A birthday treat

I’m going to be a little bit naughty today. You see, Su’s invited me to a tea party and, as usual, I’m totally unprepared. So what I thought I’d do is share with you my birthday treat last Thursday. Raspberry cheesecake with a chocolate base, anybody?

Let me set the scene. Heavy rain is threatened and a warning in place for electrical storms. I know I’m lucky to be able to go out to celebrate the day, but I did have such plans. A nice little spot overlooking a dam. Serene and beautiful. Sunset on the water, and a sunrise full of misty promise. But when the rain drifts in, visibility nil. Go to plan B. A restaurant I’ve been curious about for some time. Cha Cha Cha, in Olháo.

Initially we think, hop a train. A leisurely afternoon with fine wine. But the storm threatens and we jump in the car. Into a head wind on the waterfront. Will we make it before the storm hits?

Barely just! We have the place almost to ourselves. Heavy wooden doors bolt us in. A tiny outlook to a bougainvillea clad wall. Swiftly and firmly closed and the plum velvet curtains swished shut. The sound of drumming rain and the growls of thunder prowling the rooftops. We don’t mind. Secure and warm. And there’s cake! An atypical Algarve birthday, in an atypical year.

Now come on over to Su’s place for sumptuous food and a bit of a gossip.

Virtual afternoon tea, November 2020

97 comments

  2. Not what you planned for, but you found a way to enjoy it all the same. Sometimes the unexpected can turn out to have its own charm. Happy birthday.

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  5. I can’t say I ever had raspberry cheesecake with a chocolate base, Jo, but it sure looks scrumptious. I’d say “yes” to that any time! The atypicality of the event is kind of interesting. I’m glad you found a safe and tasty haven during the storm. Happy belated birthday!

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  14. Happy birthday, Jo, although somewhat belatedly!
    It certainly was an exciting birthday outing – glad you made it out and ahead of the storm! Looks like a wonderful place to wait out the rain. Thank you for sharing your celebration with us!

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  15. The weather added a little to the drama, at least in your telling! It sounded wonderful all-round. I have been “locked at home” for so many months, the idea of being anywhere with a little ambience excites me! LOL! Someday…. 😒

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    1. It does start to mess with your head after a while, Debbie. More restrictions are being imposed here from this weekend and suddenly all those possibilities narrow. I’d been looking for a sweet spot in the weather to travel north to the lakes- not far, maybe 2 hours drive- and next week would be ideal, but it’s now out of bounds. I know! How can I complain about being a prisoner in all this beauty? 🙂 🙂 I need to practise gratefulness!

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  19. Pingback: Virtual afternoon tea, November 2020 | Zimmerbitch

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