Happy anniversary! Sorry it was more memorable than pleasant. For what it's worth, our only bad experience ever in Portugal was in Cascais. Pushy barkers luring people into restaurants, which we'd normally avoid like the plague, but it was late and we were desperate for lunch. We waited about 30 minutes, asking and being told a half dozen times by almost as many people that the food would arrive in two minutes. The table next to us lit up, and that was the last straw. We called for the check for our water and got the two minute routine again. Even my calm husband was angry by then, said "no, you're lying, and we're leaving. We'll pay for the water and leave, or we'll just leave." They finally brought the check, we paid, jumped on the train to Belem, and barely made it to our favorite restaurant, Descobre, before they closed. The perfect antidote to Cascais. LOL
I was so glad to read that you did take the train after all - until I continued reading about your crowded, hot experience! I guess at that time you were getting into afternoon/rush hour, but that is a bummer. I have had a couple stuffy rides on the train as well, but not as crowded as you describe... At least the view IS spectacular all the way along. And since Cascais is the start/end of the line, usually it isn't an issue to get seats.
There is an express train that runs only during morning & evening rush hour. You might or might not have been on it. It's 33 min instead of I believe 40, because it has fewer stops.
That was going to be my commute, ~2/week. Train to Cais do Sodre, then walk or metro uphill to Marques de Pombal where our office is. Fortunately I landed a different role where I can be 100% remote so it isn't necessary.
Anyhow, I hope you enjoyed your 25th despite the not-so-satisfying meal and the claustrophobic train. Next time you're in Cascais (when you're not celebrating such a special occasion), let me know so we can meet up!
Congratulations, again! We are so glad that Scott & Amy had a such a great time enjoying seafood!
Happy anniversary! Sorry it was more memorable than pleasant. For what it's worth, our only bad experience ever in Portugal was in Cascais. Pushy barkers luring people into restaurants, which we'd normally avoid like the plague, but it was late and we were desperate for lunch. We waited about 30 minutes, asking and being told a half dozen times by almost as many people that the food would arrive in two minutes. The table next to us lit up, and that was the last straw. We called for the check for our water and got the two minute routine again. Even my calm husband was angry by then, said "no, you're lying, and we're leaving. We'll pay for the water and leave, or we'll just leave." They finally brought the check, we paid, jumped on the train to Belem, and barely made it to our favorite restaurant, Descobre, before they closed. The perfect antidote to Cascais. LOL
Sounds like a rough evening!
Happy Anniversary!!
Thank you!
Although it was not the hugely satisfying meal you had hoped ,I'm certain it was memorable!
Could the shrimp have been orange from a huge dose of turmeric? Or saffron?
Our 20th anniversary dinner was also less than remarkable but without the train adventure!
It was memorable indeed! And I don't know about the spices. They didn't seem particularly flavorful other than general shrimp taste, but maybe?
Amy's napkin was actually quite pretty!
😆
The saffron would have left a flowery, herbal taste. Turmeric is pretty much there for the color!
I love these posts!
Glad to hear it! Thanks for letting us know.
I was so glad to read that you did take the train after all - until I continued reading about your crowded, hot experience! I guess at that time you were getting into afternoon/rush hour, but that is a bummer. I have had a couple stuffy rides on the train as well, but not as crowded as you describe... At least the view IS spectacular all the way along. And since Cascais is the start/end of the line, usually it isn't an issue to get seats.
There is an express train that runs only during morning & evening rush hour. You might or might not have been on it. It's 33 min instead of I believe 40, because it has fewer stops.
That was going to be my commute, ~2/week. Train to Cais do Sodre, then walk or metro uphill to Marques de Pombal where our office is. Fortunately I landed a different role where I can be 100% remote so it isn't necessary.
Anyhow, I hope you enjoyed your 25th despite the not-so-satisfying meal and the claustrophobic train. Next time you're in Cascais (when you're not celebrating such a special occasion), let me know so we can meet up!
There was a later train that only had ten stops instead of the 16 on ours. I'm glad you don't have to make that trip twice a week!
We'll definitely let you know next time we get out that way. Same for you if you ever make the trip to Marques de Pombal for any reason.