Text José Silva | Translation Jani Dunne

Last month, on the 27^th August, The Yeatman Hotel hosted another Sunset Wine Party. Coincidentally, it took place just as this hotel unit received another World Travel Award for Best Boutique Hotel in Portugal, adding to the dozens of prizes The Yeatman Hotel has been collecting since the year it was opened.

This was another carefully planned evening, ensuring that the glamour and quality of the products walking hand in hand. Superbly led by chef Ricardo Costa in the kitchen, and Beatriz Machado, director of wines, in the rooms, this Sunset was a testimony of good taste, finesse and quality, which we always expect from The Yeatman Hotel.

Guests were welcomed by competent and extremely friendly staff; they were walked to the access-bracelet collection point where they were handed a personalised glass for this special occasion; it was to escort them throughout the whole event. Right next to that, two counters offered several cooled sparkling wines and a window with fresh oysters and slices of lemon, composing an auspicious entry. Several different salads and very well cooked cheeks were served next door, in a large room, alongside a counter filled with other wines for the customers to enjoy freely.

In the opposite direction, in another room, an immense profusion of cheeses from several regions was exhibited on one side. In the centre, a broad variety of bread, and on the other side, freshly sliced presunto and several tipes of smoked sausages. The room included a counter with many different wines. Over to the biggest room, a surprise awaited: two enormous counters on each side presented Indian-style appetisers, of which curry was the most well-known and, in the centre, two enormous tables were covered in sushi and sashimi, which were always being restocked. On both sides, counters presented some wines: whites and rosés on one counter and reds on the other.

The wines were poured at the recommended temperature, once again by very friendly staff, who explained the wines as they were served, demonstrating care and strictness. It was very pleasing! Beatriz Machado was unstoppable, spreading her friendliness and good taste around, and ensuring that everybody was being served properly. Chef Ricardo Costa visited the room several times to instruct the waiting staff with strict measures and for a chance to speak to the many participants to confirm that the food was to their liking. And it was.

The only food that was prepared in public was black pig plumas (meat from the upper back) and secretos (meat from the neck) – grilled and served in buns. That section was also generosly equipped with different wines. The visitors spread around the many tables that were scattered around, whether in the rooms or outside on the enormous terrace, depending on how resistant they were to the cold. However, it was a peaceful evening of very pleasant temperature after a few light showers. Outside, there was a counter where a few Ports and cocktails were prepared.

After reversing the route, now back near the entrance, two other rooms, one after the other, invited guests for an excellent picanha with black beans, farofa (fried manioc flour) and sautéed cabbage. Right next to this was the dessert room, where a giant counter was coloured with several kinds of fruit and another one with sweets, in case any brave stomachs were still able for them. Even a cart carrying delicious ice cream tempted guests a little more. The lemon and the strawberry flavours were divine! The accompanying wine counter offered… Port wine.

You could eat and drink to your heart’s content, without any constraint. The general rule was to appreciate the many offers that filled the evening and night, accompanied by extraordinary wines that composed excellent harmonies. Congratulations, once again, are in order to The Yeatman Hotel and the entire team of professionals.

On the other side of the river Douro shone the beautiful city of Oporto…

Contacts
The Yeatman Hotel
Rua do Choupelo, (Santa Marinha)
Vila Nova de Gaia
Porto 4400-088
Portugal
Tel: (+351) 220 133 100
Fax: (+351) 220 133 199
Website: www.the-yeatman-hotel.com