This is it....search no more you have found bliss: hic sunt dracones (here there be dragons). The…read moreculinary gods have blessed us with Midori.
Located in the outskirts of Sintra in the Penha Longa Resort is Midori, one of two Michelin starred restaurants that grace this property. Midori is reason enough to board a plane and cross the Atlantic.
The chef, Pedro Almeida, has created a Japanese and Portuguese themed restaurant that was awarded a Michelin Star in November of 2018. The concept celebrates two great seafaring cultures and the influences of both on their gastronomic heritage. Mixing and combining ingredients, Chef Almeida shall blow your mind.
The restaurant has only 6 tables all facing a rock zen garden. At night the mists of Sintra waif over the garden and hit the window. You are instantly transported to a misty Japanese forest. The setting and food are ethereal.
Now the food. You have three menus too chose from we chose the Kiri Menu which has 8 servings. First is the Hassin kuzu tofu of cauliflower, shiitake mushroom and I am not making this up: fried shrimp head. Don't be squeamish. It is delicious. I will skip some of the servings as part of the experience is the sever describing what you are eating and which order to eat it. The sushi (shiitake mushroom, grilled mackerel nigiri fermented in garlic that leapt into your mouth) was the best I have had; it was food porn. My favorite piece was either the squid nigiri with lime or the smoked tuna nigiri. All of this is topped off with the pre dessert fake Yusuf mousse rock prepared by the dessert chef. The dish evokes the mists of Sintra served in a nitrogen infused Japanese bowl. A nod to the mixing of the two cultures.
Service: par excellence, it is the lodestar of a culinary experience. Mariana, our server was amazing. My only regret was that I didn't try the wine pairing suggested by the Sommelier. He suggested a wine from the Azores; not knowing about these wines I passed. I should have taken a leap of faith.
Reservations: a must. With only 6 tables highly recommended.