10 Delicious Reasons Why You Should Visit Portugal!
It’s been almost four years since I called Portugal my “home away from home”, translating to a half decade of savoring Portuguese food and wine on a regular basis – something I’ve never taken for granted. Consequently, while searching for information on Portuguese gastronomy, I stumbled across Catavino’s Facebook page. Immediately drawn to Ryan and...
Aldeias de Portugal Part 2: A Luxurious Weekend Getaway
I am absolutely in love with Portugal’s picturesque little villages called Aldeias. Recently, in Part 1 of my aldeia experience, I recounted the memorable weekend I spent with Rita’s family at their home in Avecasta, an aldeia in Ribatejo and how in their gracious hospitality, filled my appetite with the freshest, homecooked meals using all...
Aldeias of Portugal Part 1: Staying with Friends
Aldeia in Portuguese means village, but many of these places are smaller than how a “village” is traditionally defined, with only a handful of houses and a café. However, it is as a result of these little settlements that Portugal’s history, traditional lifestyle, culture and festivals have been preserved and maintained. Most of these aldeias...
A Tasca do João: A Simple Portuguese Restaurant with a Passion for Hospitality
Portugal is known for its diverse and delicious cuisine, which arguably, can best be enjoyed at one of the many local, hole-in-the-wall eateries in any city or town. Whether we’re talking a rustic lunch counter at a pasteleria, or a mom and pop restaurant tucked away in a tiny side-alley, often called tascas, nothing beats home-style, Portuguese...
Wines of Portugal International Conference: A Country’s Struggle to Amplify Their Message Internationally
Recently, we experienced Portugal’s first attempt at an international wine conference with “The Wines of Portugal International Conference” in Oporto. Presented by ViniPortugal – the Portuguese wine trade association devoted to promoting Portuguese wines – this three day conference was held in the austere and historical Alfandega do Porto, a former customs building constructed in...
Sopa da Pedra: A Humble Gastronomic Tale about Sharing
Have you ever heard the tale of Stone Soup? The legend of how this hearty soup came about is a popular one told throughout most European countries and was adapted to an American version by Marcia Brown. Each version is slightly different depending on your country or region and is usually influenced by varying historical...
The Shepherds of Serra da Estrela: A Dying Craft Threatening Portuguese Cheese
Last month, I made a trip to the Portuguese mountains of Serra de Estrela for the first time. Serra de Estrela is the highest mountain range in continental Portugal, and we spent 3 days enjoying some breathtaking views, crystal clear mountain lakes, picturesque little villages nestled into the cliffs and the gracious hospitality of small...
