Welcome to the final installment of Beyond the Tagus! In our first piece, I introduced the fascinating, eclectic region of Évora. We then headed south to the Baixo Alentejo for Part II , and will now conclude in the north with the stunning Alto Alentejo. Mind you, this story doesn’t kick off with a gushing adoration for the region, as it […]
Beyond the Tagus Part III: High in the Alto Alentejo Read More »
Smooth bittersweet chocolate on the tongue is one of the more indulgent treats to enjoy. It has a richness that the lighter, milkier counterpart just can’t seem to compare to. Luckily for me and all the other dark chocolate lovers out there, Portugal has a similar love for this sort of dark velvety confection, often
Portuguese Chocolate Rivals Belgium’s Finest Read More »
Just before the Holidays, I kicked off our three-part series on Portugal’s Alentejo region, with a trip to Évora. For the foodies and wine lovers among you, not to mention history buffs, this should not be missed! Today, however, we’ll be heading to the southernmost region, Baixo Alentejo, for a trip that’ll inspire the laid-back, country-living foodie
Beyond the Tagus Part II: Gastronomic Baixo Alentejo Read More »
We all love food, some of us considerably more than others, but the Portuguese take it to an entirely new level. To be an outstanding foodie in Portugal requires unbelievable stamina to both talk and eat for hours upon end, a capacity to consume anything even remotely edible and the wisdom to never EVER say
30 Strange Foods Portugal Loves to Eat! Read More »
Drawing a long drag from his cigarette, he leans back, smiles and takes a gentle sip of his espresso. Despite the bitter chill, he revels in the bright winter sun, offering just enough warmth to tan his weathered cheeks. Gypsies draped in mismatched layers of multicolored apparel bow their heads for loose coins, while mothers
The Ultimate Guide to Ordering Coffee in Portugal Read More »
I’m writing, between sips of my morning bica, from a tiny coffee shop in the sleepy Lisbon neighborhood of Lapa. I look up from my computer screen and the Tagus River opens before me. Today the river is brooding and dark, swept up by strong winds. The water is choppy. I find freedom in Portugal’s
Beyond the Tagus River: In and Around Évora – Part I Read More »
Imagine a social event in Italy or Spain and you are likely to conjure up images of long lunches over copious glasses of wine, children running amok among 1,001 family members, a powerful mother figure who unequivocally has the final word, and ridiculous amounts of food. While these two countries share linguistic ties, a rich
Alghero: Where Catalan and Sardinian Cuisine Merge Read More »
Though it had been one of the rainiest and foggiest weeks I had ever spent in Portugal, on this particular day, the dreariness gave new meaning to the word “melancholy.” In no way was this suicidal ambiance any match for my mission to discover! I was booked for a trip to Viseu and absolutely nothing
Dinner in Viseu: Chewing Over Identity Read More »
There’s a little slice of Lisbon’s vibrant food scene in New York City these days thanks to Michelin star Chef George Mendes. For anybody that’s been to Lisbon lately, you’ll instantly pick up on the similarities between the haute cuisine hotspots chefs like José Avillez have created in the recent past with his acclaimed Belcanto
Michelin Chef Elevates Rustic Portuguese Cuisine in Manhattan Read More »
When I smell wood smoke from the neighborhood chimneys and the rain clouds open to finally release the much needed rain, I know it’s time to get to work with the summer’s bounty. This means many a Portuguese cozinha will become a haven for Portuguese doces such as jams, jellies, marmelada! The sticky, sweet, gem
The Art of Homemade Portuguese Jams and Jellies Read More »
Her arthritic hand gently traced the oblong scales and swooping contours, softly smiling at its whimsy. “It’s lovely,” she whispers,” the artist must feel the spirit of the ocean as much as I do. Even at its most terrifying, I’m always drawn to it…but I guess that’s true of most Portuguese.” Adjusting her bags, she twists her body to the
The “Gangsta” Graffiti Grandmothers of Portugal Read More »
Cadaqués is a beautiful white and blue fishing town two and a half hours north of Barcelona, and is considered by many to be the “Pearl of the Costa Brava.” The history of Cadaqués is tied into a long tradition of fishing, agriculture, and viticulture, so make the most of your time in this charming
Top Ten Authentic Dishes to Enjoy in Cadaqués 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 »
It’ a gorgeous summer day in Barcelona, as I saunter mindlessly into the pharmacy with my aged Peruvian wallet in hand. Requesting 500mg of Ibuprofen, the pharmacist pushes her long chestnut hair behind her ears, gently wraps the box in a thick brown paper and tallies up my bill. “That’s two euros fifty,” she smiles through hot
Important Tips for Avoiding Petty Theft in Spain and Portugal Read More »
“You can see that these are smaller, and they form more of a cone-like shape than the traditional round clusters you’re used to seeing,” she says pointing to a delicate looking bunch of grapes hanging from a sturdy vine. “That’s because they’re Chardonnay grapes, while the ones on our left are Pansa Blanca.” The grapes
Escape to Alella: Come Savor this Small but Mighty Spanish Wine Region Read More »
