In the North of Portugal, parks radiate green under rain filled winter skies. Moss gently spreads along ancient stone walls, vines creep up porcelain tiles as Camellia trees burst in red, pinks and whites. It’s mesmerizing, beautiful and absolutely worth seeing for yourself! Camellias, however, didn’t originate in Portugal, like the cork oak or lavender […]
Your Ultimate Guide to Camellias in Porto Read More »
It has been a long hard road, full of ups and downs, but today we are incredibly excited to announce that Catavino’s first book, The Undiscovered Food Stories of Northern Portugal, is finished. Sonia, Ryan and I are a bit tired, but we’re extremely thrilled that we have finally reached the end of a journey that took
Catavino Wrote a Book!! 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 »
For me, the sandwich is the pinnacle of the food pyramid. Sure I love fine dining, a good seafood feast, or a perfectly prepared piece of roasted meat; but in the end, I will always long for the great sandwich. When you have 2 slices of the perfect rustic bread holding together a selection of
4 Must Eat Sandwiches of Porto! Read More »
If you visit Porto in the last week of February, be prepared to get wet – drenched even, as the rainy season can be almost tropical in its intensity. Metaphorically, you’ll also get drenched in wine, as the city hosts not just the huge Essencia do Vinho fair, but an ever-increasing range of off-events, lunches,
Discovering Irresistible Portuguese Wines – Simplesmente Vinho Read More »
A few days ago, my son and I were taking a leisurely walk home from his daycare when we passed the infamous “dragon lair”. The tale of the devilish dragon den began with a hole in the stone wall that peeked into a lush abandoned garden bursting with life. White and pink magnolia trees shaded snaking
Northern Portugal: A Green Oasis for Nature Lovers Read More »
Coming from the heartland of the USA, the city renowned for its stock yards and steaks, I’m no stranger to a thick slab of meat. Even as a professed vegetable lover, the aroma of chargrilled transports me back to Chicago where my father would serve up enormous grilled potatoes slathered in butter, a crisp garden fresh salad
Old Portuguese Ox – A Stunning Gastronomic Experience! Read More »
I’ll be the first to admit that my parallel parking skills are equivalent to a one-armed blind monkey – slightly frenetic and directionless at best. If I’m able to squeeze into space in less than 45 moves, it’s a win! Fortunately for me, Portugal doesn’t require you to squeeze into one designated space marked with
Top 7 Tips for Driving in Portugal: Park Absolutely Anywhere! Read More »
Over the past year, Portugal’s name has splashed across travel, culture and nature magazines as “the place” to visit if you’re looking for authenticity and adventure. It’s become synonymous with quality, with kindness, and most importantly, with unprecedented gastronomy! “Portugal never had a food revolution, like France and Spain,” explains Chef George Mendes of New
Move over Paris: Porto is the New Gastronomic Grand Dame of Europe Read More »
Portugal is only now finding its way onto the European Tourism radar and we are all very happy to welcome you. For being a small country Portugal has a diverse range of climates. From snow-capped mountains in the center to rainy winters up north to hot, dry summers in the south you may not know
The Essential Guide to Traveling with a Child in Portugal Read More »
If you’ve ever been to Porto, you’re familiar with the ubiquitous Francesinha, the equivalent of a heart-attack on a plate. Its signature is the protein-carbohydrate medley of cured ham, linguiça, fresh sausage, and steak, stacked between two fat slices of bread smothered in melted cheese and doused in a spicy, and oh so flavorful, tomato and beer sauce. Terrified
Where to find the Best Francesinha in Portugal Read More »
Editor’s note: With the March being recognized for stories about inspiring women (also known as Women’s History Month in the USA), we thought it would be fitting to honor the only female master blender existing today, Ana Rosas, of the renowned Ramos-Pinto port house. A woman that oozes with, grace, passion and the warmest of
Women’s History Month: Exploring the Maternal Side of Winemaking Read More »
Have you heard of Prince Pedro and Inês de Castro? I’m assuming no…but you should! They’re Portugal’s real life star-crossed lovers. The two lived a forbidden affair that ended in tragedy. The backdrop to this story was the royal palace of Quinta das Lagrimas, today a luxury hotel. A stone’s throw from the charming city of
Portugal is for Lovers: Make It Your Romantic Getaway Read More »
Carnival conjures images of brightly decorated floats, scantily clad dancing women, and a party that lasts for weeks on end, equivalent to New Orleans’ Mardi Gras. Of any other celebration, Carnival is beloved in Europe! (photo by Rosino) But what is Carnival? Historically, during the six weeks of Lent, one was expected to be conservative in their behavior, which meant no
Where to Find the Best Carnival Celebrations in Portugal 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 »
