Madeira Island, Portugal

Madeira Island – ‘the pearl of the Atlantic’ is O’Porto’s July region of the month. It is noted for it’s Madeira wine, beautiful flowers, landscapes… and last but not least, its most seducing cuisine!

Did you know that Madeira’s annual New Years firework display is the largest in the world? The display is even recognized by the Guiness World Records! Another interesting fact is that the people of Madeira were given a special right to sell wine to Britain and all her colonies by Charles II – the wine is that good.

If time travel were possible, and we could deposit ourselves at the dinner table of one of the Founding Fathers, we’d surely be drinking Madeira. Madeira was the King of Wines, enjoyed not only before and after dinner, but throughout the meal.

Due to the long established fishing tradition on the island, fish is plays an important role on the daily menu of the locals. Tuna, ‘espada’ (black scabbard fish), ‘bacalhau’ (codfish), ‘gaiado’ (a regional fish treated like codfish) and ‘potas’ (similar to a huge squid) are featuring in many main courses. Traditionally, fresh tuna is first marinated in olive oil, garlic, salt and oregano before it is fried, and it is usually served with cooked cornmeal. This kind of cornmeal preparation is very often also preferred as side dish to ‘espada’ fried with onion. A ‘must eat’ is the ‘espada’ with banana, which is a very successful combination of a soft white fish with a strong tropical flavor. But do also look out for other tasty ‘espada’ preparations as there are many more!

Want to try a traditional dish from Madeira? We are featuring Haddock  Moda da Madeira on this month’s price fix menu – Grilled Haddock served with Pan Fried Banana à Meunière on a bed of Eggplant and Sautéed Spinach with Roasted Potatoes – cooked in traditional Portuguese style.