I think this is the first time I've come across the concept of the third space. I'm interested because I recently tried (and failed) to open an alcohol free bar and I think a lot of what you say applies to that. Would a coffee shop not fit your definition because there's a lack of interaction?
I think it depends on the coffee shop but yes, you could argue that many coffee shops don't qualify because they're not really there for community, they're there for people to sit on their laptops in silence, or only talk to the people they come with. BUT that doesn't count for all coffee shops of course and there are plenty that garner community with the way they are set up or the events they put on.
Oh, I’m looking forward to finding some of these snack bars in Portugal. Any highly recommended ones in Porto? I think we’ll be in the Foz do Douro neighborhood.
There is something so warm and so intimate about sitting down to eat and drink at a Portuguese snack bar. Tascas, as they are called, offer not only food, but also present a unique cultural experience focusing on a shared, casual dining environment while offering petiscos. These are small, savory dishes meant for sharing and enjoying with friends and family. Think of it like Spanish tapas, but with a distinctly Portuguese twist. The shared dining experience offers such traditional dishes like "pastéis de bacalhau"; cod fritters, "sardinhas assadas"; grilled sardines, or "chouriço assado"; grilled sausage. As the evening minutes transform into hours, the evening unfolds with the sharing of amazing stories, great food and delicious Portuguese wine as you sit at a table together with strangers, who quickly become acquaintances, and end the evening as friends.
My gosh I LOVE a Portuguese snack bar. My favourite was in Funchal, Madeira: we found it on our first day, within 100 metres of our apartment. There was a sign on the door saying no dogs, but the server took one look at our tiny Yorkshire terrier, said "that's not a dog" and welcomed us straight inside. Within a week, we were on first name terms, waving every time we walked past. I ate countless bolo do caco at that place. Countless bottles of Sagres. I nearly cried after 6 weeks when we left. Thank you for reminding me, Charlie (and it's called Bela 5, if you're ever in town).
It's a gem! Btw, when you do visit Madeira... I have two foodie guides that you might find useful (a couple of years old now but hopefully a lot of the places are still open).
You had me at Gazela!
Yeahhhh! What a place
I think this is the first time I've come across the concept of the third space. I'm interested because I recently tried (and failed) to open an alcohol free bar and I think a lot of what you say applies to that. Would a coffee shop not fit your definition because there's a lack of interaction?
I think it depends on the coffee shop but yes, you could argue that many coffee shops don't qualify because they're not really there for community, they're there for people to sit on their laptops in silence, or only talk to the people they come with. BUT that doesn't count for all coffee shops of course and there are plenty that garner community with the way they are set up or the events they put on.
With you. I guess most people don’t go to coffee shops for connection either. Often the opposite
Oh, I’m looking forward to finding some of these snack bars in Portugal. Any highly recommended ones in Porto? I think we’ll be in the Foz do Douro neighborhood.
Oh nice! I don't know any specifically in Foz, but there are plenty there. My thoughts are pick one and see how it goes!
There is something so warm and so intimate about sitting down to eat and drink at a Portuguese snack bar. Tascas, as they are called, offer not only food, but also present a unique cultural experience focusing on a shared, casual dining environment while offering petiscos. These are small, savory dishes meant for sharing and enjoying with friends and family. Think of it like Spanish tapas, but with a distinctly Portuguese twist. The shared dining experience offers such traditional dishes like "pastéis de bacalhau"; cod fritters, "sardinhas assadas"; grilled sardines, or "chouriço assado"; grilled sausage. As the evening minutes transform into hours, the evening unfolds with the sharing of amazing stories, great food and delicious Portuguese wine as you sit at a table together with strangers, who quickly become acquaintances, and end the evening as friends.
My gosh I LOVE a Portuguese snack bar. My favourite was in Funchal, Madeira: we found it on our first day, within 100 metres of our apartment. There was a sign on the door saying no dogs, but the server took one look at our tiny Yorkshire terrier, said "that's not a dog" and welcomed us straight inside. Within a week, we were on first name terms, waving every time we walked past. I ate countless bolo do caco at that place. Countless bottles of Sagres. I nearly cried after 6 weeks when we left. Thank you for reminding me, Charlie (and it's called Bela 5, if you're ever in town).
That's going on my list for when we visit Madeira, thank you Vicky! It sounds perfect
It's a gem! Btw, when you do visit Madeira... I have two foodie guides that you might find useful (a couple of years old now but hopefully a lot of the places are still open).
This one is for Funchal: https://www.amsterdamfoodie.nl/2022/best-restaurants-in-funchal-madeira/
And this for the rest of the island: https://www.amsterdamfoodie.nl/2022/restaurants-in-madeira/