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| - I've been coming here for more than 10 years now, and I finally decided that I should probably write a review since I like it so much.
This is an old school Portuguese grillhouse, serving authentic Portuguese home-style dishes. Service can be spotty - some staff have pretty weak English, so make sure you get the order straight. Also, don't expect polished French service, this is the more no-nonsense "here's your food" service.
I have worked my way through most of the menu over the years, and I have my favourites, thought I always make sure to check out the daily specials, because that's where the gems lie. Whatever grilled meat I choose, I wind up bathing it in their delicious house made piri piri sauce. While their chicken has never failed me, I am more partial to the quail, the suckling pig or one of the innumerable cod dishes. I also prefer the potato chips to the parisienne potatoes, but the rice sops up juices and sauce very well.
The appetizers are great, but beware of filling up too much and not being able to enjoy as much of the mains. I rally like most of them, so if you are with a group, you could try the platter and get a sampling of the cheese, sausage, peppers and squid in one shot.
I find that they have a bit of a heavy hand with seafood, tending to overcook and over season them (much like my Mom used to!) so those dishes are a real blast from the past for me. The wine list is loaded with Portuguese gems, so if you don't know much about them this is your chance to learn (order the Vila Regia and impress your friends with a great choice at a great price!).
I've never had room for dessert, so I can't tell you about them, but others seem pretty happy.
My challenge is always the same - having to choose from the tantalizing specials or the set menu. Either way, I leave happy and full, and my wallet isn't crying either.
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