Ginja
#16
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Joined: Oct 2019
Location: Aussie nomad with no fixed abode
Posts: 236
Re: Ginja
There are two famous ginjinha outlets (tiny places) in Central Lisbon near Rossio - I first came across them more than 30 years ago. They were still both in operation last time I was in Lisbon a few years ago. They also served Eduardinho. When ordering ginjinha you needed to specify com elas or sem elas - with or without the cherries. There was a sort of tradition that if you ordered com elas you had a sort of right to spit out the stones quite violently.
All sounds a bit mad, but I'm sure it was like that.
All sounds a bit mad, but I'm sure it was like that.
Maybe this one A Ginjinha, the original Ginjinha bar opened in 1840 and still run by the same family. It is found near the corner of the Rossio square, Largo São Domingos 8.
#17
Re: Ginja
The ending is "inha", a feminine diminutive ("inho" for masculine). It's very common - Jorginho (little/young George or Georgie); Coitadinho (poor little thing) dimunitive of "coitado" (poor thing); Homenzinho (little man) in this case it adds a "z" as otherwise it wouldn't sound right....
#19
#20
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 218
Re: Ginja
Read my words: ending in -ginha! I'm not talking about "the" ending, whatever the the "the" might mean. I can't think of a PT word whose last five letters are GINHA is what I'm saying! Sorry to get pedantic, but it's fun.
#25
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Joined: Oct 2019
Location: Aussie nomad with no fixed abode
Posts: 236
Re: Ginja
We have enjoyed Eduardino ginjinha near the Rossio in Lisbon - haven't seen it in the Algarve but you never know. When in the Algarve you should try the Aguardentes Medronho and Figo. Some landlords are a bit cagey about Figo and keep it only up in the 'attic' for special guests (a bit like moonshine) but no harm in asking.
Have seen Phygus Aguardente de Figo Fig Brandy in many bars.
We were in Madeira for three months to the end of September and they have their own booze culture there with excellent Brandy on offer and an extensive range of local rums which strangely fall under the brandy umbrella.
I'm just not sure if you can get their 'stuff' on the mainland but Pingo Doce usually have a very good range, as do Continente, The excellent liquor store Soares is extensive in the Algarve for further searches and their staff are helpful.
Have seen Phygus Aguardente de Figo Fig Brandy in many bars.
We were in Madeira for three months to the end of September and they have their own booze culture there with excellent Brandy on offer and an extensive range of local rums which strangely fall under the brandy umbrella.
I'm just not sure if you can get their 'stuff' on the mainland but Pingo Doce usually have a very good range, as do Continente, The excellent liquor store Soares is extensive in the Algarve for further searches and their staff are helpful.