As I was nearing 16, I told my parents I didn’t want a big birthday party. I opted instead for a trip to Portugal—the best sweet sixteen gift I could ever receive. In college, I went so far as to turn down a trip to Cancun for a chance to explore historic Portuguese villages. There […]
Portugal is a Small Package with Big Surprises Read More »
The headline is a bit more ambitious than I plan to be. This past year has seen a lot of changes at Catavino HQ, not least of all is trying to find a balance in life with a little guy nipping at your heels. At night, Gabriella and I often find ourselves falling asleep to
10 Portuguese Wine Experiences from 2014: An unforgettable year! Read More »
My first New Years in Portugal was spent in Lisbon, gazing out across the city to the Tejo river, where the yearly fireworks would flare up and burst in a spectacular display of color. Underneath the technicolor display, a cacophony of banging pots and pans alongside honking car horns rang in o Ano Novo. It was a gorgeous night
Traditions of a Portuguese New Year: It all comes down to your underwear Read More »
One of the top things I like to do when I’m in Portugal is stop in at a local “tasca” for a home-style meal. As a matter of fact, I have a new favorite tasca called Tascardoso in Lisbon’s Principe Real neighborhood where I recently spent a week. Our airbnb host recommended it. But even
17 Stars in 2014: Portugal’s Haute Cuisine Continues to be on Michelin’s Radar Read More »
I’m a chocolate lover. I’m also a fig lover. Then I took a trip to the Algarve and discovered that chocolate and fig had a love child, and its name is Alfarroba. Vacationing in the Algarve, the southernmost region of Portugal, has its benefits; and it’s not just for the beach and the great weather.
Alfarroba: Southern Portugal’s Guilt-Free Dessert Read More »
I’ll admit, there are times I desperately wish to transport myself back to Barcelona, to the autumn sun, to the calm beaches, to the lazy outdoor terraces. And it’s not because Barcelona is any better or worse than Porto, it’s because it’s simply…dry. Come autumn, Porto turns into a wicked stepchild, throwing a massive tantrum of blustery
Top 5 Ways to Enjoy the Autumn Rain Read More »
When suddenly canned seafood became trendy in Portugal, I couldn’t help but have mixed feelings about it. On the one hand: I was thrilled for the producers and its supporters as well as proud of the industry’s ability to reinvent itself. But on the other: I thought, duh only now? And, will it last? I
Portuguese Meals Anyone Can Make: Octopus Salad with Black Eyed Peas Read More »
When I moved to Portugal, I was dumbfounded by the amount of rice I consumed. Why? Because rice is absolutely everywhere! Not only that, the Portuguese are the largest consumers of rice in Europe, savoring 15 – 16 kilos per capita a year, compared with the 4 – 5 kilo European average. Unbeknown to many,
Portugal’s Arroz Carolino: The Native Rice of Portuguese Gastronomy Read More »
Beyond the festivals, concerts and cultural activities in Portugal, lies a community of people who ride on boards like chariots upon the sea. I’m proud to be part of this clan, addicted at a young age by the peaceful feeling of being immersed in the sea. Over the years, I have visited Portugal several times, typically with
Top 5 Places to Surf in Portugal Read More »
Throughout Europe, the shortest night of the year is celebrated in wildly diverse ways; but in Portugal and Spain, festivities continue well into the morning’s early light. Soft shadows dance from crackling bonfires and the savory smell of grilled meats, sardines and fresh bread gives a rustic setting that’s highlighted by booming fireworks for the
Grilled Sardines: Delicious Midsummer Fare in Iberia Read More »
Walk into any mercado in Portugal and there will be stalls stuffed with large heads of cabbage, bunches of turnip tops, spinach and the young leaves of rapini. Go out to the Portuguese countryside and you’ll see patches of tall couve portuguesa hovering in the middle of gardens and a strip or two of grelos
Portugal: A vegetarian’s oasis! Read More »
Portugal might be on its knees economically, but the Portuguese wine industry is going from strength to strength. Exports are growing quietly (between 5-10% per year over the last decade), and the country is beginning to escape the shackles of being seen only as a value producer. I’m not talking about Port, which has its own
Three Dynamic Female Portuguese Winemakers 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 »
If you ask the Portuguese, “Which came first, the chicken or the egg?” I would place my bet on the egg. Ovos are found throughout Portuguese cuisine. They’re poached in soups and açordas; fried on top of steaks, alheiras and francesinhas; boiled with fish and mixed into many of their beloved bacalhau dishes; and beaten with
The History of the Egg In Portugal: Why Portugese Cuisine Can’t Live Without It 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 »
