CREATE

Casa Angelita

In a quirky street in Sao Bento, nestled between tattoo artists, second-hand clothes stores and art galleries, is Casa Angelita, an atelier selling beautiful home decor and art pieces in front and hosting ceramics workshops. Classes are taught by the talented Julia San Millan and cater for everyone - from complete beginners to the more experienced. During the workshop, participants make and paint their choice of ceramic art, from coffee mugs to vases or butter dishes. Fabulously therapeutic!

@casaangelita.lisboa

By Taryn King, local expat and WHEREVER columnist.

Drink

Wine Tasting at Palácio Ludovice Wine Experience Hotel

Tucked away in the hotel’s restaurant Federico, under its impressive atrium with its vertical gardens, and contemporary cool decor, you’ll find a menu mixing traditional Portuguese recipes and French classics by Chef Ricardo Simões, and, even better – the opportunity to learn a little something about Portuguese wines. Sit back and relax while Junior, the charming sommelier explains the different regions’ characteristics, from North to South. And, of course, enjoy a few glasses with their backstory, from the perfect Douro Valley Crasto Rosé to a fresh Louco Vinho Branco from Setubal and a rich Alentejo Tinto from Quinta do Paral. From just 25 euros pp. @​​palacioludovicehotelofficial

Dine

Pica Pau

Traditional Portuguese food at its simple, honest best. Pica Pau in Principe Real is the brainchild of Chef Luís Gaspar with traditional dishes honoured. There are no perfect or symmetrical cuts (thus avoiding waste), or impeccable plating. It is all about taste and tradition. With dishes from every region of the country, including the islands, and an extensive list of Portuguese wines, Pica Pau mixes contemporary and traditional design elements to create a comfortable, elegant and relaxed atmosphere.

restaurantepicapau.pt

BUT FIRST, COFFEE Liberty Cafe

All good things in life start with good coffee! And good coffee has been perfected at Liberty Cafe, the latest brunch spot to open in Santos. With experienced baristas serving up speciality coffee from some of the best roasters, and a bean that changes daily, this is a coffee experience that doesn’t disappoint. The menu promises food with soul and, although small, it has some interesting (and Instagramable) dishes such as syrniki (cottage cheese pancakes).

@libertycafelisbon

One of my favourite remote work spots in the neighbourhood is Choupana, with its variety of croissants and all-day breakfast menus, located in Avenida da República, along with many other delicious brunch spots. Saldanha also has several Portuguese classics like Versailles with its mini pastries and Galeto with its 1966 golden diner interior. Eating at this place feels like stepping back in time while enjoying authentic Portuguese and Brazilian cuisine.

The Padaria Portuguesa in Saldanha is not like the others, with the addition of the LAB this bakery is where many of their bread is made, including the special long-fermented bread with massa mãe (sourdough) and always has new pastries that get tested here first before its sent to the rest of the franchise.

During the weekends, on a sunny day, I like to spend the day at Parque Eduardo VII, having a picnic or a coffee at Linha D’agua cafe while watching excited dogs jump on the fountain pool. On a rainy day, going to the movies and stocking up on international foods at El Corte Inglés’ awarded supermarket is an excellent way to spend the day indoors.