Spain might be known for its festivals and its food more than for its skiing, but it would be remiss to assume that Spain is a country best visited in the summer. Although it sports almost 5,000 kilometers of coastline, the mountains, too, offer their own unique beauty and a wealth of winter activities beyond […]
Best Places to Ski in Spain Read More »
Last week was pretty special around here, at least for me personally. Ten years ago, I boarded a plane from Minneapolis to Madrid for 1 week, or at least that’s what my plane ticket said. Gabriella had already landed just over a month earlier and was patiently waiting for my arrival so we could start our
10 years on, a look back at my time in Iberia Read More »
Unless you fancy yourself a bit of a sweet talker, convincing a vendor at Barcelona’s world-famous La Boqueria market to sell you just one slice each of six different kinds of jamón isn’t likely to happen. I’ve enjoyed once or twice the feeling of hammy contentment after copping a free (tiny) taste of a top-quality
Jamón Experience: Tasting Spanish ham in Barcelona on a Budget Read More »
My first New Years in Portugal was spent in Lisbon, gazing out across the city to the Tejo river, where the yearly fireworks would flare up and burst in a spectacular display of color. Underneath the technicolor display, a cacophony of banging pots and pans alongside honking car horns rang in o Ano Novo. It was a gorgeous night
Traditions of a Portuguese New Year: It all comes down to your underwear Read More »
From the beginning of November to the end of January, it’s impossible to pass a pastelaria (pastry shop) without being bombarded by the ubiquitous Bolo Rei (King Cake). This is one of, if not the most, popular Christmas desserts throughout Portugal, consisting of a sweet, brioche-like bread dough packed with eggs and filled with various nuts, raisins and crystallized fruit. Essentially, a much tastier version of
Bolo Rei and Bolo Rainha: Portugal’s Royal Christmas Treat Read More »
On my second morning in Portugal, my Tia (aunt) Lucinda asked if I wanted rabbit for lunch. I shook off the jetlag and tried to think straight before answering. Rabbit is one of my favorite meals, so it would be hard to pass up! But I would be leaving close to noon, which would mean
3 Must Try Portuguese Winter Soup Recipes! Read More »
One of the top things I like to do when I’m in Portugal is stop in at a local “tasca” for a home-style meal. As a matter of fact, I have a new favorite tasca called Tascardoso in Lisbon’s Principe Real neighborhood where I recently spent a week. Our airbnb host recommended it. But even
17 Stars in 2014: Portugal’s Haute Cuisine Continues to be on Michelin’s Radar Read More »
Thanksgiving is a famed holiday in the European community. Non-American friends and co-workers repeatedly ask when this epic meal occurs (hinting for an invite), and nearly all Americans living here agree that the best part of having an authentic Thanksgiving meal on foreign soil is sharing the experience with at least one first-timer every year.
Thanksgiving in Iberia: An Ode to Port Wine and Stuffed Fowl! Read More »
Like any good Americana, the smell of roasted root vegetables and spiced pumpkin are what I call the “scent” of autumn. It’s that smell that comes to mind when the leaves gently metamorphous from green to burnt orange, maroon and mustard yellow; when the air takes on the bite of frost; when your wardrobe changes from thin
Portuguese Squash and Root Vegetables: Pure Comfort Food Read More »
There isn’t a home or professional kitchen in Spain that doesn’t stock olive oil. Its omnipresence is ubiquitous. Similar to the French passion for butter, we adore this unctuous, golden liquid! One of the best ways to experience Spanish oil is during breakfast. While a sweet pastry is still appreciated, most of us are unconditionally loyal to “Pan, Aceite y
6 Tips to Guarantee Fresh and Delicious Olive Oil Read More »
The list of reasons why I love Portugal is long… very long. I could tell you about the goodwill of the people—definitely towards the top of my list. How excited they get when they recognize a genuine interest from a visitor about their country. How they’re always ready to set the table with the best
Top 20 Must Taste Foods in Portugal Read More »
Unlike the Sirens in Greek mythology, I wouldn’t call the fishwives of Porto’s Mercado do Bolhao dangerous, but they definitely have an allure. Bolhao is the city’s traditional open market, a once vibrant place that is now in desperate need of updated regulations and repair. But what it certainly doesn’t lack at all are charismatic characters.
Supermarket Diaries: The Fishwives’ Siren Song Read More »
The city of Santiago de Compostela is really more of a town than a city. It’s small, yet bustling with university students, locals, tourists, and—of course—road-weary pilgrims soaking up the glory of a long road traveled. The Camino de Santiago is the city’s biggest claim to fame—a Medieval pilgrimage taken for centuries by Christians to
Santiago de Compostela: Food and Wine Mecca! Read More »
Shared between three autonomous communities (Principado de Asturias, Cantabria and Castilla y León), the Picos de Europa mountain range towers above the north-western Spanish seaboard south of the Bay of Biscay. These mighty limestone mountains with steeply jagged peaks, deep cave formations and exuberant alpine forests are home to some of the most captivating blue
Cheese from Picos de Europa: Home of the Spanish Blues Read More »
Picnic season has arrived! Throughout the cold and rainy winter in Portugal, few people are keen to even venture outside their front door. However, once the weather turns sunny and warm, or more like blazing hot, the Portuguese head straight to greener pastures as wicker baskets overflow with fresh, local ingredients! Natural Parks of Portugal There are
How to Picnic Portuguese Style Read More »
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