Portugal Confidential

At Mesa Farta in Tavira, celebrated Algarvian chef João Viegas brings years of international culinary experience back to his hometown. Traditional Portuguese recipes, outstanding regional ingredients, and a healthy dose of creativity come together in a dining experience that is sophisticated yet refreshingly unpretentious. Tucked into a quiet residential neighborhood, away fr...

Aficionados of urban contemporary art are in for a treat.  Lisbon Art Weekend, returns for a third edition–Thursday, 5th through Sunday, 8th November.  Celebrate contemporary art with exhibitions, guided tours, performances and more through 60 participating gallery spaces and 90 different events across the city. (photo at top: This Is Not a White Cube ©Ana Malta) Organized as...

Hugo Candeias is not the first chef to say he was inspired by his grandmother. But his new restaurant, Avó—“grandmother” in Portuguese—is a particularly lovely tribute. He says it’s an homage to grandmothers everywhere, and a response to our collective desire to return to a comforting kitchen and a table where we feel close to the ones we love. Candeias is a serious chef, hav...

Autumn in the Algarve is about to get a little more colorful! On Saturday, 24 October, Vila Vita Biergarten in Porches welcomes the Pumpkin Market, a festive celebration of seasonal flavors, European traditions, live jazz, and family-friendly activities. Inspired by the charming autumn markets of Bavaria, the one-day event runs from 12:30 to 20:00, with free admission for eve...

Thanksgiving is one of the most beloved holidays in the United States. For most Americans, the mere mention of the day conjures memories of family gatherings, turkey fresh from the oven, pumpkin pie with a dollop of whipped cream, football on television, and stretching out on the couch with a full belly. Like the Pilgrims celebrating life in the New World, Americans (and thei...