03/01/17 10:04am
NATA

Pastel de nata, Portugal’s signature dessert.

Portugal—just the very sound of the country sounds warm, and true it is, but this is also a country full of flavors. So, while you’re out soaking up the sun, you should also take some time to do some gastronomic research during your stay and indulge in the delicious food and Portugal has to offer. Here are some of  the country’s best best food and drink.

1. Pastel de nata
These custard tarts are both a treat and a cornerstone of Portuguese culinary culture, and you simply can’t leave the country without trying one – there are plenty of places, too, so there’s no excuse to, either. The dessert varies slightly depending whereabouts you are in Portugal, but one of the best places to sample these sweet sensations is the Antiga Confeitaria de Belem, in Lisbon, where they are known as Pastéis de Belem. The shop is a hit with locals and tourists alike and is one of the oldest in Portugual for producing this dessert, so they sure know what they’re doing! (more…)

10/04/15 11:37am

cockails

When people think of the best ways to drink white wine they tend to picture a warm afternoon and chilled bottle of their favorite varietal on hand, but there are plenty of other ways to enjoy the great taste of white wine. White wine makes a great base and mixer for cocktails. So if you’re looking to freshen-up your afternoon or evening, here are five great white wine cocktails..

1. Berries and Whites Wine Sangria
This delicious cocktail puts a new twist on a classic, and makes for a very refreshing drink on a hot day. It’s easy to prepare, and can be made in large batches for all your guests to enjoy. To make this delicious sangria, take one bottle of dry white wine, add a cup of lemon-lime soda, ½ a cup of raspberry vodka, ¼ cup of brandy, and a selection of chopped berries (consider chopped strawberries and raspberries).

2. Star Gazer
This delicious drink has a Caribbean flair, making it a perfect afternoon beverage to sip and enjoy at the beach. It’s made with 2oz. of Chardonnay, 1 oz. of dark rum, ½ oz. of vanilla bean syrup and a dash of pineapple juice. Be sure to give it a proper shake before serving over ice with a wedge of lime for garnish. (more…)

10/01/15 12:19pm

paella

Spanish cuisine is world renowned for its delicious tapas, fresh seafood and steaming plates of paella. Aside from these iconic dishes, there are plenty of regional specialties which offer an authentic taste of the Mediterranean. Here’s a selection of the best and most popular amongst the locals.

Empanada gallega
Galicia in the northwest region of Spain is home to this savory pie which comes in all shapes and sizes. A variety of delicious fillings include sautéed chicken, minced pork or seafood in a slow cooked onion sauce which gives a rich depth of flavor. Empanadas may be popular in Latin America and across the world, but we think the original is by far the best.

Gazpacho
Summer in a bowl, this cold soup has long been a favorite in the southern regions of Spain. It’s most commonly prepared with tomato, stale bread, cucumber, wine vinegar and garlic. Many restaurants serve with their gazpacho with ice cubes and some include chunks of ham and vegetables. In the charming town of Alfarnatejo, this famous dish is celebrated each year with its own festival. It’s a good opportunity to sample some of the best gazpacho in the country and enjoy a traditional flamenco show. (more…)

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06/02/15 4:31pm
iceland

Iceland’s Northern Lights.

There are numerous reasons why Iceland has become such an attractive tourist destination in recent years, but at the top of the list are its astonishingly beautiful landscape and its surprisingly exotic food culture. Let’s start with the former.

Iceland is probably best known to tourists hunting for the elusive Northern lights, but the country has a whole lot more to offer. It’s a volcanic island with a lunar landscape that is both varied and full of natural beauty. Any mention of the highlights of this beautiful island is bound to be contentious amongst seasoned travellers, but there are at least two attractions that should be on everyone’s to-do lists; The Blue Lagoon and Thingvellir.  (more…)

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05/22/15 4:56pm
kotor

The pristine Bay of Kotor.

Every now and again, intrepid travelers come across a hidden gem they wish to keep all to themselves. For many the beguiling town of Kotor, in Montenegro, is one such place. With its stunning bay and beautiful old town, it is fast becoming a top destination for those in the know. Will you be one of them?

While Croatia has become extremely popular with holiday-makers looking to blend sun and sea with sight-seeing, neighbouring Montenegro has seen a little less interest outside a few top travel blogs. The town of Kotor is only an hour from Croatia’s star city Dubrovnik and has plenty attractions of its own. (more…)