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Lisbon Confidential: Nathalie Costa from Olivier Restaurant

Lisbon Apartments — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:08:12 +0000

Lisbon Confidential is a series of interviews with people who know and love Lisbon. In this section we share their insider tips, favourite places in the city, and “hidden gems” of Lisbon. We ask the same 10 questions to each interviewee and publish their answers verbatim. Should you wish to suggest somebody for this interview, please contact us.

Today’s Lisbon Confidential interview is with Nathalie Costa, manager of the well known Olivier Restaurant, which has two branches located at Rua do Alecrim 23 and also at the Hotel Tivoli Jardim, Rua Júlio César Machado, 7.

Nathalie Costa

1. What’s your connection with Lisbon?

I was born, I study, I was married, I had 2 girls, I had fun, sun, rain all in the center of Lisbon.

2. Why should a tourist visit Lisbon, in your opinion?

The light, the atmosphere, Lisbon has something that no other city has.. the mix of old and new, the mix of generations and traditions.

3. Your favourite Lisbon museum, sight or attraction?

Miradors.. Lisbon is full of miradors where you can see diferents areas of Lisbon.

(Editor’s note: Nathalie is referring to the several viewpoints dotted about the city, and known as miradouros in Portuguese)

4. Do you have a favourite restaurant? If so, why?

Olivier Café! The atmosphere, the food and the service!

5. A favourite bar or cafeteria?

Silk! The most amazing terrace in the world.

6. What is your favourite district of the city and why?

Principe Real and Chiado… I love to walk there, we can start by buying biological vegetables and fruits at Principe Real garden, then have a hot bread in the Portuguese padaria, and then going to Chiado where there is always nice vitrines, art galleries … finishing with a coffee at the Bairro Alto Hotel!

7. Recommend a good night out in Lisbon.

Dining at Olivier Café and going to Silk (walking distance).

8. Tell us your favourite, interesting or unusual Portuguese saying or phrase, and its meaning.

“Não deixes para amanhã o que podes fazer hoje” that means do not leave for tomorow what you can do now. We should have this sentence posted all over Lisbon because Portuguese like to do always things tomorrow or after tomorrow.

9. Given the chance, what would you do to improve Lisbon?

Lisbon is an irregular city, which although this is part of its charm, getting around can be a bit of a challenge. It takes time to cover places and the walk can be very steep and uncomfortable.

I would only improve the access to places, introducing more ecologic means of transport to allow visitors to access places more easily and with silent vehicles to preserve the surroundings and truly enjoy the magic tranquility of Lisbon Historical quarters.

With Red Tour we tried to the introduce modern and fun ways of visiting the city, using ecologic vehicles (Segways and buggies) to help travelers to get closer to the sights than a bus would, such as narrow streets and other hidden gems.

Finishing with all the roadwork hell in the streets and put the calçada cobblestones back in place!

10. Lastly, do you have any insider tips, a hidden gem or little known aspect of Lisbon you can let our readers know about? Or simply a last word of advice for visitors to Lisbon.

Girls, don’t bring high heels to Lisbon! The heels will get stuck in the lovely “calçada”!

Muito obrigado pela entrevista Nathalie! Thanks for taking time out from your incredibly busy schedule to answer our questions.

Our next Lisbon Confidential interview will be with Tatiana Ecetová from Carristur.

Lisbon Confidential: Lily from InLoveWithLisbon.com

Lisbon Apartments — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 06:43:29 +0000

Lily from InLoveWithLisbon.com

Today’s Lisbon Confidential interview is with Lily from InLoveWithLisbon.com, a blog about Lisbon and, in her own words, “one woman’s love affair with the beautiful city and the land of Portugal”. So, read on to find out what it is Lily loves about Lisbon:

1. What’s your connection with Lisbon?

I met a Portuguese man and fell in love. I didn’t know anything about Lisbon until then. The stories he told me about his country of origin and Lisbon together with the beautiful language and the mysterious ‘saudade’ all made me yearn to see it for myself. When I first visited I felt like I was coming home. Upon my return to England I started In Love With Lisbon because I felt that everyone should know about this wonderful city. I’ve been learning Portuguese ever since.

2. Why should a tourist visit Lisbon, in your opinion?

Lisbon is such a beautiful city full of history and picturesque scenery. Nearby beaches, bars, the glorious river, quiet coffee shops, chic shopping and so many musems and places of interest to visit. The Portuguese people are also warm and welcoming. Whilst tourism has definately increased, it still seems to be a less visited place than many of the other more familiar European cities so it retains it’s distinct charm and remains true to itself.

3. Your favourite Lisbon museum, sight or attraction?

The gothic ruins of Convento do Carmo. It’s unbelievably peaceful and strangely eerie. I also love the Discoveries Monument which honours those who sailed across the oceans to discover new lands. For me, just to see the glittering river and the light that floods Praça do Comércio is a unique Lisbon experience.

4. Do you have a favourite restaurant? If so, why?

Os Tibetanos is a lovely vegetarian restaurant. Wholesome food for a good price with friendly staff. They have a lovely garden outside where you can sit and eat as well.

5. A favourite bar or cafeteria?

When I first arrive in Lisbon I make my way to Miradouro das Portas do Sol for a coffee. There’s a little kiosk cafe at the top of the miradouro which probably has one of the best views in Lisbon. I love to just sit and gaze out over the Tejo. Pois cafe behind the Sé is definately worth finding. It’s quirky, chilled out and the staff and clientele are friendly. They also make a great galão! Lastly Kaffeehaus in Chiado is perfect for a lunchtime break. The staff here are also very friendly and the decor is minimal and relaxing.

6. What is your favourite district of the city and why?

I love Alfama for the labyrinth-like streets, ancient passageways and traditional architecture. This is where you will find many of your typical Lisbon picture postcard scenes. It survived the great earthquake in 1755 so wandering through here is like going back in time.

7. Recommend a good night out in Lisbon.

I’m more of early morning bird myself but I think a night in a traditional Fado bar is a must.

8. Tell us your favourite, interesting or unusual Portuguese saying or phrase, and its meaning.

I can’t think of a phrase right now but ‘borboleta’ is my favourite word in Portuguese. It means butterfly.

9. Given the chance, what would you do to improve Lisbon?

Lisbon is an irregular city, which although this is part of its charm, getting around can be a bit of a challenge. It takes time to cover places and the walk can be very steep and uncomfortable.

I would only improve the access to places, introducing more ecologic means of transport to allow visitors to access places more easily and with silent vehicles to preserve the surroundings and truly enjoy the magic tranquility of Lisbon Historical quarters.

With Red Tour we tried to the introduce modern and fun ways of visiting the city, using ecologic vehicles (Segways and buggies) to help travelers to get closer to the sights than a bus would, such as narrow streets and other hidden gems.

There’s a lot of buildings in Lisbon that are very run down but in many ways this is part of Lisbon’s charm. There are no pretences. Lisbon was once a great sea-faring capital and it’s history is evident all around even though in places it’s a little faded. I would love to see some gentle renovation – mostly getting rid of graffiti.

10. Lastly, do you have any insider tips, a hidden gem or little known aspect of Lisbon you can let our readers know about? Or simply a last word of advice for visitors to Lisbon.

The best way to enjoy Lisbon is to let it open up to you like a flower. It is a place that inspires poetry, literature, art, music and romance. You need to walk her streets slowly savouring the scent of good coffee and listening to the sound of fado in the air. Remember to look down at the mosaic pavements (calçadas) and up at the wonderful decorative tiles on buildings and walls (azulejos). Make sure you visit a miradouro (a viewpoint) and allow yourself to be seduced by history and become lost in Alfama. Lisbon has many wonderful attractions and tourist hotspots but you will discover so much more if you allow yourself some time to just see where your feet take you.

Thanks, Lily, for sharing your passion for Lisbon with us – it truly is a love affair you’ve got going there! Our next guest to be interviewed for this Lisbon Confidential series will be Nathalie Costa, manager of the famous Olivier Restaurant.

Lisbon Confidential: Susana Welsh

Lisbon Apartments — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 09:21:33 +0000

Susana Welsh, Red Tour

Today’s Lisbon Confidential interview is with Susana Welsh, Commercial Director of Red Tour, a local company that organises Buggy and Segway tours of Lisbon:

1. What’s your connection with Lisbon?

I’m Portuguese, born and raised in Lisbon.

2. Why should a tourist visit Lisbon, in your opinion?

Lisbon is known as the white city, due to its brightness. Lisbon is in many ways a charming and romantic city, with its narrow streets of the old bairros (quarters) such as Alfama, with its viewing points with breathtaking views of the city and riverside. The weather is very mild and sunny most of time. Just a few km away you will find gorgeous beaches, great restaurants and the night life here is very lively as well. I guess the best of Lisbon is that, it’s still not very explored, so you will find real gems, local favorites and non touristic places.

3. Your favourite Lisbon museum, sight or attraction?

I have plenty!! Some are: Tropical Garden in Belem, an often unnoticed spot over 4000 species of tropical plants. Lisbon’s viewing points such as Saint Estevão’s Viewing Point – Great views of Alfama. The National Museum of Ancient Art is located in “Janelas verdes”, has a lovely outside terrace as well. The impressive Jerónimos Monastery. Carmo – Romantic Gothic ruins.

4. Do you have a favourite restaurant? If so, why?

Alecrim às Flores, located in Rua do Alecrim, next to Cais Sodré and Chiado. It’s a local favorite, it has a charming outside terrace; the food is mediterrean with local dishes.

5. A favourite bar or cafeteria?

I have quite a few I like; one of them is the “Pois Café“, located in Alfama for brunch with its original setting and delicious light meals, a very cosmopolitan place. Chiado’s Hotel and Bairro Alto Hotel both have an amazing top floor terrace with exclusive views of the city, perfect for a romantic drink. Finally, Deli Delux, near the train station of ”Sta Apolonia” is perfect for a brunch in a modern but relaxed setting.
(Editor’s note: DeliDelux is just in front of our Twin Apartments)

6. What is your favourite district of the city and why?

Alfama is a must go, still in touch with Lisbon authentic old-way of life, it’s magic to visit this quarter, is like stepping back in time. Chiado is also a favorite; it has become Lisbon’s “Soho-Style” district, for its vibrant life, with theatres, old-style cafés and fashionable boutiques. It’s basically where locals shop and meet for leisure.

7. Recommend a good night out in Lisbon.

Start at Bairro Alto, have a drink as you go from bar to bar. Then go to Bedroom Bar at Rua do Norte, a local favorite for its music and ambience. I also recommend “Silk” Bar, located on a top floor in Rua da Misericordia for its views (booking required). For night clubs the best are Lux in Lisbon or Tamariz in Cascais (only open on summertime).

8. Tell us your favourite, interesting or unusual Portuguese saying or phrase, and its meaning.

“Saudade”. When you miss someone or something how can we explain that nostalgic state, that feeling of missing? The Portuguese invented a word that describes exactly what you feel when you miss someone or something: Saudade.

9. Given the chance, what would you do to improve Lisbon?

Lisbon is an irregular city, which although this is part of its charm, getting around can be a bit of a challenge. It takes time to cover places and the walk can be very steep and uncomfortable.

I would only improve the access to places, introducing more ecologic means of transport to allow visitors to access places more easily and with silent vehicles to preserve the surroundings and truly enjoy the magic tranquility of Lisbon Historical quarters.

With Red Tour we tried to the introduce modern and fun ways of visiting the city, using ecologic vehicles (Segways and buggies) to help travelers to get closer to the sights than a bus would, such as narrow streets and other hidden gems.

Lisbon is an irregular city, which although this is part of its charm, getting around can be a bit of a challenge. It takes time to cover places and the walk can be very steep and uncomfortable.

With Red Tour we tried to the introduce modern and fun ways of visiting the city, using ecologic vehicles (Segways and buggies) to help travelers to get closer to the sights than a bus would, such as narrow streets and other hidden gems.

I would only improve the access to places, introducing more ecologic means of transport to allow visitors to access places more easily and with silent vehicles to preserve the surroundings and truly enjoy the magic tranquility of Lisbon Historical quarters.

10. Lastly, do you have any insider tips, a hidden gem or little known aspect of Lisbon you can let our readers know about? Or simply a last word of advice for visitors to Lisbon.

In Lisbon: For sea food I recommend the “Pinoquio” in Av. da Liberdade, not fancy but it’s a local favorite.

For a modern and fashionable restaurant, the “Olivier Avenida” at the Tivoli Hotel. For good value and a romantic setting the outside terrace the Alecrim às Flores Restaurant.

The heritage Hotel has an unexpected top floor terrace, exclusive to its guests, but you may always try to convince them to let you have a drink in this lovely scenery.

Sintra , located 45 mins from Lisbon(by train) is a must go, its stunning, like a fairy tale. On your way back to Lisbon, take the bus that goes along Cabo da Roca to Cascais and then take the train to Lisbon (30 mins). I promise it will be a memorable day.

A big thank you to Susana for sharing her version of Lisbon with us. Our next Lisbon Confidential interview will be with Lily, from InLoveWithLisbon.com, who will be explaining how, with whom and with what she fell in love.

Lisbon Confidential: Mario Rui Fernandes

Lisbon Apartments — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 12:35:00 +0000

Lisbon Confidential is a new section in this blog, dedicated to the people who know Lisbon best: those that live and work here every day. We will be interviewing several distinguished personalities from the online and offline worlds of tourism, hostelry, the restaurant trade, and hopefully many others such as politicians, shop assistants, tram drivers and whoever we think might offer some helpful insider tips to those visiting the city. Should you wish to suggest somebody for this interview, please contact us.

Mario Fernandes

We’ll be asking the same 10 questions to all these people, with the intention of hopefully stimulating some interesting replies stacked with useful information. To inaugurate this section, who better than Mario Rui Fernandes of GoLisbon.com fame, who not only knows Lisbon very well, but whose own travels around Portugal and the world place him in the unique position of being on both sides of the fence: both being a tourist and helping tourists. So, with no further ado, this is Mario’s version of Lisbon Confidential:

1. What’s your connection with Lisbon?

I have been living in Lisbon since 2003, and I first visited the city in 2000. I had been to Portugal several times before (I lived in the United States for most of my life), but that was always during the summer and as a teenager my days were spent at the beaches. So after a last-minute idea to spend my millennium 1999-2000 eve in Portugal, I actually spent a few days in the capital. That didn’t give me enough time to explore it, but it was love at first sight from the top of the hilltop viewpoints. So I returned later that summer, when I spent days photographing the city. When I returned to the United States, I posted my photos on a personal website, eventually created my own guide with Portugal travel information, and that led to the GoLisbon.com website which has become the most popular site about Lisbon on the web.

2. Why should a tourist visit Lisbon, in your opinion?

There are many unique cities, but in Lisbon’s case we can truly say it’s not like any other. It may have monuments similar to other world icons, and there is some fantastic architecture and museums, but Lisbon is a city that you visit not just to see man-made works, but mostly to experience an especially beautiful, atmospheric, and authentic place. It’s also a special destination because it’s still so underrated, little understood, and little known. It then becomes extra-special when you’re reminded that it was once a true world capital, the center of an empire with colonies on all corners of the globe, and from where the world’s great explorers learned about the seas and yet-unexplored worlds. That is part of the fascination with Lisbon, a place that you never really knew much about, but that the more you get to know, the more you want to know. And that happens every time you turn a corner, go down one of the legendary seven hills, see the river in the distance or a colorful tiled façade, take a look at the patterned pavements, see an old tram pass by… Lisbon is a surprise, decadent yet vibrant, old yet modern and exciting when you start exploring it.

3. Your favourite Lisbon museum, sight or attraction?

I love the Ancient Art Museum. I have gone there several times, and each time I like it more (there are famous European masters next to anonymous works, pieces mixing European and Asian art, and items related to the Age of Discovery). I especially like it on Sunday mornings, not just because that’s when it’s free, but because it has a great cafeteria in a garden looking out to the Tagus. I also love St. George’s Castle, which as a Lisbon resident, I can go at any time for free. When you hear that the view of Lisbon from the top is breathtaking you should take that literally — for its hilltop location and the feeling of standing above the entire city descending towards the river.

4. Do you have a favourite restaurant? If so, why?

It is very difficult to choose a favorite restaurant. When dining out, I more often look for what’s new than return to old favorites, but if I want a special yet informal dinner, I find myself going back to Viagem de Sabores in Alfama. You dine looking out to the floodlit cathedral, it’s on one of the city’s most peaceful and charming streets, the space has a great atmosphere, and the food is quite good, with flavors from all over the world, true to the name of the place “a voyage of flavors.”

5. A favourite bar or cafeteria?

Since the weather in Lisbon is almost always pleasant at any time of the year, I often choose to go by the river and stand in the sun (even in the colder winter days). So I enjoy “À Margem” in Belem which serves excellent light meals and drinks, and go for weekend brunch at “Deli Delux” also by the river but in Alfama, outside Santa Apolonia Station. At night I have always joined everyone up and down Bairro Alto, going from bar to bar (“Maria Caxuxa” is a guaranteed stop), although lately I am preferring chatting with friends with a cocktail at Cinco Lounge.

6. What is your favourite district of the city and why?

When meeting friends, the destination is always Chiado. It’s the city’s liveliest area, with something going on from day to night. I know I can grab a quick breakfast at Panificação do Chiado, get a light meal at Fabulas, Royale, or Kaffeehaus cafes, go for a drink and fantastic city views at the bars of Regency Chiado or Bairro Alto Hotel, see a show at one of the many theaters, or have dinner at one of its cool and relaxed restaurants such as New Wok or Cafe Buenos Aires nearby. And although I’m not much of a shopper, if I need something, I rarely go to the shopping malls away from the center because I know I’ll find everything I need in Chiado.

7. Recommend a good night out in Lisbon.

The perfect night out in Lisbon starts late because it ends late (or better yet, early in the morning). It starts with a drink at a cafe in Chiado before dinner at a Bairro Alto restaurant where you can stay for hours at a table, followed by a Bairro Alto bar-crawl. Those who still feel the night is young, move to one of the many former warehouses and now clubs by the river (“Lux” is still the top choice after more than a decade), while those who prefer calmer nights, can simply stay for cocktails at their favorite bar. As for tourists, they always end up falling for a night of Fado, the best of which are usually found at Clube de Fado or Senhor Vinho.

8. Tell us your favourite, interesting or unusual Portuguese saying or phrase, and its meaning.

It’s not exactly Portuguese, but I love to hear “Não deixes para amanhã o que podes fazer hoje” — it means “don’t leave for tomorrow what can be done today.” I love it because no one follows it. Lisbon would not be Lisbon if they did.

9. Given the chance, what would you do to improve Lisbon?

If I could improve Lisbon, I’d make myself dictator mayor of the city. Cars would be prohibited in all of downtown (Baixa) so pedestrians could better enjoy the city; landlords who can’t afford renovations of the buildings in the old residential neighborhoods such as Alfama would lose their properties which would then be rented at affordable prices to young people following renovation; there would be a Singapore-like attitude towards graffiti in private property; shops downtown would stay open until late at night and malls would be closed. Everything else could be left as it is — flawed but actually perfect.

10. Lastly, do you have any insider tips, a hidden gem or little known aspect of Lisbon you can let our readers know about? Or simply a last word of advice for visitors to Lisbon.

Take at least one day to simply walk around Lisbon, with no specific sightseeing in mind. Walk up to the castle, down Alfama, through Baixa, up Chiado and Bairro Alto. Stop at the viewpoints, sit at a pavement cafe, admire the view and enjoy the sun and a long meal with a good wine. That’s the only way to truly experience Lisbon, a place where life is meant to be enjoyed slowly, with some time to notice the little details, no rushing, just living. That’s true quality of life, and that’s the true quality and essence of Lisbon.

And that concludes our first Lisbon Confidential interview. Thanks Mario, for allowing us a sneak peak at your version of Lisbon, and bringing us a little closer to knowing the city as well as you do.