Casa Das Natas owner, Candida, who was born in a little town in Portugal, has brought the delicious sweet and savory tastes of Portugal to Millburn with something a little extra. Her strong sense of pride for quality and fresh ingredients makes her sweet pastries and savory warm meals worth the trip.
When you step inside, the colorful, elegant, and yet simple Portuguese décor transcends you to Portugal. The clean interior filled with natural light boasts a handful of bistro-style seating that allows you to “people watch” on Millburn Avenue while enjoying a delicious cup of coffee and their famous “Pastéis de Nata” (Portugal’s signature sweet and creamy custard cups.)
Candida’s farm features chickens, cows, pigs, and horses. All the eggs for her delicious treats are hand selected every morning from her 30 plus chickens. Her passion for food comes from her mom who Candida says, “was a great cook.” Her recipes are “simple and traditional,” she says. “I put a lot of love into my Portuguese food. I want nothing but the best for my customers. Real eggs, no substitutes, real fruits, no additives, or preservatives. The best ingredients are the healthiest.”
Why Millburn? Candida closed her aesthetician practice and opened Casa Das Natas in the same town. “I like the people,” she says. “Millburn has been incredibly good to me.”
While interviewing Candida, I noticed two things: How fast her products sell out and how much of a magnet this Portuguese café is on Millburn Ave. An out-of-town customer said, “I was driving by and had to stop in.” In only a few months, Candida has developed a strong following. One of her fans said, “I don’t have to go to Newark,” as he enjoyed his savory lunch.
What will you experience?
Sweet: Made with the freshest ingredients, her traditional sweet selection includes creamy “Pastéis de Nata”, “Bolas de Berlim”, creamy caramel Flan and more. Traditional cakes for any occasion can also be ordered.
Savory: Casa Da Natas offers traditional sandwiches like “Pan Con Chorizo.” It’s similar to an Italian Stromboli, but made with Portuguese-style dough and filled with Portuguese chorizo, which is typically loaded with protein and lower in fat. It’s smoked with real pinewood infused into the sausage at her farm. They also offer hearty meals, such as, “Leitão”, Portuguese suckling pig with rice. You can also order an entire “Leitão” to bring home. Call for her daily specials.
Beverages: Hot and cold. It’s a taste of Portugal. Candida offers gourmet barista-style coffees from beans that have been roasted to perfection. Her cold drinks are some of Portugal’s favorites. “Luso”, may look like a simple bottled water, but it comes from a town called Luso, known worldwide for its mineral waters. If you’re ever in Luso, Portugal, bring a decanter. They’ve set up complimentary filling stations for locals and visitors. Or, skip the flight and go to Casa Das Natas instead. Each beverage in her selection has a warm story and is tied directly to Portugal.
My advice: Order a day in advance to guarantee that you bring home your favorite Portuguese sweet and savory treats. Casa Das Natas, the newest “Hot Spot” in Millburn and in the area! https://casadasnatasnj.com/
