Too lazy to make it to downtown for dinner, we decided to explore the restaurants near our hotel. I've always like Alentejo cuisine, and it'll be a nice change from the seafood we've been having. As usual, we are presented with several dishes of appetizers (olive, cheeses, bread) as we sit down. It's just the custom, not really a ploy to cheat customers, though I know many customers feel so. Just let the waiter know what you will like to keep, and he'll take the other dishes away, no hash feeling. Usually these appetizers are listed in the menu as well, so the cost is not necessary a surprise. Anyway, we decide to get the Açorda à Alentejana, the classic soup from the region made with bread, loads of garlic, finely chopped coriander, and poached eggs. It's a light soup, garlicky and definitely great for a cool night or if you have a cold. I couldn't decide between the Porco à Alentejana (pork w clam) and the stewed lamb, but ended up with lamb. The broth is lighter than I expected, but the lamb is very tender, and you can tell from the bones it's a really young lamb, so it's a good thing they keep the seasoning light. They have many wines from the Alentejo region, including some half bottles, we ended up with one that's €6.50. Quite good, with notes of dried plums, though a bit strong for the dish itself. read more