Wow wow wow ... we stumbled on this little gem, though it should've been a destination in its own right. The facade is a bit daunting, opulent and grand, curved colorful arches, peek through the glass or doorway and behold: tiny white scroll chairs, Victorian tablecloths and gilded gold frame artwork on the walls, a gorgeous patina everywhere, it was a time warp of stepping in the past. The pastries encased behind a massive glass--rows and rows of every imaginable little cakes, eclairs, slices of buttercream, chocolates, and coffees. We were in shorts and tee shirts, wondering if this was the place for us ... but the people behind the register were so warm and welcoming, any doubts I'd had about being appropriately dressed vanished. It was a beautiful balmy day at dusk, a slight breeze and warm, the sun setting; we sat outside where they have tables set up. It's located in an alley of cobblestones, of course, if I tried to make this any more charming, I could not--it was perfect. We each ordered a "mini chocolate cream puff" (they have smaller version of several of their pastries) and this in itself clues you in to their thoughtfulness and unusual empathy for customers. We also got an espresso each, and sat there people-watching. It felt luxurious and glorious, a respite from walking and being out all day. This is the quintessential charming little European cafe, as if belonging to Porto from the beginning of time, I wanted to paste it onto a postcard. So blissed out were we at this place, we ordered another espresso each, being in that moment was everything. Three days later, as we're walking around in the city, quite far from this cafe, a man who we don't recognize, runs up to us and strikes up a conversation, asks us "how we're doing?" "Are we enjoying the city" And so forth ... we're perplexed and abashed, chagrined to admit that we're also a bit suspicious of this strange man getting in our space. We must've looked confused, because he says "You don't remember me--I served you mini eclairs and coffee." Boom, we recognized his face instantly, and hugged him, apologizing for not recognizing him without his uniform! He told us he was tired from working his ten hour shift, he'd just gotten off, was about to go home on the bus, take a shower, and sleep. His vulnerability I found oddly moving, he was completely without guile and openly trusting. We were beyond shocked and touched that he likely has over a 100 customers a day ... how did he remember us, and exactly what he served us, three days later, no less. A humble Wow is all I can say. From this man's raw humanity and love, my heart got full and literally spilled over on the pavement that day. This cafe--something rare and special in the air. read more
