Barnacles and Bratwurst at the End of Europe

If you look at the map, it’s clear that Cape Sagres — at the southwest tip of Portugal —is also the geographical end of Europe. It’s understandable that in the days before Magellan and Vasco da Gama, this was considered the end of the world. Today travelers come here just to find the end of the road. The wives of fishermen sell hearty sweaters, knit while their men are at sea. And a small food stand advertises the” last Bratwurst before America.”

9-last-bratwurst

Goose barnacles, called percebes in Portugal, are a delicacy. They are expensive because they're dangerous to harvest — on rocky promontories where the waves are fierce. They’re nice to munch with a beer. And 300 grams with toast and a salad make a wonderful lunch.
Goose barnacles, called percebes in Portugal, are a delicacy. They are expensive because they’re dangerous to harvest — on rocky promontories where the waves are fierce. They’re nice to munch with a beer. And 300 grams with toast and a salad make a wonderful lunch.

Cape-Sagres

Comments

2 Replies to “Barnacles and Bratwurst at the End of Europe”

  1. Looks….um, interesting. How would you eat such a critter? I’d certainly be willing to give it a go!

  2. They may look unappetizing but taste delicious! We ate a plateful in a friendly small family run owned and operated bar (a few blocks from the funicular and I think called Casa do Santo) in Nazare a couple of years ago. They gave it to us for free as well as a bowl filled with tiny clams for the price of our beers. It sounds like the price has gone up but it’s worth the venture. Pull the skin off the necks (just like a littleneck steamer) and enjoy. Very mild flavored and tender. We’re going back in the fall for more Portugal adventures!

Comments are closed.