The French-inspired cuisine and school, which had placed the Fortaleza do Guincho restaurant, on the world map of gastronomy gave way, surprisingly, to a young Portuguese chef, Gil Fernandes the youngest Portuguese chef in a Michelin star restaurant. CovetED had the pleasure of meeting the chef and to taste the contemporary served in this coveted restaurant in the Guincho road.

Chef Gil Fernandes[/caption]

Acclaimed Chef Antoine Westermann introduced in 1998 a French fine dining restaurant concept, which quickly became a reference in Portugal. Originally with a classic French concept, since summer 2015, the Portuguese products and traditions have been gaining prominence at Fortaleza do Guincho.

His philosophy is based and inspired by the Atlantic, the background setting of the Hotel. The best fish and seafood from the Portuguese coast, as well as highest quality of local and national products, are a constant on the Guincho table, honoured and created in every dish, every season, recognized by national and international press and critics.

The inspiration that comes from the sea

With the Michelin star guaranteed (since 2001), a new odyssey began, against tides and some winds (in Guincho they often blow strong!), In the name of… ‘Portugalidade’. That was the assumed concept (risky, no doubt) that chefs decided to follow and… everything changed! At the tables, immaculate as always, recreations of various traditional dishes began to arrive, with some staging and sometimes provocation because it was necessary to stir the waters, even if it was through an unusual Sopa da Pedra or a refreshing pre-dessert that pays tribute to the “Dunas do Guincho”, with pine cones, pine nuts and resin.

“This menu is a splash of memories, traditions and roots from this country.”

 

The essence of Fortaleza do Guincho has to do, first, with its privileged location, surrounded by sea and overlooking the mountains. The products from the nature that surrounds the restaurant are magnificent! We use unique products and this is the first rule – choosing the best raw material! The restaurant overlooks the incredible Atlantic Ocean and sits in one of the most beautiful locations in Portugal. After all, is there anything better than enjoying a unique meal with the sun setting on the ocean?

“It is a rich offer, focused on the best product. A creative and seasonal experience, based on Portuguese cuisine. We focus a lot on our new dishes in these values mentioned above, focused on the “grandmother’s food” flavours. And we are innovating, using, for example, various herbs and wildflowers harvested by us in the mountains.”, says Chef Gil Fernandes.

Website: https://www.fortalezadoguincho.com/
Address: R. Figueira do Guincho, 2750-642 Cascais, Portugal