Category: Algarve Foodie Blog

Blueberry Pancake and Mimosa Anniversary Brunch With Air Fryer Eggs!

7/20/2025

Our 16th anniversary was last month and we had a great day starting with a blueberry pancake and mimosa anniversary brunch!

This post is part of a series: June 2025 Lidl Grocery Store Finds • Americans in Portugal

How to make pancakes 101:

When making pancakes, I prefer to use a combination of butter and oil in the pan. This is not to be extra, there is a reason!

Butter helps create lovely golden crisp on your pancake, but it also burns faster than oil. So as you continue cooking pancakes you're more likely to get some a little too dark if you use only butter because of how the pan will retain heat.

How To Make A Blueberry Pancake

When you add some oil to the butter and swirl it together, you essentially increase the smoking point, so you can get that buttery golden touch without burning so easily! Still, keep an eye on the heat of your pan and adjust as needed.

I tossed a few blueberries on, just for fun. You can use frozen blueberries for pancakes. That's what these were. :)

New Category Added: Cook Along!

When To Flip A PanCake

It's important to let the first side of a pancake cook enough to enable a successful flip. Wait until you see lots of little bubbles on the surface like below and then go for it!

When To Flip A Pancake: Look For The Bubbles!

Try to flip with confidence and voila! You've revealed your golden-edged pancake - well done!

Use Butter + Oil (even on a non stick pan!) To Get a Golden Edged Pancake

What to serve with blueberry pancakes

I wanted to make the meal a little more complete and eggs are a natural choice, however I only have access to a single burner cook top at the moment which was occupied for the pancakes. So I decided to attempt to make eggs in the air fryer along with these tasty duchess potatoes.

Cooking Fried Eggs in an Air Fryer Alongside Lidl Duchess Potatoes | Air Fryer Cooking

Shop Top Rated Air Fryers

How long to cook fried eggs in an air fryer:

My search online indicated that it would only take 3-4 minutes to cook an egg with a runny yolk in the air fryer.

So I first cooked the duchess potatoes almost completely, minus about 5 minutes. Then I added the reusable silicone dinosaur molds (its all I had lol) for those last few minutes in order to time everything poiiiifectly!

Well timed, but not well photographed - forgot! Sorry!

Fita Azul Blanc de Blancs Reserva - Espumante

Some friends had kindly brought us a bottle of Fita Azul Blanc de Blancs Reserva Espumante recently and this was perfect to make some anniversary mimosas!

Fita Azul Reserva Espumante

Fita Azul Blanc de Blancs Label

How to make a mimosa

I think a mimosa is technically champagne and orange juice, but lots of folks use prosecco and even more use any affordable and tasty sparkling wine they have access to. :) That's us!

Try This For a Mimosa With a Twist!

Mimosa: Sparkling wine first or juice first?

So in my head, I thought if you pour juice on top of the sparkling wine, doesn't that collapse some of the bubbles? Maybe, idk, but apparently the 'right' way is to pour the sparkling wine in first and then top with orange juice.

Mimosa Step One: Pour 1/2 or 2/3 Sparkling Wine, Prosecco, or Champagne

What is the right ratio of wine to juice for a mimosa?

Surprise, surprise, there are different schools of thought on this also. Some say 50:50, others say 2/3 sparkling wine/champagne to 1/3 orange juice. I say do whatever tastes great to you!

Want mostly orange juice with a bit of fizz? Go for it.
Want mostly champagne with a bit of OJ? Go for it!

This is a low stress, easy-to-make, fun drink for a celebration. It's a special occasion - enjoy it!

Mimosa Step Two: Top with Orange Juice!

PS. When in Portugal, if you can, please do try the fresh orange juice machines in grocery stores. The orange juice is delicious and as fresh as can be because you toss the oranges in yourself!

If you're going for juice from the juice isle, look specifically for the "laranja do algarve" labels as these orange juices feature the best oranges in Portugal - the ones from the beautiful, sunny Algarve. ;)

Pancake Anniversary Brunch: Done!

It was a lovely little brunch with blueberry pancakes, mimosas, espressos, air fryer eggs, and duchess potatoes.

PS If you're having a hard time finding real maple syrup in Portugal - try Lidl!

As Seen In This Post:

Lidl Maribel Bio Organic Maple Syrup (similar)
Compal Origens Laranja do Algarve
Lidl Deluxe Duchess Potatoes
Fita Azul Blanc de Blancs Reserva Espumante
Frozen Blueberries
Dinosaur Silicone Molds (similar)

Anniversary Dinner: Tasca da Luz (Coming Soon!)

More Air Fryer COoking:

Easy Air Fryer Cooking Ideas For Newbies From Newbies!

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Lidl Portugal Grocery Finds - June 2025

7/19/2025

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This review covers products we picked up in Lidl Portugal in the month of June 2025. Some may still be on shelves, others are limited time, but don't worry - they'll probably be back next year and you'll be ready! ;)

See Also: Lidl Review Blog

lidl Korean Finds

Nongshim Shin Ramyun Red Super Spicy

First Impressions: These Korean Instant Noodles are famously spicy and we had to try them to see if they were worth the hype.

Spoiler Alert: When they say super spicy they are not kidding...

Full Review & Cook Along: It is SO SO SO Spicy - Would You Try It?

Buy On Amazon US

Can You Handle Shin Red Super Spicy Noodles?

Lidl Gochujang Paste

Korean Finds were all over Lidl in June, so it was a great opportunity to pick up a squeeze pouch of Gochujang Paste.

First Impressions: Convenient packaging, easy way to add flavor to a simple meal like a beef and veggie bowl.

Review & Dinner Idea using Gochujang: Stir Fry With Me Here!

Try Gochujang Paste: US SHoppers

Gochujang Paste at Lidl Portugal

Lidl Frozen Chicken Wings

With new access to an air fryer, chicken wings were an obvious choice to test out an air fryer!

Vitasia Chicken Wings - Asia Curry

First Impressions: Convenient way to get some protein in with an asian twist and little effort.

Full Review and Pics: Asian Curry Frozen Chicken Wing Review

Air Fryer for Chicken Wings

Air Frying Asian Curry Chicken Wings

Mcennedy Chicken Wings - Honey BBQ Flavor

As Americans in Portugal, how could we not pick up the Honey BBQ wings?

Full Mcennedy (lol) Honey BBQ Wing Review Here

Available in USA: Gluten Free Plant Chicken Wings

'American' Style Honey BBQ Wings in Portugal

Lidl Meal Ideas

Anniversary Blueberry Pancake + Mimosa Brunch

We picked up ingredients for our 16th wedding anniversary at Lidl and enjoyed a fabulous blueberry pancake, mimosa, and more brunch!

Delivering all your lazy-girl brunch inspo here.

Order 100% Natural Maple Syrup

Anniversary Pancake + Mimosa Brunch

Easy Air Fryer MeatloaF Dinner Idea

Special event or Monday Meatloaf? Either way, we've got balanced, simple meal ideas for you.

Meat Loaf Cook Along For Your Enjoyment

Just Add Quinoa!

Meatloaf Dinner Idea with Lidl

Gelatelli Choco COokie Ice Cream Sandwich

These super hot 40c+ Algarve summer weather days call for ice cream treats.

First Impressions: BUY IT WHILE YOU CAN!

Full Lidl Gelatelli Ice Cream Choco Cookie Sandwich review is waiting for your sweet tooth here.

Ice Cream Sandwiches Near Me

Order a Dupe In the US Here

Best Lidl Ice Cream Sandwiches

Belbake Rainbow Chocolate Cookies Baking Mix

If you dare turn on your oven this summer, I can recommend the Rainbow Chocolate Cookies Baking Mix from Belbake by Lidl.

First Impressions: Perfect 6 cookie package for small households or forced self control. :p

Fully Baked: Chocolate Cookie with M&Ms Bake Along With Pics

Best 6 Cookie Baking Sheet

Cookie Baking Mix at Lidl

Lidl Portugal reviews

See all Lidl Reviews

Pin & Share This Article:

If this Lidl grocery haul helped you hone in on which seasonal items to pick up in Lidl in June, consider sharing it or saving it on Pinterest. You'll help more expats, foodies, and travelers find their way around Lidl Portugal! :)

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More Portugal Grocery Finds:

Tap to discover more European Grocery Reviews!

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Restaurante Recanto do Ze | Portuguese Restaurant Review Armacao de Pera

5/25/2025

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When you're ready to give traditional Portuguese cuisine a try, consider Recanto do Ze when in Armacao de Pera, Algarve, Portugal.

Recanto do Zé - Portuguese Restaurant in Armação de Pera

Recanto do Ze has some great lunch specials "prato do dia" during the weekdays, but don't be afraid to stop in at dinner time for kind staff and delicious Portuguese food.

Prato do Dia

A typical prato do dia at Recanto do Zé includes a meat or fish main, a drink (including wine or beer), couvert (typically bread, olives etc), dessert, and a coffee for around 15 euro - clearly representing a great value for a quality meal!

Location:

Recanto do Zé Restaurant Address: Rua Dom Joao II lote 7, Armacao de Pera 8365-130 Portugal

Iberian Pork Secretos

I was floored when my plate came. The helping of pork was generous, well seasoned, and as tender as you'd expect a well-rendered fatty cut of pork to be.

In the word's of Levi "That's tenda!"

Iberian Black Pork | Algarve Food Blog

What are pork secretos? What cut is it?

Pork secretos are like a "secret" because they are a hidden boneless cut from behind the shoulder.

This cut of is exclusive to Iberico pigs and it has incredible flavor because of the deep marbling combined with the lifestyle of the pigs - roaming around free range and filling up on tasty acorns.

Ahh.. now that's the life!

Porco Preto | Armacao de Pera Restaurant Guide

Along side the pork were the expected portuguese accompaniments - a simple salad with lettuce, onion, and tomatoes and a pile of french fries. :)

Francesinha

The Francesinha sandwich originated in Porto and it is a serious undertaking, as you can surely tell.

Francesinha | Recanto do Ze Pics

What is in a Francesinha?
Between layers of bread you will find almost every rich meat you can think of on a francesinha - ham, steak, sausage.

The Portuguese sandwich with every meat, topped with melted cheese, egg, and sauce - Francesinha

What is on top of a Francesinha?
Plenty of melted cheese and a fried egg adorn this sandwich, as well as a healthy ladle of piping hot beer-tomato sauce to keep everything sloppy enough to require silverware.

Batatas Fritas, aka French Fries | Portugal Food Blog

As if the hearty sandwich isn't enough, a side of fries is ready for you to mop up any leftover sauce - the Portuguese version of Italy's "fare la scarpetta" :)

Recanto do Zé Review

I really enjoyed my meal (that delicious black pork - porco preto) at Recanto do Ze. I hope to return for a prato do dia with friends some time.

The only bummer was that they did not accept credit cards despite their google listing indicating that they accepted them at the time we visited.

As a result, we had to do the awkward scramble to scrape together enough cash. So our pro tip would be to make sure you have cash on you ;)

Best Restaurants in Algarve (armacao de pera):

The Waterdog Pub Fish and Chips Review - Armacao De Pera Restaurants

5/21/2025

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Looking for a British Pub in Armacao de Pera? Fish and chips await you at The Waterdog Pub!

The Waterdog Pub - British Pub in Armacao de Pera

Located on Avenida Beira Mar at the western end of Armacao de Pera lies The Waterdog, a British pub serving up all your favorites from Fish and Chips to Sunday Roast to a Full English Breakfast.

Location:

The Waterdog Bar Address: Av. Beira Mar 1, 8365-101 Armação de Pêra, Portugal

--> Later in this Post: The Waterdog Pub Menu <--

Friday Fish and Chips

On Fridays at The Water Dog, a classic Fish and Chips meal is available - Friday's only guys, plan accordingly!

Fish and Chips with Mushy Peas | Waterdog Pub Review Pics

The fish is fresh and delicate, the batter crispy, and the peas mushy.. just how you like them...

Unless you don't, in which case non mushy, sweet peas could be an option, as shown below. :)

Sweet Peas, Fried Fish, French Fries | British Pub Food in Armacao de Pera

Wash it down with a refreshing Magner's Irish Cider, a Guiness, or a local Portuguese beer if you'd like!

Magners Irish Cider at The Waterdog | Algarve Portugal Food Blog

The Waterdog Review

The Waterdog is an institution in Armacao de Pera which is always busy and beloved by tourists and residents alike.

Enjoy the sunshine, saltwater air, and sip a cold one with friends as you take advantage of ample outdoor seating.

Or perhaps you prefer sitting at the back of the pub, on the cushioned bench, enjoying the buzzing atmosphere and live music.

The point is, you really can't go wrong here!

The Waterdog Menu with Prices

We've been to The Waterdog Pub twice, both times equally enjoying Friday's Fish and Chips special, but we'll have to make our way back to try Sunday Roast, Chilli con Carne, and a Steak Guiness pie.

Classic homemade English food in Portugal's sunny Algarve!

The Waterdog Menu | Armacao de Pera, Portugal

And maybe we oughta try the Bailey's Cheesecake for good measure ;)

The Water Dog Pub Menu | Armação de Pêra Portugal

Where to eat in Algarve (armacao de pera):

N'ice Cream Review - Armacao de Pera Algarve

5/19/2025

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Is anything sweeter than an ice cream cone after a day at the beach in Portugal?

Ice Cream With a View | Armacao de Pera Food Blog

After a leisurely stroll through Armacao de Pera with our parents, an ice cream cone seemed the perfect choice to end the outing on a sweet note.

We stopped in at N'ice Cream in Armacao de Pera. N'ice cream has several locations across central algarve including Albufeira, Portimao, and Armacao de Pera .

N'ice Cream Flavors

Wondering what ice cream flavors are popular in Portugal?

You'll find a combination of classic standbys like Chocolate, Coffee Ice Cream, and even Oreo Ice Cream.

Ice Cream Flavors at Armacao De Pera Beach

N'ice cream has a lot of candy bar flavored ice creams too like Bounty, Snickers, After Eight and M&Ms.

Gelados Saborosos Praia de Armacao de Pera

In Portugal, you will almost always find Nutella flavored treats as well.

Uniquely Portuguese Ice Cream Flavors

One fun thing about N'ice Cream in Algarve is they tend to have some uniquely Portuguese Ice Cream flavors.

Figo c/ Amêndoa Gelado (Fig and Almond)

For example, the Algarve is an agricultural region known for delicious juicy figs and bountiful crops of almonds. So a fig and almond ice cream is spot on!

Gelado com sabor Figo com amêndoa

Dom Rodrigo Ice Cream (Egg Yarn and Almond)

Dom Rodrigo is a traditional dessert from the Algarvian town of Lagos. It's made with "egg yarn"which sounds so weird, but it's egg yolks and sugar so think sweet and rich with the texture of thin coconut shreds.

Gelado com sabor Dom Rodrigo

In addition to these ice cream flavors you can find Pastel de Nata (famous custard tart of Portugal), and Perna de Pau. (Meaning wooden leg in Portuguese).

Perna de Pau is an ice cream on a stick you can buy in grocery stores across Portugal featuring a pirate on the package with, you guessed it, a wooden leg. It's vanilla ice cream with stripes of strawberry 'jelly' and the outside is dipped in chocolate.

--> Recommended: Tap here To Make Pastel de Nata at Home! <--

N'ice Cream Armacao de Pera

Where We Went:
N'Ice Cream in Armação de Pêra is located at R. Sra. dos Navegantes 13, 8365-184 Armação de Pêra, Portugal

There is an outdoor counter to walk up to and order your ice cream. Around the side there is outdoor seating. There is also a spacious indoor seating area. Bathrooms are available, but located down a number of stairs.

Armacao de Pera Beach Ice Cream

It really is hard to beat ice cream with this view, isn't it?

N'ice Cream Cone | Gelado com visto lindo | Praia de Armação de Pêra

We opted for the very Portuguese (and very sweet!) Dom Rodrigo and Fig & Almond flavors in a waffle cone.

Which flavors will you try?

Explore: The Best Ice Cream Flavors Delivered To Your Door

Best Restaurants and cafes in Armacao de Pera:

Algarve Restaurant Reviews:

The Waterdog Bar Review with Photos
N'ice Cream Armacao de Pera Ice Cream Review with Photos - You are here!
Recanto do Zé Portuguese Restaurant Review with Photos
Sam's Bar + Kitchen Beachfront Restaurant Review with Photos
Sapori da Giovanni Pizza Review with Photos
Restaurante da Pino Pizza Review with Photos
Alma Lusa Brunch in Armacao de Pera Review with Photos
Restaurante Chines Long Xing Chinese Food in Armacao Review with Photos
Shahi Darbar Indian Cruisine Armacao Indian Restaurant Review with Photos
Algarve Happy Hour

Do You Make Delicious Food? ❤︎ Want to collaborate?

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Sam's Bar & Kitchen Armacao de Pera Restaurant Review

5/18/2025

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Sams Bar & Kitchen Review - ArmaÇÃo de PÊra Restaurants

If you find yourself in Armacao de Pera and with an appetite, consider stopping in to Sam's Bar & Kitchen.

I know, I know, any restaurant right on the boardwalk with ocean views is likely to be more about location than food right?

That's what I thought too, but tell me what you think after you see the pictures ;)

Later in this post: Sam's Bar + Kitchen Menus with prices in English and Portuguese! :)

Apple Walnut Salad w/ Balsamic - €9.90

A perfect blend of sweet and savory with fresh apple slices, crunchy walnuts, crumbled feta, and mixed greens all drizzled with a rich balsamic vinaigrette.

Apple Pecan Feta Salad | Food & Travel Blog

If you're super observant you may notice that there were pecans instead of walnuts. But honestly, that was a score in my book!

Apple Feta Salad | Portugal Food Blog

This apple pecan salad with feta was fresh and delicious and I swear there was an intriguing touch of cumin!

When you want a light lunch or snack with a view of the beach in Armação de Pêra, this salad may be for you.

Thai Red Curry with Vegetables and Tofu - €10.90

A delightful blend of fresh vegetables, tender tofu, and rich coconut milk all brought together with a fragrant Thai red curry paste.

Thai Red Curry with Tofu | Sams Bar and Kitchen Armacao de Pera

I have to admit, I was really impressed with this Thai red curry. The flavors really packed a punch and I enjoyed it far more than I expected!

Side Salad + Thai Red Curry and Rice at Sam's Bar and Kitchen Armação

To my delight, the Tofu Thai Red Curry came with white rice and a fresh salad on the side!

Mango Passonfruit Milkshake

The mango passionfruit milkshake was adorned with a pirouline/pirouette cookie (you know those little wafer cookies that look like tubes) and an environmentally friendly paper straw.

Mango Passionfruit Milkshake | Algarve Food Blog

Sam's Bar and Kitchen Review

Sam's Bar and Kitchen has more to offer than a great view of the beach at Armacao de Pera in the Algarve. The food we had was actually really tasty - very flavorful, very fresh, and felt health-conscious yet fun!

As you can see, they pride themselves on presentation and nothing is better than eating something delicious that also looks like a work of art!

Sam's Bar and Kitchen also offers happy hour cocktail specials and live music at times.

By the way, if you're looking for a vegetarian or vegan restaurant in the Algarve, Sam's Bar and Kitchen is a restaurant in Armação de Pêra which will suit your preferences!

Location

Av. Beira Mar 14, 8365-101 Armação de Pêra, Portugal

Where to eat in ArmaÇÃo de PÊra

More Armacao de Pera restaurants - reviews with photos!

The Waterdog Bar Review with Photos
N'ice Cream Armacao de Pera Ice Cream Review with Photos
Recanto do Zé Portuguese Restaurant Review with Photos
Sam's Bar + Kitchen Beachfront Restaurant Review with Photos - You are here!
Sapori da Giovanni Pizza Review with Photos
Restaurante da Pino Pizza Review with Photos
Alma Lusa Brunch in Armacao de Pera Review with Photos
Restaurante Chines Long Xing Chinese Food in Armacao Review with Photos
Shahi Darbar Indian Cruisine Armacao Indian Restaurant Review with Photos
Algarve Happy Hour

Sams Bar and Kitchen Menu

Wanna get a glimpse of the menu over at Sam's Bar and Kitchen to plan your visit?

Here is the menu for Sam's Bar and Kitchen in English and Portuguese:

Breakfast Menu

Snacks and Starters Menu

Salad Menu

Main Course Menu

Dessert Menu

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Vitasia Asia Style Gyoza Spicy Pork and Kimchi Filling - Lidl Review

1/23/2025

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Lidl Review: VITASIA ASIA STYLE GYOZA SPICY PORK AND KIMCHI FILLING

Carrying on from the Meat and Ginger Dim Sum Review, we also snagged these frozen Gyoza from Lidl.

Cooking Instructions: VITASIA ASIA STYLE GYOZA SPICY PORK AND KIMCHI FILLING

Okay so the package gave loads of ways to cook these gyoza, but I was looking for the most hands off version which for me was the oven option. The instructions were to put the sauce of your choice on the gyoza (I guess with a brush like this) and put them in the oven at 200 celsius for 15 minutes.

Btw, 200 C is approximately 400 degrees F.

Tap to order some gluten free pork dumplings!

Modo de preparação:

Não descongelar o produto antes da preparação.

Na frigideira: adicionar um pouco de óleo à frigideia, juntar o produto e fritar em lume médio durante 2 minutos até que a parte de baixo atinja uma tonalidade dourada. Acrescentar um pouco de água e cozinhar o produto durante mais 3 minutos.
Na panela a vapor: adicionar um pouco de água à panela e aquecer. Assim que a água começar a ferver, colocar o produto na panela a vapor e cozinhar durante 6-10 minutos.
Na fritadeira: aquecer a quantidade necessária de óleo, de forma a que o produto fique coberto ao fritar. Aquecer o óleo a 160°C, colocar o produto congelado e fritar durante aprox. 3 minutos.
No forno: pincelar o produto com um molho à escolha e cozinhar a 200 °C durante 15 minutos.
Na fritadeira de ar quente: cozinhar o produto durante 8-12 minutos a 180 °C. Virar a meio do tempo.
Na panela: cozer o produto durante 3 minutos em água.

I really didn't have any sauce in mind so I just laid them in a single layer on a Nordic Ware quarter sheet tray and spritzed them with some spray oil and popped them in.

Which would you get?
Electric Dumpling Maker or Hand Press Dumpling Maker

While I didn't find the Kimchi flavor to be as pronounced as expected, overall I thought these were super tasty and I would definitely get them again. I believe the package had about 20 gyoza inside.

Between these Gyoza and the Dim Sum at Lidl, the Gyoza were the clear winner for us!

COST: 3.29 EURO

WHAT DO YOU THINK?
WOULD YOU TRY THESE Gyoza?
DO YOU THINK THEY WERE A GOOD VALUE?

These Gyoza were purchased at Lidl, a grocery store in Portugal. If you're looking for information on current Cost of Living in Portugal and opinions of Americans in Portugal, check out these posts:

Cost of Living in Portugal:

MORe Lidl Portugal Reviews:

Click here for all Lidl Reviews

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Lidl Donut Taste Test

1/23/2025

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We've decided to try all the donuts at Lidl. We will refresh this post as new donuts become available... It's a trial, but we are willing to do it for you ;)

Glazed Donut .39

Let's start with the classic glazed donut. The Glazed Donut at Lidl is called an "argola". Well, all the donuts I saw today were called argolas. Other stores call them "dots", for example. :)

Learn Portuguese: Argola is a Portuguese word meaning "ring".

Quick take on the glazed donut: "I liked it."

How would you describe it? "Good fluffy texture, nice fried donut-y taste. The glaze wasn't too sticky. It was a good price - pretty good for a donut I think!"

Tap here if you want to try making donuts at home

Glazed Donut side view with a bite taken out

I would tend to agree. To be honest there are a lot of really tasty donuts in America and during our time in Portugal not every donut has been in the game, but I think they are steadily improving. The glazed donut was fluffy and the glaze had just the right thin-shell sweet sturdiness that you're looking for. Flavorful, but not overly greasy. A nice sweet treat that you don't regret afterward!

Sprinkle Donut .59

Tap for sprinkles!

Quick take on the sprinkle donut: "Less good (compared to the glazed), a little gummier. The donut taste wasn't as good as the glazed. Maybe the sprinkles detract, I'm not sure. Just get the glazed."

Did you dislike it? "No."

So overall decent, just not as good as the glazed? "Exactly."

Coming in at a whopping 20 euro-cents more than the plain glazed, the sprinkle donut may not be the best bang for your buck, however listen... when you want a sprinkle donut, you want a sprinkle donut. I tried the sprinkle donut first and I was like "Wow this is a good Portugal donut!"

When I followed up with the first bite of the glazed donut I was surprised how airy it was, as you could see in the photo. The donut sprung back up whereas with the sprinkle donut it stayed squished down, hence the "gummier" description. I assumed the base donut experience would be identical on these, but actually no!

Unfortunately I missed a cross section pic of the sprinkle donut (or "argola party" as the sign says in Portuguese lol) so this can only mean one thing: I will have to try another one and add the photo so you can see the difference ;)

More donuts to come. Stay tuned! ;)

More Lidl Reviews:

Read all Lidl Reviews Here

These Donuts were purchased at Lidl, a grocery store in Portugal. If you're looking for information on current Cost of Living in Portugal and opinions of Americans in Portugal, check out some of the posts above!

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Bitoque - A very typical portuguese dish at Cantinho da villa

10/7/2024

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Cantinho da Villa is a very local Portuguese restaurant in Texugueiras - inland from Albufeira, between Ferreiras and Paderne.

These local spots are just the best because they have classic Portuguese dishes, a lively buzz since everyone in the neighborhood stops by regularly, and you just feel part of the community when you're here.

Portuguese Dish - Bitoque

This plate is a perfect rendition of a classic Portuguese dish - bitoque. You can have beef bitoque or pork bitoque and either way you're getting thin cuts of meat. When prepared properly they are very tender and flavorful.

Comida Portuguesa - A Bitoque Dish Classically Presented

As you can see the dish also comes with rice and French fries.
Why do Portuguese people eat rice and French fries in the same dish? you may ask. Isn't that double carbs? you add.

Well, yes it is. But why do they do it? I suppose because it's delicious! :)

Sweet roasted garlic and a perfectly fried egg top thin slices of tender meat - Bitoque at Cantinho da Villa

The addition of a small, simple salad is common here - green lettuce, sliced onion and tomato, and sometimes cucumbers. Oil (Portuguese olive oil, of course) and vinegar are on the table if you need a dressing.

Please note the lovely pan sauce on this bitoque including whole roasted garlic cloves. This is the mark of a meal made with love.

French Fries, Rice, and a Salad are classic sides in Portuguese Home Cooking

And one of the most beautiful details of this dish is that perfectly fried egg (ovo estrelado) . It takes real skill to get the edges crispy and brown while maintaining a perfectly dippy yolk as shown here. That runny yolk will combine with the pan sauce and add richness to the plain rice. It's so good you'll use your french fries to mop up the leftovers. :)

Where to eat in Algarve:

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Boemia da Vila - Ferreiras

10/7/2024

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Boema da Vila is located in the main roundabout of Ferreiras and is known for their hamburgers. But sometimes you just want a bifana, you know?

While the night-time lighting makes for a truly sub-par glow, we figured we would still share the two bifanas.

Remember, bifanas are sandwiches made of thinly sliced, marinated pork. We got one plain bifana (pork slices on a nice roll) and one with cheese and a side of batatas fritas (French fries).

Very often in Portugal when you order French fries they will come with a side of garlicky mayonnaise (aioli) for you to dip the fries in.

Where to eat in Algarve:

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<<Previous

Traveling through food

How to make pancakes 101:

New Category Added: Cook Along!

When To Flip A PanCake

​What to serve with blueberry pancakes

​How long to cook fried eggs in an air fryer:

Fita Azul Blanc de Blancs Reserva - Espumante

​How to make a mimosa

Mimosa: Sparkling wine first or juice first?

What is the right ratio of wine to juice for a mimosa?

Pancake Anniversary Brunch: Done!

As Seen In This Post:

Anniversary Dinner: Tasca da Luz (Coming Soon!)

More Air Fryer COoking:

lidl Korean Finds

Nongshim Shin Ramyun Red Super Spicy

Lidl Gochujang Paste

Lidl Frozen Chicken Wings

Vitasia Chicken Wings - Asia Curry

Mcennedy Chicken Wings - Honey BBQ Flavor

Lidl Meal Ideas

Anniversary Blueberry Pancake + Mimosa Brunch

Easy Air Fryer MeatloaF Dinner Idea

Gelatelli Choco COokie Ice Cream Sandwich

Belbake Rainbow Chocolate Cookies Baking Mix

Lidl Portugal reviews

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More Portugal Grocery Finds:

Recanto do Zé - Portuguese Restaurant in Armação de Pera

Prato do Dia

Location:

See Also: Best Algarve Tours and Excursions

Iberian Pork Secretos

Francesinha

Recanto do Zé Review

See Also: Top Things To Do In Algarve

​​Best Restaurants in Algarve (armacao de pera):

The Waterdog Pub - British Pub in Armacao de Pera

Location:

--> Later in this Post: The Waterdog Pub Menu <--

Friday Fish and Chips

​The Waterdog Review

The Waterdog Menu with Prices

​Where to eat in Algarve (armacao de pera):

N'ice Cream Flavors

Uniquely Portuguese Ice Cream Flavors

Figo c/ Amêndoa Gelado (Fig and Almond)

Dom Rodrigo Ice Cream (Egg Yarn and Almond)

--> Recommended: Tap here To Make Pastel de Nata at Home! <--

N'ice Cream Armacao de Pera

Armacao de Pera Beach Ice Cream

Explore: The Best Ice Cream Flavors Delivered To Your Door

Best Restaurants and cafes in Armacao de Pera:

Sams Bar & Kitchen Review - ArmaÇÃo de PÊra Restaurants

Later in this post: Sam's Bar + Kitchen Menus with prices in English and Portuguese! :)

Apple Walnut Salad w/ Balsamic - €9.90

Thai Red Curry with Vegetables and Tofu - €10.90

Mango Passonfruit Milkshake

Sam's Bar and Kitchen Review

Location

Where to eat in ArmaÇÃo de PÊra

Sams Bar and Kitchen Menu

Breakfast Menu

Snacks and Starters Menu

Salad Menu

Main Course Menu

Dessert Menu

Lidl Review: VITASIA ASIA STYLE GYOZA SPICY PORK AND KIMCHI FILLING

Cooking Instructions: VITASIA ASIA STYLE GYOZA SPICY PORK AND KIMCHI FILLING

Modo de preparação:

COST: 3.29 EUROWHAT DO YOU THINK?WOULD YOU TRY THESE Gyoza?​DO YOU THINK THEY WERE A GOOD VALUE?

Cost of Living in Portugal:

​MORe Lidl Portugal Reviews:

Glazed Donut .39

Sprinkle Donut .59

More donuts to come. Stay tuned! ;)

More Lidl Reviews:

Portuguese Dish - Bitoque

Where to eat in Algarve:

What to serve with blueberry pancakes

How long to cook fried eggs in an air fryer:

How to make a mimosa

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Best Restaurants in Algarve (armacao de pera):

The Waterdog Review

Where to eat in Algarve (armacao de pera):

COST: 3.29 EURO

WHAT DO YOU THINK?
WOULD YOU TRY THESE Gyoza?
DO YOU THINK THEY WERE A GOOD VALUE?

MORe Lidl Portugal Reviews:

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