galmc2Report

It all started with this.

We were walking to get something in our neighborhood (yes, probably more wine), and I glanced over as we passed through a nearby narrow “street” and saw this. We’d experienced a speakeasy years ago in Seattle, so it definitely got our attention.

We reached out on IG to see about a reservation and made contact with the proprietor Manuel. Imagine the surprise when it turned out he was also Canadian, and in fact was heading to an event in Victoria soon. He informed us that usually his place (imagine something the size of a large closet at 23 sq ft) is normally booked out well in advance, but he’d see what he could do.

Fast forward to our last night in Lisbon and there we are, waiting outside his front gate at 10PM.

Manuel greeted us and we proceeded to have a fabulous evening talking about all things and tasting the absolutely amazing cocktails he crafted for us. We had a choice of ordering from his menu, or we could simply answer 4 questions ( ice cream flavour, non citrus fruit, citrus fruit and what kind of spirit)and he would bring us something inventive. Mine was a concoction based on chocolate, strawberries, lemon and tequila, and I doubt I have had a more enjoyable drink! He pulled from a bottle collection on his shelves of 560 bottles, and shared he had another 2,000 in his apartment.

And just like that it was midnight and time to say goodbye and wish each other safe travels. Just a fantastic way to end a fantastic stay in Lisbon!