The Almadraba: Netting Blue-Fin Tuna, the Phoenician Way

Editor’s Note: The article below is based on an experience had by the author. As the Almadraba is a traditional practice by the Andalucians, we felt that it was very poignant article to place on Catavino. However, we want to be very clear that we understand the controversial nature of the catching Bluefin tuna considering its […] Continue Reading →

Interview with Seville Tour Operator: Shawn Hennessey

Editor’s Note: We’ve known Shawn for many years, one of the few bespoke tour operators who dove into social media headfirst. Having watched her fabulous efforts from afar, consistently hearing a stream of positive comments about her work – we finally decided to join forces and actively promote her through Catavino! We couldn’t be happier, […] Continue Reading →

Shopping In Portugal: Five Gourmet Portuguese Products for Travel

Portugal is brimming with history, tradition and an abundance of natural resources, mainly of the edible variety! I’ve lost count of the number of nut, cork and olive trees; the vast amount of grapevines and vegetable gardens capable of growing in every nook and cranny; clear rivers and streams teeming with life and herds of […] Continue Reading →

The Best Tapas and Wine Bars in Madrid

If you’re eager to taste a wide variety of tapas in Madrid, the one main issue you will have is choosing where to go. Navigating the labyrinthine streets with bars that are absolutely packed with people on both sides of the streets, makes you pause in hesitation wondering which one is best? Well, here is a […] Continue Reading →

Taberna do Sao Pedro: A Mouthwatering Fire Hazard in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal

When travelling to new lands, there is always something enticing about “discovering” a place you think no one else knows about. As if you’re a rugged explorer who has stumbled upon that one diamond, that one unique place that is privy to you alone. That, my friends, is a fantastic feeling, in large part due […] Continue Reading →

Chouriço: Connecting the New and Old World through Smoked Sausage

The night before I drove down to New Jersey to unite with my mother, aunt, cousin and niece to make “chourico” (Portuguese smoked sausage), “O Lenço da Carolina” by Fado singer Cristina Branco came on via Portuguese satellite TV. Though it’s a song about a person in love, all I could think about (as tears […] Continue Reading →

Part 2: Barcelona versus Madrid – An age old gastonomic rivalry

Editor’s Note: Today we would like to bring you Part 2 of Carla Bigio’s piece on what makes each Madrid the gastronomic giant of Spain. Click here to read Part I on Barcelona.  If I could describe Madrid in one word, it would be tradition. Tradition reigns, in the food, the service and the style. […] Continue Reading →

Peixe em Lisboa: Exploring Restaurant SeaMe in Lisbon

There is no doubt that the Portuguese love their fish, especially Lisboners. With the capital of Lisbon located right in the middle of the country’s extensive coastline, fresh fish has been a staple in the local’s diets since the beginning of time. However, it is only in the last couple of years that the city, and […] Continue Reading →

Part 1: Barcelona versus Madrid – An age old gastonomic rivalry

Editor’s Note: Today we would like to introduce Carla Bigio, a passionate chef based in Madrid. But her story is not so simple, originally from Madrid, from an Italian/Colombian mother and a Egyptian/Syrian father, she bounced around the world from the Bahamas to Switzerland before finding herself in the center of Spain whipping up dishes […] Continue Reading →

The Calçotada: From Spain to Your Backyard

Fire up the barbecues and grab your friends. No, it is not Memorial Day weekend or a celebration of the first day of spring. Winter marks the time of year when Cataluña celebrates the almighty calçot. It is no secret that Catalans love to party, and the annual calçotada is just one more excuse to […] Continue Reading →