Delicious Delights in Dear Madeira

At a Restaurant at Puerto Moniz

After our most recent holiday to the tropical garden paradise in the beginning of the year, I have gushed about the wonderful sights of this beautiful island. Today I’m going to share with you some of the mouth-watering gourmet food which we had the fortune to sample during our various visits.

I am no expert in European cuisine, even less so with Portuguese style, but I’ve always been exceedingly adventurous where food is concerned, so join me in my quest to discover what Madeira has to offer our palate.

Soup made with Sword Fish from the Atlantic

Throughout our time in Madeira, not only have we tried numerous local eateries, but have also taken advantage of their fabulous local markets and bought fresh ingredients to cook at our timeshare apartment. Having enjoyed the most delicious fish soup on the balcony of the Grand Cafe in Funchal centre during a previous visit, I made my own fish soup this time, with fresh sword fish we sourced direct from the fisherman in downtown Funchal.

Fried Sword Fish with Leeks, with Rice

Take a look at the outcome of my efforts. Here is a brief instruction if you are to try it yourself: After cleaning the fish pieces, you boil them with onions, ginger, chilli and garlic, adding tomatoes and potatoes. Ten minutes later, you have your soup of the day – doesn’t it look divine? It smelled and tasted even better, I promise you.

For the main course, using the same fish I bought from the same fisherman, I stir-fried the sword fish steak with spices, served with rice and fresh vegetables. It went perfectly well with Madeira wine too, as you can tell from my husband’s satisfied look on his face

Dinner for Two at Royal Savoy, Overlooking the Ocean

My Starter at The Olives Restaurant -Funchal

Generally speaking, I choose to live a healthy lifestyle and seem devoid of vices, in my view, but I admit without shame that I have one addiction. You guessed it: SEAFOOD. No matter where I go, especially to a place surrounded by the ocean, what better treats than the readily available, amply supplied fish of the day?

As much as I enjoy cooking, eating out ranks high on my list of quality life. Aware of my quest for sampling the best local food, John did his research before our trip and found this special place as a surprise treat for me. Following Trip Adviser’s recommendations, John took me out on our last evening to a fabulous place tucked in the back street in the Old Town, The Olives. Just look at the three courses I have ordered – are you hungry? My stomach rumbles just thinking about them

Funchal means Fennel - hence I ordered this dish

On leaving the restaurant, we promised the friendly owner that we would be back next time. Here is a short review John did for the Trip Adviser on return. It’s always good to give something back

Creme Brulee was my Yum Desert

For more information on Madeira, please read my earlier blog and watch the short video I made about this Madeira, Bird of Paradise.

Fresh Veg/Fruit from Mercado des Lavadores