From LGD 4/13/2024:
Happy 101st Birthday Cecil:
This quaint seaside spot for brews was quite enjoyable, But, it was plan B. Plan A was spotted on a chalkboard menu outside a small bakery "takeaway" window which read "Pastises di Nata" (PdN) and made me stop and salivate. Kalk Bay where we were is originally a Portuguese settlement and we'd seen a couple of Portuguese restaurants on our short walk into town. Background: Prior to Covid, we had a trip to Portugal planned with Alicia 'n Michael, but we had to cancel when travel shut down. On the itinerary for that trip which Michael and I planned was a ride on Tram #28 to go to the birthplace of the creamy custard tarts that Lisbon and Portugal are known for worldwide. Here in Kalk Bay, I excitedly stopped and turned into the small outdoor bakery and sure enough there in the window were the PdN's. The vendor hopped up entered the small closet-sized booth; snapped open a bag and asked what I wanted. By now the smell of cinnamon and custard were wafting through the air. Excitedly I requested "Two di Natas" and as he reached into the shelf, before picking up the first tart...George asked, "Do you take US Dollars or credit card?" (We had run out of South African Rand in Capetown yesterday.) The vendor replied, "NO". I was so close I could taste it! However it was not to be...and will have to wait until we reach Lisbon on April 25th. But the sweet potato fries and local beers in the café right next to the bakery stand were fabulous, not to mention the spectacular view! Side note: I've just found by surfing the internet that there is a Portuguese Bakery in Ballard that serves PdN's. Maybe I'll organize a WOW outing to head for some when we get home. Better yet, I'm going to try finding a recipe to make when we return. Epilogue--We downed the beers but had to eat the fries back on the tour bus. Time sure flies when you're with the one you love in new interesting places. Thanks for DRIFTING with us.
