Abadia do Porto
Where? Abadia do Porto (Bolhao, Porto, Portugal) Map Menu
When? Sunday December 26, 2021
Who? Me
Food Style? Portuguese
The weather is much nicer today and after walking around the riverfront for over two hours, I’m famished. I found this restaurant through a blog, and the fact that it’s on this quiet little alley means it’s probably not going to be a huge tourist trap. It’s very empty at 1pm, but I’m not too concerned about that. Rather, I’m concerned about my alcohol tolerance and whether it’s a good idea to drink this early in the day.
I decide not to. But I have decided on two very Portuguese dishes, octopus in parsley sauce and roasted Iberian pork loin.
Entree
Polvinho em salsa: octopus with parsley sauce
The octopus is absolutely delicious, so soft and tender. There’s really nowhere to hide with this dish, it’s literally octopus, olive oil vinaigrette, onions and parsley, but the combination of flavours is fantastic.
Mains
Lombo de Porco Iberico Assado com Castanhas: Roasted Iberian Pork Loin served with chestnuts, baked potatoes and vegetables
After clearing the octopus away, the waiter asks me if I’m ready for the main course, and having enjoyed the appetiser so much, I happily answer yes. What I was not expecting is three plates of food to be splayed out on the table. One dish of rice, one with boiled vegetables and finally one dish with the pork loin, chestnuts and potatoes. The pork is stunning. I don’t even need a knife to cut through it, it’s so soft I can use my spoon to break it apart. It’s juicy and flavourful, and it feels like a home cooked meal. The sauce is a tad oily, and there’s nothing to balance that out.
There is way too much food for me to eat, and I know it far in advance. I’m going to do that Asian thing where I only eat the most expensive things on the plate. Seriously, this could have easily fed two people.
Posted by Jeremy at 1:25am on Monday January 17, 2022 :: 0 comments :: 