I guess it was Fat Tuesday and being neither Catholic nor Christian, I just went to the gym. Afterwards Dave the torturer and I went for dinner at “La Villa” in Portland. They’re a Lebanese and Brazilian restaurant that I’d strongly recommend. The odd combination comes from the cook, a woman who is married to a Lebanese electrician. She, however, is from Brazil.

Until recently the menu was completely Lebanese, but she added a few Brazilian dishes. The shwarma sandwich Dave had was grilled. I had a Brazilian stew-like dish that tasted a little like curry. It was supposed to come with fish, but they ran out and I had it with chicken. She also brought us some pita bread that was sweet and fresh and a taste of the meat for the gyros. It was tender and juicy, unlike some of the fast food gyros I’ve had. I am completely stuffed but my mouth is watering as I think about the food.