Friday, July 29, 2011
On the Menu...Mesón del Asador, Jerez (Spain)
Whether you're in the mood for having a few tapas at the bar, or for a sit-down meal in the restaurant, you are sure to enjoy both the food and rustic atmosphere at the Mesón del Asador. The restaurant is known not just for the fine quality of its grilled meats, but also for the generous portions served and the friendliness of its staff - all offered at reasonable prices. At the tapas bar be sure to try the cola de toro (oxtail), chistorras (Basque-style sausage), morcilla (blood sausage), and carillada (pig's cheek). Mesón del Asador is truly a meat-lover's paradise.
Avda. de la Cruz Roja, 20 Phone: (956) 311-404
Jerez de la Frontera, Spain Web: Mesón del Asador
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Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Next Stop...Salamanca (Spain)
Salamanca is a true gem of a city, located about a 2 hour drive northwest of Madrid. It is well known for its beauty, culture and the ambiance that is rooted in its world-renowned university.
The University of Salamanca, which was founded in 1218, is the oldest university in Spain and the third oldest university in Europe. The city has a vibrancy and pulse that is quite unique, and stems from the buzz created by the students that come from all parts of Spain, and from around the world, to study at this esteemed institution.
Salamanca has been nicknamed "La Dorada" (the Golden City) due to the golden color of the sandstone used in many of its buildings, which is quarried in the nearby town of Villamayor. In the sunlight, the buildings give off a warm glow that only adds to the beauty and enchantment of the town. It's no wonder that Salamanca has been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage City. For more information from the Salamanca Tourist Office click here.
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Monday, July 25, 2011
Checking In...Hotel M'AR De AR Aqueduto, Évora (Portugal)
The city of Évora is the capital of the Upper Alentejo region. It has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visitors can get a glimpse of its rich and varied history in the city's many monuments and churches.
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Friday, July 22, 2011
On the Menu...Portugal's Other Wine: Vinho Verde
Most people are familiar with Port wine, the fortified wine named after Portugal's second largest city. But there is also another uniquely Portuguese wine produced in the Minho region called vinho verde, which literally means "green wine." The name "green" refers to the freshness of the wine, and not to the color, as the grapes are picked late and it is intended to be drunk within a year of bottling.
Vinhos verdes are light and fresh, have a lower alcohol content, and are a little bit fizzy. There are both red and white varieties; the reds are deep red in color and tannic, and the whites are lemon or straw colored, with fruity and floral aromas.
Vinhos verdes are served chilled, and go well with citrus-inspired foods and seafood. They are a perfect summer wine.
A few Minho region vineyards - click on name for their website:
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Sites to See...Igreja de São Francisco, Porto (Portugal)
Built between 1383 and 1410, the
The church's ordinary-looking Gothic exterior belies what you will find once you step inside, which is the most extraordinary church interior in Porto, and unquestionably one of the most lavish church interiors in all of Europe.
Rua do Infante D. Henrique Phone: (222) 006 493
Porto, Portugal
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Monday, July 18, 2011
Checking In....Alhambra Palace Hotel, Granada (Spain)
The Alhambra Palace is a 4-star hotel that is located on the Alhambra hill. It was inaugurated by His Majesty the King Alfonso XIII in 1910, and is just a five minute walk to the Alhambra (14th C. Moorish palace) and the Generalife (summer palace & garden retreat).
The hotel offers Standard rooms, some of which have balconies and sweeping views of the city, as well as Garden Suites, which have sitting areas and a separate bedroom.
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Friday, July 15, 2011
On the Menu...Restaurante Oliver, Granada (Spain)
After visiting the treasures of the Cathedral, take a short walk to Restaurante Oliver to sample the delicious local cuisine. You can take in the ambiance alongside the locals who frequent this restaurant and make a meal of the many savory tapas (small appetizer portions) served in the bar area.
If you prefer a more leisurely meal, you can sit in the dining room or terrace area and enjoy some of the specialties on the menu, including Andalusian gazpacho, mixed seafood paella, lamb chops, or one of the many fish dishes.
The wine list includes selections from the famed wine regions of La Rioja and Ribera del Duero, as well as some local wines from the Granada region. Be sure to finish off your meal with a homemade dessert, such as rice pudding, flan, or a popular Andalusian dessert called tocino de cielo (heavenly treat) made from egg yolks and sugar.
Plaza Pescadería, 12 Phone: (958) 262 200
Granada, Spain Web: Restaurante Oliver
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Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Time to Save...Lisbon Card (Portugal)
On your next trip to Lisbon, get more for less by purchasing one or more of the special discount cards available to visitors:
The Lisboa Card has a wide range of benefits, including:
- Free admission to 26 museums, monuments and places of interest
- Free use of the Metro and some other buses and trams
- 10% to 50% discounts on local services and cultural places of interest
- 5% to 10% discount in some shops
There is also a Lisboa Restaurant Card which provides cardholders with discounts of 10% or more at its 36+ subscribing restaurants. Cards are valid for 72 hours, and range in cost from €6.15 (single) to €10.75 (family).
Lastly, there is the Lisboa Shopping Card which provides cardholders with discounts between 5% and 20% at over 200 member shops. Cards are valid for either 24 or 72 hours, and range in cost from €3.70 to €5.80.
The more you spend, the more you will save, so purchase your cards today! For more information on all three Lisboa Cards click here.
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Friday, July 8, 2011
On the Menu...Cozinha de São Humberto, Évora (Portugal)
Located just off the Praço do Giraldo in an old wine cellar, this cozy and atmospheric restaurant has been delighting diners since it opened in 1971. The traditional dishes served highlight the many specialties of the Alentejo region, including the Sopa de Cação (shark soup with bread and coriander), baked duck rice, Alentejo pork with clams, and regional lamb stew, to name just a few.
Évora, Portugal
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Monday, July 4, 2011
Checking In...Hotel Casa Romana, Seville (Spain)
It was converted to a boutique hotel and maintains all of the charm and elegance of the original private home, including a tranquil interior courtyard that is framed by columns and stone arches, along with traditional ceramic-tiled floors.
After taking in the sites of this beautiful city, you can enjoy the peaceful oasis of the rooftop terrace, where there is a solarium and Jacuzzi waiting to help you relax. The Casa Romana will truly be your home away from home in Seville. For more information on the hotel click here.
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Thursday, June 30, 2011
Next Stop...Palacio Real de la Granja, Segovia (Spain)
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Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Sites to See...Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago (Spain)
Overlooking the Plaza del Obradoiro in the heart of the old town is the majestic Catedral de Santiago, which was completed in 1211. The Cathedral is the largest Romanesque church in Spain, and one of the largest in Europe.
The Cathedral is the destination point for the millions of pilgrims who follow the Way of St. James each year, a route that begins in France and traverses northern Spain. They make the pilgrimage to visit the Cathedral, which holds what are believed to be the remains of the Apostle St. James. Legend has it that St. James’ remains were brought back to Galicia in 44 AD, after he was beheaded in Jerusalem. For more information click here
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Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Next Stop...Queluz (Portugal)
Only 20 minutes northwest of Lisbon is the town of Queluz. It makes a perfect day trip out of Lisbon and is easily accessed by car, train or bus. When you arrive, head straight for the Queluz Palace.
In the early 1800s the town's proximity to Lisbon and pristine country setting made it the perfect location for the royal family's estate and hunting lodge. In the latter part of the century the country estate was converted into a grander Summer Palace by the Infante Dom Pedro, and was the home of Queen Maria I during her reign. Today the Summer Palace and its gardens remain one of the finest examples of late 18th C. Portuguese architecture; it is often referred to as the "Portuguese Versailles." For more information on the Palace click here
If you would like to experience what it was like to stay in one of these fine buildings firsthand, you now can, as one of the buildings on the palace grounds once used by the Royal Guard of the Court is now a hotel - the Pousada de Queluz (Dona Maria I). For more information on the Pousada click here
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Monday, June 27, 2011
Checking In...Hotel Pestana Porto, Porto (Portugal)
Located along the Rio Douro, the 4-star Pestana Porto Hotel is as charming as the city of Porto. This boutique hotel was formed by combining 11 traditional buildings dating from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
On The Menu...Tarta de Santiago (Spain)
When you visit Santiago, be sure you leave room for dessert, because you don’t want to miss the famous treat that takes its name from the St. James cross that adorns it.
The Tarta de Santiago is a delicious almond cake that you will see displayed in bakery and restaurant windows throughout the city, and should be on every visitors’ gastronomic “must try” list during their stay. The recipe for the cake dates back to the 16th C. and traditionally is made with exact proportions of Mediterranean almonds, sugar, and eggs.
Pasteleria Casa Mora, located a short walk from the Cathedral at Rúa do Vilar 34-60, is known for being the first pastry shop to adorn the cake with the Cross of St. James in 1924, and some say they make the best Tarta de Santiago in town. We’ll let you be the judge!
However, if you don't feel like waiting for your next trip to Spain, why not try this recipe at home:
Ingredients:
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ lb. (1 ¾ cup) of whole almonds
- Zest from 1 lemon
- Confectioner’s sugar for dusting
Friday, June 24, 2011
Foodie Friday...Cafe Majestic, Porto (Portugal)
Entering through the doors of the Café Majestic, diners are transported back to the Belle Époque period of the 1920's when the café opened its doors, with its marble walls, ornate cherubs, and gilded mirrors.
In its heyday, intellectuals, bohemians, and Porto's high society all met at this café, located on the Rua de Santa Catarina, a pedestrian street that is at the heart of the city's main shopping area. Today, locals and tourists gather to sip their morning espresso, have their afternoon tea and rabanadas (a Portuguese version of French toast), or enjoy a traditional dish of "Bacalhau á moda do Porto" over a leisurely dinner. Bom apetite!
Rua de Santa Catarina, 112 Phone: (22) 200 38 87
Porto, Portugal Web: Café Majestic
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Thursday, June 23, 2011
Next Stop...El Escorial (Spain)
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Cheers...History of Sherry, Jerez (Spain)
Sherry is the fortified wine produced in the Jerez area of the province of Cádiz. Its origin dates back to 1100 B.C. when the Phoenicians brought the first vines to the region. The name "sherry" is derived from the name "Sherish," which was the 12th C. Arabic name of the city.
In 1933, the Consejo Regulador was created to protect sherry's consistency. The EU ruled in the 1990s that all EU nations must recognize that Sherry only comes from this region of Spain. Today visitors to Jerez can visit a number of the sherry "bodegas" or cellars to learn more about the different types of sherry and how they are made, and of course enjoy a sherry tasting.
Just a few bodegas you may want to visit - click on name to visit their website:
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Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Next Stop...Palmela (Portugal)
Palmela is also an important wine growing region, producing table wines and a fortified wine called Muscatel of Setúbal. If you visit at the beginning of September, don’t miss the grape harvest festival that takes place, offering processions, performances, and the release of bulls.
The 12th C. fortress has been converted into the Pousada de Palmela, so you can see what it’s like to stay in a castle.
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Saturday, June 18, 2011
On The Menu...Discover Salmorejo, Córdoba (Spain)
Many people are familiar with gazpacho, the cold tomato soup that is well known both inside and outside of Spain. But not as many people are familiar with a variation of gazpacho that is a staple in homes throughout Córdoba - salmorejo. Salmorejo is a richer and creamier version of gazpacho. Like gazpacho, it is made with tomatoes, oil, vinegar and garlic, but the addition of bread gives this soup a creamy texture that is thick and velvety. It is served chilled and topped off with chopped eggs and diced Serrano ham.
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Friday, June 17, 2011
Foodie Friday...Vinería San Telmo (Seville)
When in Seville, there are many excellent options for tapas meals in all price ranges. A favorite, which is both cutting-edge and reasonable on the wallet, is Vinería San Telmo.
This local favorite provides a wide selection of Spanish dishes. Try the Jamón Ibérico (Iberian ham), Chorizo (Spanish cured pork sausage), Ensaladilla Rusa (Spanish potato salad), or Salmorejo (cold tomato soup from Córdoba), to name a few. Centrally located in the Barrio Santa Cruz near the Murillo Gardens, Vinería San Telmo is a perfect place to stop for either lunch or dinner, so be sure to pencil it into your itinerary.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Next Stop...Chinchón (Spain)
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Sites To See...Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, Lisbon (Portugal)
The Mosteiro dos Jerónimos is a must see for visitors to Lisbon. The monastery was started by the order of Manuel I (1515-1521) and was meant to commemorate Vasco da Gama's voyage to India and his successful return. Vasco da Gama, along with other great figures in Portuguese history, are entombed at the monastery.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Next Stop...Estoril (Portugal)
Located on the Portuguese Riviera, the town of Estoril is a great place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Located just 20 minutes west of Lisbon, it is easily accessed by car, or you can also take the train if you want to avoid the traffic.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Checking In...Pestana Palace Hotel, Lisbon (Portugal)
Built in 1907, this 5-star hotel was originally the private villa of the Marquis of Valle Flor, who was a wealthy cocoa magnate. It is one of the best examples of Romantic Revival architecture in Portugal, and is listed as a National Monument.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
On The Menu...History of Paella, Valencia (Spain)
When you think of paella, you may envision a round, shallow pan full of saffron-colored rice, topped with an abundance of seafood, such as shrimp, calamari, and mussels. However, you may be surprised to learn that the original paellas were made by field workers who cooked them over an open fire and used ingredients that were more commonly found in the fields, such as chicken, rabbit, and snails.
Today there are as many variations of paella as there are cooks, and the locals in Valencia take pride in handing down their own family recipes from one generation to the next.
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Friday, June 10, 2011
Foodie Friday...Antiga Confeitaria de Belém, Lisbon (Portugal)
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Next Stop...Avila (Spain)
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Time to Save...Madrid Card (Spain)
A great way to save those hard earned travel dollars is to take advantage of the Madrid Card on your next visit to this beautiful city. It is the essential sightseeing pass for visitors to Madrid.
- Free entry to more than 40 museums
- Unlimited journeys on the Madrid Vision tour bus
- Discounts at shops, shows, restaurants, and leisure centers
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Next Stop...Cascais (Portugal)
On your next visit to Lisbon, take some time to visit the town of Cascais. Located just 45 minutes from Lisbon, this tiny fishing village has grown into an elegant and cosmopolitan town that attracts many visitors, with its sandy beaches, pedestrian streets and fashionable shops, restaurants and bars. In the early 20th century it was a favorite resort frequented by European nobility and kings.
Sun lovers will enjoy the nearby Guincho Beach, which is also a favorite of surfers and has hosted World Surfing Championships. For golf enthusiasts there are several golf courses in the area, including Quinta da Marinha Oitabos Golfe, which evokes links in Scotland. For more information on Cascais click here
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Sunday, June 5, 2011
Rafael Nadal defeats Roger Federer at French Open
Rafael Nadal defeated Roger Federer for his 6th French Open title with a 7-5, 7-6 (3), 5-7, 6-1 victory. Nadal is now 5-0 against Federer at Roland Garros, and continues to dominate on clay. This win is Nadal’s 10th Grand Slam title, and ties him with Bjorn Borg for a total of 6 French Open titles. Nadal holds on to his No. 1 ranking, thanks to Federer’s win over Djokovic in the semifinals. For more information from the NY Times click here
With Wimbledon just 4 weeks away, we’ll see if these two top players will meet again at the finals in London.
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Saturday, June 4, 2011
On the Menu...Sweet Treats of the Alentejo Region (Portugal)
Friday, June 3, 2011
Foodie Friday...Cinc Sentits Restaurante (Spain)
They partner with small local purveyors from the region and consistently exude a passion for quality. From fish and foie gras, to lamb and veal (not to mention exclusive farmhouse cheeses), Cinc Sentits (Five Senses), encourages visitors to take a tasting tour of all the fine cuisine Spain has to offer.
We hope you enjoy our restaurant selection. Click here for their website
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Thursday, June 2, 2011
Next Stop...Montserrat (Spain)
The monastery is also well known for the Escolanía de Montserrat choir school, which dates back to the 13th century. The choir consists of boys who are from Cataluña and range in age from 9 to 14, and are either sopranos or altos. The choir performs Monday through Saturday at 1:00pm, and Sundays at 12:00pm. For more information on choir click here
When visiting Montserrat don't forget to make some time to visit the Museum of Montserrat, as it has many fine works of art, including works by artists such as El Greco, Picasso, Dalí, and many many more! For ticket information click here
Did you know…the monastery's publication company has the oldest printing press in the world; the first book was published in 1499 and the press is still in use today.
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Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Sites to See...Reina Sofia Museum, Madrid (Spain)
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Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Next Stop...Porto (Portugal)
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Sunday, May 29, 2011
Viva España! FC Barcelona takes the Champions League title
Photo By: Franck Fife/Agence France-Presse -- Getty Images |
Congratulations to Barcelona for defeating Manchester United by a score of 3-1 in Wembley Stadium yesterday. The win gives Barça its fourth Champions League trophy. This latest victory gives Spain a total of 13 Champions League titles, which puts them atop the leader board as they move past Italy, with a total of 12 wins.
Go to the New York Times for a recap on the game, and to learn more about how Barça dominated Manchester United to take the trophy. To learn more about the reaction in Spain, check out the stories and stats in Spanish in the ABC, one of Spain’s leading daily newspapers.
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