Giver of Fruits

The name Yavanna means 'giver of fruits', so as you might imagine, we attach great importance to the quality of the food we offer our guests. All meals are prepared by our wonderful cooks, Anya and Sian, who delight in using as much local, organic produce as possible. Anya is originally from Germany and Sian from England.  Since both have lived in northern Portugal for a number of years, they are skilled in creating cuisine which is a delicious fusion of European tastes and flavours. This naturally includes a wide range of local Portuguese specialities.

Vegetarian options are available, and we are also try to cater for Vegans and those with other dietary requirements provided we are given plenty of advance notice. 

Our prices include all meals, as well as facilities for making tea, coffee, herb teas and snacks as required.

Alcohol

Local aperitifs, ports and wines are included in our quoted prices. If you require any alcohol over and above our standard offerings then we are happy to provide at an additional cost.

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Northern Portuguese Food - If you choose to eat out

In the Costa Verde region, you will discover a number of delicious northern dishes, including "caldo verde", codfish, pork filets ("rojões") and duck with rice.

In Viana do Castelo, we recommend their local speciality, rice with codfish and octopus "à Margarida da Praça". In Caminha, sample the steamed conger-eel, whiting and bream. If you visit Paredes de Couro, the salted cod "Miquelina" style is not to be missed. Roasted baby goat, shad and lamprey are local specialities in Monção. In Melgaço, try smoked hams, in Porto the renowned tripe.

To accompany your meal, the Port wines and Vinho Verde are well worth a try!

Yavanna

People ask about the origins of our name....

Yavanna Kementári is a Vala from J. R. R. Tolkien's legendarium. Her first name means "Giver of fruits" and her surname Kementári means "Queen of the Earth". She's also called Palúrien. She is the wife of Aulë and is responsible for the Olvar (flora) and Kelvar (fauna) of the world.

When she has taken visible form it has been as a tall woman in green or a great tree spilling golden dew on the earth. In many ways she resembles the Earth Mothers of many mythologies.