Complete with seven lavishly decorated Bengali- and Goan-themed

dining rooms, friendly staff and its own auditorium, it’s a wonder that Monte

Horeb Restaurant and Social Club seems to attract so few clients. Perhaps

this is what makes the whole experience so rewarding? The almost spooky

walk through the forested grounds of the restaurant is, as the waiter points

out, almost like something out of the Blairwitch Project.

The restaurant is located at the crossroads on the way up from the

lagoon to the Solar da Paz, towards Nadadouro. There are two entrances,

one for pedestrians, and one for cars which can be parked round the back, en

route to the ‘little English’ at Casinhas Park (O Beco das Casinhas).

With dishes on the menu such as shark, goat, rabbit, coconut cake

and fresh fruit lassis, the restaurant - owned by a former Portuguese

politician - is a great place to shake off the habit of eating beef, chicken and

bacalhau as one’s staple diet in Portugal.

The bhajis (chick peas deep-fat fried, with herbs) are exceptionally good, as

are the samosas, but be careful of the hot oil. Particularly enjoyable was the

curried cabbage with shrimp and coconut, which sounds foul, but tastes

creamy and delicious.

The portions are small but incredibly filling, and all dishes come with

rice (basmati and white, depending on your order).

According to the charming waiter - who had spent some twenty three

years living and working in restaurants in New York - fish dishes are best

served with white rice. This was just one little nugget of wisdom gleaned

from the exceptional service we received. My companions and I were even

given a small tour of the restaurant to quell our growing curiousness about

the restaurant and its striking appearance.

The restaurant comes highly recommended as long as you can

tolerate a lack of accuracy with regard to the menu. As usual in Portugal,

there is always something unavailable, but bite the bullet, and stay on for the

ride. This place is truly something.