The cuisine in Portugal differs quite substantially from Lisbon to the Algarve. When we arived in Lisbon we asked after genuine Portuguese restaurants (rather than tourist spots). We followed through on the  suggestions and found that the menus consisted of quite a few pork dishes, in particular the delicacy of black pig cheeks. Portuguese dishes are in the main very rich. In the south there is a strong leaning to seafood, freshly caught, which we generally prefer.

Our favourite restaurant meals were the most amazing steaks at the Argentinian Hexagon in Ferragudo, and Fernando's near Silves, mentioned above.

The shopping experience at Apolonia is quite something. There is such an array of produce, especially in the sections of fresh produce, cheeses and wines, all of great quality. It is however relatively expensive. But then there is the market at Portimão. So having bought the pig belly for Brigi's dinner at Apolonia we headed to the market early to get tuna, and were successful  in finding a nice piece exactly as we wanted. After a stunning meal that evening we hauled ourselves home the next day, eternally grateful to our hosts Mike and Sam, Gary and Wendy, for their wonderful hospitality.