For my birthday last year, I went to visit my friends in Lavra. By the end of November, temperatures are already relatively low, even for Portugal’s generally mild climate. But the difference between the weather in Lisbon and what you experience in the Douro region is striking. And we’re talking about a distance of just over 300 kilometers between the two cities. And you, do you like the winter cold? I confess that as I get older, I increasingly enjoy the cozy atmosphere of homes, with families gathered around the table, sharing a heartwarming meal. It’s something that puts a smile on my face and puts me in a great mood... Even though the days are shorter and rainy, we end up being more reserved and staying close to those dearest to us.
And since it was a festive occasion, we decided to stock up at a local market. The decision wasn’t based solely on the quality of the products sold there—which are markedly different from those at big-box stores—but also on a significant difference in price. Incredibly, not only is the quality superior, but the price of many individual items is more reasonable compared to what we buy at hypermarkets, which are already packaged and pre-packaged.
My compadres went there to buy a specific gift that they really love. Of course, they couldn’t just buy the ham. The warm, still-crispy bread also had to be part of the basket, as did a semi-cured sheep’s milk cheese that was absolutely divine… I’m telling you. As for wines, and despite the wide selection, there was no need to buy any, since we had a few bottles at home, and I myself had brought a good wine to share so we could open it during the meal. Honey and olive oil, as well as nuts, are always a must on a winter dinner table, aren’t they?
The traditional cake known as folar, or braided cake, is also one of the most traditional choices, but we already had plenty of sweets!
Unfortunately, I can’t make these true delicacies a regular occurrence, because even though they taste wonderful, my serum cholesterol is a bit high, and I have to be very careful about what I eat.
But there are special days, and my birthday was certainly a good reason to celebrate and share a wonderful meal with friends, as well as some wonderful moments.
Unfortunately, largely due to the hustle and bustle of daily life, I don’t usually go to weekend markets and fairs, but these days, they’re an excellent option, not only in terms of quality but also in terms of affordability.
I hope you enjoyed my post about this market, and that these photos have made your mouth water. Anyone who has visited Portugal knows that our cuisine is one of the highlights of what we have to offer. For those who aren’t as familiar with the Mediterranean diet, I encourage you to give it a try someday. You don’t even have to come to Portugal. Many places scattered across cities around the world have restaurants run by Portuguese immigrants or the children of immigrants, and they invariably serve regional and traditional dishes. Look for the restaurants with the best ratings. In Portugal, it’s very common that the most expensive restaurants aren’t always the ones offering the best and tastiest dishes!
@xrayman