Alpendre em Lisboa

This place was just down the street and since we arrived late and were hungry, we gave it a go. Quaint atmosphere and one waiter tending to the dining room that was about half full. Waiter was pleasant and spoke some English but seemed confused about our questions regarding the menu. Even in English it is confusing and makes one unsure of what they are ordering so you end up pointing to something as they don’t understand enough to answer questions. I ordered the house steak completely unsure of what it was, google translate said it was beef stew, something that everyone can eat. Rest of the party had the “secrets” and the hake fish. I am leery about any food labeled secret. Food looked good upon presentation. Carving into it was where I became uneasy. My steak was basically raw, appeared to be quick seared on both sides but completely raw within. Maybe that is how it comes, I don’t know because the menu is so vague. Friends “secrets” turned out to be a pork dish of what looked like medallions, four or five, that looked grilled. Upon cutting into, she could not find any actual meat to eat, just fat and gristle. Again, maybe that is how it comes and that is how the Portuguese eat it…goes back to that menu issue. Fish was tasty, tender and the rice was good, one out of four I guess. Mixed salad saved my appetite, but I didn’t come to Lisbon for the salad. I do not expect places to cater to me or anyone else from my country, however I DO expect that places who are touristy and host guests worldwide to have some sort of language accommodations for everyone that are clear. Allergic people should avoid this place at all costs as you will not know until it hits that an allergen exists in your food. I have a nut allergy, I rode the wire with my order hoping it was not incorporated somehow into the dish. I give three dots only because maybe this food is supposed to be made and served this way, it was my first time eating food here so I am going to be on the lookout for similar incidents. I take it as a learning opportunity to watch out for menu items not understood and avoid them. Sadly will probably stick to food I know about instead of sampling something new and exciting.

We enjoyed our fish and wine. Simple, honest fare. Thank you Pedro for your wine recommendation (a white from the Douro region).