Angels Bar — Restaurant in Cascais

I sit and gaze out over the azure aspect with it's hint of green, always the green, just like in the flag, this is what let's you know, it's Portugal. Amongst the bustling promenade, an older dona walks alone, singing with a thankfulness, a philosophy shined and buffed in the sweat of struggle and enshrined in the tenants of Jesus Christ. A husband and wife's two bony hands squeeze tightly together, there knuckles whitening, there skin softened under the sun of seventy plus summers, they know what's been sought and what's left to seek and march on wilfully, each and every step they take, in stride and also in style I might add, always style but not from any 'how to' just a sense, like smell or sound. Rico moves like Casper the friendly ghost, he doesn't walk but rather he glides, his laconic face is like an empty canvas deck chair, only his small quiff of hair caught in a whisper of wind, belying his wakefulness. A first class gentleman though, I merely poke fun. Rico alas cannot be pushed or pulled, rather like Casper the ghost, it would be akin to grabbing at thin air, nope, Rico arrives, leaves and takes a cigarette break at Rico O'clock, a man after my own heart in this way, perhaps we see a reflection in each others countenance. I will miss him.

Inside Angels Cafe today there are workmen. They cannot fail to notice my rapport with the Angels but look neither interested or entertained. This quality is something universally espoused by our beloved construction workers but just smile in their direction ok because that leak still needs fixing.

Reposed once more on the terrace, I observe some folk as they 'um and ah' over whether this is in fact the right spot for them, finally they see sense and cross over the threshold into Angels. The places down the way are pleasant enough, but such is the ambience of Angels that it's akin to a cool wave in the shallows washing over your torso on a hot day, the easy and dignified essence of the place is 'the top' as the locals would describe it to us English and they have it so damned correct! From the menu "perhaps Senor or Madame would like to try the Pinchana" Or for something lighter before a surf? then how about some bruschetta, to drink perhaps with Frutos Vermelhos. Or maybe after a few fun waves, one would be tempted into a tulipa of Superbok whilst all the time, tracing the lines of the souls trying to thread the wave of the day at Carcavelos all the way to the beach. Soon it will be time for me to walk up the hill towards my lodgings for the final time, with my precious boogie and flippers under my arm, down and through the underpass smeared in graffiti that I love so well and up the hill and finally out of view from the Praia. On the third of February I board the old tin bird to be returned from whence I came, to Cornwall, England and thus all that is left to do is to pay a final tribute to my new friends, Nuno, Rico, Mirriene, Martha, Evelyn, Sunil and Daynira, I shall keep you, my angels, in my heart always and forever. Until next time, be lucky in your...

Service was slow and non existent, considering it was not busy to the extent that staff were able to stand around but took ages to come and take our order, then when the food arrived the bolognese was off, the clams were mostly shut and lacked flavour, the croquettes tasted like oily onion rings and the snails were sub-par at best. The drinks were weak in terms of alcohol. Wish I had read reviews before placing order, left unsatisfied and definitely not worth the price. Won't be returning and would advise others to heed other reviews and try next door instead as...

the shrimp here are amazing, the best on the beach, but the service... oh my god, please help me tolerate this service. i’ve been coming here for six months, every week, ordering the same dish. but how is it possible that there’s a new server every time? they never come to check on you, and some are downright rude! it’s so sad to see a place i come to just for one dish treat its customers so poorly. six months, every week, and i’m not joking! new servers every time!!! please, someone help this place, get a job here and make the...