If you visit Porto in the last week of February, be prepared to get wet – drenched even, as the rainy season can be almost tropical in its intensity. Metaphorically, you’ll also get drenched in wine, as the city hosts not just the huge Essencia do Vinho fair, but an ever-increasing range of off-events, lunches, […]
Discovering Irresistible Portuguese Wines – Simplesmente Vinho Read More »
A few days ago, my son and I were taking a leisurely walk home from his daycare when we passed the infamous “dragon lair”. The tale of the devilish dragon den began with a hole in the stone wall that peeked into a lush abandoned garden bursting with life. White and pink magnolia trees shaded snaking
Northern Portugal: A Green Oasis for Nature Lovers Read More »
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 »
Did you know that Madeira was poured during Thomas Jefferson’s toast at the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, or that it was savored at the inauguration of George Washington shortly thereafter? At one time, Madeira was so ubiquitous that it perfumed ladies’ handkerchieves; was given to military personnel for service of their country; and was frequently
A Beginner’s Guide to Madeira Wine 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 »
I’m writing, between sips of my morning bica, from a tiny coffee shop in the sleepy Lisbon neighborhood of Lapa. I look up from my computer screen and the Tagus River opens before me. Today the river is brooding and dark, swept up by strong winds. The water is choppy. I find freedom in Portugal’s
Beyond the Tagus River: In and Around Évora – Part I Read More »
Coming from the heartland of the USA, the city renowned for its stock yards and steaks, I’m no stranger to a thick slab of meat. Even as a professed vegetable lover, the aroma of chargrilled transports me back to Chicago where my father would serve up enormous grilled potatoes slathered in butter, a crisp garden fresh salad
Old Portuguese Ox – A Stunning Gastronomic Experience! Read More »
Though it had been one of the rainiest and foggiest weeks I had ever spent in Portugal, on this particular day, the dreariness gave new meaning to the word “melancholy.” In no way was this suicidal ambiance any match for my mission to discover! I was booked for a trip to Viseu and absolutely nothing
Dinner in Viseu: Chewing Over Identity 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 »
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 »
