Dusk @ Dona Ana

Exploring the sea stacks and marveling in the tranquility of Praia de Dona Ana at golden hour; this was our first visit to the beach upon arrival from Lisbon. On the drive we stopped to grocery shop at Lidl, then unpacked and settled into our Airbnb. Finally, it was time to walk down to the beach. Camden immediately sprinted over to that rock, climbed it, and started making funny poses. His enthusiasm is contagious!  Ryder collected shells at the waters edge. And at last, Mom got that family selfie.

There's a feeling I love after being in a new city, of then arriving to a new beach. A change of environment, a change of pace: slowing down with my kids and being outside discovering.

A Gaúcha | Lisboa

Upon arrival to Lisbon we had a seamless check-in at our pristine, well appointed, chicly furnished Airbnb and were off in search of dinner!

Our first night's dinner at A Gaúcha followed in smooth fashion. This was a whim destination and one of our best family dinners yet. The polished vibe felt more in line with being an adult; the brightly lit space nodded to upscale and the boys were well behaved. I felt something in me really relax after our long travel day with a crisp glass of vinho verde in hand. To think we started the morning in Porto, spent time in Nazare and have now made it to Lisbon. Everyone is thriving!

 While the staff prepared our table, the welcoming manager grabbed us wine and chatted, he told me they own the three restaurants in a row on this pedestrian only street. Historically it was a row of warehouses dedicated to salting, processing and selling the coveted Cod fish. R. dos Bacalhoeiros translates to "Cod-Fishing". Fun! 

The food felt much like the restaurant itself: a little more upscale yet unfussy and comforting at the same time. PicaPau de Vaca (€12) offered tender cubes of fillet sautéed in olive oil, garlic, bay leaves, mustard and white wine. This was a super flavorful and filling appetizer. My grilled octopus entrée Polvo na grelha (€18) with batata, grelos, azeite e alho (potato, greens, olive oil and garlic) was excellent. As was Bob's Sea Bass - Robalo (€18) con molho de açafrão das índias (with indian saffron sauce). Ryder ate everything, including the octopus. Camden ate French Fries and perfected his WikkiStix art. Dessert was a glorious Pudim de Doce de Leite (€5). The hospitality felt throughout was top notch; our waitress was very sweet and attentive.

 I've been posting little videos here and there - capturing the scene and hanging onto those vacation vibes. Plus, proof that Ryder loves octopus!

For a perfectly wonderful meal in Lisbon on a historical and charming street, A Gaúcha was the epitome of hospitality to our traveling family. 

A GAUCHA

R. dos Bacalhoeiros 26D

1100-389 Lisboa, Portugal

(interior photo source)

Nazaré | Portugal

Nazaré is magic. Look how much fun we all had! 

Lunch on Praia do Nazaré at A Deriva Beach Bar then Gelatomania for espresso and gelato.

Beach walk on Praia do Norte (the famous surf, but we're in the off season.)

9.10.23