Food, food and more food!

Yesterday was a gastronomic extravaganza!  In between visiting Guimaraes' castle and the Palace of the Dukes of Braganca, we ate lunch in a small cafe our bus driver recommended. He said the octopus and "green" (young) wine were exceptional there.  And they were.

We then went to a former monastery which has been converted to an upscale resort where we had an interactive cooking class featuring a four course Portugese meal.  Keep in mind that Portugal's diet has centered on seafood for centuries.  The first course was a starter in a tiny ice cream cone consisting of a ham and cheese spiral topped with melon and ice cream.  Next was a cod fish salad.  Then a risotto with Portuguese sausage.  Last was a shrimp and mushroom flambe. The risotto was my favorite.  We ended the day with a gourmet dinner.