On the Prowl for a Food + Culture Fix in lovely Lisbon, Portugal

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by Aurelia d'Andrea

What do you know about Portugal? If you're like me, the answer is, probably, not a whole lot. Most of us can name the country's capital city, but beyond that, question marks loom. A few noteworthy facts about this westernmost European country: 
  1. It has produced some of the world's great explorers (Vasco de Gama and Ferdinand Magellan, to name two)
  2. The sweet, aged wine known as Porto originated here 
  3. The cork tree is indigenous to Portugal, and its bark is transformed into everything from handbags to coasters for your glass of porto
  4. The colorful capital city is overflowing with restaurants that appeal to vegetarians, vegans, and healthy eaters of every stripe

In the spirit Vasco de Gama, I set out to explore the city without so much as a map to chart my way. By happy accident, the discoveries I made left an indelible, delicious impression. This sample itinerary is ideal for anyone with a taste for urban adventure seasoned with a dash of artistic intrigue. 

Liquid

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At Liquid, fresh-pressed juices and smoothies reign supreme, at supremely good prices (less than $5 for 24 ounces of liquid goodness). I love that the maestros behind the counter take their time, choosing just the right pieces of fruit and veg to prep your elixir. Detox drinks aren't the only order of the day; the chain also offers coffee and edibles at each of its five locations.
www.liquid.pt

The LX Factory
The LX Factory is a feast for the senses; everywhere in this vibrant arts district are flashy murals, sculptures, intriguing storefronts, and galleries galore featuring local artists. On Sundays, a flea market erupts in the center of it all, inviting visitors to bargain hunt before or after lunch at one of the many cafes that have taken up residence in this old factory district.
www.lxfactory.com

La Foccaceria Pugliese 

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If the words "foccacia," "pizza," and "vino" whet your whistle,  head to La Foccaceria Pugliese in the peaceful, charming neighborhood of Campo de Ourique. At this special spot run by a southern Italian expat, everything is made by hand with care, right down to the crunchy italian crackers known as taralli. Order a glass of wine, a bowl of olives, and the veg pizza of the day, and if there's room--heck, even if there's not room--order some foccacia with tomato and onion, and enjoy it all while sitting outside at a sunny sidewalk table.
www.lafocacceriapugliese.com

O Purista Barbiere
If your idea of a fun afternoon involves a tall glass of beer, a game of pool, and a close shave delivered by a handsome tattooed barber, O Purista Barbiere in Lisbon's Bairro Alto district is a not-to-be-missed destination. The chill (literally) ambiance will take the edge off of a hot Portuguese summer day, but the service is always warm and friendly.
www.facebook.com/pages/O-Purista-Barbière

Swell! Editorial Director Aurelia d'Andrea is still thinking about those thin-crust pizzas she relished at La Foccaceria Pugliese on her recent trip to Lisbon.