Portugal

This was one of those really simple places off the side of the road just outside of Sintra, Portugal. I stopped here on April 28th, 2025, the day of the infamous blackout across the Iberian peninsula. Portugal among many other countries lost complete power and cellular service around 9/10 am that morning and was off until later that night when it was already dark. This even proved frustrating in the way of being able to easily purchase things as needed such as fuel, food, and whatever else. I unfortunately didn’t have any more Euros this day because I had not gone to the ATM due to me just using my card everywhere. Well, almost All restaurants were completely closed up and the very very few that weren’t, obviously could only accept cash. Taverna dos trovadores was one of those places that just happened to be open however there was a catch, most of the menu was unable to be served due to safety reasons with refrigeration etc.

This place had an old man mastering a charcoal grill outside and serving up veal chops and rice. Luckily I was able to get a delicious Greek style salad to round out the meal, paired with an ice cold sagres they had on ice, it was the perfect meal. Simple, delicious, and proved that some of the best food can come off a charcoal grill from an old guy who know exactly what the hell he is doing.