If you were a house guest in Lourenco Marques, your host would probably invite you to the bullfights on the outskirts of the city-one of the few places in Africa where one can still see this spectacle. On your return, your hostess would spread her dining-room table with an exquisite lace cloth and matching napkins from Madeira or Cape Verde. There would be two wine glasses at each place and flowers in a silver bowl flanked by imposing candelabra would form the centerpiece. The dinner then begins with a well-chilled aperitif, either white port or dry Madeira. Red table wine is served with the entree and with the dessert.
Dinner begins with soup in attractive soup plates.
The entree is then brought to the table in handsome bowls and served by the hostess, accompanied by the wine. Piri-piri, the hot pepper relish is passed in a small bowl. Bread is not generally a part of the meal unless it is requested. The salad accompanies the entree. Lastly fruit macerated in port vinho is the piece de resistance, and wine glasses are replenished.