By Irene Merenda
Portugal Wine Bar and Grill, 15 Palm Harbor Village Way, Palm Coast, FL 32137. 386-225-4753
This restaurant was recommended by the Spoonbill Courier editor and it was an excellent recommendation. Portugal Wine Bar and Grill is family owned and operated since its inception in 2015. Although it is a little more than 20 miles from Anastasia Island, it was an easy drive and worth the trip.
We had a reservation for 6 people at 6:15 on a weeknight. We were greeted and seated promptly upon arrival. Unfortunately, we were seated very near a group of 8 after-golfers, males who clearly had been enjoying more than just their round of golf. They were very loud, and it was impossible to have a conversation, so we asked to move to another part of the restaurant. The waiter-host “George” reluctantly (and a little grumpily) moved us.
After our initial introduction to the restaurant, most of the remaining experience was excellent, with just a few minor exceptions. Upon seating, we were brought crusty, warm bread with olive oil and black olives. We ordered drinks (house Chardonnay and house Pinot Grigio, $8 each, Woodford Reserve Bourbon, $10 and Pinot Noir, $9) and water for each of us. We were not asked what type of water we wanted and were served very small bottles of “Luso” water at $1.50 each, which we discovered when the bill came. We all thought it was a bit strange not to be asked whether we preferred tap or bottled water.
My husband ordered “Portuguese garlic soup” as his appetizer ($8). The broth was strong with garlic and cilantro. The soup was hearty with croutons and egg and was different and delicious.
One entrée was the “Seafood Trilogy.” ($39) There were 3 scallops, 3 shrimp and a small lobster tail served over linguini. The taste was wonderful but might have had a little more seafood for the price.
Garlic shrimp over linguini ($25) was in a light, olive oil-lemon sauce with 6 large shrimp and tomato chunks. It was delicious, and the pasta was cooked to perfection. Corvina was the fish special, served in a champagne-butter sauce with a massive heap of garlic mashed potatoes and a small serving of broccoli and carrots. The fish was melt-in-your mouth delicate, not overly cooked and very tasty. I could have done with more garden veggies and less mashed potatoes, but that’s just my personal preference. The calamari, shrimp and rice stew ($30) was, again, very garlicky and delicious. The seafood was abundant, tender and the stew was hearty with bits of red pepper and peas adding color and flavor. One in our group chose the New York sirloin with shrimp ($38). It was a large steak with 3 large shrimp served with mashed cauliflower and garden vegetables. The steak was cooked medium rare, as requested, was seasoned wonderfully and was excellent.
We ordered 2 desserts to share among our table. ($10 each). Both were chocolatey and heavenly, although I apologize that I can’t remember what either was called. But, as I see it, you cannot go wrong with a goblet full of chocolate and more chocolate with some raspberry sauce on top.
Portugal Wine Bar and Grill is closed on Monday and open for lunch and dinner the other days. It’s not a large restaurant and was filled by the time we left, so reservations are encouraged. It is pricey, but worth the drive and the money. (Just remember to ask for TAP water, if that’s what you want!)
4 and ½ spoonbills
