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 »
A year ago this week, my now husband and I had just gotten married in the beautiful town of Sintra. There was so much we were celebrating – loved ones visiting us from afar, spending time with friends we hadn’t seen in years, our very dear friends’ wedding celebration just a few days before our
The Undiscovered Sparkling Wines of Portugal Read More »
You know that ever-so-frequent moment when your mind starts drifts to a tropical island filled with swaying palm trees, soaring cliffs and vine-covered mountains? That place where you conjure up an afternoon of gratuitous lounging, filled with copious amounts of wine and food while listening to soft island tunes in the background? Fortunate for you, the only difference between
12 Top Travel Tips when Visiting Madeira 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 »
The interior of Portugal is, unfortunately, often overlooked. That’s too bad, especially for foodies searching for unique eats beyond the mouthwatering fish and seafood on the coast and the regional dishes that the bustling cities recreate. Granted, I understand that driving into the mountains of Portugal or through windy, ancient villages isn’t as easy as
The Undiscovered Inland Cuisine of Portugal – Part I Read More »
Madrid is not only an incredible city for gastronomy, architecture and music, it’s also a brilliant base for day trips to vineyards! Hard to imagine, right?! But what most people don’t know is that Madrid is just a few hours from stunning country! Simply by jumping on the train or city bus, you can be lounging
Madrid: Which Wineries You Can Visit By Train? Read More »
Over the past year, Portugal’s name has splashed across travel, culture and nature magazines as “the place” to visit if you’re looking for authenticity and adventure. It’s become synonymous with quality, with kindness, and most importantly, with unprecedented gastronomy! “Portugal never had a food revolution, like France and Spain,” explains Chef George Mendes of New
Move over Paris: Porto is the New Gastronomic Grand Dame of Europe Read More »
This is a cautionary tale. We bought our tickets for 7am. It was early, but for the price we would happily manage it. But then, we were in Spain where typically late nights make a certain ruin of mornings. We went out, we had copas, we decided on a mini-siesta, aiming to get in just
6 Tips on How to Ride the Rails in Spain like a Pro Read More »
Last week, I provided you my top tips to enjoying the numerous beaches in both Spain and Portugal, but a few of you were none-to-pleased with that very last tip “Go Topless!” Really?! Is sans bikini top that big of deal? I would argue that no, it’s not. If anything, once I moved to southern Europe,
Boobs in Iberia: The perfect place to let the “ladies” loose! Read More »
Portugal is only now finding its way onto the European Tourism radar and we are all very happy to welcome you. For being a small country Portugal has a diverse range of climates. From snow-capped mountains in the center to rainy winters up north to hot, dry summers in the south you may not know
The Essential Guide to Traveling with a Child in Portugal Read More »
Every culture has their way of celebrating summer, but the Iberians are full on experts at maximizing your beach lounging experience. From serene rocky shores filled with marine life to vivacious sandy beaches sporting live entertainment, swanky restaurants and topless women, there’s surely a beach that fits your style! But no matter where you are in
Top 8 Tips to Enjoying the Beach in Spain and Portugal Read More »
Ernest Hemingway writes of Paris in his A Moveable Feast, but the oysters he mentions could have been from Setúbal. “As I ate the oysters with their strong taste of the sea and their faint metallic taste that the cold white wine washed away, leaving only the sea taste and the succulent texture, and as I drank
A Travel Guide to Setúbal’s Oysters and Wine Read More »
If you’ve ever been to Porto, you’re familiar with the ubiquitous Francesinha, the equivalent of a heart-attack on a plate. Its signature is the protein-carbohydrate medley of cured ham, linguiça, fresh sausage, and steak, stacked between two fat slices of bread smothered in melted cheese and doused in a spicy, and oh so flavorful, tomato and beer sauce. Terrified
Where to find the Best Francesinha in Portugal Read More »
Editor’s Note: Today, we’re very excited to introduce Cathy Fisher, an American currently living in Lisbon with her Portuguese husband. Cathy approached us with an infectious passion to share her love of Portuguese wine; and who are we to say no?! Welcome Cathy and thank you for getting us in the mood for old Vinho Verde! “Portuguese guys care
The Serious Side of Vinho Verde Read More »
When most people order a meal at a restaurant, they’re satisfied with simply eating it. Not me. I have an overwhelming necessity to understand and intimately discuss the food in front of me. I long to linger around the restaurant, waiting for closing time so I can sneak into the kitchen and snuggle up to
A Masterclass on Portuguese Fish Read More »
