The Portuguese are hearty eaters and appreciate good simple food, using fresh local produce. There are many small restaurants in the Lima valley; dishes are tasty, portions very generous, and prices very reasonable. Mealtimes are similar to those in Britain, lunch being the main meal of the day. Local wines, red and white, are drunk ‘verde’ - young and slightly fizzy; the better known Portuguese wines such as Dao and (fortified) Port are easily available. For cooking at home, local shops and colourful markets offer – in amongst lace tablecloths and rustic pottery - a wide range of fruit, vegetables and pulses, meat, poultry, fresh fish and dried salt cod, the national dish. The local bread, from soft white rolls to chewy corn bread, is delicious. Meat lovers should look out for the Brazilian style churrascarias, often serving fabulous imported Brazilian meat served from the sword in the Picanha style – menu’s are usually ‘all you can eat’ so work up an appetite first!