A Travessa, Lisbon

Jochem outside the entrance
A must, must, must go! If you are in Lisbon you must visit this converted convent (founded in 1653) and have the most divine food and wine. I had green wine for the first time and ate the most delicious meal consisting of fresh fish appetizers and a main of fresh octopus grilled to perfection. All of it served by the nicest and most professional staff (UK restaurants should take note).

It was our only night in Lisbon and we all piled into the hard to find restaurant after a long day at work. The interior and decor alongside the convent's original features make it absolutely splendid (I didn't have my camera so these Blackberry pics will have to do until you visit their site). There is also a fantastic courtyard which you can eat on during the warmer months.

Bernardo was complaining that this weekend it was too hot in Lisbon - 35degrees (boo hoo it is still hovering around 20degrees here). I can't say enough good things about this place except that you must eat here if you are in Lisbon. View their website as there are some great photographs which will give you a greater feel for the place and you can read up on their history, enjoy!
The restaurant is nestled in a quiet residential area with the lovliest mosaiced/tiled exteriors.

Cobble stoned streets leading up the little hill to A Travessa

Octopussy & the Beckham dream shatteredPics from the Greek restaurant where we had the cute Beckham-like waiter serving us fresh octopus and fresh smelt. We then saw the young waiter eating lunch on his break and it was vile, he was shoveling the food down like it was his last supper!

Face down, not swallowing and just stuffing the food down without breathing; not knowing how to use a knife and fork properly dropped the David Beckham fantasy quite quickly. At least the octopus was delicious and we got to watch the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics and chat with the nice Papou who's son owned the restaurant, he is sitting in a special chair by the TV.

Joso's
Fresh fish, cooked to perfection. Decor and ambiance that is tres interesting and a great group of people made an evening here one that will be remembered.

Decor and ambiance play a large part in this establishment. You are greeted by naked photos, busts and other female nude images either sculpted, painted or photographed. They are everywhere. Their website's home page also gives you a glimpse of what the restaurant is like check it out. Not for the conservative diner. The interesting part is that the owner, his daughter and his brother Leo are the artists of all the pieces in the restaurant.

Leo greeted us at the door along with Fergal who was at the bar. It was very comforting to be in the restaurant. Fergal is the latest and greatest Irish man to live in TO. At the end of the evening he turned up with some limoncello shots, thx Fergie.

The wait staff show you the fresh fish of the day on a platter which you then point at and they then cook..so v. fresh and tasty. I had the octopus which was lightly grilled and only needed a pinch of salt and lemon...it was superb. We ordered oysters as an appetizer - excellent fresh east coast ones, of course I do not remember the name of them. Squid, shrimp, and mussels were what was ordered and with great wine and Leo joining us and showing us his portfolio of work it was an excellent evening.

It was the CONTACT & Shoot gang enjoying Shoot UK's last evening in TO. Next Shoot Toronto event is May 27 - spread the word...