Unlike the Sirens in Greek mythology, I wouldn’t call the fishwives of Porto’s Mercado do Bolhao dangerous, but they definitely have an allure. Bolhao is the city’s traditional open market, a once vibrant place that is now in desperate need of updated regulations and repair. But what it certainly doesn’t lack at all are charismatic characters. […]
Supermarket Diaries: The Fishwives’ Siren Song Read More »
Picnic season has arrived! Throughout the cold and rainy winter in Portugal, few people are keen to even venture outside their front door. However, once the weather turns sunny and warm, or more like blazing hot, the Portuguese head straight to greener pastures as wicker baskets overflow with fresh, local ingredients! Natural Parks of Portugal There are
How to Picnic Portuguese Style Read More »
Enchanting, mystical, charming…these three words perpetually fall off my tongue when I describe the city of Porto. It’s a city that holds a thousand secrets etched on porcelain tiled buildings and abandoned romantic gardens teeming with flowering camelia trees. It’s a city where a 102 year old grandmother draped in black will smile broadly as
Deciphering the Vibrant Street Art of Porto Read More »
There are few cities in the world that are internationally known for their parks. Off the top of my head, I can think of Central Park in New York City, Parc Guell in Barcelona, Stanley Park in Vancouver, Griffith Park in Los Angeles, Lincoln Park in Chicago and Monsanto Park in Lisbon, but never once
The Lush Green Parks and Gardens of Porto, Portugal Read More »
What do you call a group of small, artisan wine producers at a tasting? If you’re in France or Italy, the “natural wine” moniker might well rear its head. The suggestion being that these are winemakers who eschew overtly industrial production methods, intervene less and attempt above all else to express their terroir. The less charitable may claim
Off the beaten track in Porto – Simplesmente Vinho Read More »
It would be hard to escape the trendy, upbeat sounds of “Happy”, a song performed by American singer Pharrell Williams, from the Despicable Me 2 album. It’s been so successful that it’s topped the charts in 16 different countries and sold one million copies in the UK alone. Impressed? Just wait, there’s more! To coincide with the song’s
Pharrell Williams – Happy – We Are from Porto Read More »
Last year, Catavino attended the premiere of Simplesmente Vinho and had a fantastic time. We were surprised by the off-the-cuff tasting that resulted in a group of “wine geeks” joining together in a cave, literally, on the Cais de Ribeira for a small producer tasting. Thankfully, it was a huge success and has returned for
Simplesmente Vinho: Celebrating natural wine in Portugal Read More »
Taberna do Largo is an unassuming little wine bar nestled in the historic district of Porto; which approximately a year ago, I ducked in when taking refuge from the freezing rain. Music gently played over the speakers, the candles flickered on the tables in the back and a sweet young woman with a soft Portuguese
Taberna do Largo: A Personal Tribute to Courageous Women Read More »
Carabinheiro and bean If you are visiting Porto, make sure to plan an evening of dining pleasure at Rui Paula’s DOP restaurant for stunning food and wine and the modern face of Portuguese gastronomic culture. Rui Paula is a name that any visitor to the Douro should be familiar with. Self-taught Chef Rui Paula is
An incredible Porto dining experience at DOP by Rui Paula Read More »
I absolutely love Portuguese fish. Whether writing or speaking, I can go on and on about the quality, freshness and simplicity of a perfectly grilled piece of fish in Portugal. It’s something I recommend everyone should experience at least once in their life. But if you had asked me not too long ago about Portuguese canned fish,
Conservas de Peixe: The Tasty but Discernible Truth Behind Canned Fish in Portugal Read More »
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
Taberna do Sao Pedro: A Mouthwatering Fire Hazard in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal Read More »
Have you ever struggled to see what someone else finds beautiful? “Look!” your partner says with a smile, “Isn’t that tree absolutely beautiful?!” Staring at the emaciated lopsided trunk with 3 blooming red flowers, you smile, “Yeah hon, it’s sweet, but not sure I’d call that beautiful.” “What do you mean? It’s stunning in this
The Textures of Porto: What Makes a City Beautiful? Read More »
This past Friday, I found my way down to the “Riberia” area of Porto, or rather the historic “Porto side” of the river, where a small group of both established and budding new wine makers assembled to pour their wines at “Simplesmente Vinho”. Dubbed as the first “off” event in Portugal for wine, it begged
Salon “Off” along the Rio Douro: Simplesmente…Vinho Read More »
Some of you may have heard whisperings that we were pondering a change of location in the next few months, but few may have anticipated a full on commitment to the idea. Alas, we are proud to announce that yes, in a few weeks time, we’ll become new residents of our neighbor to the west:
Catavino is Moving to Portugal! Read More »
Despite the address on our mail, our soles rarely touch Barcelona soil. Have a conversation with us in Spanish, or Catalan, and you’re quick to learn that we’re not from around these parts. Instead, we can be found in any given wine region, around the world, often per the request of a client or new
Guest Houses: The Perfect Accommodation in Spain and Portugal! Read More »
