With large milky eyes and softly splotched brown skin, the cow is by far the greatest protagonist in any baby book. Between the thick cardboard pages, she’ll pop up dozens of times among her barnyard friends guiding the child through their first words. “Coooowwww!” Considerably easier than a hippopotamus, right? But among the baskets of […]
A Meat-Lover’s Guide to Portuguese Beef Read More »
When we decided to relocate to Portugal from the States, I was ecstatic about the prospect of fresh seafood, seafood that was diverse, plentiful and all mine for the eating! With approximately six-hundred miles of beaches, succulent frutos do mar (seafood) exists along the entire coast, and that first night in Lisbon, I devoured half the country’s
Portuguese Seafood Recipes for Dipping Your Bread Read More »
Welcome to the final installment of Beyond the Tagus! In our first piece, I introduced the fascinating, eclectic region of Évora. We then headed south to the Baixo Alentejo for Part II , and will now conclude in the north with the stunning Alto Alentejo. Mind you, this story doesn’t kick off with a gushing adoration for the region, as it
Beyond the Tagus Part III: High in the Alto Alentejo Read More »
Smooth bittersweet chocolate on the tongue is one of the more indulgent treats to enjoy. It has a richness that the lighter, milkier counterpart just can’t seem to compare to. Luckily for me and all the other dark chocolate lovers out there, Portugal has a similar love for this sort of dark velvety confection, often
Portuguese Chocolate Rivals Belgium’s Finest Read More »
Just before the Holidays, I kicked off our three-part series on Portugal’s Alentejo region, with a trip to Évora. For the foodies and wine lovers among you, not to mention history buffs, this should not be missed! Today, however, we’ll be heading to the southernmost region, Baixo Alentejo, for a trip that’ll inspire the laid-back, country-living foodie
Beyond the Tagus Part II: Gastronomic Baixo Alentejo Read More »
We all love food, some of us considerably more than others, but the Portuguese take it to an entirely new level. To be an outstanding foodie in Portugal requires unbelievable stamina to both talk and eat for hours upon end, a capacity to consume anything even remotely edible and the wisdom to never EVER say
30 Strange Foods Portugal Loves to Eat! Read More »
Drawing a long drag from his cigarette, he leans back, smiles and takes a gentle sip of his espresso. Despite the bitter chill, he revels in the bright winter sun, offering just enough warmth to tan his weathered cheeks. Gypsies draped in mismatched layers of multicolored apparel bow their heads for loose coins, while mothers
The Ultimate Guide to Ordering Coffee in Portugal Read More »
There’s a little slice of Lisbon’s vibrant food scene in New York City these days thanks to Michelin star Chef George Mendes. For anybody that’s been to Lisbon lately, you’ll instantly pick up on the similarities between the haute cuisine hotspots chefs like José Avillez have created in the recent past with his acclaimed Belcanto
Michelin Chef Elevates Rustic Portuguese Cuisine in Manhattan Read More »
Beyond the urban hive of Barcelona, the natural wonders of Catalunya await. Mountains, vineyards, forests, and coastlines; the region has it all! Hiking is a popular pastime here and should be at the top of the list for any visitor with a passion for both recreation and authentic cuisine, as the best hiking destinations traverse
5 Fantastic Hikes in Catalunya for Food Lovers Read More »
When I smell wood smoke from the neighborhood chimneys and the rain clouds open to finally release the much needed rain, I know it’s time to get to work with the summer’s bounty. This means many a Portuguese cozinha will become a haven for Portuguese doces such as jams, jellies, marmelada! The sticky, sweet, gem
The Art of Homemade Portuguese Jams and Jellies Read More »
Cadaqués is a beautiful white and blue fishing town two and a half hours north of Barcelona, and is considered by many to be the “Pearl of the Costa Brava.” The history of Cadaqués is tied into a long tradition of fishing, agriculture, and viticulture, so make the most of your time in this charming
Top Ten Authentic Dishes to Enjoy in Cadaqués Read More »
They say we should eat to live and not live to eat. But in Portugal, the line between the two becomes blurred. Eating fresh, whole, seasonal and locally-sourced may be ultra-trendy these days, but in Portugal, good eating is a deeply ingrained part of lifestyle and culture. Shopping for Portuguese ingredients at my local market
Where to Find Outstanding Fish in Lisbon! Read More »
Housed in an 18th century baroque building, we leave behind the contrasting sleek interior of the bread and wine museum and step back onto the cobbled streets of the charming village of Favaios, where locals are taking respite from the intense July heat under red cafe umbrellas. We stroll towards the church as instructed and
Baking Bread with a Portuguese Grandmother Read More »
Spanish may not be the language of love, but investing the time to pick it up is certainly a labor of love. It is a commitment to learning both the language and the culture where it’s spoken, and while it’s not always easy, it’s nevertheless one of the most rewarding experiences I know. In my
A Foodie’s Guide to Learning Spanish in Spain Read More »
In this last installment of our three-part series on the undiscovered inland foods of Portugal (Part I & Part II), we pick apart the fruits that give the country some of its most luscious cherries and pears as well as premium olive oil. And though it’s one of the lesser-known wine regions of Portugal, there’s
The Undiscovered Inland Cuisine of Portugal – Part III Read More »
