Sabor a Poemas

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Las Brasitas (Pátio Bagatela)

Las Brasitas restaurant is located in Páteo Bagatela (a small open-air shopping center, at the street Artilharia 1) and was the first of this brand to open in 2000. It is installed on a large, cosy room, decorated with Argentine culture related items. A second Las Brasitas is situated on the Lisbon’s docks. Both the restaurants are devoted to Argentinean grilled meat, which is imported directly from that pampas’ country. Here they are served in the local traditional way. These grilled dishes attract a diversified clientele, where predominate business people and groups of family or friends looking for amusement meals.

In La Brasitas, highlights are the typical parrillada (an assortment of barbecued meats and sausages), chorizo steak (a steak Argentine’s style) and olho de bife (the most tender and juicy Argentinean meat). For starters, try the typical Provoleta cheese (it comes roasted to the table) and the tradicional empanadas. In the dessert, you can try the classic petit gâteau, crepe with dulce de leche or brownie with ice cream and dulce de leche. The wine is another point to consider, since this restaurants offers a very well composed list at reasonable prices. This restaurant is open all over the year, with the only exception of Christmas Day.

Las Brasitas (Docas)

La Brasitas restaurant is located in Doca de Santo Amaro in the Alcântara district which has a calming view over the Tagus River. It is the second of this chain; the first is situated in Páteo Bagatela. However, this newer one opened in 2002 and its interior was remodelled in 2011. It is decorated in light colours which contrast the dark wooden furniture. It is divided into two floors, one of which has a smoking area. It also has a nice covered terrace which is heated on the colder winter days. It’s cool atmosphere attracts regular clients who come for meals with family, friends or for business lunches.

Las Brasitas is a restaurant where the grilled meat, which is directly imported from Argentina, is the highlight. Examples are the olho de bife, chorizo steak (a chop pampas style) and parrillada (barbecued meat and sausages). For starters, you can try the Argentine cheese Provoleta (which comes roasted to the table) and the typical empanadas. For dessert, you can enjoy the petit gâteau, crepe with dulce de leche or brownie with ice cream and dulce de leche. The wine is an additional highlight as the list includes a great selection of wines. This restaurant is open all through the year except for Christmas Day. For parking, you have the Doca de Santo Amaro carpark and another one just under the bridge that goes over the Tagus River.

La Parrilla (Parque das Nações)

The La Parrilla restaurant, located in the Parque das Nações area, is a typical Argentinian grill house which opened in 2008. It is simply decorated in black and red. The atmosphere is informal which is helped by an inviting terrace offering a dazzling view over the Tagus River. One of the grill houses key points is the high quality of service which always attempts to provide an attentive and conscientious service. The cuisine is of course inspired by Argentina: based on meat imported directly from the pampas country. The final dish combines the traditional flavours with the juicy and low fat meat.

At La Parrilla restaurant, the most popular starters are the Provoleta cheese (Argentina’s most typical cheese, served grilled) and empanadas (the traditional pies stuffed with meat). For the main dishes, the highlights are the chorizo steak, olho de bife (sirloin meat) and the parrillada. For dessert, you should taste the chocolate cake with ice cream and walnuts and also the crepes. The wine list offers a wide selection of good value wines. La Parrilla is open every day of the week and smoking is allowed on the terrace. There are two other restaurants of the same brand located in the Colombo and Vasco da Gama shopping centres.

Café do Forte

Café do Forte is located between the Belém Tower and the Bom Sucesso Fort. It consists of a central glassed area which is complemented by a large outdoor terrace that faces the Tagus River. It opened in July 2010 and many tourists visit it when wandering through the historic area. It also has many local customers who take advantage of the morning sun on Saturdays and Sundays for breakfast while enjoying the view of the river or reading the weekend news. It is a truly calm and relaxing spot that promotes the relaxation of it regulars.

Café do Forte offers a menu full of good suggestions such as toasties, sandwiches, burgers, salads and a delicious cheese plate. The house’s pastel de nata (Lisbon’s typical sweet pastry) is also becoming popular. To drink, try the smoothies and fresh juices (the minted lemonade is a bestseller). The red and white wines come from the Alentejo (southern part of Portugal) and for the warmer days, a caipirinha (the famous Brazilian cocktail) or morangosca (a strawberry, vodka cocktail) are recommended for a late afternoon drink. This terrace is open every day of the year (except Christmas and New Year day and eve), but in the winter it closes earlier: 6 pm.