When traveling, you often risk a bad meal in the hopes of finding a good one. And every once in a…read morewhile, you find not a good meal, but an exceptional experience. Tonight was that night, and this was the place. Reservations are absolutely required unless you, like we, are lucky enough to be one of the first people walking in when they first open. There are but three tables, each deuces, reserved for walk-ins. And bring cash, because they do not have a credit card option. You have the requirements, now the part you've waited for.
The meal. I could begin with only the food, but it would serve to be unfair. The owners, a husband and wife, don't just make the food and serve it. They coddle it. Alvero, the husband, greeted us with a vibrance only an owner possesses. He cheerfully greeted us and sat us. He quickly ascertained our intentions and accomodated our desires. He brought the menus and, in extraordinary detail and with a depth of knowledge rately found in the restaurant business. It is a passion, not just a job. And it is clearly not only his passion, because when you taste the food, well, you'll understand. The passion is a family affair.
We began the evening with a glass of young wine, which is green, which my partner enjoyed tremendously. Our food commenced with three types of bread (pumpkin, carrot, and and I think chestnut) and a cheese and sausage board. While we tried to only sample the bread, we couldn't stop eating it, along with the homemade jams. The board was good, well balanced, and the flavors of the meats and cheeses complimented each other well. Each came with a remarkable description of the origin, components, and anticipated flavors, all quite accurate.
Our main course was based on the chef's grandmothers' recipe. Pork specially prepared and served on crustini, with salad, all prepared with love to perfection.
We finished with two desserts, which we intended to sample. Instead, we finished both. They were that good! One was the homemade chocolate cake with a fudge sauce, the other an amazing pastry filled with homemade jam, I think. All I know is it was remarkable!
Sitting next to other tourists who were as excited to share the time made the experience even better. This is a highly recommended place to go when visiting Porto. But remember to make reservations if you want to be sure to get a seat.
