Fado music is like nothing else I've ever heard. Dating back to at least the 1820s in Lisbon, singers are well-known and popular. The singer is accompanied by traditional stringed instruments, and the music is vigorous and emotional. The voices are cultured and resonant.
We expected to enjoy the music, but we were equally taken by the food when we had a night at A Severa restaurant and Fado club just down the street from our apartment in the Biarro Alto in Lisbon. The restaurant itself is a beautiful old building named after a legendary Fado singer of the 19th century. This restaurant has been owned by the same family since 1955.
First up: wine selection. Paul picked a white wine from the Dao region and it was very good.
Next we had appetizers (which included bread, olives, and bacalhau) and a beautiful salad.
For the main course, Paul had octopus, which is plentiful in these oceans, and he said it melted in his mouth. Paul's mother was japanese, and he was delighted to have such fresh octopus. I had a nice white fish (bream), also plentiful here.
Finally, the dessert. The local cinnamon custard dessert was tasty, but the chocolate mousse was incredible. We topped off the dessert with espresso.
We're looking forward to visiting another Fado club soon!