There is a saying in the Catalan language: sense foc no hi ha festa (without fire, there is no festival), and they aren’t exaggerating. Indeed, the region’s pyromaniacal bent may be the most evolved and embraced in the nation, yet flames, explosions, devils, and beasts play a role in many vaguely Christian celebrations all throughout […]
Flirting with Fire: Inside the Fire Festivals of Spain Read More »
With more than two thousand years of grape growing and winemaking history, and as the country with the largest planted surface of vineyards in the world, approaching Spanish wines for the first time can be quite intimidating. Different regions, climates, varieties, regulations,… yield different styles that can gratify very divergent palates. Familiarize yourself with the
Spanish Wine 101- A starting point for Spanish Wine Lovers Read More »
Spanish may not be the language of love, but investing the time to pick it up is certainly a labor of love. It is a commitment to learning both the language and the culture where it’s spoken, and while it’s not always easy, it’s nevertheless one of the most rewarding experiences I know. In my
A Foodie’s Guide to Learning Spanish in Spain Read More »
Standing in a Spanish pescadería can be intimidating, even to the most acclimated gringo. Unlike in the U.S., where the fish counters are neat and organized, filets in even rows, a Spanish fish market is not for the squeamish. Whole fish are displayed on ice, heads and tails intact. Large shiny eyes stare up at you,
The Essential Travelers Guide to Ordering Fish in Spain 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 »
Welcome to the Vi Jazz festival in Vilafranca del Penedés: balmy summer nights, free Jazz concerts galore, and abundant local wine in the historic center of this modest Catalán city of around 40,000 inhabitants. Dating back to the 12th century, Vilafranca is the economic engine and heart of the Penedés wine industry. While Penedés garners
History of Jazz in Catalunya, Spain Read More »
The following effervescent legend is sponsored by our friends at CellarVie Wines which, with 400 wines from 16 countries, is a great place to buy Champagne and Cava online. Sitting just below the Christmas tree, my nephew and I cuddle tightly in a ball, as I sip upon a glass of Cava. Snuggling deep into
Elves, Fireworks and Festivities: How Bubbles found their Way into a Cava Bottle Read More »
Fire up the barbecues and grab your friends. No, it is not Memorial Day weekend or a celebration of the first day of spring. Winter marks the time of year when Cataluña celebrates the almighty calçot. It is no secret that Catalans love to party, and the annual calçotada is just one more excuse to
The Calçotada: From Spain to Your Backyard Read More »
Typically, early morning hours in Spain are gorgeous, with a gentle breeze that delicately caresses your skin, awakening your senses and offering the perfect compliment to your first cup of coffee. Paired with pan con tomate, or a simple yoghurt and fresh fruit mix, it’s my favorite time of the day! Recently, however, I’ve been
Spanish Cocktail: Lemon Cava Sorbet Read More »
I absolutely love Portuguese fish. Whether writing or speaking, I can go on and on about the quality, freshness and simplicity of a perfectly grilled piece of fish in Portugal. It’s something I recommend everyone should experience at least once in their life. But if you had asked me not too long ago about Portuguese canned fish,
Conservas de Peixe: The Tasty but Discernible Truth Behind Canned Fish in Portugal Read More »
