Here we are again with another appeal decision that completely ignored the information provided. The justification from Niantic’s reviewers is hard to believe. It’s another case of a terrible judgement from that team.
I submitted a 40+ year old traditional Portuguese restaurant, provided multiple sources of information from news sources added as supplemental information and in the appeal notes.
Name: Forninho Saloio
City/Country: Lisbon/Portugal
Coordinates: 38.722550, -9.145000
Description (Portuguese):
O Forninho Saloio é um restaurante tradicional português com uma longa história, aberto desde 1984. É um verdadeiro ponto de referência gastronómico, conhecido pela sua cozinha caseira e ambiente acolhedor. Oferece especialidades típicas da região saloia, como o leitão assado, enchidos e pratos de tacho, que atraem gerações de clientes locais e visitantes. A sua fachada tradicional e o ambiente rústico tornam-no um marco da identidade lisboeta, celebrando a herança culinária há mais de 40 anos.
Description (automatic English translation): Forninho Saloio is a traditional Portuguese restaurant with a long history, open since 1984. It is a true gastronomic landmark, known for its home-style cuisine and welcoming atmosphere. It offers typical specialties from the country region, such as roast suckling pig, sausages and pot dishes, which attract generations of local and visiting customers. Its traditional façade and rustic atmosphere make it a landmark of Lisbon’s identity, celebrating its culinary heritage for over 40 years.
Main photo:
Supplemental information (Portuguese):
Critério: Excelente local para descobrir gastronomia tradicional Portuguesa. Existe há mais de 40 anos(!) ver referências em https://lifecooler.com/artigo/comer/restaurante-forninho-saloio/355868 Forninho Saloio | Restaurantes | Avenida da Liberdade/Príncipe Real, Lisboa. Tem milhares de reviews no Google, Tripadvisor, etc.
Supplemental information (automatic English translation): Criteria: Excellent place to discover traditional Portuguese cuisine. It has been around for over 40 years (!) see references at https://lifecooler.com/artigo/comer/restaurante-forninho-saloio/355868 & Forninho Saloio | Restaurantes | Avenida da Liberdade/Príncipe Real, Lisboa. It has thousands of reviews on Google, Tripadvisor, etc.
Contribution rejected: The submission lacks uniqueness or historical and cultural meaning
My Appeal Notes:
Dear Niantic Wayfarer team,
I am writing to appeal the rejection of my nomination for “O Forninho Saloio”, a traditional Portuguese restaurant located in Lisbon, Portugal. I believe the decision to reject this Wayspot was made in error, based on a misinterpretation of the location’s cultural and historical significance, as well as a possible issue with the submitted photo.
1. Cultural and Historical Significance:
O Forninho Saloio has been in continuous operation since 1984, which marks over 40 years of culinary heritage. It is a well-known local establishment deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of the region. It serves traditional dishes from the região saloia, a distinctive area known for its rustic and rural identity, and is celebrated for preserving the authentic flavors and cooking styles of this region. The restaurant is featured on prominent Portuguese gastronomic platforms such as Lifecooler and Time Out Lisboa, confirming its relevance and cultural presence. These independent publications highlight it as a go-to place for regional cuisine and traditional experiences, further validating its uniqueness.
2. Community and Social Value:
O Forninho Saloio is not just a place to eat—it’s a community hub where families and friends gather across generations. It meets the Niantic Wayfarer criterion of being a great place for exploration and socializing, encouraging people to discover and connect with local culture.
3. Photo Orientation:
The photo is correctly oriented, taken with a wide lense to fully capture the wayspot.The photo clearly depicted the location and its identifiable traditional façade, which is unique and recognizable. Conclusion: Given its longstanding presence, documented cultural relevance, and its function as a social gathering place, I respectfully request that this nomination be reconsidered. I am confident that O Forninho Saloio aligns well with the intent and guidelines of the Wayfarer program as a culturally rich and socially valuable location worthy of recognition in Niantic’s map of real-world exploration. Thank you for your time and for reconsidering this appeal
Niantic’s Appeal Team Response:
Thanks for the appeal, Explorer! We are unable to verify, as per the nomination context, how this business is a longstanding/hyperlocal hangout/cultural hotspot significant to your community. We suggest that you add more information explaining why this business is important for the local community in a new nomination. This can greatly increase the odds of this nomination getting approved. We recommend you review the content guidelines before submitting your next Wayspot contribution: Content Guidelines — Wayfarer Help Center
Appeal rejected: The submission lacks uniqueness or historical and cultural meaning
I struggle to understand how your team were unable to verify that this nomination is a “longstanding/hyperlocal hangout/cultural hotspot significant to your community”. Were they not able to open the links provided? Were then not able to do a simple Google Search?
This whole thing is exhausting. Can you have a look at it?
