Portugal Instal. #1

EAT
The first thing to be ready for when visiting Portugal is the food. Not swayed by calorie counting and carbophobia, they are an eating culture, the Portugese.













One of the most delightful delicacies is a dessert known as Pasteis de Nata. (PUH-STY-SH DUH NAH-TA) It's a vanilla custard filled pastry and I have missed it since my first taste in 2001.


And it should come
as no surprise that
the treat was created
by monks. Different
European monks
have been credited
with the creation of
such things as
pretzels and beer
among others.
Add Pasteis de Nata
to your list.















In Lisbon, the best place to get a plate of Pasteis is in the Belem district, down by the water.














There is a charming cafe just down the block from the monastery where Pasteis was created. I was taken there to revisit the divinity of coffee and dessert.