Peri, Peri Power

We had our first taste of Portuguese flavoring this evening at a restaurant called Nando's in Reading on the River Kennet. The aroma was incredible - the open-fire grill sizzled with a rich blend of seasoned chicken and basting sauces. The restaurant calls their favored dish Peri-Peri Afro-Portuguese chicken.

Our meal started with grilled halloumi cheese and fresh-baked pitta bread. The halloumi is mild and a little more full-bodied and buttery than mozzarella, and grilling adds a nice smoked flavor to the cheese.

For dinner, I had a grilled chicken Caesar while Nick had wings and seasoned chips. Nando's marinates the British chicken overnight to soak in the flavor, and it's wonderful. Kind of zesty like Cajun and a little spicy hot like Indian, with a definite after-kick. If you want more of a kick, the sauces range from mild to extra, extra hot.

And I couldn't resist snapping a really cool shot of the lights overhead the dining room.