portugal

Aveiro’s Sweet Little Pastry

Ovos Moles may be tiny, but they're delicious! And, they have a tie to Portuguese royalty. Ovos Moles origin story…

2 days ago

Culinary Adventure: The best markets in Lisbon

Brent visits several incredible markets in Lisbon. From organic markets to covered food halls to Lisbon's best wine & cheese…

3 days ago

I’m outta here! Leaving the U.S. after the election (and why you’re probably not)

Brent talks about people threatening to leave the United States after the most recent election results and why most will…

1 week ago

St. Martin’s Day in Portugal

In the U.S., November 11th is Veteran's Day. But, in Portugal and much of Europe, it's St. Martin's Day. Serving…

2 weeks ago

Arrabida Nature Park, Setubal, Portugal

Brent takes a day and visits the beautiful Arrabida Nature Park. He dangles from a cliff (not really), explores a…

1 month ago

Podcast: Aveiro, Portugal

Aveiro is called the Venice of Portugal, but that might be unfair to Aveiro. The city has so much to…

1 month ago

Aveiro, Portugal foodie exploration and boat ride!

Brent is in the "Venice of Portugal," Aveiro to take a ride on the characteristic boats of the city. Plus,…

2 months ago

Food & surf in Ericeira, Portugal

Brent visits the World Surf Reserve city of Ericeira, Portugal to check out the waves and sample some local food…

2 months ago

Best Vegan Restaurants in Lisbon

For a city whose cuisine is so closely identified with fish (Bacalhau) and eggs (Pastel de Nata), visitors might be…

3 months ago

Mafra, Portugal Food Crawl & National Palace

Brent is in Marfra, Portugal to visit the incredible National Palace. Then, he seeks out the city's famous bread (which…

3 months ago

Starting a new restaurant in Portugal!

Brent follows Carlo as he builds a new restaurant from scratch in Setubal, Portugal. Everything from construction to painting to…

3 months ago

Fernando Po, a wine town close to Lisbon

Just an hour from Lisbon, this little village is a great daytrip for wine lovers. Fernando Pó origin story Vineyard…

4 months ago

The 5 Best Things to do in Guimarães, Portugal

Guimarães might not be on the top of your Portugal bucket list, but it's a great day trip from Porto…

4 months ago

The unique pastries of Guimarães, Portugal

Every city, town, and village in Portugal, it seems, has its own specialty pastry. Searching them out as you travel…

4 months ago

Guimaraes, Portugal Foodie tour with unique pastries and an amazing viewpoint!

Guimarães is known as the "Birthplace of Portugal." Brent visits some historic places and sites with sweeping views, but mostly…

5 months ago

4 Amazing places for Brazilian Food in Lisbon

Lisbon has an incredibly vibrant Brazilian community with an amazing food culture. Brent samples an Acarajé, a bowl of Feijoada,…

6 months ago

Caldo Verde

Portugal's Caldo Verde, known as "Green Broth," originated in Minho, an area that includes the cities of Braga and Viana…

7 months ago

Vinho Verde, Portugal’s Green Wine

The Minho Region of northern Portugal is famous for Vinho Verde. Translated to "Green Wine" the name doesn't refer to…

8 months ago

Pastry Crawl in Viana do Castelo, Portugal

Brent is in Viana do Castelo, Portugal to try the local treat, Torta de Viana. Plus, he tries a giant…

8 months ago

Torta de Viana

The cake named for a city in Northern Portugal came out of nearby Convent. Torta de Viana from Pastelaria Dantas…

8 months ago

Foodie tour of Viana do Castelo, Portugal

Brent is in Viana do Castelo in the North region of Portugal to try some of the best food there…

8 months ago

Life in Portugal: Pros and Cons

Brent is in Lisbon and Setubal, talking about some of the Pros and Cons of living in Portugal. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFR1HuO7htg About…

9 months ago

Valentine’s Scarves from Portugal

Embroidered scarves in rural Portugal were a sort of love letter from young women to the objects of their affection.…

9 months ago

Delicious local pastries in Beja, Portugal (and recycled art!)

Brent is in Beja, Portugal to try the local Bambina, Azevias, and Tosquiados treats! Plus, he visit a Roman museum…

9 months ago

The other Cuba (it’s in Portugal!)

Brent visits Cuba, Portugal where some people think Columbus was born. He enjoys wine served in a tiny cup made…

9 months ago

Delicious food & local wine in Beja, Portugal.

Brent is in the Alentejo region of Portugal to visit the small city of Beja. He enjoys some local wine,…

10 months ago

The undiscovered Portuguese town of Cuba

While the island nation and this small town in Portugal have little in common, they do have a tenuous link…

10 months ago

Portugal’s Simple Tosquiado Cookie

Tosquiados are a cookie from the Alentego region of Portugal. Specifically, they are from the small city of Beja, not…

11 months ago

My favorite place for a glass of wine in Beja, Portugal

Housed in a 16th century (or earlier) building, Os Infantes is a terrific place to get a glass of wine…

11 months ago

Porto’s Bank of Tiles

The Banco de Materiais is helping keep alive Porto's heritage of Azulejo tiles. Azulejo mural at Igreja do Carmo, Porto…

11 months ago

Delicious Christmas cookies & pastries in Portugal

Brent is on the hunt for Portugal's Bolo Rei Christmas cake. He visits a Christmas Market, bakeries & a flower…

11 months ago

Foz do Douro, Portugal

A quick trip from Porto, Foz do Douro seems a world away. Foz do Douro origin story The parish of…

12 months ago

Wine Crawl in undiscovered Palmela, Portugal

Brent is in the Setubal region of Portugal to wineries in the town of Palmela. He samples wines made from…

12 months ago

Pastel de Nata de Bolota

In far eastern Portugal, near the border with Spain, you'll find a pastry that's a unique take on the famous…

1 year ago

Campo de Ourique, Lisbon charming cafes & natural wine

Brent returns to Lisbon's non-touristy Campo de Ourique neighborhood and visits a characteristic cafe and a natural wine bar. Plus,…

1 year ago

Lisbon’s Campo de Ourique food crawl & creepy 19th century murder mystery

Brent visits Lisbon's Campo de Ourique, a non-touristy neighborhood in the popular city. He samples gelado in an amazing food…

1 year ago

Life in Portugal as an American

Brent is in Lisbon talking about how he moved to Portugal, what it is like living there, and how he…

1 year ago

Lisbon Pastel de Nata Crawl, part 2

Brent is back in Lisbon for more great bakeries serving up the famous custard tart, Pastel de Nata. He hits…

1 year ago

Pastel de Nata crawl in Lisbon, Part 1

Brent is in Lisbon to try Portugal's famous custard tart, the Pastel de Nata. He visits the place where it…

1 year ago

Quinta do Piloto Winery, Palmela, Portugal

A short drive from Lisbon is a world-class winery with incredible views. Quinta do Piloto winery (photo: Brent Petersen)Seating at…

1 year ago

Bay Festival & Custom Motorcycle Festival in Setubal, Portugal

Brent takes a boat ride during the Setubal Bay Festival (Festas da Baía de Setúbal), checks out the cool bikes…

1 year ago

Cabo Espichel, Portugal

A windy point with a legend about a giant donkey is a great day trip from Lisbon Cabo Espichel lighthouse…

1 year ago

Jerónimos Monastery, Lisbon

Lisbon's magnificent monastery is a must-visit for anyone coming to the city Jerónimos Monastery exterior (photo: Brent Petersen) Jerónimos Monastery…

1 year ago

Museu Nacional do Azulejo (National Tile Museum in Lisbon)

Outside the tourist areas is an incredible museum in a 16th century convent that most visitors to Lisbon miss. Museu…

1 year ago

4 Great Neighborhood Bars in Setubal, Portugal

Brent is bar hopping Setubal to 4 different neighborhoods and 4 different bars. He samples wine, Moscatel, Beirão, and espresso…

1 year ago

Bocage Day

Every year on September 15th, Setubal celebrates the birthdate of its most famous poet. Flower arrangements at the base of…

1 year ago

Homemade Ginjinha

Brent is on the hunt for the sour Ginja cherry at the Livramento Market in Setubal. He uses them to…

1 year ago

Benagil Cave & Algarve food crawl

Brent's in Vilamoura in Portugal's Algarve for a boat trip to the famous Benagil Cave. Then, he enjoys some great…

1 year ago

Algar de Benagil (Benagil Cave)

The Algarve's stunning natural rock formation is a short boat ride away. Up the coast less than 20 miles from…

1 year ago

Braga Wine Crawl & Churches

Brent visits Braga's stunning churches and enjoys some of the best ice cream in Portugal. Plus, he explores the local…

1 year ago

Food Crawl & Huge Indoor Market in Braga, Portugal

Brent samples lots of delicious food including a vegan version of a famous monster sandwich. He also visits a massive…

1 year ago

Convent Sweets of Braga

Braga, Portugal is known for its churches and sweets. Those two things come together in the many Convent Sweets in…

1 year ago

Pastry Crawl in Braga, Portugal

Brent is in Braga searching for a local pastry that originated in a local convent. He also samples a delicious…

1 year ago

Garden of Santa Barbara, Braga, Portugal

The Jardim de Santa Bárbara (Garden of Santa Barbara) in Braga has an unexpected tie to a local pastry. Viúvas…

1 year ago

Dishes, Drinks & Sites in Foz do Douro

Brent takes a day trip from Porto to the oceanside town of Foz do Douro. He checks out the lighthouse…

1 year ago

Aguardente de Medronho

The Strawberry Tree produces a fruit used to make a local firewater in Portugal Aguardente de Medronho origin story Aguardente…

1 year ago

Port Wine Crawl in Porto, Portugal

Brent is in Porto, Portugal to try the namesake wine of the city. Ruby, Tawny, Rose, L.B.V., and even a…

1 year ago

Convent Sweets in Évora, Portugal

For a city with a population of about 50,000, Évora punches far above it's weight class when it comes to…

1 year ago

Azulejo Tiles & Food Crawl in Porto

Brent is in Porto, Portugal to gaze in wonder at the amazing tile murals in churches & at the iconic…

1 year ago

Tibias, the most famous pastry in Braga, Portugal

Braga's Tibias got its name from a human bone. Some say it resembles another part of the anatomy. Tibias origin…

1 year ago

Almada, Portugal pastry crawl

Brent returns to Almada to try some local pastry, drink a little wine, and order a hard boiled egg (just…

1 year ago

Folhado de Loulé

A pastry from The Algarve came from a contest between rich families. Enjoying a Folhado de Loulé (photo: Karen Campopiano)…

1 year ago

Almada, Portugal food crawl & sites

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4l-o2qUd3k&t=28s Almada, Portugal food crawl & sites Brent visits Almada, just a quick ferry ride from Lisbon to eat at…

1 year ago

Coffee Crawl in Lisbon

Brent is in Lisbon to try eight different coffee drinks at both historic and neighborhood cafes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gR2htBEsi9w He tries uma…

1 year ago

Pastry Crawl in Évora, Portugal

Brent samples an unbelievable number of delicious pastries in Évora, Portugal, including many that were originally developed in local convents.…

1 year ago

Sopa de Tomate Alentejana

A delicious soup from Portugal that inspired Spanish dish. Sopa de Tomate Alentejana origin story Alentejo is the largest region…

1 year ago

Evora food & wine crawl and a visit to a creepy bone chapel

Brent visits Évora, Portugal to sample a delicious local dish called Ovos Mexidos com Espargos Selvagens (Scrambled Eggs with Wild…

1 year ago

Abandoned winery near Lisbon

Just across the river from Lisbon is an abandoned winery with some amazing street art. Quinta da Arealva, Almada, Portugal…

1 year ago

Torta de Azeitão

A lovely little cake from a town south of Lisbon. Torta de Azeitão (photo: Brent Petersen) Azeitão, Portugal Situated on…

1 year ago

Food crawl outside Lisbon’s tourist areas in Alvalade

Brent visits the decidedly non-touristy Lisbon neighborhood of Alvalade. He starts the day in the Alvalade market for a coffee,…

1 year ago

Pastries & Sites in Sintra, Portugal

Brent is in one of Portugal's most popular cities, Sintra to try the famous local pastries. Plus, he visits sites…

1 year ago

Portuguese Coffee Crawl in Setubal

Brent tries Portuguese coffee in several characteristic and charming cafes in the seaside city of Setubal. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lj3zixG8e4Q He samples Galão,…

1 year ago

Alcácer do Sal, Portugal

A short drive from Lisbon is the tiny riverside town known for its castle, salt production, and 27 centuries of…

2 years ago

Pena Palace, Sintra, Portugal

One of Portugal's top attractions is a fairy tale castle on a hilltop in Sintra outside Lisbon. Pena Palace origin…

2 years ago

Asparagus and Eggs in Portugal

Portuguese people love eggs! It seems everything comes with a fried egg on top. From sandwiches to French Fries, don't…

2 years ago

Sintra National Palace

The Pena Palace gets all the love in Sintra. But, for me, the Sintra National Palace is more interesting. Sintra…

2 years ago

Things I Thought I Couldn’t Live Without

We sold or donated most of our belongings and moved to Portugal, bringing only 3 suitcases each. I imagined it…

2 years ago

Lisbon Ginjinha bar crawl

Brent samples Ginjinha, Portugal's famous cherry liqueur, at three bars in Lisbon, including the place where it was first served.…

2 years ago

Portugal’s Bifana sandwich

The traditional pork sandwich is often consumed late at night with beer, but you don't have to be drunk to…

2 years ago

Almendres Cromlech ancient site

Often called "Portugal's Stonehenge," these Megaliths actually predate Stonehenge by at least 2,000 years. Unlike the better-known Stonehenge, Almendres Cromlech…

2 years ago

Video: Pirâmide de chocolate & Convento de Jesus

Brent visits the Convento de Jesus in Setubal, Portugal. Then, he enjoys a Pirâmide de chocolate at a characteristic pastelaria.…

2 years ago

Fantastic Vegetarian Restaurant in Cascais, Portugal

The wealthy oceanside town of Cascais is known for it's beautiful beaches and high priced housing market, but there's also…

2 years ago

Palmela Castle

On one of the most prominent points in the Setubal Peninsula sits an historic castle with a fascinating history. View…

2 years ago

Cabo da Roca, Portugal

Continental Europe's westernmost point is marked with a monument on the windy cape. By far, the biggest tourist attraction in…

2 years ago

Quinta de Alcube

In the heart of the Parque Natural da Arrábida (Arrábida Park) is a charming little winery. Quinta de Alcube's production…

2 years ago

Abandoned Military Post in a National Park

Some of the best views in Portugal is paired with lots of street art at this former army base. 7…

2 years ago

Pastel de Santa Clara

A delicious pastry from the university town of Coimbra, Portugal Pastel de Santa Clara and espresso at Pastelaria Briosa, Coimbra…

2 years ago

Pastel de Tentúgal

A pastry invented by nuns in the 16th century is now an iconic treat enjoyed all over Portugal. Pastel de…

2 years ago

Street Art in Graça, Lisbon

Graça is a neighborhood in Lisbon that is often overlooked by tourists. But, it's gaining in popularity and there is…

2 years ago

Side Trip from Lisbon: Grutas de Mira de Aire

The largest cave system in Portugal is one of the country's seven wonders. One of the many pools of water…

2 years ago

Side Trip from Lisbon: Queluz Palace

A lavish royal palace and garden is just a quick train ride from Lisbon Formal garden at Queluz Palace (photo:…

2 years ago

Parque das Nações, Lisbon

Lisbon's modern neighborhood is on reclaimed land from a former industrial site. Parque das Nações origin story Parque das Nações…

2 years ago

Volto já

Volto já is a Portuguese phrase with several closely related definitions. But, when going to a store, it has an…

2 years ago

Lisbon’s famous Pastéis de Belém pastry

Lisbon's custard tart, the Pastel de Nata is available at every bakery in the city. But only one place can…

2 years ago

A New Twist on the famous Pastel de Nata

A pastry chef in Palmela, Portugal has created a new pastry that incorporates one of the region's most famous products.…

2 years ago

Colares – Daytrip from Lisbon

Colares is the smallest and oldest wine region in all of Portugal. Wine grapes have been cultivated here for 800…

2 years ago

Forte de São Filipe

Who was this 16th century fortress designed to protect? Forte de São Filipe, Setubal (photo: Brent Petersen) Philip II of…

2 years ago

Cascais, a daytrip from Lisbon

A short train ride from Lisbon, Cascais, Portugal is a wealthy seaside enclave with lots of fun things to make…

2 years ago

Don’t believe online reviews of restaurants in Europe

Online rating sites don't take into account cultural differences. You're finally taking that Covid-delayed trip to Europe! Yay! You get…

2 years ago

Portugal’s public washhouses

Lavadouros have traditionally been places where ladies (it's almost always women) come to wash clothes, chat with neighbors, and sing.…

2 years ago

Regatta of Bathtubs and Unusual Boats

The annual Banheiras e Insólitos Regatta of Baía do Sado is a celebration of homemade (barely) seaworthy boats in Setubal,…

2 years ago

A 6 Hour Journey for a Coffee Drink

Trying to find a specific specialty coffee drink proves challenging in Lisbon. Mazagran origin story Our first Mazagran in Lisbon…

2 years ago

Sintra’s Travesseiro pastry

The culinary highlight of Sintra is the Travesseiro. This light and flaky pastry is filled an egg yolk and almond…

2 years ago

Vegan Pastel de Nata

Lisbon's famous egg custard tart has a vegan version. Pastel de Nata origin story Pastel de Nata is by far…

2 years ago

Azeitão Market

The first Sunday of each month is a huge open air market in Azeitão, Portugal. Hundreds of local and regional…

2 years ago

Popular Marches Competition

June is Festival Season in Portugal. Some of the biggest festivals celebrate the three saints: Anthony, John, and Peter. The…

2 years ago

The Soul of Alfama

In Lisbon's oldest neighborhood, Alfama, an outdoor art exhibit celebrates local residents. Artist Camilla Watson Alfama is one of the…

2 years ago

Santa Margarida cave

A cave in Setubal, Portugal has amazing views and an unlikely chapel. Santa Margarida cave (photo: Brent Petersen) Santa Margarida…

2 years ago

Reverse Culture Shock

You've heard of culture shock, the feeling of being upended and out of touch by the customs and traditions of…

2 years ago

Amazing African food in Lisbon

Some of the best food in Lisbon has its origin in former Portuguese colonies. Cuisine of Mozambique, Roda Viva, Lisbon…

2 years ago

Portugal’s Nêspera fruit

The slightly sweet, slightly acidic fruit has been cultivated in China for 1,000 years. But, it's also widely grown in…

3 years ago

Coffee isn’t just coffee in Portugal

There's a great scene from "Seinfeld" in which George beats himself up because he doesn't realize that when his date…

3 years ago

Ape, the three-wheeled trucks from Italy

The modest Italian lightweight trucks are popular all over Europe. Ape Origin Story After WWII, Italy was in ruins and…

3 years ago

Praca de Bocage

Lined by cafes and shops (and the City Hall), Praca de Bocage is the most beautiful square in Setubal. Praca…

3 years ago

Anti-Fascist monument in Setubal, Portugal

The statue stands in a prominent spot in the city, but it wasn't immediately met with acclaim. Monument origin story…

3 years ago

Our best meal in Portugal, so far

An amazing experience of cooking, feasting, & laughing wasn't in a restaurant or cafe. Not only a delicious meal, but…

3 years ago

Lisbon’s hippest vegan restaurant

Hidden in Lisbon's up and coming Mouraria neighborhood is a plant based restaurant with incredible food and a great vibe.…

3 years ago

Salsa party in Portugal

A quiet evening turns into a raucous party. We had only moved to Portugal a couple days earlier and were…

3 years ago

Selling Citrus on the Street

When citrus is in season, you see vendors selling the bounty of their fruit trees. A lady and her son…

3 years ago

Take a Number

Everywhere you go in Portugal, it seems, you have to take a number. Ticket machine at the bakery (photo: Brent…

3 years ago

How Portugal’s elderly can live in high-rent neighborhoods

There are parts of Portugal, especially in Lisbon and Porto that are rapidly changing. New condos and apartments are being…

3 years ago

Lisbon’s Tram 28

Lisbon's trams have become a symbol of the city. And riding the tram is a great way to see many…

3 years ago

Percussion party in Setubal, Portugal

Every year, percussion groups gather in the port city of Setubal, Portugal for a giant drum party. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaRSj8nKe1A We were…

3 years ago

Ginjinha Grandma

Ginjinha is a drink that can be found all over Lisbon. But, for a unique experience, look for a Ginjinha…

3 years ago

Uso de Mascara

Cases of Covid are currently spiking in Portugal, like much of the rest of the world. But, Portugal's citizens are…

3 years ago

The best viewpoint in Lisbon

When your city lies on seven hills you've got lots of great views. This one is my favorite in Lisbon…

3 years ago

Portugal needs to update their high speed train network

Portugal has an efficient transportation network of light rail, bus, metro, and ferry. But, their high speed train system lags…

3 years ago

Portugal’s delicious Azeitão cheese

Spain is an internationally known cheese making country. But, her neighbor on the Iberian Peninsula also makes some wonderful cheeses…

4 years ago

How a Portuguese donut became popular in Hawaii

Malasadas have been popular in the Atlantic Ocean island chains of the Azores and Madeira. But, the sweet treat is…

4 years ago

Lisbon’s Feast of St. Anthony

Lisbon's biggest party celebrates the city's patron saint with a barrage of music and dancing, not to mention grilled sardines,…

4 years ago

Where to Try Lisbon’s Characteristic Tart, the Pastel de Nata

The Pastel de Nata, was invented by monks in Lisbon. Today, it is by far the most popular treat in…

5 years ago

Lisbon’s Best Beverages

Coffee, Wine, and sweet, local liqueurs. Lisbon is one of Europe's best cities for liquid refreshment. Ginjinha A Ginjinha, Lisbon…

5 years ago