- locals rave about the lobster
and crab. The island even boasts a burgeoning pineapple
business, much of which is operated out of tiny huts,
called "hot-houses." The huts are situated in the areas
of Faja de Cima, Lagoa and Vila Franca do Campo, and
some even offer tours.
Perhaps most surprisingly, Sao Miguel is a bastion for
tea. The tea industry began here in the late 19th century,
when two Chinese explorers came to Sao Miguel to teach
islanders how to prepare it. Stop by the main plantations
at the Gorreana
Tea Factory, next to the old Chapel
of Senhora do Resgate. Gastronomic adventurers are always
welcome.
from http://www.travelchannel.com
