On the Menu…Restaurante Sacramento do Chiado, Lisbon (Portugal)

When you step inside this inviting restaurant, with its brightly colored windows and warm, modern décor, you will understand why it is a favorite dining destination for the locals. But beauty is more than skin deep at this popular restaurant, since what really lures diners in is the food. People keep coming back for the traditional Portuguese dishes that are prepared with a modern-day twist.

There are a variety of appetizers to choose from, including tasty prawns sautéed in olive oil and garlic, and lightly seasoned with cilantro and lemon, carpaccio of cod, and a selection of Portuguese cheeses. For entrees there is a wide variety of fish and meats to choose from, and some vegetarian options as well. And don’t forget to leave room for dessert! Besides having a friendly and knowledgeable staff, Sacramento also has a nice selection of Portuguese wines to choose from.

• Calçada do Sacramento 40-46
• Lisbon, Portugal
• Phone (21) 342 05 72
• Website: Restaurante Sacramento do Chiado

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Sites to See…Picasso Museum, Barcelona (Spain)

A visit to the Picasso Museum in Barcelona is essential to understanding the formative years of this iconic artist.

The permanent collection includes over 3,800 of his works, with a concentration on his early production. Half of the collection was donated by Picasso’s personal secretary, Jaume Sabartés, with the other half coming from the artist’s own collection.

The Picasso Museum is housed in five palaces that date from the 13th-15th centuries. It is located in the Gothic Quarter, just a short walk from the Cathedral.

• C/ Montcada, 15-23
• Barcelona, Spain
• Phone: (93) 256 30 00
• Website: Picasso Museum

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.

On the Menu…Restaurante Casa Mingo, Madrid (Spain)

When you step inside of Casa Mingo you will be transported to another part of Spain – Asturias, to be exact – as it is an Asturian cider house that was founded in 1888. It is located near the Estación del Norte (North train station). The specialty of the house is roast chicken, which is a staple for the locals who either join the crowds and eat in, or take them to go to enjoy them at home.

Inside the restaurant, which is built into a stone wall, you will find walls covered in bottles of sidra, the tasty cider that comes from Asturias. You will be amazed as you watch the waiters, and others who are daring, pour the cider in the traditional manner, which entails holding the bottle around the height of their head, into a glass that is located at the height of their waist. It’s truly a technique that requires quite a bit of practice, so don’t try this at home!

• Paseo de la Florida, 34
• Madrid, Spain
• Phone: (91) 547-7918
• Website: Casa Mingo

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Time to Save…Sevilla Card (Spain)

Be sure to pick up a Sevilla Card on your next visit to this beautiful city. The Sevilla Card is a smart-chip card that offers cardholders free access to the city’s rich cultural heritage, leisure and other attractions, including:

• Free entry to the major museums and monuments in Seville: Cathedral, Alcázar, Casa de Pilatos, and Bullfighting Museum
• A free bus tour or river cruise (not included in 24 hour card), as well as discounts on many other tours
• Free admission to the Isla Mágica Theme Park
• Discounts offered at participating shops, restaurants and Flamenco shows

Cards are available for 24, 48, 72 or 120 hours, and range in cost from €29 – €80, so you can pick the one that best fits your needs. For more info on the card, click here.

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Next Stop…Córdoba, Spain

Córdoba is a former Roman city that is perhaps best known for its Mezquita (mosque), which was built between the 8th and 10th centuries, at a time when Córdoba was the largest and most prosperous city in Europe. For several centuries it served as a striking symbol of the Moors’ conquest of the peninsula and Córdoba’s importance as the center of Muslim power in Spain.

Many people will make a stop in Córdoba on their way to or from Sevilla in order to see the magnificent Mezquita. But Córdoba has so much more to offer than just the Mezquita, and visitors who linger here for more than a few hours will get a chance to enjoy the charm that can be found by wandering through its picturesque streets. Besides the historic treasures found in this city, there is also a lively social scene that can best be enjoyed in the bars and restaurants that abound. For more information from the Córdoba Tourist Office, click here.

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Checking In…Pousada de Alvito – Castelo de Alvito (Portugal)

The town of Alvito is nestled in the Alentejo region, about 178 km southeast of Lisbon. Alvito received its feudal rights in 1280, and grew to a total of 1,700 inhabitants by the early 16th C. It was around this time that the Castle of Alvito was rebuilt, using a combination of Manueline (Portuguese late Gothic) and Mudéjar (Arab-influenced) styles that are typical of the region.

The Castle of Alvito was converted into a hotel in 1993 and today welcomes visitors as part of the Pousadas group. The hotel offers Standard rooms, larger Superior rooms, and one Suite. The Suite dates back to the 15th C. and used to be the Queen’s suite.

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.