Out of the Blue returns to Matosinhos with culinary experiences

From 1 to 11 October, Matosinhos will once again host the event celebrating gastronomy, with the sea taking centre stage.

The event, which promotes Atlantic cuisine, ocean sustainability and the sharing of knowledge, returns to Matosinhos – a city recently recognised by UNESCO as a Creative City of Gastronomy – in an edition featuring culinary experiences, creative and sensory tours, special menus in restaurants and a national cooking competition.

Out of the Blue is an initiative, launched in 2024 and organised by Opium with the support of Matosinhos City Council and Turismo do Porto e Norte, offering a diverse programme of activities – most of which are free – designed for a range of audiences and taking place across various locations.

“More than just an event, Out of the Blue is a true celebration of experiences rooted in sustainability, tradition, culture and diversity. It is a flagship initiative for gastronomic tourism in the municipality of Matosinhos and the entire region.” Luís Pedro Martins, President of Turismo do Porto e Norte de Portugal

On Friday 2 October, the event kicks off with the first of four Atlantic Experiences, the Fishing Tour, comprising a guided tour of the Matosinhos Fish Auction, followed by a fishing experience led by José Fernando, President of the Angeiras Mutual Association of Fishing Shipowners, and culminating in a traditional lunch with fishermen on Angeiras beach. Taking place at the same time, the Canning Tour includes a guided tour of the Pinhais Canning Factory, founded in 1920, where participants will be able to pack and taste their own tins of preserved fish and sardines, followed by a guided tour of the city led by architect Diego Inglez de Souza, focusing on the influence of the canning industry on architecture.

On Saturday 3 October, the 6th edition of the Troféu Portugal begins, running until Monday 5 October at the Jardim Senhor do Padrão. The competition, centred on the preparation of dishes using seafood, will feature eight chefs representing different regions of mainland Portugal and the islands, vying for the title of winner in a show-cooking format, open to the public free of charge. Alongside this, there will be talks with guest chefs and producers.

The day also begins with the Tour of the Masters, led by Tó Peixe, the town’s famous fishmonger, who will guide a tour of Matosinhos Market. Fernando Martinho (Turislavra), one of the artisans from the village of Angeiras, who created “The Atlantic Craft” – the collection by the Portuguese brand Parfois made from fishing nets – will lead a discussion on fishing and craftsmanship, accompanied by Teresa Trindade (Parfois). Lunch will be served at Casa do Mar, also in Angeiras, with Fernando Santos, a fisherman and expert in grilled fish.

Saturday afternoon, meanwhile, combines adrenaline and learning. Tour das Ondas will take over Matosinhos Beach with a discussion on the ocean and sustainability led by Ratusfari (surfitbox), a surfing lesson and a sunset party featuring a tasting of Atlantic snacks by the duo Bravio, and a DJ set by Senhorita Trindade.

The Sardine Academy is also back on the event programme and, late on Saturday afternoon, Chef Rodrigo Cardoso (Peixe no Mercado, Porto) will lead a workshop dedicated to Portugal’s ‘king of fish’, open to 40 participants, at Jardim Senhor do Padrão, where attendees will be able to learn how to make tinned sardines.

One of the highlights of the Out of the Blue programme takes place on Sunday, with a grand lunch at Angeiras Beach, prepared by six chefs, bringing the sea to the table and using local techniques. Hugo Portela (Cibú, Leça da Palmeira), Hugo Rocha (Oculto, Vila do Conde), Alana Mostaccio (Arandu, Lisbon), Nuno Brás (Kaigi, Porto), Ana Moura and Annakaren Fuentes (Lamelas, Porto Covo) will be the stars of a unique tasting experience, limited to 75 participants at a cost of €20 per person, with advance booking required.

Sunday afternoon is set aside for Academia do Mundo, where a show cooking event will take place in the Jardim Senhor do Padrão, featuring members of Matosinhos’ migrant community, with the aim of bringing the city closer to the cuisines of the world, bringing together culinary traditions and promoting the sharing of knowledge from various parts of the world.

On Monday, 5 October, the Jardim Senhor do Padrão will host the grand final of the Troféu Portugal and a series of talks open to the public, followed by a sardine barbecue open to the whole city and a very special tribute to the figures who promote, contribute to and celebrate the gastronomic scene of the city and the region.

The 3rd edition of Out of the Blue takes place from 1 to 11 October, during which the Matosinhos Restaurants Association is organising Restaurant Week, with special prices at dozens of participating venues.

“In this third edition, Out of the Blue remains committed to seafood, sustainability and people. There are creative itineraries led by local curators, discussions with the city’s emigrant community and a tribute to all those who contribute to Matosinhos’ gastronomy being recognised by UNESCO.” Carlos Martins, founder of Opium, the company behind Out of the Blue