P is for Portuguese

The list of "P" countries is not an elaborate one, but it was easily solved when Mr X stumbled across a relatively secluded eatery called the Madeira Restaurant, located in beautiful Bay Street, Brighton and specializing in authentic, Portuguese Cuisine. (Madeira, is an island, which is part of Portugal and is located in the Atlantic Ocean, and is the place where their food and it’s inspiration comes from).

After a smooth drive along the esplanade we located a car park relatively close to the restaurant, although the parking is a somewhat tough assignment in the area, especially with so many eateries on offer. A warm greeting from a friendly waitress and an intimate table in a crowded space was a bit of an overwhelming introduction, as the table beside us was filled with a large group of (we guessed) Portuguese revellers who were out for a good time. We had no hesitation in quickly ordering BEFORE this group put the chef behind the eight ball! But a packed restaurant was a very encouraging sign.

An entrée of Bolo do Caco (homemade Madeiran Garlic Bread) and Chorico (Portuguese smoked sausage, warmed in a garlic butter sauce and served with a side of bread) appealed to our senses. Mrs X decided on a Portuguese sangria for the palette, whilst her off-sider picked a Sagres, followed by a Superbock (the former a pale Portuguese lager beer and the latter a strong pale lager). The Sangria was described as fruity and slid down easily, whilst the beers were surprisingly mild and tasty.

The entrees soon arrived, and whilst the garlic bread was wholesome, it was the Chorico which hit the mark. Very tasty and appetising and blended well with the bread.

Main course for Mrs X was a chicken espetada , which were char grilled chicken breast fillets on a large, vertical skewer attached to a chain skewer, with traditional Madeiran Style Trinchado sauce, and savoury rice. More resembling an ancient Portuguese torture device than a cooking implement, the amusing sequel was watching Mrs X carve the meat from the suspended device! Mr X ordered a delicious chicken peri peri, which was half a chicken char grilled, served with chilli sauce and a Madeiran Trinchado sauce complete with chips and a side salad.

A very filling meal saw us both decline the invitation to explore the sweets menu, (but a quick McDonalds drive-through saw us load up with a chocolate sundae and a mini ice cream cone for the trip home). Our friends beside us had a great time and fortunately the act of eating (especially form those unusual skewers took their mind off talking and the culinary ambience returned.

I think I would fail miserably if I had to sit for a Portuguese Naturalisation Test, as my knowledge of Portugal and everything associated with that country is very limited (was Vasco Da Gama Portuguese?), but I am quite impressed with their flair for cooking. Maybe a visit to Nandos will soo be on the agenda.

Scores:                         Mrs X                Mr X

Ambience                        8                        7
Parking                            8                        8
Service                            8                        8
Value                               6                       7
Food                                6                        7

Total - 73