Page 48 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL EATING IBERIA

Annette arranged reservations at Mar do In- with great views of the Atlantic. The place was
ferno, a dining spot with an intriguing name but one packed. Annettementionedthatitcouldbechalleng-
that was unfamiliar -- at least to us. It was a beautiful ing to get a lunch reservation. But they were regulars
morning,sowedecidedtowalktotherestaurant,me- and pulled some strings -- which was evident by the
andering through a coastal residential area to a road welcome enthusiasm of the mater de and our server.
high above rocky cliffs. Giant waves crashed against Jose explained that this section of the coast is
the pockmarked rock shoreline beneath a clear blue called Boca do Inferno, which means hell's mouth.
sky. There were lots of other folks taking in the scene During storms, the sea seems to explode above caves
-- many dressed as if they had just come from church. carved by the powerful waves along the limestone
We joined Annette and her husband Jose and cliffs. Even on this lovely day, we could imagine the
walked through the bustling restaurant to what had sea in a less tranquil mood. But it was the sight of the
to be the best table in the house, right by a window fantastic seafood being served around us that had

48 WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE 2020