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 »
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 »
Editor’s note: When Sonia’s in Portugal her favorite thing to do is to peruse the supermarket aisles. As she shuffles between the U.S. and Portugal, we’ll be bringing you her discoveries in “Supermarket Diaries.” When I lived in Connecticut, I found myself in an argument with the butcher at the local supermarket – a risky move when
Supermarket Diaries: You had me at Rabbit Legs 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 »
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 »
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 »
WARNING: This post is extremely graphic; however, it does depict the very real act of processing an Iberian pig after the Matanza(Killing). If you are someone who is an animal lover, or gets squeemish at the site of bodily fluids, we might suggest you skip this article and await happier articles of drinking wine by the sea.
Part 2: Cutting up the Iberian Pig Read More »
Growing up in Florida during the 1970’s and 1980’s I rarely, if ever, saw cheese from an animal other than a cow. Our refrigerator was full of Cheddar, Swiss, and Jack cheeses but nary a cheese from any other animal. I suspect that most people living in the U.S. during that time were experiencing a
A Foreigner’s Guide to Spanish Goat Cheese Read More »
Most American’s familiarity with Spanish cheese lies somewhere in the realm of understanding of Spanish wines a decade ago. Ask anyone then to name a Spanish wine and the response was invariably “Rioja.” The undisputed Queen of Spanish cheese, Manchego, would likely be the response to the same question today regarding cheese. Are you a true
A Foreigner’s Guide to Spanish Cheese: Introduction Read More »
Portugal, like most southern European countries, is no stranger to the almighty espresso. In fact, café is so ingrained into the Portuguese lifestyle, culture and history that without this dark and robust beverage, the country would most certainly come to a complete halt – or at least a short metaphysical pause. In part, this passion
Portugal’s Coffee: A Sumptuous and Delectible Treat Read More »
My entire life has been surrounded by food. The rich smell of simmering meat and the pop of an uncorked wine bottle take me back to family gatherings spent huddled in the kitchen listening to heartfelt laughter among people I love. I equate food to family, to history and to culture. Here in Spain, I
The Gastronomical Bounty in Castilla y León: Asados, Embutidos, Quesos and More Read More »
Editor’s Note: If you remember, a little while back, Ryan reviewed the book “Valencia, Land of Wine“, written by Joan C. Martin and translated and edited by John Maher. While, in Valencia, we asked John how he felt about writing the occasional piece for us on Valancian wine, being our resident expert and all. And
Grape Profile Verdil: A Highly Misunderstood Indigenous Grape of Valencia Read More »
You may not be aware of this, but the Portuguese are excellent bakers and pastry makers, each famed for their traditional local pastries. If you haven’t nibbled your way through Lisbon, savoring their varied and highly addictive pastry culture, let us tempt you! Pasteis are pastries in Portuguese, and the Pasteis de Belem is one of
Pasteis de Belem: The Best Pastry in Portugal Read More »
