Last Spring I wrote about 2 local restaurants, Douro DOC and Cacho d’Oiro, and a foodie’s passion for bolas. I have a couple of additions to add for when you come to visit us!
In Regua, next to the train station, is Castas e Pratos, located in what previously was the station’s warehouse or armazem. Rustic turned modern here, and with great panache: open ceiling with wooden beams and exposed heating/AC ducts, glass floor to peer down at the restaurant’s 1st floor beneath your feet, warm and organic wall colors and built-in wood cabinets showing off a remarkable display of Douro red and white wine and, of course, port. To note: wi-fi in the bar area, where wines by the glass and appetizers are served at a community-style high table with bar stools around, acting as a catalyst to start conversations with those next to you. OH, and THE FOOD! Classic and modern, never forgetting the Douro flavors. On a recent winter visit my sister and I thoroughly enjoyed pata-negra prosciutto wrapped grilled asparagus drizzled with warm local honey; slow cooked wine-imbibed baby goat, cabrito, falling off the bone on top of a deep-flavored fava bean ragout; and a port wine semi freddo with bittersweet chocolate ice cream. The impressive wine list, by the glass or bottle, will keep me coming back and the service speaks for itself.
http//: www.castasepratos.com
Just across the street from destination restaurant Douro DOC, is the more simple but all the same very valid AzDouro, 5 minutes from our quinta in Folgosa. As a family we have enjoyed meals here after early evening waterskiing on the Douro, finishing after the sun goes down and not in the mood to cook at home. All the more reason to savor the beauty of the Douro in the summer, with the cooling evening breeze and the glistening river at dusk. My favorite dish remains salt cod or bacalhau with potatoes topped by a béchamel sauce, a melt-in-your mouth pleasure. Roasted bacalhau with crunchy corn-bread broa crumbs and wild boar with chestnuts are 2 other worthy dishes to try. Light dishes area also served, all to be enjoyed with a fantastic view of the Douro!
http//: www.hotelfolgosadouro.com
Thanks for your reading and enjoy a glass of Quinta do Tedo!