Food, Wine and Travel Blog

We have drawn up this handy French food names list with many ingredients you are likely to see on the menu while Vacationing in France or even on a French menu closer to home. It includes the essential French food words, helping you make the most of your French food and dining experiences. Please let […]

White Grapes Chardonnay– the traditional white grape of Burgundy (such as Chablis); Chardonnay is grown all over France and is probably the most famous white varietal in the world today. read more Chenin blanc– is used frequently in the Loire Valley (where it is also called Pineau de la Loire). Used to make both delicious […]

Ireland is experiencing an artisan cheese Renaissance and it has never been a better time to enjoy the wide range of super high-quality cheeses on offer. Renowned for its high-quality dairy, pristine grazing lands and clean air, Ireland is a natural destination for top-notch cheesemaking. Producers like Gubbeen, Cashel Blue and Durrus have long been […]

By Martina Hemm French liqueurs have made their mark on history and our palates. An excellent French liqueur is not just an aperitif but also a good conversation starter. From homemade to age-old distilleries, from politically to morally provocative, public opinion on French liqueurs has always been in motion, while their essence remains the same. […]

It’s a heady experience to be in the center of a bustling French food market – the jostling crowds, good-natured banter, and most importantly, the tables sagging under piles of every conceivable type of product available. From Provence to Burgundy, the Loire to Bordeaux, France has retained its reputation as a gourmet’s paradise: Visitors far […]

Black Truffle from Perigord Truffles, particularly the black truffles of Périgord, are considered by many to be the Holy Grail of fine dining, an epicurean’s dream come true! Their incredibly refined aromas and flavors – often described as chocolate and earth – are as highly prized as any flavors found in a three Michelin starred […]

France is justly world-renowned for the quality of its cuisine – the freshness and diversity of its ingredients, often chosen that day from local markets that are used to create such a variety of fantastic dishes. We owe France so much in food terms and, of course, there’s the wine! And yet, when it comes […]

While Spain and Italy may be some of Europe’s more famed cured ham producers, France offers food lovers some stellar versions. The ancient port city of Bayonne at the heart of the French Basque country has been preparing succulent hams since at least the 12th century. Indeed, today raw specialty Bayonne Ham is renowned as […]

The best French chocolate is a decadent indulgence of the highest order. The Swiss and Belgians would no doubt disagree, but there is no denying that some of the world’s best chocolatiers reside in France. Of course, other countries are more renowned for their famous chocolate brands, whilst the French have largely kept their fantastic […]

When eating out in Portugal, you will soon notice that the cuisine is still very traditional, even the more modern, chic eateries stay close to their origins, adding an innovative, artistic touch. We have put together this useful Portuguese to English glossary and menu decoder to help you get the most out of your Portuguese […]

Portuguese Grape Varieties The diversity of grape varieties in Portugal is incredible, especially considering the relatively small area under vine. There are over 250 native grape varieties, many international ones increasingly being vinified here and very successfully. The almost infinite choice of varietals and the differentiating terroir result in fabulous, versatile wines that are just […]

Our best memory of Portuguese food was a spectacularly juicy steak served with a luscious red wine from the Alentejo, while watching an exquisite Fado performance at Cafe Luso in Lisbon. What can top that gastronomic memory? Portuguese food is fairly unknown, and what a pity as there are so many delicious dishes. Seafood and […]