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 »
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 »
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 »
Beyond the urban hive of Barcelona, the natural wonders of Catalunya await. Mountains, vineyards, forests, and coastlines; the region has it all! Hiking is a popular pastime here and should be at the top of the list for any visitor with a passion for both recreation and authentic cuisine, as the best hiking destinations traverse
5 Fantastic Hikes in Catalunya for Food Lovers 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 »
We’re back with Part II of our three-part series on the undiscovered food gems of inland Portugal (read Part 1). With a mix of goat, sheep and bovine herding, as well as hunting, meat dishes in the heartland region of Beira Baixa abound! Yet, there are also fertile rivers to dive into for fish and
The Undiscovered Inland Foods of Portugal – Part II 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 »
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 »
If I knew then what I know now, I would have saved myself a lot of trouble. These are the tips of an expatriate and those of a traveler. They are the words that I utter after every trip gone awry and also after those that went off, mostly, without a hitch. Yet, it’s also
Spanish Nightlife: 10 tips on how to have the most fun 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 »
From the beginning of November to the end of January, it’s impossible to pass a pastelaria (pastry shop) without being bombarded by the ubiquitous Bolo Rei (King Cake). This is one of, if not the most, popular Christmas desserts throughout Portugal, consisting of a sweet, brioche-like bread dough packed with eggs and filled with various nuts, raisins and crystallized fruit. Essentially, a much tastier version of
Bolo Rei and Bolo Rainha: Portugal’s Royal Christmas Treat Read More »
On my second morning in Portugal, my Tia (aunt) Lucinda asked if I wanted rabbit for lunch. I shook off the jetlag and tried to think straight before answering. Rabbit is one of my favorite meals, so it would be hard to pass up! But I would be leaving close to noon, which would mean
3 Must Try Portuguese Winter Soup Recipes! 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 »
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