Every culture has their way of celebrating summer, but the Iberians are full on experts at maximizing your beach lounging experience. From serene rocky shores filled with marine life to vivacious sandy beaches sporting live entertainment, swanky restaurants and topless women, there’s surely a beach that fits your style! But no matter where you are in […]
Top 8 Tips to Enjoying the Beach in Spain and Portugal Read More »
Ernest Hemingway writes of Paris in his A Moveable Feast, but the oysters he mentions could have been from Setúbal. “As I ate the oysters with their strong taste of the sea and their faint metallic taste that the cold white wine washed away, leaving only the sea taste and the succulent texture, and as I drank
A Travel Guide to Setúbal’s Oysters and Wine 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: Today, we’re very excited to introduce Cathy Fisher, an American currently living in Lisbon with her Portuguese husband. Cathy approached us with an infectious passion to share her love of Portuguese wine; and who are we to say no?! Welcome Cathy and thank you for getting us in the mood for old Vinho Verde! “Portuguese guys care
The Serious Side of Vinho Verde 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 »
Growing up, Portuguese kid stew was as ordinary to me as beef stew was to my American friends. Whenever there were mentions of “cabrito,” my smile lit up! Around this time of year, my younger self would be jumping for joy around my mother’s kitchen, since this was often the meal of choice for Easter.
Cabrito Estonado: The Easter Recipe Hidden in the Portuguese Mountains Read More »
From fried snakes on a stick to dirty water hot dogs, there hadn’t been anything novel to buzz about in the street food scene for years. That is, until five years ago when the gourmet food truck craze exploded in Los Angeles. Professional chefs jumped behind the wheel and turned that city’s down economy in
Street Food is Picking Up Speed in Portugal Read More »
Don’t let the bucolic fields of pink and white almond blossoms, abundant fruit orchards and twisty vineyards fool you, there’s a gory, bloody side to Northern Portugal. Here is where you’ll find extreme snout to tail eating, where winter pig slaughters are a time for families to bond, to roll up their sleeves and hand-wash
6 Extreme Foods of Northern Portugal – For Foodie Adventurers Read More »
I adore a stunning pair of high heels. I’m not talking about the mammoth spikes that can alternatively be used as an assault weapon, or block heels that make you walk like un-oiled stick figure; I’m referring to the elegant sensible heels that sculpt your legs into sumptuous, sleek delectables. That said, Portugal is not for the heel obsessed. Frankly,
Catavino’s Top 10 Tips for Traveling in Portugal: Ditch the High Heels! Read More »
Unless you fancy yourself a bit of a sweet talker, convincing a vendor at Barcelona’s world-famous La Boqueria market to sell you just one slice each of six different kinds of jamón isn’t likely to happen. I’ve enjoyed once or twice the feeling of hammy contentment after copping a free (tiny) taste of a top-quality
Jamón Experience: Tasting Spanish ham in Barcelona on a Budget Read More »
My first New Years in Portugal was spent in Lisbon, gazing out across the city to the Tejo river, where the yearly fireworks would flare up and burst in a spectacular display of color. Underneath the technicolor display, a cacophony of banging pots and pans alongside honking car horns rang in o Ano Novo. It was a gorgeous night
Traditions of a Portuguese New Year: It all comes down to your underwear 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 »
Photographer: Nuno Lemos Capture Date: December 21, 2013 Location: Serra da Estrela, Portugal About: Located in central Portugal, this gorgeous unspoiled area is a protected National Park filled with rushing rivers, deep ravines and enough wildlife to keep your binoculars at the ready. That said, if you’re a cheese lover, consider packing up your bags and moving here
Friday Feature Photo: Sunset over Serra da Estrela, Portugal Read More »
I’ll admit, there are times I desperately wish to transport myself back to Barcelona, to the autumn sun, to the calm beaches, to the lazy outdoor terraces. And it’s not because Barcelona is any better or worse than Porto, it’s because it’s simply…dry. Come autumn, Porto turns into a wicked stepchild, throwing a massive tantrum of blustery
Top 5 Ways to Enjoy the Autumn Rain Read More »
When suddenly canned seafood became trendy in Portugal, I couldn’t help but have mixed feelings about it. On the one hand: I was thrilled for the producers and its supporters as well as proud of the industry’s ability to reinvent itself. But on the other: I thought, duh only now? And, will it last? I
Portuguese Meals Anyone Can Make: Octopus Salad with Black Eyed Peas Read More »
