Wing C.
Yelp
After an incredible dinner the night prior just down the street, we were hesitant about trying a new place. So glad we did because my husband and I couldn't agree more that our dinner at Ideal was the best meal of our honeymoon.
Portuguese tapas meant nothing to us. My husband and I were just hoping the dishes would be bigger and better put together than Spanish tapas back in the states. Knowing that they don't take reservation, we came right at its opening and sat by the window. Our sweet waiter quickly explained the menu and recommended us to pick 3 dishes to share. I could literally see myself eating every seafood dishes on the menu but ultimately we went with their braised tuna with sweet potato, fried cuttlefish with clams, and to add local speciality - stewed black pork with pepper jam.
Braised tuna with sweet potato - translation was definitively off since we received seared tuna. My husband and I loveeee seared tuna to begin with so no complaint there. The 8 pieces of perfectly seared tuna strips coated with sweetened, pan fried shallots and this incredible crack sauce were unbelievable! We saved the sauces for all the subsequent dishes because it was just too good to give up. Our waiter were ready to switch out our plates but we turned him away. The stewed soft sweet potatoes added the perfect contrast of taste and texture to this dish. Honestly I don't mind just eating this dish again and again and again. Too good!
Fried cuttlefish - again the translation was off, perhaps pan fried. I was expecting something along the line of croquettes but we received a pot of whole cuttlefish, clams, and potato. Nevertheless, the seafood was fresh and beyond delicious!
Black pork - never have I had a softer cut of pork. I didn't even need a knife. The pork pieces just fell apart on its own with a light stroke of my fork. The pepper jam, sweet and tangy, was the perfect condiment to the dish. We drank every drop of this stew. I don't even like pork but this pork dish was just too amazing.
We were beyond stuffed with the 3 amazing dishes. But with such incredible main dishes, our inner fatties were curious and wanted to try their desserts too. We ordered the dessert samplers for 2. They had 4 desserts to choose from but we went with pear crumble and chocolate tart with peanut sauce. Both desserts served warm. The chocolate tart was actually a brownie. A little too rich and sweet for our taste but still very yummy. The pear crumble was hearty. Perfectly stewed pear pieces, generous touch of cinnamon and brown sugar, it was the perfect ending to our incredible meal.
Attentive, heartwarming service + incredible, well priced foods - Ideal will always have a place in my heart (and belly). Thanks for the most amazing, memorable meal of our honeymoon!