THE YEATMAN

Portugal's best shines in the Douro

- CASSIA SCHIFTER

A compelling introduction to the Yeatman, situated in the historic center of the Port wine district on the south bank of the Douro river, is its breathtaking view overlooking the city of Vila Nova de Gaia and the river. The hotel and accompanying restaurant, owned by Taylor Fladgate CEO Adrian Bridge and opened in August of 2010, is named for one of the founding families of the Port trade from the 1800s. Since the outset the idea was to showcase the best wines from all of Portugal and to put Porto on the map for travelers and visitors. The very best producers of Portuguese wines regularly host dinners and tastings.

Chef Ricardo Costa has been crafting the menu from the start, focusing on traditional Portuguese ingredients and dishes treated with contemporary flair and innovative techniques. The seasonal tasting menu leans slightly toward fish from Portugal’s coast and other fresh, local produce; however, Costa considers the suckling pig with potato, lettuce and creamed corn to be one of his signature dishes. Wine director Elisabete Fernandes enjoys pairing this dish with Quinta do Crasto Vinha da Ponte 2016.