Our June update on where we went (liked and not!)

[Mike,Chislehurst]

Right, where do we start? Boa Vida, had high hopes here! There main (top of the menu) is Picanha which is the strips of beef (these are more like bacon slices and impossible to cook any other way than well done because they are so thin to cook!) The bean stew that goes with it was ok. The veg were also ok. When we first sat down they brought round a platter of cheeses and cooked meats which we thought were an alternative to the normal roll and sardine pate. As it turns out they were but cost 8 Euro each as against the normal couple of Euros for the rolls. They did not say how much this was and just delivered it! When we asked for the bill they asked if we would like a drink, (as most restaurants do) I had a brandy and Jan had a baileys. Both these were then added to the bill. The bill came to over 70 Euros between us which I swallowed but did not leave a tip. Koh Sumi up the hill from O Cantino used to be very good but the use of spices seems to have doubled and would not return again as I found it inedible.
Now for the good stuff. A Rede. Excellent as usual with any dish and especially steaks and the chops which Jan said were the best she's ever tasted! O Cantino, seemed to have upped the quality without the prices and remains a very good all round restaurant, Any fish dish good and the Filet Migon was excellent. Chef Antonio, Another good all rounder and well priced. The Lambs leg is very good if you fancy a change from either beef or fish. Try the chicken curry also. As we stayed in a few nights we didn't get round to any of the new ones (not many of them anyway) Albeit we did go to Bella Napoli for a Piazza and Lasagna which was excellent. For a snack lunch try Colombo's next to Smilers and The Irish Times which is by the square on the in road. Also Matabixo which overlooks the square. We tried Rascals four times on different days at lunchtime for lunch but each time it was closed which was a big shame as I think this may affect their evening trade if people think it's closed. Needless to say we are now back home and looking forward to September when we go again and hopefully try a few new ones.

[tricky]

We've just come back from a wet couple of days in Carvoeiro but enjoyed our child free break just the same.
We went to Al Gale as usual and enjoyed it. Decent food at reasonable prices. Went to L'Orange which never fails to impress.
Tried the new tapas bar in the square. Food seemed okay and we sat outside and braved the rain. Its much bigger inside than you would imagine and I think it would be a nice place to go with lots of friends inside
Had a drink (or two) at Canieros but decided against lunch there. Menu a bit limited during the day, I think its time they added a few things.
We had a chinese in Lagoa, as good as usual and very cheap.
Our biggest discovery after all this time was the pastelaria next to the Anteak Bar. We got into the habit of popping in for breakfast. Very nice and lots of noisy Portuguese to make it interesting.

We wanted to try the new moroccan restaurant but never made it and
the same with Mai jais, (?) but it seemed to be closed early morning.

Tricky

[Ellie]

Pastelaria next to Anteak Tricks?.....Le Doce. Yes, Ive been there a few times and enjoyed nice lunches and staff friendly, obliging.
Been to the tapas and as you say food ok but think when I went the 'hot sardines'/chillies, seemed tinned.

[tbbr]

Had lunch at Anteak bar a few weeks ago, menu a little different from most offering the usual snacks and light bites.
Chili was not spicy enough for our tastes but ok when liberal portion of piri piri added.
Agree about Tapas bar, the upstairs room and terrace have great views over CVO and the beach.