Bolo do Caco – A traditional local flatbread made with flour and sweet potatoes and cooked on the stovetop or fire. It’s served warm with garlic and parsley butter. We loved, loved, loved this bread. I will be making some at home. Bolo de Mel de Cana (sugar cane honey cake) – A dense sponge cake made with nuts and spices and considered the island’s oldest desert. Tastes a bit like a spicy fruit cake. Pão de Deus (“Bread for God”) – A traditional Portuguese bread made with a blend of soft bread topped with a sweet coconut layer. This one we wanted to try, but never seemed to find it.
Prego – A sandwich made with bolo do caco bread spread with garlic butter and a thin beef steak. Sometimes it’s served with lettuce, tomato, cheese and ham. It’s truly delicious. I’d have to say they’re almost better than a hamburger. Lapas or Limpets (Barnacles) – Are mollusks, similar to clams, which have a conical shaped shell, living strongly attached to rocks along the shoreline. Served in Madeira grilled with butter, garlic and a squeeze of lemon. Wanted to try these but just didn’t. Caldeirada (stew) – A unique fish and seafood stew cooked in a clay pot. We saw this on the menus, but didn’t have a chance to try it.
Espada (black scabbard fish) – A Madeira traditional food that looks pretty scary and unappetizing until it’s cooked. It has a delicate in flavor and a Madeiran food not to miss. Stan had this fish at least four times and loved it.
Madeira Wine – originated in the 18th century, when the island started exporting wine to the rest of the world. They found that the wine that wasn’t sold and was returned home was much more aromatic and flavorful than when it first left the island. We have tried this wine here and at home and we aren’t big fans.
Brisa Maracujá – A naturally carbonated soft drink made from purple passion fruit juice and treated water. It was created in 1970 and was the first soft drink in the world to be made from pure passion fruit juice. I did try the original and I wasn’t a fan.
