A bit like entering the doctor’s reception, the maitre d’ of Pharmacia in Lisbon, is a little curt.We asked to have drinks before going to our table, and it was if we had asked to eat somebody’s first-born.
Eventually, our pear and part drinks arrived, but the garden seats were so uncomfortable, we asked to take these to or expectant table.
The atmosphere inside the restaurant, I mean, pharmacy, was much more sympathetic. The decor left you in no doubt about the theme of the evening ahead, even the wine coolers were up-cycled medicine chests.
The surprise menu was explained and was a mere €28, we decided it was worth a bash. A fine Duoro accompanied the meal, but to be honest, after the pear and port concoction, we managed a mere fraction of the bottle.
A melon soup with crisped bacon arrived, in a test tube. This wasn’t spectacular, but a good start to the meal. A sausage croquant and fig with pig wrapper arrived, the latter being utterly divine.
A plate of fish nestled on a base of vegetables and herbs arrived, the coriander in the mix fake cleansing your palette. And oh boy it needed it for the next course. Bit of a mistake I thought, steak with smashed potato and blue cheese. A bit of a misdiagnosis if you don’t mind me saying so. Way too much cheese, and from me, that means WAY too much cheese.
An apple crumble arrived, this could have a dental surgery in business all on its own. Very sweet, very moorish.
