There are several European cities known for their Old-World romance, sprinkled in fairy dust and history, but there is no place quite like Lisbon! Enjoy leisurely strolls past ancient architecture, beautiful promenades and cozy little cafés humming with live music. Lisbon is unique for star-crossed lovers because it’s just a short train-ride away from the […]
Lisbon is for Lovers: The Perfect Romantic Getaway! Read More »
The sound of chestnuts (castanhas) crashing down through branches is one that I always associate with autumn in Minho. Throughout the baking summer, we watched the thick green prickly clusters growing on large majestic trees scattered about the surrounding hill slopes wondering if they would ever ripen. By the middle of October, the clusters turned
Chestnut Season in Portugal Read More »
Boas Festas! Happy Holidays from Portugal! The Christmas season is upon us, and here in Lisbon, we’re celebrating the only way we know how, with delicious homemade food. All major Portuguese holidays have their own unique dishes and sweets, but Christmas is by far the most plentiful among them. From mid November onward, you can
Feliz Natal: Traditional Portuguese Holiday Cuisine Read More »
Carabinheiro and bean If you are visiting Porto, make sure to plan an evening of dining pleasure at Rui Paula’s DOP restaurant for stunning food and wine and the modern face of Portuguese gastronomic culture. Rui Paula is a name that any visitor to the Douro should be familiar with. Self-taught Chef Rui Paula is
An incredible Porto dining experience at DOP by Rui Paula Read More »
Alheira is a smoked Portuguese sausage, (pronounced “Al – iyai -rah”), that derives its name from the Portuguese word alho, meaning “garlic”. Different from its pork-dominated counterparts, Alheira is not only filled with poultry (chicken and turkey), but also game meat (duck, rabbit, venison, partridge, pheasant): creating a mouthwatering smokey, garlicky and earthy aroma. History of Alheira Sausage Now here
Alheira: The King of Portuguese Sausage Read More »
Editor’s Note: In Part I, Sonia visited some of the Douro’s enchanting wine-producing villages, took in prehistoric art at the Coa Museum with wine glass in hand, savored the rustic flavors of the Beira Interior at O Lagar, and was nearly run over by a pickup truck packed with shouting, shirtless men in the historic village of
A Tale of Two Portuguese Regions: Douro & Serra da Estrela Are Calling Part II 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 »
Portugal is brimming with history, tradition and an abundance of natural resources, mainly of the edible variety! I’ve lost count of the number of nut, cork and olive trees; the vast amount of grapevines and vegetable gardens capable of growing in every nook and cranny; clear rivers and streams teeming with life and herds of
Shopping In Portugal: Top 5 Gourmet Portuguese Products for Travel Read More »
When travelling to new lands, there is always something enticing about “discovering” a place you think no one else knows about. As if you’re a rugged explorer who has stumbled upon that one diamond, that one unique place that is privy to you alone. That, my friends, is a fantastic feeling, in large part due
Taberna do Sao Pedro: A Mouthwatering Fire Hazard in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal Read More »
The night before I traveled down to New Jersey to unite with my mother, aunt, cousin and niece to make “chouriço” (Portuguese smoked sausage), “O Lenço da Carolina” by Fado singer Cristina Branco came on via Portuguese satellite TV. Though it’s a song about a person in love, all I could think about (as tears
Ultimate Guide to Portuguese Chouriço Read More »
Editor’s Note: In this three-part series, Sonia shares memories of her three grandmothers in Portugal. How they influenced her curiosity about the country and its culture—in hopes that they’ll also inspire you to continue exploring Portugal, or discover it for the first time. Read Part I and II. There’s always that person in your family that your parents insist
Part III: An Ode to My Three Grandmothers and Their Portuguese Stories Read More »
When I was growing up, my mother each evening began with a bowl of soup. Sometimes, I would fuss about it like any kid who just wants to get to the main course. My mother would say, “So uma concha,” which means, just one ladle of soup (she always slyly added more despite my moaning
Portuguese Soup: Recipes during the Chilly Winter Months Read More »
I have to admit that I don’t jump right into a rigorous diet on the first day of the New Year. I spend most of January convincing myself that it’s time to cut back on the carbs and desserts and hit the gym. I ease my way into a new food routine, the one I
Dieting Food Lover Style: A Portuguese Guide to Healthy Food Read More »
It’s safe to say that “Caldo Verde” (Kale Soup) is likely the most famous of Portuguese soups. Its garlicky puree and toothy kale, finished with “Chourico” (smoked sausage), is a delight. But despite the popularity and ubiquity of Caldo Verde, the three Portuguese soups that are dearest to my heart and ideal vegetarian meals for
Beyond ‘Caldo Verde’—Three Soups and Wine Pairings to Try This Season Read More »
Editor’s Note: Today, we start the very exciting project of covering the Douro Valley for the next month. This means that all things Portuguese will be gracing your computer, consisting of a vast array of Portuguese food, culture, tourism, and of course, wine. Enjoy! For those arriving by air, the first impressions of Portugal’s Douro
Welcome to Porto: The Gateway to the Valley Read More »
