Continued from Part 1 on Darian Delights But what did this family drink? On offer was the internationally exported Tsingtao beer from another famed coastal city, Qingdao. The spelling “Tsingtao‘ is from the Wades-Giles system of representing the sounds of Chinese characters (now defunct); but some Chinese brands/institutions like to state their age by using […]
In recent weeks, I have visited the Emilio Hidalgo bodega twice, and since their wines are so good, a post has become just about unavoidable. This is a small, truly independent, family-owned bodega. It was started by the Hidalgo family in the mid 1800s and is run by decedents of the founders brothers Fernando and
Sherry House: Emilio Hidalgo, And Ways to Change Future Generations into Sherry Lovers Read More »
Throughout my time living in this deliciously diverse food and wine country, I’ve come to realize that the Portuguese have developed themselves as artisans in specific food and wine crafts. Port may be the most famous, but what is surprising to most people who have never been here is Portugal’s long tradition in pastry making,
The Art and Culture of Portugal’s Pastry Industry: A History Influenced by Wine! Read More »
Initially, I thought I would be the only person bringing sherry to the EWBC 2008 invitational tasting, but once things got going, I was pleased to see that some Osborne Fino Quinta and the Manzanilla and Fino from Equipo Navazos (Nos 7 and 8 ) had made an appearance. The more the merrier, as far
Sherry at EWBC 2008 and Alvaro Domecq Read More »
Two weeks ago, my boyfriend and I decided to take a weekend holiday up North to Guimarães, though each of us seemed to have different intentions for going. I wanted to visit all the wineries of Minho and enjoy a series of tastings, while he just wanted to relax and take it easy. In the
Leitão Assado da Bairrada with Tinto Espumante: A Truly Sensory Experience Read More »
Not a great deal has been written on what is admittedly the relatively new area of pairing international wines with Chinese cuisine. Or should that be Chinese cuisines? This vast country, now in the grips of the Olympics at last, boasts an incredible array of provincial and regional dishes, embracing just about every cooking technique
Exquisite Harmonies: Matching Iberian Wines with China’s Great Cuisines Read More »
Most people are familiar with Ruby Port, the fortified wine which inherited its name from its lovely red color, renowned for its ripe fruit flavors and sweetness that pairs perfectly with the dark, bitter flavors of chocolate. So what if I told you that there existed another delicious and unctuous wine that still marries beautifully
For All You Port Lovers, A Delicious Alternative: Ginja with Chocolate Read More »
It’s summertime in Portugal and as the tourists flood Lisbon, the Portuguese retreat to their local restaurants and bars to enjoy the gastronomic tradition of the season: snails! Yes, that’s right, Caracóis are to the Portuguese as hot wings are to Americans. Though savvy to the tradition of eating snails in France, most Americans remain perplexed
Suck it Up and do What the Portuguese do, Eat Caracois! Read More »
There’s a tradition in Andalucia for fairs – Ferias – in the spring and summer. The format is generally the same: The Feria lasts about a week; there are corridas (bullfights) in the afternoons; it’s held at a temporary “tent city”, usually on open ground near the edge of town; dancing the “Sevillana” (Sevillana video)
Editor’s Note: If you remember, a little while back, Ryan reviewed the book “Valencia, Land of Wine“, written by Joan C. Martin and translated and edited by John Maher. While, in Valencia, we asked John how he felt about writing the occasional piece for us on Valancian wine, being our resident expert and all. And
Grape Profile Verdil: A Highly Misunderstood Indigenous Grape of Valencia Read More »
You may not be aware of this, but the Portuguese are excellent bakers and pastry makers, each famed for their traditional local pastries. If you haven’t nibbled your way through Lisbon, savoring their varied and highly addictive pastry culture, let us tempt you! Pasteis are pastries in Portuguese, and the Pasteis de Belem is one of
Pasteis de Belem: The Best Pastry in Portugal Read More »
Our next installment in the series “Iberian Wine Myth Busters” is on Sulfites! I was at the airport recently, waiting in one of the never-ending lines to catch a flight from Madrid to the States when I struck up a conversation with an elderly-ish American couple on their way back from an extended holiday in
Iberian Wine Myth Busting – Sulfites Read More »
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