Snack-Bar Casa d’Avó Maria

Of course, to comment simply like this would be a great injustice to such good company – particularly after he’d shared with us such delicious stories as the one about a Royal Air Force official who had taught him how to make homemade beer on the quiet in Saudi Arabia.

Or the description of the beauty of the Ugandan landscape, and his impressions on the people of Cambodia. Privileged stuff. Indeed, it was he that suggested this restaurant, open since 29th May 2009. At the door, there’s a donkey – inviting people in who pass by on the road to the Alvor aerodrome. According to the owner, no parachute enthusiast has landed here – even during high winds. There’s a nice open terrace, beside a new pool that may well soon become accessible to the best behaved clients…

A complete meal here costs €7, and changes by the day. Fried squid and breaded chicken with spaghetti were two available options when we visited.

We chose the first, and consulted the menu which looked very simple – salads (from €1.90 for a simple one to €6.50 for a shellfish salad), omelettes (from €3.20 to €5.50), lasagnas (€6.50), meat dishes (from €5.50 to €11.20), and hamburgers, either on the plate or in a bun. We asked for some white wine («Alternativa» from the Ribatejo), and looked out at a grey, close day – like those full of great plans for the future who couldn’t wait any longer.

One detail: the name of the restaurant was suggested by the owner’s children, in memory of their grandmother. Wouldn’t it be nice if all grandmothers of the world were remembered this way!

Specialities: Dishes of the day, snacks; Hours: Lunches & dinners. Closed Monday; Bill. €16.90 for 2 people; Owner: Cândido J.P Marreiros; NIF 188 491 465.