One of my favorite parts of growing up was visiting my grandmother’s house in Northern Minnesota. At some point during my stay, she would serve up a freshly baked cookie, bar or slice of homemade pie made from homegrown fruits and berries directly from their garden. In the USA, we have a saying, “as American …
Ever wondered why some wines have leathery aromas while others some cinnamon notes? Or why some Chardonnay’s are said to be “buttery” while others “crisp and linear”? And do organic wines taste different from non-organic wines? When it comes to wine tasting, the best people to taste with are the professionals. Why? Because they are …
Portugal is on the top of everyone’s vacation list: beautiful sandy beaches and fabulous weather, the world’s best seafood and singular gastronomy, cities like Lisbon and Porto with that old-world charm, and some of the friendliest people on the planet! But did you know that Portugal is the destination for wine lovers and wine nerds? …
Since our very first visit to Portugal in 2003, we’ve had a deep and lasting love for Port wine. It’s almost impossible not to when seated cozily next to a fire with an rich and satisfying glass of Vintage port, or even beach side with a White port and tonic. Yet grasping its depth, diversity …
Portugal is renowned for its stunning coastal landscapes and kind, engaging people; which is much of the reason why Portugal continuously ranks as one of the top tourism destinations in Europe. That said, what many people haven’t experienced is the rustic interior of Portugal, where villages are hidden among the folds of terraced mountains, and …
Photographing Portugal: Where to capture fantastic photos in Northern Portugal Read More »
Orange trees scent a patio in Lisbon’s ancient Alfama neighborhood. Cilantro is used to season a seafood stew, made just like this for over a thousand years. Sausage made with bread stuffing hangs in a smokehouse and its true origin is hidden. A cook fries tiny fish in olive oil, unaware of the stories that …
Discover Jewish Heritage throughout Portugal and Spain Read More »
With a focus on simple, authentic Spanish cuisine, Chef José Pizarro has been at the forefront of bringing both traditional and innovative tapas to London. With three successful restaurants across the city, the author of several Spanish cookbooks, and a regular on-morning television shows, his career has taken him a long way from his farming …
If you snake along the river to the bustling seaside town of Matosinhos, you’ll encounter one of our favorite restaurants on the planet, O Gaveto. Run by Joao Carlos Silva and his family, this restaurant is not only part of the cultural fabric of Porto, but sells some of the best fish and seafood in …
Gail Aguiar is by far one of the most prolific travel bloggers in Portugal, which is why we’re so keen to feature her! Filipino by birth, Gail has spent most of her life traveling, working and exploring the world; hence her insight comes from a place of deep wisdom and experience. Today, she joins us …
The Undiscovered Sights, Sounds and Flavors of Portugal Read More »
Sam Zucker is far from a Spanish native, but his passion and dedication to Spain has been profound. For years, he’s written on Catavino, not only infusing his writing with his love of food and wine, but for discovering the undiscovered nooks and crannies of Spain. (header photo by Sam Zucker) Sam Zucker’s Top 5 …
A few years ago, I was dining sozinho (alone) in a small neighborhood cafe in Porto when I caught sight of this gorgeous pastry in the display case. With crispy folds of puff pastry piled high under a hard, sugary crust of perfection, I thought “damn girl, you need that!” But what looked like a …
In the North of Portugal, parks radiate green under rain filled winter skies. Moss gently spreads along ancient stone walls, vines creep up porcelain tiles as Camellia trees burst in red, pinks and whites. It’s mesmerizing, beautiful and absolutely worth seeing for yourself! Camellias, however, didn’t originate in Portugal, like the cork oak or lavender …
Happy New Year from the Catavino Team! With the year just kicking off, welcoming heaps of new opportunities, a trip to Portugal should be at the top of your list! Brimming with soulful foods, diverse wines and stunning natural wonders, it’s no wonder that Portugal has been rated as one of the top tourism destinations …
Staff Picks: 5 New Experiences to Enjoy in Portugal this Year! Read More »
With nine new Michelin stars added to last year’s 17, it’s an exciting time to indulge in The Undiscovered Food Stories of Northern Portugal. Our newly-released book shares with the world the exclusive, never before told life and food stories forgotten for 100 years inside Porto’s iconic Bolhão Market. The grandmother food stories we found …
Highlights: Undiscovered Food Stories of Northern Portugal Read More »
It has been a long hard road, full of ups and downs, but today we are incredibly excited to announce that Catavino’s first book, The Undiscovered Food Stories of Northern Portugal, is finished. Sonia, Ryan and I are a bit tired, but we’re extremely thrilled that we have finally reached the end of a journey that took …
