REVIEW: Casa Azul, Cacela Velha, Portugal
Cost: 70€, lunch for two
Rating: 5 stars
After exploring the Cacela Velha estuary in the hot sun, we retreated from the Algarve’s sharp blue sky to the only game in town, Casa Azul. We were expecting basic nourishment from their one restaurant, but it turned into a lovely celebration of the Portuguese midday meal.
The restaurant is decorated in Mediterranean blue and white, looking every bit like it belongs on a Greek island. Because it was so nice out we were on the generous wood patio out front. We strolled up without a reservation, and didn’t need to look at a menu because they had a board advertising a happy hour special (at 1pm) for 10 oysters and an entire bottle of wine, and I just said “Sold!” Marty simply asked about their lunch specials, which were mainly seafood. Like many typical Portuguese restaurants, the lunch menu can be memorized so menus are unnecessary. Marty ordered the grilled octopus.
We spent €70 for the oyster special, two legume soups, the octopus, a large fizzy water we shared, two honey cakes for dessert and two coffees.
The oysters were excellent, briny like a great olive, creamy and bright, with a toothy texture, just how I like them. They paired beautifully with the Arco Nova Vinho Verde.
Marty’s lunch was octopus, boiled then sautéed. I tried it and it was properly chewy with a hint of crunch, like a firm steak. He asked if they could substitute boiled potatoes for mashed, and they happily accommodated him. And they were interesting, a tip of the tongue citrus note, not at all what I expected. We guess there was some white pepper liberally applied.
In writing a food review, I’m supposed to offer a balanced critique. I can’t, everything was just wonderful. Maybe the fizzy water could have been … fizzier?
Service was attentive yet relaxed. We didn’t have a problem signalling for the bill when we wanted to leave, that was nice. I’ve been in restaurants in Spain where they avoid eye contact and you practically have to make a football tackle to get your check. We could have lingered all afternoon.
Wine and oysters on a sunny warm day in the eastern Algarve in March will make you feel like you’re on vacation, whether you are or not. We’ve had a number of experiences where we’ve said to ourselves, “Ah, so this is what retirement should feel like!” Lunch at Casa Azul was one of them. If you’re in the eastern Algarve and love seafood, drop by, you won’t regret it.
