Today was a fairly mello day. Our morning was non-eventful, we had a quick, light breakfast in the garden room and headed to Futurismo to inquire about whale & dolphin watching as well as the Villa Do Campo Islet tours. Weather in the Azores is fickle so no tours today and likely for the next couple days. Oh well, we will try next week.

Since Jesse had a packed workday, his only other venture out was for a 3rd attempt to eat at A Tasca for lunch. I waited in line for about 30 minute then, texted him to run over. Honestly, I don’t get the hype. The lines are long, the service subpar and the food is basic. I literally took 1 bite of each of the 3 shareables and then passed on it. Here is what I think … this place has been in business for many years. It probably was the best restaurant back in the day but time has passed, the area has grown and better restaurants have been established. A Tasca has had so many patrons and reviewers over the years and that’s probably why it is high on the search results. I suspect many of the new restaurants have not been fully discovered. I guess I check that “to do” box.

After lunch, Jesse went to work and I eventually took a taxi to Herdade do Ananás for a pineapple tour and wine tasting. I had to do it. It is the only place on this island that makes pineapple wine. Frankly, I had never heard it so it was a must for me.

Aside from Herdade do Ananás, there are 3 plantation pineapple plantations. All free and make pineapple products (except wine) so Jesse and I will likely still visit one once we have wheels. Turns out that the Azores do not actually have the climate to grow pineapple but they have created this unique greenhouse production and process.

Herdade do Ananás is not only a producer of pineapples and pineapple wine, but is also a hotel. It is outside the city center with beautiful surroundings. Those that stay here benefit from all the fruits that they produce on their land. I recommend staying here because it is a very pretty hotel and grounds with amenities. It is also very affordable compared to other places I researched. Initially I wanted to stay there but it was unavailable when I booked our trip.

OK now to get to the wine, it is white wine. More like a vinho verde (green wine) from Northern Portugal but without the effervescence. It has a slightly acidic taste. You initially reject the taste but it grows on you. What can I say, it was an experience. The 30 EU experience is worth it considering that they give each tasting party an entire bottle as well a cheese, cookie and jam platter. Since I was a party of one, I was able to take most of my bottle back to my hotel. More wine for later!

I spent 2 hours chatting and sipping wine with a 30’s newlywed couple from Jersey. We talked about every topic you can imagine. After 2 hours, it dawned on me that it was starting to get dark. Luckily Nuno, my initial taxi driver, came back to get me – what a nice guy!

Back at the hotel, Jesse was winding down and we had 9 PM reservations at Michel Restaurant. Depending on where you search, this is the #1 restaurant in Ponta Delgada. We see why. It is typical Portugese food but elevated. The restaurant is in a quiet neighborhood a ~20 minute jaunt from the city center. It is a small restaurant and intimate. The servers are friendly and the food was tasty. I still think Louvre Michaelense has them beat, but it was a very good restaurant. We were glad for the 0.5 mile walk back. It was a pretty night.