San Francisco!
Nope. Cheaper to get to from Boston, similar climate, hip museums and fantastic food and music. Not as much craft beer. Or any, really.
But who cares when you can sip this delicious cherry business right in the middle of the cobbled streets?
The tavern selling this small treat is really a dressed-up counter at the edge of the sidewalk called Ginja Sem Rival, which sort of means Best Cherry Liquor Ever. And if context is anything, it surely is.
And just like San Francisco, there are steep streets…
But then the old world charm of Europe takes over. In a lovely old Sunday park that doesn’t have silly American alcohol restrictions.
And on the streets by fountains late at night where musicians and informal dancers have impromptu gatherings.
But wait- there is beer! We stopped at La Crêperie da Ribeira for some of their ricotta, walnut, and honey yumminess, and found…
More good-enough beer was found alongside excellent cold cockles at a restaurant known for seafood.
But the best nibble and sip combo was at a little diner-ish place quite close to the cherry tavern. They served sparkling vinho verde with a meat sandwich called lombinho.
These sips and sounds along the sea mean I’ll be back soon to explore some more… and perhaps open a decent brewery.
TravelSips 