It was autumn in the lush Minho region; an area of mist and granite of northern Portugal hard up against the border with Spain. Our elderly neighbor Manuel was calling over to us. It was mid-afternoon and time for a drink. He carefully poured the purple frothy liquid into white porcelain bowls and my husband […]
A Vindima: A Geologist’s Take on the Grape Harvest in the Minho Read More »
Have you ever heard the tale of Stone Soup? The legend of how this hearty soup came about is a popular one told throughout most European countries and was adapted to an American version by Marcia Brown. Each version is slightly different depending on your country or region and is usually influenced by varying historical
Sopa da Pedra: A Humble Gastronomic Tale about Sharing Read More »
Our journey through the world of traditional tapas began with the mighty tomato and led us to the robust potato. We now find ourselves returning once again to Spain’s favorite bread-topping condiment – the almighty tomato. Pan con Tomate (aka Pa amb Tomàquet or Pan a la Catalana) is one of the most popular and
Tradition Meets Modernity: New Ideas for Old Tapas (Part III: Pan con Tomate) Read More »
Last month, I made a trip to the Portuguese mountains of Serra de Estrela for the first time. Serra de Estrela is the highest mountain range in continental Portugal, and we spent 3 days enjoying some breathtaking views, crystal clear mountain lakes, picturesque little villages nestled into the cliffs and the gracious hospitality of small
The Shepherds of Serra da Estrela: A Dying Craft Threatening Portuguese Cheese Read More »
In Part I (Gazpacho), we began our journey in the heat of the south of Spain but now head to one of the country’s northern-most regions, Bilbao (as rumor/tradition has it) to modify another of Spain’s great signature dishes – tortilla española. Known by a few names – tortilla española, tortilla a la española, and
Tradition Meets Modernity: New Ideas for Old Tapas (Part II: Tortilla Española) Read More »
Ask anyone, “What does Spain mean to you?” And they will quickly respond, “bullfighting, flamenco and tapas”. Spain’s overcoat is woven in tradition, and it is proud of that heritage – as it should be. Since the sunset of the Franco era, Spain has catapulted into the present-day without losing sight of centuries of tradition.
Tradition Meets Modernity: New Ideas for Old Tapas (Part I: Gazpacho) Read More »
When drinking a Portuguese white wine, it’s difficult to encounter one that doesn’t express the lovely flavors of Arinto. Arinto’s big, compact bunches, made up of small or medium-sized yellowish berries are grown and cultivated in just about every wine region in Portugal, but happens to be the most readily available from the regions around
Arinto: The Chameleon of Portuguese Whites Read More »
In my very first article with Catavino, I described an amazing experience lunching on fresh grilled fish along the Portuguese coast, an event I eagerly anticipated for weeks. Today, I can still say that I dine out on peixe grelhado every weekend, and I look forward to it as much, if not more, than I
Peixe In Portugal: The Numerous and Delicious Varieties of Portuguese Fish Read More »
Portugal, like most southern European countries, is no stranger to the almighty espresso. In fact, café is so ingrained into the Portuguese lifestyle, culture and history that without this dark and robust beverage, the country would most certainly come to a complete halt – or at least a short metaphysical pause. In part, this passion
Portugal’s Coffee: A Sumptuous and Delectible Treat Read More »
Recently, the northeastern Spanish region of Catalonia (or Catalunya) voted to ban bullfighting; which consequently, provoked me to write an article. Since moving to Spain in 2005, I have attempted to understand the “corrida de toros” – the bullfight. I have tried to learn as much as possible, both the pro and con; and yes,
Spanish Bullfighting: The Romance, the Drama and the Traditional Recipes Read More »
A friend of ours Raymond Magourty (Raymondo) is working the 2009 harvest in Priorat, Catalunya for Celler Mas Doix, a prestigious wine producer located in the village of Poboleda whose Parker Points have elevated it in popularity. With his background in wine education, and ambition to learn more about the practicalities of wine-making, the winery
A friend of ours Raymond Magourty (Raymondo) is working the 2009 harvest in Priorat, Catalunya for Celler Mas Doix, a prestigious wine producer located in the villlage of Poboleda whose Parker Points have elevated it in popularity. With his background in wine education, and ambition to learn more about the practicalities of wine-making, the winery
Harvesting in the Priorat: Fermentation I – Maceration Techniques Read More »
The WSET Diploma fortified wine exam was nailed down earlier this year. The next exam is sparkling wines so I have been sticking to the bubbly stuff since then. Not much else has made it through my front door, so just for a change, I thought I’d have a copa of sherry tonight. Something slightly
Palo Cortado, a Different Kind of Sherry Read More »
A friend of ours Raymond Magourty (Raymondo) is working the 2009 harvest in Priorat, Catalunya for Celler Mas Doix, a prestigious wine producer located in the villlage of Poboleda who’s Parker Points have elevated it in popularity. With his background in wine education, and ambition to learn more about the practicalities of wine-making, the winery
Harvesting in the Priorat 2009: Differentiating Grape Varieties Read More »
Like Gabriella in Barcelona, I too have received several emails wondering what my ideal foodie day in Lisbon would consist of. And although Lisbon is comparatively smaller than Barcelona, the options for encountering incredible food and wine experiences are both various and plentiful. So allow me to take you on a tour of Lisbon taken
Planning A Trip To Lisbon? A Food and Wine Lover’s Perfect Day Read More »
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