If you snake along the river to the bustling seaside town of Matosinhos, you’ll encounter one of our favorite restaurants on the planet, O Gaveto. Run by Joao Carlos Silva and his family, this restaurant is not only part of the cultural fabric of Porto, but sells some of the best fish and seafood in […]
Top Tips to Eating Incredible Seafood in Porto Read More »
Chadner Navarro recently published a fantastic article in Bloomberg highlighting why Porto is surpassing Paris as “the” shopping capital of Europe. There’s a good reason for it. Porto isn’t just an architectural wonder, with its technicolored tiles and vaulting domes, it’s a hotbed of creativity! Just hang out at a party for a few minutes and
Why is Porto Overtaking Paris for Shopping and Design Read More »
They say we should eat to live and not live to eat. But in Portugal, the line between the two becomes blurred. Eating fresh, whole, seasonal and locally-sourced may be ultra-trendy these days, but in Portugal, good eating is a deeply ingrained part of lifestyle and culture. Shopping for Portuguese ingredients at my local market
Where to Find Outstanding Fish in Lisbon! Read More »
We’re back with Part II of our three-part series on the undiscovered food gems of inland Portugal (read Part 1). With a mix of goat, sheep and bovine herding, as well as hunting, meat dishes in the heartland region of Beira Baixa abound! Yet, there are also fertile rivers to dive into for fish and
The Undiscovered Inland Foods of Portugal – Part II Read More »
The interior of Portugal is, unfortunately, often overlooked. That’s too bad, especially for foodies searching for unique eats beyond the mouthwatering fish and seafood on the coast and the regional dishes that the bustling cities recreate. Granted, I understand that driving into the mountains of Portugal or through windy, ancient villages isn’t as easy as
The Undiscovered Inland Cuisine of Portugal – Part I Read More »
One of the top culinary experiences in Portugal is hands down devouring Portuguese fish. Whether grilled, roasted, stewed or fried, Portugal’s coastal geography—half of this tiny country is on the Atlantic—has molded its people into sea life gurus (there are also river fish; we’ll explore another time). Pair this fish knowledge with the diversity of
Essential Guide to Butterflying and Grilling Portuguese Fish Read More »
When most people order a meal at a restaurant, they’re satisfied with simply eating it. Not me. I have an overwhelming necessity to understand and intimately discuss the food in front of me. I long to linger around the restaurant, waiting for closing time so I can sneak into the kitchen and snuggle up to
A Masterclass on Portuguese Fish 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 »
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 Algarve and the summer season seem to be synonymous with its white sandy beaches, sapphire blue and aquamarine ocean waters, and of course, the food which is full of the “fruit of the sea”. The abundance of fresh seafood, fish and sun-ripened vegetables is what I dream of when I think of taking holiday
Cataplana: The traditional Portuguese cooking vessel explained! 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 »
As the hottest months quickly approach, I begin to feel the spellbinding sluggishness of a sultry summer day creep up on me. I want nothing more than to lounge around on the weekend, with very little fuss or muss about anything—including cooking. For as much as I enjoy hanging around the kitchen, this time of
Easy Breezy: Summer Salads Portuguese Style Read More »
A few weeks ago, we attended the wedding of a dear Portuguese friend of ours in Porto who ensured that every single moment of the event was accompanied by an enormous assortment of food. From fresh fish to local cheeses and everything in between, the 12-hour-long celebration was an homage to incredible cuisine. But what
Tempura: Portugal’s Prized Gift to Japan Read More »
We love Portugal, but there is one specific thing we love beyond all else: grilled fish! Something magical happens when you give a Portuguese chef a freshly caught fish, a hot fire, some olive oil and a pot of salt. Personally, I think the salt might be infused with pixie dust, or some other magical
Cabo da Roca – A Fish Lover’s Paradise 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 »
