After conquering Lisbon, the well-known brunch trend has been taking over Cascais, with several spaces opening in recent months throughout the municipality. And behold, another one is born: it's called Unity Coffee Roasters, located in the center of the village, and, as you can guess from the name, it's also an expert in specialty coffee.
The doors opened discreetly and gradually from December 25, Christmas Day, but the official inauguration only took place on February 8. The owner is the Russian Alexander Rozhkov, who left the country after the start of the war with Ukraine, explains the manager, also of Russian nationality, Elizaveta Vagabova. "He is from Moscow and already had a coffee roasting company," she says. "Meanwhile, he fell in love with Portugal and, in particular, with the Cascais and Sintra area. He loves the ocean and the climate."
Flavors from Eastern Europe – and around the world
The idea of "unity," expressed in the space's name, reflects opposition to conflicts. "The idea is that this should be a meeting point for people from everywhere, a place for socializing and networking. And it shows that it is possible for everyone to get along."
The Russian and Ukrainian community, which already has some expression in Cascais, has frequented Unity quite a bit, as some Eastern European specialties are served there. This is the case of the bestseller syrniki (€13), cheese pancakes served with honey, homemade red berry jam, condensed milk, and sour cream.
On Unity's menu, you will also find crepes: with fresh cheese (€9), served with the same red berry jam, white chocolate cream, and a mixture of wild berries; with mashed potatoes with mushrooms and dill, mushroom sauce, and parmesan cheese (€8); or with caviar and cream cheese (€13), other usual delicacies in that region.
However, the menu is quite international, also including ossobuco with mashed potatoes with dill and meat sauce (€12); fried salmon with Moroccan couscous with egg and champagne sauce with caviar (€15); the Suzette toast, with brioche with white chocolate cream and mint (€8); or Greek eggs, with tzatziki sauce, roasted eggplant, chili, mint, smoked paprika olive oil, and bread (€14).
Among other options – with toasts, waffles, and brioches at the forefront – there are several desserts to choose from. You can finish your meal with a slice of honey cake (€8) or Napoleon cake (€8), very common in Russia, or with cheesecake (€7.50) or chocolate mousse (€7.50).
Specialty? Specialty coffee
The other crown jewel of Unity, also evident in the name, is coffee (and derivatives). The beans – which come from different countries, from Brazil to Ethiopia – undergo a roasting process right there, in a specific area at the back of the store. In addition to multiple coffees or cappuccinos, it is worth trying the latte with salted caramel (€6), the latte pumpkin spice (€6), or the hot chocolate that they guarantee to be special (€4).
If you like flavors from other latitudes, also try the Vanilla Raf (€6), a very popular drink in Russia that consists of a double espresso with milk, cream, and homemade vanilla syrup. The Mulled Coffee (€6) combines hot juice, cinnamon, and white pepper.
They also sell whole coffee beans, natural wines, and numerous teas, including Russian specialties in the space – and they have an online store.
"In Russia, there are roasted coffee competitions, and we would like to do the same in Portugal," reveals Elizaveta Vagabova. "To then go to international competitions and be able to develop this universe here." The mission is assumed, but for now, they are committed to consolidating what they are already achieving: becoming a meeting point for everyone.
Avenida 25 de Abril, 181, Cascais