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 »
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 »
Prior to my migration from America to Portugal in 2011, I had often heard of the love affair that the Portuguese have with their eggs, especially when used in their sugar laden sweets. I didn’t really understand that eggs were also loved as additions to savory dishes until I got here and was pleasantly surprised
Eggs: Sweet and Savory Portuguese Recipes 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 »
What do you call a group of small, artisan wine producers at a tasting? If you’re in France or Italy, the “natural wine” moniker might well rear its head. The suggestion being that these are winemakers who eschew overtly industrial production methods, intervene less and attempt above all else to express their terroir. The less charitable may claim
Off the beaten track in Porto – Simplesmente Vinho 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 »
There are several European cities known for their Old-World romance, sprinkled in fairy dust and history, but there is no place quite like Lisbon! Enjoy leisurely strolls past ancient architecture, beautiful promenades and cozy little cafés humming with live music. Lisbon is unique for star-crossed lovers because it’s just a short train-ride away from the
Lisbon is for Lovers: The Perfect Romantic Getaway! Read More »
The sound of chestnuts (castanhas) crashing down through branches is one that I always associate with autumn in Minho. Throughout the baking summer, we watched the thick green prickly clusters growing on large majestic trees scattered about the surrounding hill slopes wondering if they would ever ripen. By the middle of October, the clusters turned
Chestnut Season in Portugal Read More »
Boas Festas! Happy Holidays from Portugal! The Christmas season is upon us, and here in Lisbon, we’re celebrating the only way we know how, with delicious homemade food. All major Portuguese holidays have their own unique dishes and sweets, but Christmas is by far the most plentiful among them. From mid November onward, you can
Feliz Natal: Traditional Portuguese Holiday Cuisine Read More »
Carabinheiro and bean If you are visiting Porto, make sure to plan an evening of dining pleasure at Rui Paula’s DOP restaurant for stunning food and wine and the modern face of Portuguese gastronomic culture. Rui Paula is a name that any visitor to the Douro should be familiar with. Self-taught Chef Rui Paula is
An incredible Porto dining experience at DOP by Rui Paula Read More »
After a fantastic picnic among friends, we gathered at an outdoor café to finish the afternoon with a stiff drink called bagaço. The boys ordered two very full snifters of a crystal clear beverage that I had never heard of, nor did I have to chance to ask just how potent it was before it was
Aguardente Bagaçeira: Portugal’s Seriously Strong Wine Spirit 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 »
Alheira is a smoked Portuguese sausage, (pronounced “Al – iyai -rah”), that derives its name from the Portuguese word alho, meaning “garlic”. Different from its pork-dominated counterparts, Alheira is not only filled with poultry (chicken and turkey), but also game meat (duck, rabbit, venison, partridge, pheasant): creating a mouthwatering smokey, garlicky and earthy aroma. History of Alheira Sausage Now here
Alheira: The King of Portuguese Sausage Read More »
Editor’s Note: In lieu of the #EWBC, Mariëlla Beukers of Wijnkronieken, has provided us a fascinating article on the untold historical influences that has made Riojan wine what it is today!! Like many of the ‘classic’ wine regions in Europe, Rioja has a long wine history dating back to even before the Romans. The Celtic
The Top 10 Untold Stories of Rioja Wine Read More »
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