10 Delicious Reasons Why You Should Visit Portugal!

It’s been almost four years since I called Portugal my “home away from home”, translating to a half decade of savoring Portuguese food and wine on a regular basis – something I’ve never taken for granted. Consequently, while searching for information on Portuguese gastronomy, I stumbled across Catavino’s Facebook page. Immediately drawn to Ryan and […] Continue Reading →

Basque-ing in the City

Nothing compares the aromas and tastes assaulting one as he walks the streets of San Sebastian on any given day. Perusing the massive counters of any number of Pintxos bars in the city will bring a grown man to his knees – in adoration, not defeat. So, when an opportunity to learn the art of […] Continue Reading →

Cooking up a Farewell Feast with Moscatel

Parting is such sweet sorrow. That Bard really knew what he was talking about, didn’t he? It’s this way with Gabriella and Ryan’s announcement that Catavino is saying goodbye. My emotions were mixed at hearing the news. Initially, I was disappointed that I wouldn’t have my monthly outpouring of a favorite Portuguese dish, wine or […] Continue Reading →

Beira Baixa: Roads Less Traveled Part II

Editor’s Note: In Part II we continue our travels through the Beira Baixa, pairing two area reds with a regional duck dish. I enjoy reading wine labels, but I can’t ever recall a time when one jerked a tear out of me. But two bottles of red from Quinta dos Termos in the Beira Baixa […] Continue Reading →

Part 2: Cutting up the Iberian Pig

WARNING: This post is extremely graphic; however, it does depict the very real act of processing an Iberian pig after the Matanza(Killing). If you are someone who is an animal lover, or gets squeemish at the site of bodily fluids, we might suggest you skip this article and await happier articles of drinking wine by the sea. […] Continue Reading →

La Matanza: The Very Real Story Behind Jamon Iberico

WARNING: This post is extremely graphic; however, it does depict the very real act of killing an Iberian pig. If you are someone who is an animal lover, or gets squeemish at the site of bodily fluids, we might suggest you skip this article and await happier articles of drinking wine by the sea.  Preface: […] Continue Reading →

From Cataluña to Asturias: Eating Spain in New York City

As is true with those who are obsessed with travel and great food, I take every opportunity to try something new and/or different when away from home. A recent business trip to New York City set the stage for my latest endeavor. I am also certain that it will be no surprise that this trip involved Spanish food […] Continue Reading →

Horchata: Spain’s Non-Alcoholic Answer to Summer

Spanish lore is replete with anecdotes of the origin of horchata. Probably the most popular describes a young woman from L’Horta in Valencia who offered King Jaume I a white, sweet drink. The King was very pleased and asked the young woman, “¿Qué es això?” (“What is this?”) She answered, “Es llet de xufa” (“It […] Continue Reading →

Cheers to the Return of Alfama to the New York Restaurant Circuit

Though New York City is indeed a melting pot with a hodgepodge of restaurants featuring cuisines from all over the world, Portuguese restaurants do not abound, unfortunately. New spots have propped up breathing new life into Portuguese options in the Big Apple, like George Mendes’s Aldea and Chinese/Portuguese fusion Macao Trading Co. Others like Pico came […] Continue Reading →

Tempura: Portugal’s Prized Gift to Japan

A few weeks ago, we attended the wedding of a dear Portuguese friend of ours in Porto who ensured that every single moment of the event was accompanied by an enormous assortment of food. From fresh fish to local cheeses and everything in between, the 12 hour long celebration was an homage to incredible cuisine. […] Continue Reading →