YOUR POCKET ACE
- info2294206
- Jul 12
- 6 min read
wowHINT - a personal GUIDE to making friends in Portugal
Following 13 days on the road, our last sunny Sunday in Porto meant nearly a whole day on our hands before heading to the airport. Despite our lack of planning, we certainly weren`t going to hang around doing nothing. This called for a "good thinking Batman" kind of moment and BINGO! - I had one. We could have left the suitcases at the hotel and gone off shopping. We could also have done some last-minute sightseeing and enjoyed a glass (or two) of Port Wine by the river. Yes, we could have done all that, but we didn`t.
What we needed was someone to take the reign, so it was high time I played that Pocket-Ace.
The "JOKER" in question wasn`t a card at all, rather a young man going by the name of Pedro Ornelas. Founder and CEO of wowHINT - who claim to do everything, was introduced to me by a mutual friend back in 2023 and almost immediately, I knew I we`d get on like a house on fire. Pedro was born and bred in Porto, is an empathetic soul and someone who knows everyone. Everyone also knows Pedro, which doesn`t come as much of a surprise when you get to know him.
wowHINT offers lucky visitors a true insight into the Portuguese way of life. You`ll go down the back streets of Porto, visit small producers and immerse in the world of Wine. You`ll learn about Port and mingle with the locals.
Pedro`s favourite tours include those in his home-town of Porto, also to the magnificent Douro Valley, where his Cultural and Historical knowledge go hand in hand with dedicated commitment. His discreet and gentlemanly manner is welcomed by guests and partners alike, and verified through the high number of repeat-offenders.
We were just finishing our coffee in the hotel lobby, when in through the door and armed with a beaming grin from ear to ear, bounced my JOKER: Pedro Ornelas.
A short drive in Pedro`s air-conditioned car took us up through the city to the top of town. Destination Unknown. Accompanied by interesting, sometimes comical anecdotes, the hooting of impatient car-horns, also the odd portuguese swear-word, we soon found ourselves in the parking lot of ... The Yeatman
Now I am not ashamed to admit it, but this isn`t the kind of establishment that I visit on a daily basis and on entering the Hotel Lobby, I made a conscious check to watch my P`s & Q`s. Despite growing competition from their neighbours, The Fladgate Partnership - owned Yeatman Hotel and situated within 7 acres of grounds, is undoubtadly still Porto’s most luxurious 5-Star Establishment.
Whether you`re visiting for a drink, enjoying a meal on the terrace or lucky enough to be staying overnight, the views from the hotel across the city are spectacular, particularly on a clear and sunny Sunday morning.
The Yeatman has what it calls its Wine Book. This is regarded the most extensive collection of Portuguese Wines worldwide and out of which at approximately 1 pm that day, Pedro placed an order. His choice: White, Complex, Portuguese. This, we enjoyed in the comfort of the bar.
Fotocredit: The Yeatman
Winemaker Pedro Furriel had really gone to town on this one; the 2021 Howards Folly Sonhador Branco required an experienced and attentive palate. Hand selected grapes, temperature-controlled skin-contact and part-maturation in new french oak barrels meant this wasn`t an every-day wine. Howards Folly Winery is based in Estremoz, Alentejo and inspired by their support of The Sovereign Art Foundation, has brought out a series of wines with artistic labels - such as this one.
If I am honest, I found Pedro`s choice a little demanding for the time of day, but what it certainly set off, was a heated, but jovial discussion and by the looks of the pictures, I did most of the talking!
MATOSINHOS`SECRET RESTAURANT
Although I did promise to keep the next location a secret (you won`t find it anyway), I do recall seeing something like O Mar`co written over the door. It was lunchtime, and having left the luxurious elegance of The Yeatman, we now headed to the coast. Matosinhos, to be precise, where we entered a small restaurant with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, also modest and humble staff.
Lunch, which Pedro was again responsible for, kicked off with a tasty plate of Prato de Petinga Frita - or fried Whitebait. I think they were sardines but frankly, they all look the same when they`ve been through the fryer. Next came a bowl of Amêijoas à Bolhão Pato - clams prepared with garlic, lemon juice, coriander and I suspect, quite a bit of white wine. These were served with delicious fresh bread.
Our main course, and absolute highlight of the meal - Robalo ao Sal. This is a regional speciality whereby each Chef has his very own recipe. Following a short bake in the oven, the whole Sea Bass (and what a whopper) is covered in what looked like at least 2 kilos of seasoned sea-salt. It`s then returned to the oven, but for only a short period of time. The method is simple. It seals in the delicate flavours to perfection and is a recipe which Pedro recalls, his Grandmother was particularly fond of.
The whole Robalo was presented, filleted and served at our table. But not before getting a good shot of vodka and then set on fire (the correct term of course, flambé). Accompanied by rice, the Sea Bass was tender, juicy, full of flavour and indeed, the restaurant` Grande Finale.
FOOTSTEPS IN THE SAND
Whether in search of golden sands or wild waves and rugged rocks, the coastline around Matosinhos has both. I adore the ocean; it`s always been my favourite place to battery-recharge and to reflect. A visit to the beach before we set off for the airport, hence high on our list of priorities.
There aren`t many beaches in Germany, so when I am at the coast I always head for the sea. I kick off my shoes, get down in that sand and invariably, a poem comes to mind. Footsteps in the Sand was written in 1936 by Mary Stevenson when she was just 14 years old, and in case you are interested, I`ve inserted it at the end.
That aside, Matosinhos is the northerly coastal suburb of Porto where in 1885, the first Portuguese fish-canning factory was established. Today, many of the original canneries have closed, but sardines, as does fish in general, remain an important part of the Portuguese diet and its culture. Insider Tip: this is also home to the "Secret Restaurant".
SAUDADE
If you are ever in need of a private guide in Portugal, I highly recommend Pedro Ornelas` Services. Be sure to have your Pocket-Ace at hand, or better still, make a note of the following contact details:
Pedro Ornelas
Tel.: +351 929442992
Homepage: https://wowhint.com/?lang=en
Both wowHINT and the "Secret Restaurant" (you know, the one I`m not allowed to tell you about) may be found on Trip Advisor boasting a number of very convincing reviews.
Dear Pedro, a massive THANKYOU for such a memorable day. We too, are now Repeat-Offenders!
Fotocredits: Gail Treuer and The Yeatman Hotel
FOOTSTEPS IN THE SAND
One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.
In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.
Sometimes there were two sets of footprints, other times, just one.
This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life,
when I was suffering from anguish, sorrow or defeat,
I could see only one set of footprints.
”You promised me Lord, that if I followed you, you would walk with me always.
But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life,
there has only been one set of footprints in the sand.
Why, when I needed you most, have you not been there for me?”
The Lord replied:
“The times when you have seen only one set of footprints, dear child,
were when I was carrying you.”
– Mary Stevenson
