(Photo: Coimbra, Portugal)
They say the Portuguese know 365 ways to make bacalhau (codfish). They also say the Portuguese are the biggest consumers of this fish. It’s no wonder, then, that Coimbra on 42nd and Flagler, devotes almost a full page of its menu to bacalhau entrees.
This was my first encounter with Portuguese food, courtesy of D, who last Friday chose our dinner destination and came up with this wonderful find. Coimbra is easy to miss. We thought it was closed when we drove past it because it looked like the lights were out. Once you walk in, though, you realize that it’s just dimly lit, but that gives this Portuguese restaurant a cozy, homey feel. I really liked the service too; it was kind but not cheerful or overbearing.
To start, we ordered chourico (sausage), which is grilled tableside. That and the dip for the bread which had lots of garlic and herbs were my two favorite parts of the meal. To drink, we ordered a delicious vinho verde (green wine) — meaning, made with green grapes. Neither of us had tasted it before but we became fans right then.
For my entree, I chose a bacalhau dish the waiter recommended over the grilled octopus I had in mind. Now let’s backtrack for a minute. I can’t recall eating codfish, although I’m sure I may have at some point. Somehow, however, my brain associates it with Scott’s emulsion — a supplement with cod fish liver oil for kids popular in South America (I know!). With such memories, I hesitated to try it but I felt it would be a shame not to try what’s typical. D was pretty conservative and ordered pork chops, which were served with thinly sliced fried potatoes.
Looking back, I won’t say that I fell in love with codfish, but the bacalhau stewed with tomatoes, potatoes and onions I ate was well prepared and tasted good to the codfish nonbeliever. Whether I’ll repeat my choice, I don’t know, but don’t let this discourage you from trying. I’m just saying, when I go back to Coimbra — and I definitely will — I might choose another option.
Coimbra
4239 W Flagler St
305.446.3633
tags: bacalhau, codfish, miami, Portuguese restaurants, Portugal, Coimbra
Oh yes…emulsion de scott brings nightmares…but Portuguese food indeed is delish…Providencia has a significant large Portuguese population so I will try more of these dishes and let you know which ones to try….
Paula, bacalhau (bacalao) is a huge Cuban/Spanish thing also … I’m glad to hear there’s one restaurant serving it. It’s delicious when done right.