O Pãozinho das Marias

Tucked away in the quaint seaside community of Ericeira in O Pãozinho das Marias. This charming bakery is just a few minutes walk from the beach, making it the ideal place to grab a Pastel de Nata on the way to soaking up some sun.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by O Paozinho Das Marias (@opaozinhodasmarias)

Padaria da Né

This award-winning patisserie in Lisbon has become famous for its Pastel de Natas, selling over 5,000 per day. What’s more, it’s family-run, meaning that a little bit of extra love is placed in every pastry.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by P A D A R I A D A N É (@padariadane)

Confeitaria da Gloria

As its owner João Castanheira explained, Confeitaria da Gloria started off as a humble store with just four people. Now, it has over 120 workers, signaling just how popular its sweet, custardy Pastel de Natas have become across Portugal.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Confeitaria Glória (@confeitariagloria.pt)

The post Best Places In Portugal To Eat A Pastel De Nata appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

The restaurant offers à la carte menu and two degustation menus. “At Belcanto, José Avillez offers a unique gastronomic and sensory journey — contemporary Portuguese cuisine in a sophisticated setting that takes us on a journey in time, from Chiado’s old romantic past to the future,” the restaurant’s website reads.

You can spend a unique night at Belcanto enjoying a unique degustation menu enriched with wine selection by sommelier Nádia Desidério as you’re watching the teamwork at a Chef’s Table.

The post Belcanto Is a Must-Visit Restaurant in Lisbon appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

One of the most unexpected things that visitors to Sao Miguel Island in the Azores will find is…that’s right, pineapple plantations!

Despite a mild, rainy, and temperate climate that doesn’t invoke the places where pineapples are normally grown, the industry is quite popular and well-known on this small Portuguese island. Pineapples here, known as ananas, are grown in greenhouses that are carefully climate-controlled to ensure a good crop.

The temperature in these greenhouses must be kept at a delicate balance between 65 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit during different stages of the growing cycle in order to produce a fruit that is neither too sour nor too sweet. This is done by the application of light-blocking materials that are either left up or taken down in order to raise or lower the temperature.

These pineapples are well-known for being sweet, small, and extra succulent. They are a commodity throughout the world, where they can be difficult to find due to the relatively small yield.

Have you ever tried an Azorean pineapple before?

The post The Way Pineapples are Grown in the Azores is Fascinating appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

This type of lighter wine originates from northern Portugal, and it is on fire lately and gaining popularity as a delicious option. Although it was largely unknown outside of its native Portugal for some time, it’s now becoming widely-known worldwide. Here’s why.

Grapes

Most of the grapes used to make the white vinho verdes are native to the region. They include Alvarinho, Loureiro, Arinto, Trajadura, Avesso, and Azal grapes. All are light white grapes that create a citrusy, straw-colored wine. Some wine-makers even make red vinho verde with other native grapes, although this is much less popular.

Wine-Making Process

“Vinho verde” literally means “green wine,” which refers to the little time that elapses between harvest and bottling. These grapes only spend 3-6 months fermenting to make the wine. This creates a low-alcohol wine, usually between 8-11% ABV, that also has some residual carbonation, giving it a refreshing body.

Flavor Profile

Vinho verde wine is usually light and easy to drink. Its low alcohol content and slight fiziness make it a great option for sitting out on the porch on a hot day. Vinho verdes usually contain citrusy and grassy notes with a tropical aroma.

Be sure to check out this trending wine if you find it at your local grocer!

The post Vinho Verde: This Portuguese Wine is a Hit appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

If you’ve ever visited the country of Portugal, the answer to this question is probably a “yes.” However, if you haven’t had the pleasure of spending time in this lovely Mediterranean country, this word might be totally foreign to you.

So, what is ginja?

Ginja is a liquor that is obtained by adding a mixture of sour cherries, water, sugar, and cinnamon into a liquor known as “aguardente.” The mix is left to sit for several months until the beverage is ready to be consumed.

This alcoholic beverage has a sweet and sour taste that is made even more intense by its alcoholic content. But while it might look intimidating, ginja only contains between 18-20% alcohol.

The sour cherries in the drink are sometimes poured into the cup as well! People are asked if they want the drink “com ou sem elas,” meaning with or without them. Those that order ginja with the cherries in the cup often eat them and then spit the pit onto the street.

These days, you can even order a ginja shot inside of a chocolate “cup.” After drinking the ginja, eat the chocolate cup and enjoy the delicious harmony between the dark chocolate and the sweetness of the drink.

Be sure to try ginja if you find yourself in Lisbon or any other Portuguese city.

The post In Portugal? You Have to Try This Liquor! appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

“Francesinha” literally translates as “the little frenchie,” so how extreme could it be? Maybe it’s a delicious Franco-Portuguese fusion dish or even a delicious dessert. But it certainly won’t be big.

Well, if you make these assumptions, you’re going to be dead wrong. Why? The francesinha is one of the most over-the-top and absurd sandwiches on the planet. So, what is it?

A francesinha is a sandwich that originated in the city of Porto by an immigrant that returned from France and Belgium in the 1950s. He wanted to adapt the famous croque monseuir sandwich to Portuguese tastes. And boy, did he ever.

A francesinha consists of two pieces of white bread stuffed with ham, linguica and chipolata (two types of special Portuguese sausage), steak, and roast pork. On top, the sandwich is covered with melted white cheese, and also with a rich sauce consisting mainly of tomato and beer. Finally, the last addition on most francesinha is a fried egg on top to complete the insanity.

This sandwich is a must-eat for anyone that travels to Porto or Portugal, but be sure to bring a hearty appetite!

The post Portugal’s Most Insane Dish is the Francesinha appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

While it isn’t as famous as other white wines such as Riesling and Chardonnay, a type of wine called Albariño is one of the top white wine grapes in the world.

This white wine grape is known for its fresh, citrusy flavor. It pairs perfectly with fish and seafood.

Albariño grapes grow in the temperate Atlantic climate of northern Portugal and Galicia. Despite being located in two Mediterranean countries, this area is mild throughout the year and receives some of the highest rainfall totals in all of Europe.

The result is a white wine that is dry and not overly sweet, which is one of the principal complaints when evaluating most Spanish and Portuguese white wines. The temperature climate of the region and the characteristics of the Albariño grape allow for a citrusy, dry wine that is extremely refreshing.

Spanish Albariño wines are generally more dry than their Portuguese counterparts. The Rías Baixas wine region in Galicia produces some of the top white wines in the world using this grape.

In Portugal, Albariño grapes are also used to produce vinho verde, a bubbly, low-alcohol wine that is truly unique.

Be sure to try this unique wine varietal if you get the chance!

The post The Albariño Grape Produces Some of the World’s Top White Wines appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

While these are certainly the most common locations in which pineapples are grown, many are surprised to find out that some of the world’s most delicious pineapples are cultivated on the Portuguese island of Sao Miguel, located in the Azores island chain in the Atlantic Ocean.

Pineapples are not native to this island, but the island’s favorable and stable climate allows for the tropical fruit to be grown in an oceanic, non-tropical location.

The only difference between traditional pineapple farms and the pineapple farms on Sao Miguel are that the pineapples grown here must be raised in greenhouses.

These greenhouses trap the heat produced by the sunlight on the island, raising the temperature to a sufficiently high level which favors the cultivation of the fruit.

Azoran pineapples are smaller than traditional pineapples, but don’t let their size fool you. They are extremely sweet and are considered a delicacy that is served as a dessert in Portugal.

If you ever have the chance, be sure to try an Azorean Pineapple and experience the delectable, tropical sweetness that comes from a place that isn’t even in the tropics!

The post Did You Know that Pineapples Also Grow in Portugal? appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

However, seafood is much more than only this! Here’s a look at some of the strangest seafoods that are consumed on Earth.

Octopus

This tentacled creature isn’t common on dinner plates, but it is a beloved gastronomic item in several cultures.

People in the Galicia area of Spain love to eat boiled octopus covered with olive oil and paprika, and it also is beloved in Japan.

Barnacles

Many people also eat barnacles, a species that clings to rocks in tidal areas.

The most commonly-eaten barnacle is the gooseneck barnacle, which is a delicacy in the Iberian peninsula.

Sea Cucumber

We’re all certainly familiar with the normal green cucumber, but did you know that there’s a weird sea culture called the sea cucumber that’s also eaten?

Despite being somewhat rubbery, it’s considered a delicacy in East Asia.

Geoduck

This huge saltwater clam has nothing to do with the bird!

This clam, native to the Pacific Northwest of the United States, demands high prices at top restaurant. Despite its strange appearance, chefs love it for its delicious taste.

The post Four of the Strangest Seafoods on Earth appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

This dish, Cozido das furnas, is prepared underground in a volcanic hot spring.

Cozido is a popular dish throughout Portugal, but the residents of a town called Furnas have put their own spin on the dish that creates a memorable dish whose flavor and preparation are truly unforgettable.

The chefs begin their preparation of cozido das furnas very early in the morning, around 5 o’clock. They add pork, chouriço and blood sausage, beef, cabbage, yams, carrots, and potatoes to a pot.

What comes next is the interesting part: these pots are covered and lowered into the sulfuric hot springs that are spread out throughout the town of Furnas. There, they are left for several hours to cook in the boiling hot conditions under they are ready for consumption around lunchtime.

Cozido das furnas is then removed from the ground and served for lunch. While it is traditionally a home-cooked meal, nowadays, many restaurants in Furnas serve this dish to locals and tourists alike.

The meat and vegetables take on a unique sulfurous taste that is emitted from the hot springs. While it sounds strange, it creates a delicious and unique meal that every visitor should try at least once.

The post Would You Try This Volcanic Hot Spring-Cooked Dish? appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

O Pãozinho das Marias

Tucked away in the quaint seaside community of Ericeira in O Pãozinho das Marias. This charming bakery is just a few minutes walk from the beach, making it the ideal place to grab a Pastel de Nata on the way to soaking up some sun.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by O Paozinho Das Marias (@opaozinhodasmarias)

Padaria da Né

This award-winning patisserie in Lisbon has become famous for its Pastel de Natas, selling over 5,000 per day. What’s more, it’s family-run, meaning that a little bit of extra love is placed in every pastry.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by P A D A R I A D A N É (@padariadane)

Confeitaria da Gloria

As its owner João Castanheira explained, Confeitaria da Gloria started off as a humble store with just four people. Now, it has over 120 workers, signaling just how popular its sweet, custardy Pastel de Natas have become across Portugal.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Confeitaria Glória (@confeitariagloria.pt)

The post Best Places In Portugal To Eat A Pastel De Nata appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

The restaurant offers à la carte menu and two degustation menus. “At Belcanto, José Avillez offers a unique gastronomic and sensory journey — contemporary Portuguese cuisine in a sophisticated setting that takes us on a journey in time, from Chiado’s old romantic past to the future,” the restaurant’s website reads.

You can spend a unique night at Belcanto enjoying a unique degustation menu enriched with wine selection by sommelier Nádia Desidério as you’re watching the teamwork at a Chef’s Table.

The post Belcanto Is a Must-Visit Restaurant in Lisbon appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

One of the most unexpected things that visitors to Sao Miguel Island in the Azores will find is…that’s right, pineapple plantations!

Despite a mild, rainy, and temperate climate that doesn’t invoke the places where pineapples are normally grown, the industry is quite popular and well-known on this small Portuguese island. Pineapples here, known as ananas, are grown in greenhouses that are carefully climate-controlled to ensure a good crop.

The temperature in these greenhouses must be kept at a delicate balance between 65 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit during different stages of the growing cycle in order to produce a fruit that is neither too sour nor too sweet. This is done by the application of light-blocking materials that are either left up or taken down in order to raise or lower the temperature.

These pineapples are well-known for being sweet, small, and extra succulent. They are a commodity throughout the world, where they can be difficult to find due to the relatively small yield.

Have you ever tried an Azorean pineapple before?

The post The Way Pineapples are Grown in the Azores is Fascinating appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

This type of lighter wine originates from northern Portugal, and it is on fire lately and gaining popularity as a delicious option. Although it was largely unknown outside of its native Portugal for some time, it’s now becoming widely-known worldwide. Here’s why.

Grapes

Most of the grapes used to make the white vinho verdes are native to the region. They include Alvarinho, Loureiro, Arinto, Trajadura, Avesso, and Azal grapes. All are light white grapes that create a citrusy, straw-colored wine. Some wine-makers even make red vinho verde with other native grapes, although this is much less popular.

Wine-Making Process

“Vinho verde” literally means “green wine,” which refers to the little time that elapses between harvest and bottling. These grapes only spend 3-6 months fermenting to make the wine. This creates a low-alcohol wine, usually between 8-11% ABV, that also has some residual carbonation, giving it a refreshing body.

Flavor Profile

Vinho verde wine is usually light and easy to drink. Its low alcohol content and slight fiziness make it a great option for sitting out on the porch on a hot day. Vinho verdes usually contain citrusy and grassy notes with a tropical aroma.

Be sure to check out this trending wine if you find it at your local grocer!

The post Vinho Verde: This Portuguese Wine is a Hit appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

If you’ve ever visited the country of Portugal, the answer to this question is probably a “yes.” However, if you haven’t had the pleasure of spending time in this lovely Mediterranean country, this word might be totally foreign to you.

So, what is ginja?

Ginja is a liquor that is obtained by adding a mixture of sour cherries, water, sugar, and cinnamon into a liquor known as “aguardente.” The mix is left to sit for several months until the beverage is ready to be consumed.

This alcoholic beverage has a sweet and sour taste that is made even more intense by its alcoholic content. But while it might look intimidating, ginja only contains between 18-20% alcohol.

The sour cherries in the drink are sometimes poured into the cup as well! People are asked if they want the drink “com ou sem elas,” meaning with or without them. Those that order ginja with the cherries in the cup often eat them and then spit the pit onto the street.

These days, you can even order a ginja shot inside of a chocolate “cup.” After drinking the ginja, eat the chocolate cup and enjoy the delicious harmony between the dark chocolate and the sweetness of the drink.

Be sure to try ginja if you find yourself in Lisbon or any other Portuguese city.

The post In Portugal? You Have to Try This Liquor! appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

“Francesinha” literally translates as “the little frenchie,” so how extreme could it be? Maybe it’s a delicious Franco-Portuguese fusion dish or even a delicious dessert. But it certainly won’t be big.

Well, if you make these assumptions, you’re going to be dead wrong. Why? The francesinha is one of the most over-the-top and absurd sandwiches on the planet. So, what is it?

A francesinha is a sandwich that originated in the city of Porto by an immigrant that returned from France and Belgium in the 1950s. He wanted to adapt the famous croque monseuir sandwich to Portuguese tastes. And boy, did he ever.

A francesinha consists of two pieces of white bread stuffed with ham, linguica and chipolata (two types of special Portuguese sausage), steak, and roast pork. On top, the sandwich is covered with melted white cheese, and also with a rich sauce consisting mainly of tomato and beer. Finally, the last addition on most francesinha is a fried egg on top to complete the insanity.

This sandwich is a must-eat for anyone that travels to Porto or Portugal, but be sure to bring a hearty appetite!

The post Portugal’s Most Insane Dish is the Francesinha appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

While it isn’t as famous as other white wines such as Riesling and Chardonnay, a type of wine called Albariño is one of the top white wine grapes in the world.

This white wine grape is known for its fresh, citrusy flavor. It pairs perfectly with fish and seafood.

Albariño grapes grow in the temperate Atlantic climate of northern Portugal and Galicia. Despite being located in two Mediterranean countries, this area is mild throughout the year and receives some of the highest rainfall totals in all of Europe.

The result is a white wine that is dry and not overly sweet, which is one of the principal complaints when evaluating most Spanish and Portuguese white wines. The temperature climate of the region and the characteristics of the Albariño grape allow for a citrusy, dry wine that is extremely refreshing.

Spanish Albariño wines are generally more dry than their Portuguese counterparts. The Rías Baixas wine region in Galicia produces some of the top white wines in the world using this grape.

In Portugal, Albariño grapes are also used to produce vinho verde, a bubbly, low-alcohol wine that is truly unique.

Be sure to try this unique wine varietal if you get the chance!

The post The Albariño Grape Produces Some of the World’s Top White Wines appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

While these are certainly the most common locations in which pineapples are grown, many are surprised to find out that some of the world’s most delicious pineapples are cultivated on the Portuguese island of Sao Miguel, located in the Azores island chain in the Atlantic Ocean.

Pineapples are not native to this island, but the island’s favorable and stable climate allows for the tropical fruit to be grown in an oceanic, non-tropical location.

The only difference between traditional pineapple farms and the pineapple farms on Sao Miguel are that the pineapples grown here must be raised in greenhouses.

These greenhouses trap the heat produced by the sunlight on the island, raising the temperature to a sufficiently high level which favors the cultivation of the fruit.

Azoran pineapples are smaller than traditional pineapples, but don’t let their size fool you. They are extremely sweet and are considered a delicacy that is served as a dessert in Portugal.

If you ever have the chance, be sure to try an Azorean Pineapple and experience the delectable, tropical sweetness that comes from a place that isn’t even in the tropics!

The post Did You Know that Pineapples Also Grow in Portugal? appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

However, seafood is much more than only this! Here’s a look at some of the strangest seafoods that are consumed on Earth.

Octopus

This tentacled creature isn’t common on dinner plates, but it is a beloved gastronomic item in several cultures.

People in the Galicia area of Spain love to eat boiled octopus covered with olive oil and paprika, and it also is beloved in Japan.

Barnacles

Many people also eat barnacles, a species that clings to rocks in tidal areas.

The most commonly-eaten barnacle is the gooseneck barnacle, which is a delicacy in the Iberian peninsula.

Sea Cucumber

We’re all certainly familiar with the normal green cucumber, but did you know that there’s a weird sea culture called the sea cucumber that’s also eaten?

Despite being somewhat rubbery, it’s considered a delicacy in East Asia.

Geoduck

This huge saltwater clam has nothing to do with the bird!

This clam, native to the Pacific Northwest of the United States, demands high prices at top restaurant. Despite its strange appearance, chefs love it for its delicious taste.

The post Four of the Strangest Seafoods on Earth appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

This dish, Cozido das furnas, is prepared underground in a volcanic hot spring.

Cozido is a popular dish throughout Portugal, but the residents of a town called Furnas have put their own spin on the dish that creates a memorable dish whose flavor and preparation are truly unforgettable.

The chefs begin their preparation of cozido das furnas very early in the morning, around 5 o’clock. They add pork, chouriço and blood sausage, beef, cabbage, yams, carrots, and potatoes to a pot.

What comes next is the interesting part: these pots are covered and lowered into the sulfuric hot springs that are spread out throughout the town of Furnas. There, they are left for several hours to cook in the boiling hot conditions under they are ready for consumption around lunchtime.

Cozido das furnas is then removed from the ground and served for lunch. While it is traditionally a home-cooked meal, nowadays, many restaurants in Furnas serve this dish to locals and tourists alike.

The meat and vegetables take on a unique sulfurous taste that is emitted from the hot springs. While it sounds strange, it creates a delicious and unique meal that every visitor should try at least once.

The post Would You Try This Volcanic Hot Spring-Cooked Dish? appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.