Quinta do Galego

Having been somewhat misled by the address "Nazare" (it is nowhere near it) my husband and I finally found Quinta do Galego - it is just outside the village of Famalicão, on the village road. Set back from the road and in a slightly elevated position, peeping through a lush green planted up garden with some high pine trees there is this lovely Quinta, which (enhanced by the wooden chalet along side it) bears more resemblance to an Eastern European alpine chalet than a Portuguese Quinta. Charming property, big verandah and table outside, swinging hammock. As we had our small dog with us, we could only stay in the wooden chalet which was very basic but clean and quite romantic, with its own small verandah. Well equipped with fridge and cooking facilities. Behind the main house was a decent sized pool and breakfast room/small restaurant. In terms of property - we liked it very much. The downside? We arrived at 3 pm after a long journey and telephoned beforehand to ask whether the restaurant was still serving food. Yes. On arrival, tired and gasping for a cold relaxing glass of wine, we asked for a bottle of white wine. No wine. No wine? But they have a restaurant? And what could we eat? Within minutes we had dished up two huge rolls with cold pork and ham, a bowl of cold soggy chips, Pastel de Nata, orange juice and sweet cakes. And a glass jug of warm very suspect orangey looking wine which turned out undrinkable. We were dejected - this was Saturday afternoon! To their credit, the two very charming owners (we suspected mother and son, who turned out to be Russian) tried their best and rifled through the "restaurant's" wine cellar, offering us various dusty and quite old red wines (they were probably fantastic, but not when you just want a glass of chilled white!) As the gestures had been so ready, and willing and the owners did very much try to please us we really could not be annoyed. Ambling down early evening (less than 10 minutes) to Famalicão, we found a fabulous little restaurant specialising in Leitão - roast suckling pig. We stocked up on the roast porker and great chips and salad, chilled vino verde (from the local bar, in a plastic water bottle - but great!) took it all home and then finally spent some wonderful quiet hours on our verandah, eating delicious food, drinking ice cold wine and overlooking the very pleasing garden and area, followed by a very comfortable night in the chalet bed. Breakfast was simple: fresh rolls, ham and cheese, with delicious apple juice and strong coffee. And we were not charged for the previous day's "lunch". We both loved it there - and will happily come again. Charming owners, charming place - just bring your own food and wine!