Editor’s Note: Although summer has come and gone, there’s no reason why you can’t be planning next year’s goal to become a surfing pro! Avid beach lover, Leah Burt, has provided us great suggestions on what to look out for when choosing your perfect Portuguese or Spanish surf camp! Over the past decade, Portugal and Spain have […]
How to Choose a Surfing School in Spain and Portugal Read More »
Shared between three autonomous communities (Principado de Asturias, Cantabria and Castilla y León), the Picos de Europa mountain range towers above the north-western Spanish seaboard south of the Bay of Biscay. These mighty limestone mountains with steeply jagged peaks, deep cave formations and exuberant alpine forests are home to some of the most captivating blue
Cheese from Picos de Europa: Home of the Spanish Blues 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 »
In Spain and Portugal, the grill is an indispensable tool, whether it be a flat-top griddle (plancha), a wood-fired pit, or a traditional barbecue, fueled with a fragrant mix of charcoal and hay (like those used to grill calçots). Unlike “American Barbecue” that focuses heavily on sauces, marinades, slow-cooking, and smoke, Iberian barbecue is all
Recipes from the Spanish and Portuguese Grill Read More »
When I was a child, I coveted anything flavored “cherry”. From the sweet artificial flavor of a Starburst candy to the ripe succulent berry itself, it was by far my absolute favorite fruit….that is until I moved to Barcelona. Barcelona evoked a deep passion for sweet mandarines, juicy strawberries, crisp apples and meaty melons. While
Ripe and Delicious Portuguese Cherries! Read More »
What is vermouth? Well, let’s start with what vermouth is not. Vermouth is not solely a supporting role to classic cocktails, nor is it the dry, bitter stuff that languished away in Mom and Dad’s liquor cabinet, only to be drunk in secret by soon-to-be rueful teens when left alone at home for the weekend. Yes, Mom,
Vermouth in Barcelona: The past and present of a delicious aperitivo culture Read More »
The history of Sherry is rich. For starters, it is one of the oldest wines in the world, introduced to Britain when notorious pirate Drake, plundered Cadiz and filled his decks with over 2000 barrels as a gift for his adored Queen Elizabeth 1st. But prior to all that, the Moors tended the chalky vineyards around
Top 10 Things to do in Jerez – Other than Enjoy Sherry! Read More »
When my husband’s family goes to Italy for Christmas, Jamon is never missing. Served reverently on a large platter, after having been cooled and aired out, it is passed and eaten immediately. Hence, in the spirit of fantastic flavor, we brought Cecina from Leon – a sublime experience. I was accustomed to ordering it in
Cecina de Leon: Mouthwatering Cured- Smoked Beef from Spain Read More »
A momentous 2013 has almost come to a close, and to be perfectly honest, it’s been a good year. I’ve travelled a considerable amount, moved countries and had a son. 2013 will mark one of the most memorable years of my life. However, it’s around this time that we sit with a list of what
#inCostaBrava I saw some marvelous things Read More »
It’s 7:30 am, the mist is rolling off the breathtaking Umbrian countryside, and the sun is breaking through the leaves. I sip on my cappuccino and stare at the enormous carcass of a 400lb pig and wonder, how are we going to butcher this enormous beast? We’re staying at a beautiful country inn, just 5km
Cutting to the Bone: The cultural nuances of butchering meat Read More »
Welcome to the Vi Jazz festival in Vilafranca del Penedés: balmy summer nights, free Jazz concerts galore, and abundant local wine in the historic center of this modest Catalán city of around 40,000 inhabitants. Dating back to the 12th century, Vilafranca is the economic engine and heart of the Penedés wine industry. While Penedés garners
History of Jazz in Catalunya, Spain 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 »
The term ‘natural wine’ means so much to a few, and absolutely nothing to many, and no matter your feelings (usually love or hate) about the phrase, and the wines themselves, everyone can agree it’s a hot topic in the wine world and one that needs ever more explanation and exploration. But hold on, aren’t
Natural Wine in Spain: A Fast Growing Trend Among Consumers or a Passing Fad? Read More »
The past few years have been good to the Ribera del Duero wine region in North Central Spain; but much like Sonoma in California wine country, it has had to contend with a more popular older sibling, Rioja. That said, given the region’s much deserved recent international notoriety, things are changing. On a recent trip
Top 10 Reasons to Visit Ribera del Duero Read More »
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
The Almadraba: Netting Blue-Fin Tuna, the Phoenician Way Read More »
