The Best Way to Begin Your Day in Porto

The day is quickly approaching for my return to the US to complete my long-term visa application. In this blog, I’m bidding “See you when I return” to the team at Esquires Coffee. I was surprised to learn that it’s a franchise, because it doesn’t feel like the impersonal, rubber-stamped franchises Americans are used to. Fernando and his team make it unique with kind wit and welcoming smiles. They have created a warm and relaxed atmosphere, and they make things look easy, even at the busiest times. As I mentioned in my October Update blog, Esquires has a sort of international Cheers atmosphere:

“The proprietor, Fernando, has traveled extensively and makes everyone feel welcomed. His team is sharp, with a good sense of humor, and it has sort of an international Cheers atmosphere. It’s Sunday morning and the place is filled to overflowing. I hear a cacophony of Portuguese, Spanish, British, French, and German being spoken. My preferred table is next to the counter where I can eavesdrop on all the conversations when people order. Fernando always asks them where they are from, and he often replies, “Oh yes, I’ve been there.”

If you wake up hungry, or if you have a big day ahead, order the Esquires Special for breakfast.

Scrambled eggs, bacon or ham, toast, sauteed mushrooms, and fresh fruit. The cappuccino is the best I’ve found, and the croissants are what croissants should be, deceptively simple, flaky, and fresh. There’s a selection of flavorful smoothies, but I usually go for the orange juice, freshly squeezed when you order.

Thank you to the Esquires team for making me feel at home.

You even managed to keep perfectly straight facial expressions the day I walked in with new, bright red hair.

And especially to Fernando for allowing me to use his table. 😉 Good luck with the helicopter, it will certainly shorten your commute!

If you happen to read this and visit Esquires, please tell them, “Mamie says Bom Dia!”

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_{For Portuguese natives and experts, please forgive any inaccuracies in history or facts in these blogs. I am a beginner, with optimism that as I learn, I’ll improve.}