7 Tasty Day Trips From Lisbon

Most culinary travelers who visit Portugal land in Lisbon. While this capital city is busy, vibrant, and diverse, many visitors don’t realize all the easy and delicious day trips from Lisbon that can be added to their journey.

Honestly, you shouldn’t leave Portugal without checking out these fine foodie must-taste destinations near Lisbon. Each is worth the trip.

Culinary Day Trips From Lisbon

1 – Historic Évora

Évora Located in the Alentejo region, Évora is loaded with history and delicious flavors. This is also a remarkable wine-growing region. Here you will be treated to hearty dishes and long meals where you’ll savor every bite with wine pairings that will surprise you.

Baked cheese bowl in at Evora Vitoria Stone Hotel. — Baked cheese bowl in at Evora Vitoria Sto

In one day, you can:

Take in Roman temple ruins and aqueducts.

Experience the hauntingly memorable Chapel of Bones.
Stroll through the lovely Jardim Publico de Évora.
Relax with a Portuguese coffee and pastry in Praça do Giraldo.

For phenomenal eats, go to places like Botequim da Mouraria for lunch and O Templo Restaurante for dinner. These superb local restaurants serve recipes handed down from mothers and grandmothers.

Be sure to try the porco preto, or black pork, a regional specialty made from black pigs that feast on acorns. It adds an incomparable layer of umami to the flavor of the pork. Cheese lovers will also want to try the delicious Évora cheese melted with cloves of garlic and served inside a loaf of Alentejo bread. When dining at these cozy spots, you’ll feel like you’re eating in the proprietors’ homes. Reservations are a must to avoid disappointment.

Travel time from Lisbon to is about 1-1/2 to 2 hours by car, train, or bus.

2 – Setúbal By The Sea

If you’re an art lover, you won’t want to miss Setúbal, Portugal. You’ll find intriguing sculptures, murals, and tiled walls simply walking the streets. Art and artists are celebrated throughout Portugal. And this city across the Tagus River from Lisbon is a place many artists call home. A wander through the winding streets reveals local artists, galleries, and shops.

For the best view in town head up to Forte de São Felipe. The café at the top is the perfect place to enjoy the surroundings and sip a glass of the sweet local muscatel wine.

Setúbal is along the coastline, so expect plenty of fresh seafood to enjoy. The dish not to miss here is choco frito or fried cuttlefish, a cousin to the squid. It’s served in all the Portuguese restaurants and is so cherished that there are even comical statues honoring it.

Travel time from Lisbon to Setubal is typically about 45-55 minutes by train or bus.

3 – The Palaces of Sintra

Sintra is one of the most popular day trips from Lisbon. The famous multi-colored Pena Palace, Quinta da Regalaria with its mysterious spiral Templar initiation wells, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site Moorish Castle are all worth a visit for history lovers and architecture buffs, too.

We love walking along the narrow streets in the charming old town, checking out the local crafts shops and, of course, the local bakeries. Every town in Portugal has its own unique pastries, and Sintra is no exception. You can’t leave without trying the bite-size cheesecakes called queijadas or the travesseiros, flakey pillows filled with light almond cream and dusted with sugar. With all the walking you’ll be doing, don’t worry about the calories. Go ahead and try both!

Travel time from Lisbon to Sintra is an easy 30-minute car ride. Trains and buses are available but typically take 1-1/2 to 2 hours, depending on the schedule.

4 – Fishing Village of Nazaré

Nazaré is located on Portugal’s popular Silver Coast. Once a small fishing village, it is now known for some of the largest waves in the world, created in large part by the Nazaré canyon. Be warned that usually the best surfing and waves are in winter. In summer, you can enjoy the breathtaking views and waterfront activities.

Of course, seafood is abundant, and many restaurants line the beachfront. The scents wafting in the air tempt passersby to come in and eat. One spot we enjoyed was the Adega Oceano. But, before stopping to eat, be sure to walk along and see the fishermen’s wives drying out octopus and other seafood to sell at the market.

Visit the historic Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Nazaré. Outside this 14th-century church, local women dressed in traditional colorful clothing sell candy, dried fruits, and nuts to visitors.

Travel time from Lisbon to Nazaré is about 1-1/2 hours by car. Traveling by bus or train can take anywhere between 2 hours and 20 minutes to 2 hours and 40 minutes.

5 – Beach Break at Praia Grande

Praia Grande, the longest beach along the Sintra coastline, draws surfers, swimmers, sunbathers, and anyone who enjoys a day by the sea. But, because it’s a bit away from it all or maybe because it’s so big, this beach never feels overcrowded. Surfboards, wetsuits, and beach chairs are all available for rental.

Hotel Arribas on Praia Grande in Portugal. Day trips from Lisbon.

Coming here is the perfect day trip if you want to get out of the city and into nature. Whether you just sit and enjoy the water view or take one of the many hiking paths, you’ll see a different side of Portugal.

Hotel Arribas, on the beach, features Europe’s largest saltwater pool. When the surf is high, the waves crash right into the pool. Day passes allow you to enjoy the pool and take advantage of the hotel restaurants and bars. At Arribas Terrace, the elegant Portuguese-inspired lists a wide variety of fresh seafood, meats, and vegetarian dishes. Or head to the Arribas Caffé for a casual light meal, snack, or drink. Both the view and the food are spectacular.

Travel time from Lisbon to Praia Grande by car is just under one hour. There’s also a historic tram or bus ride from nearby Sintra.

6 – Walled City of Óbidos

You feel yourself stepping back in time when you walk through the gates of Óbidos. This medieval town is a UNESCO Creative City of Literature, so writers and readers will feel right at home. You will encounter libraries and bookstores everywhere in Óbidos – inside bars, restaurants, grocery stores, pharmacies, shops, and just about any place where there’s room for a shelf.

The streets of Obidos Portugal
Day trips from Lisbon

More adventurous visitors can walk along the tops of the city’s walls for exceptional panoramic views. Walking through the tiny winding streets is also a lovely way to take in the town. Here, you’ll find unique hand-crafted items made in Portugal and most made in Óbidos.

Do not leave Óbidos without sampling a glass (or two) of the cherry liqueur Ginja de Óbidos. Our favorite place to stop for a sip of this lovely drink is Bar Iban Errick Rex. While you’re there, order a chouriço sausage. It will be lit and flaming until done right at your table, making a fun, tasty, and memorable snack.

Travel time from Lisbon to Óbidos is an easy 1-1/2 hour bus ride or one hour drive by car.

7 – The Ultimate Beach Town Cascais

Our list would not be complete without including our hometown, Cascais. The beaches in Cascais excel at welcoming visitors. If you’re looking for a town that is mostly flat, without too many steps or hills to climb, this is your place. Downtown Cascais can easily be explored by foot.

Cascais Santa Maria Harbor
Day trips from Lisbon — Cascais Santa Maria Harbor

Trek the paradão, a pedestrian walkway along the ocean, and stroll aside the Atlantic Ocean. The many cafés and restaurants along the way will tempt you to sit and watch the waves all day. Once you get into the historic center of town you’ll find many shops, and more restaurants to keep you busy.

If you’re a history or museum fan, go to the Citadel, the Cultural Center (there’s a wonderful spot there for lunch, too), or the Paula Rego Museum. Everything is close by and easy to get to. Check out the relaxing and beautiful Parque Marechal Carmona. Peacocks, chickens, ducks, and geese wander around the park, which offers many places to sit and just enjoy the perfect weather. A lovely little pond near the small café is great for unwinding and watching small turtles bathe in the sun.

As you can imagine, we have plenty of recommendations for places to eat in Cascais. For authentic Portuguese food just off the main street, try Flecha Azul. The food is delicious, and they have plenty of choices for everyone.

Travel time from Lisbon to Cascais is a 30-minute car ride. You can also easily take the 45-minute Linha da Cascais train ride from Cais do Sodre in Lisbon.

What makes Lisbon day trips appealing to any traveler?

Tour operators offer packages with day trips from Lisbon that conveniently depart from many hotels.
Local buses and trains are also clean and very affordable.

Pro Tips:

Always wear comfortable and sturdy shoes when exploring Portugal. The calçada tiles used for the lovely sidewalks throughout the country make for uneven and slippery walking. Mind your step and save yourself an unwanted “trip.”

When taking day trips from Lisbon, check the weather before venturing out. Depending on your destination, the weather may be much cooler or hotter.
Also, Portugal is often windy, especially near the coastal areas, so layer clothing and bring a light jacket or wrap.
Allow extra time when using public transportation. Although the trains and buses are reliable, sometimes unexpected strikes or delays happen. We recommend starting out early in the morning to avoid disappointments and to minimize wait times.

Pin It For Later

In Europe

The Best Hidden Gem Italy – A Venice Hotel Oasis

By Sue Reddel

Visitors Love Venice

Venice, Italy. Glittering canals. Moonlit gondola rides. Romantic bridges. Historical architecture. These draw visitors from around the world to the city on the water. And if you arrive during the busy summer months, you just might get a glimpse of them. However, you will need to share them with many other people seeking out the same great things. Venice receives some nine million visitors a year, even though only 50,000 people live there. And, as to be expected, a great many of those visitors come during the warm summer months. It’s great if you enjoy the thrill of a crowd. You’ll certainly be in good company.

As you might know about us though, we tend to be the off-season, off-the-beaten-path type of travelers. We love seeing the important sites and then going more along the roads less traveled. But we tagged this day in Venice onto the end of a Mediterranean cruise (more on that later!) so we figured when in Rome, er, Venice… Since this was Sue’s first visit to Venice and we had just one day, I thought it was important to be near the main draws but not necessarily among the throngs bustling to see them when we got back to our hotel.

One thing that was clear was that Venice is back on the tourist track with a vengeance. After hibernating from visitors during the COVID-19 pandemic, the city is full of visitors who can’t wait to explore every nook and cranny of the major attractions, especially around Saint Mark’s Square, the hub of hyperactivity.

Venice Hotel Prices In Summer

During the summer months, you will notice that the already pricey ultra-luxe hotels become even pricier, to the tune of a couple of thousand dollars a night. That’s great if you want to spend the money on Venice Italy 5 star hotels such as the Gritti Palace or the Danieli. They are sure to offer a magnificent stay. But for this trip, we were a little more creative in finding class, and comfort, and suited to a more moderate budget.

And what we discovered was a beautiful and welcoming hidden gem at a very reasonable, breakfast-included price. The service was so gracious we felt like we were greeted by friends. We escaped the intense summer heat and crowds just a few streets away into our own lovely oasis and slept soundly in our large, extremely comfortable, well-air-conditioned room (this really is important when the summer heat comes around). So, have I piqued your curiosity yet? Here’s the place we stayed and felt like princesses.

Drumroll please for this Hidden Gem in Italy

Hotel Palazzo Paruta & Wellness Suites Venezia

The secret is now revealed. We absolutely adored our stay at the Hotel Palazzo Paruta Venezia. This former residence of Venetian nobility has been transformed into 4-star accommodations that we would rate as a 5-star stay. We want to provide you with helpful and honest information based on our own personal experience. Understanding that every person has unique desires and expectations, we’ll continue sharing our insights with you and let you decide whether you would like what we liked. So now, I’ll tell you a lot more about this best-hidden gem hotel in Venice, Italy.

Best Area To Stay In Venice

The first thing to note about the Hotel Palazzo Paruta Venezia is its location. While anywhere out on or near the Grand Canal, the heartbeat of Venice is going to be busy, busy, busy especially during summer, being too far away means that while you may have peace and quiet, you will need to do a lot of trekking (or water buses) if you want to get back to the action. If you’ve been to Venice before and are up for exploring more of the backroads (or back canals) then that’s awesome. But if you’re a first-timer like Sue, or haven’t been for decades (like me) you will probably be interested in seeing St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, the Bridge of Sighs, Rialto Market, gondolas on the Grand Canal, and other celebrated spots.

Just a 10-minute walk to St. Mark’s Square and less than 5 minutes to the Sant’Angelo water taxi stop, the Palazzo Paruta Venice Italy is surprisingly and ideally situated on a quiet side canal. In fact, it’s actually one of the Venice hotels with canal views from some of the rooms. When walking back from the busy Grand Canal area, you pass over some small bridges and through a couple of shopping streets with bakeries, candy stores, restaurants, and clothing shops. Once past those you find open squares that are generally quiet and blissfully devoid of large crowds. It almost feels as though you have stepped outside some invisible boundary leading you to the beautiful accommodations that await you.

A Warm Welcome

When you walk over the tiny bridge to the hotel entry you’ll see a few little red and gold banners on the building and be greeted in a small but attractive lobby. The staff is ready to help you even if, like us, you are many hours earlier than check-in. They took care of our bags and brought them up to the room while we went out exploring. The staff speak great English, so if Italian isn’t in your linguistic library yet, there’s nothing to worry about.

Gorgeous Gardens and Venetian Decor

When you’re ready to explore the hotel, you will be delighted by the many beautiful and quiet garden settings the outside has to offer. There’s a sitting area surrounded by plants and flowers just outside the lobby. And there’s another up the stairs (or elevator) on the next floor that is a terrace for the bar. Flowers on the tables and a serene background had us feeling like we were the only people visiting Venice. Imagine how rare that is in summer!

As befitting the former home of Venetian nobility, the décor meets every expectation of opulence with Venetian style. Luxurious fabrics, bright colors, original artworks, grand light fixtures, and, of course, lots of gold leaf play well amid the modern conveniences that make the hotel also feel new and comfy. Not one bit of “grandma’s basement smell” here and in a place surrounded by water, that’s quite an accomplishment. This is one of the boutique hotels of Venice with a distinctly personal grandeur of its own. It’s a taste of hotels in Venice Italy 5 star opulence with a more intimate scale and affordable price.

The Rooms And Accommodations

The Palazzo Paruta has 13 luxuriously appointed guest rooms, giving you a taste of what Palazzo Venice life may have been like in the noble owners’ time. Rooms range from cozy standard rooms overlooking the peaceful courtyard to the roomy premier junior double suite canal view room. All the rooms are carefully decorated with Carrara Italian marble in the bathrooms. Additional touches such as damask fabrics on the walls, Murano glass chandeliers, and exclusive bath products adorn the larger rooms.

Though all rooms have gorgeous Venetian décor, the premier junior double canal suite (in which we admittedly indulged ourselves) has recently been reimagined. It now incorporates soft colors and ridiculously comfortable Eams chairs into its elegant classic design. The king bed was comfortable, with reading lamps on each side. There was a large 65-inch LCD TV on the wall above the marble fireplace. Our room also had a walk-in wardrobe with a Nespresso coffee machine, an electric kettle, and plenty of complimentary coffees and teas. The Carrara marble bathroom was ample, with a double sink and waterfall shower surrounded by glass that prevented the usual leaky mess.

Exquisite bathroom at the Palazzo Paruta

The room was great for us travel writers, equipped with free WiFi (available throughout the whole hotel as well), USB plugs, a desk, and a safe. We could look out at the view of the peaceful canal and pretend that we had Venice all to ourselves, at least for a few moments.

Food And Drinks

Of course, you wouldn’t be reading this if you weren’t interested in food and drinks. While the hotel does not have its own restaurant (there are lots of those nearby, we’ll share some ideas in a future article) it does have a fabulous bar with an outdoor terrace and a glorious breakfast room. We tried both and were wowed.

Palazzo Paruta Bar

The bar area is striking. Red velvet, gold-framed mirrors, Murano glass chandeliers, and period paintings surround you. The mixologist was friendly and anxious to help us choose the appropriate cocktail for relishing a little relaxation time alone. Being a fan of the famous Aperol Spritz, I decided to try a unique twist she called “Mezzo-Mezzo” (or half-half). It consists of half Aperol and half Campari instead of all of one or the other in the spritz. To make your own spritz, check out our recipes). The color was amazing.

We were finally cooling off a little, so we took our drinks out to the terrace connected to the bar. There we found cute little tables adorned with flowers and overlooking the courtyard garden below. After we settled in and had a few sips, a tray of bites along with little bowls of peanuts and potato chips landed before us. This Italian custom of “aperitivo” became our own personal happy hour before we headed out for dinner a while later. It was the perfect transition and really gave our evening a lovely start.

Homemade Breakfast

If there’s one thing we’ve come to appreciate it’s a good hotel breakfast. We don’t typically eat a big breakfast at home, so we’re not much inclined to chase after one when we travel either. Nice tea and toast or pastry and coffee are usually good for us. But when we have the chance to get a “breakfast included” price at a hotel, we like to give it a go. And the breakfast here rewarded us with hospitality and deliciousness.

Giancarlo and Violeta at the Palazza Paruta Venice

We were greeted by a jolly Giancarlo, who set us down at a little table and immediately asked us what we wanted to drink. In addition to the usual tea, coffee, and juices, the hotel featured the Bellini, peach puree with sparkling wine. He then guided us toward the prepared food and showed us a pizza made with gorgonzola and pickled onions, a pastry filled with ham, porcini mushrooms, scamorza cheese, and dried tomatoes, a variety of meats, sausages, cheeses, Caprese salad, croissants, pastries, and more.

As we explored the numerous options, Giancarlo smiled and said, “All of these are homemade. Even the sausages. Violeta made them all.” And he pointed over to the woman smiling from behind the pans where she was preparing eggs to order. Violeta also offered a special dish of the day consisting of mini pancakes with smoked salmon, burrata, and dill. We tried as much as our bellies would handle and everything was out of this world delicious. Giancarlo and Violeta were so gracious, despite the eventual filling of the entire breakfast room with hungry guests, that we just had to take a picture of them. They were delighted with our interest and wished us well for the rest of our time in Venice.

Porter and Water Taxi Service

In our typical travels, we pack light and generally can wheel our own bags wherever need to without much trouble. However, for this trip, we packed especially large bags, which now were full of treasures from our Mediterranean visits, and we were just plain tuckered out. Palazzo Paruta to the rescue! Although the hotel is very close to the Sant’Angelo stop for water buses and taxis (a 5-minute walk), there are two bridges with steps up and down to navigate. We told the hotel we wanted some help with our bags and for €25 for our two humongous suitcases a hale and hardy gentleman picked them up, hoisted them onto a large dolly, and whisked them over the bridges and to the water stop.

We were headed to the Marco Polo airport and decided to take a private water taxi. While the cost is more than the Alilaguna boats, which carry a large number of people and take about an hour and a half, the water taxi was just for us and took about a third of the time. The captain pulled up directly to a dock at the airport, put our bags on the ground, and off we went to get our plane. It was the perfect ending to a quick but memorable stay.

Venice Italy has many options for accommodations to suit all tastes. We think the Palazzo Paruta is a hidden gem hotel and we recommend it if you want a quiet, special place to stay during your visit.

In Travel

5 Top Travel Tips For 2023

By Sue Reddel

One of the reasons that we moved to Portugal was to be able to travel easily throughout Europe. We’ve dipped our toes in this year by visiting two places we hadn’t visited together – Amsterdam and Northern Italy.

The one thing that both those trips did was make us want to travel even more! They also inspired us to return to both of these places again for even more adventures.

Another thing we learned (as I’m sure you did, too) is that travel has changed. We’d like to share with you our top travel tips for 2023. This list is not everything (or in any particular order) but it will get you thinking about how you tackle your travel plans this year.

5 Top Travel Tips for 2023

1. Be Flexible When Traveling

If you’re planning to travel any time soon you’re going to need to be flexible and expect what we all secretly/not so secretly hate – change. Change in flights, change in planes, change in seats, change in rooms. If something can change it most likely will. If the recent debacle on Southwest Airlines taught us anything it’s that even travel companies you like or have status with can have problems, big ones.

The best thing you can do is to download the airline app on your phone and follow along to be sure your plane is coming. There are other great apps like FlightAware that help you stay abreast as to where your plane is even before you get on. Sometimes when your flight is delayed or canceled you’ll get a notification from the app sooner than you will by waiting at the gate. This way you can assess the situation and start rebooking if necessary or at least find out when your plane will be arriving.

In these situations when you can’t do anything about it, remaining calm is key. Everyone is going somewhere and everyone wants to get there when they want to get there. Unfortunately (especially during high-volume flight times), sometimes it’s just not going to happen. If you can find a hotel or find a quieter place in the airport to read or play a game (we always carry a deck of cards) it will help you relax and hopefully enjoy the time a bit better. We also like to go to the shops and check out the local food items that are on display (in Italy this was really fun).

I’d also add check-out buses and trains, especially in Europe. Although it may seem to take more time, sometimes it doesn’t when you consider getting to the airport, waiting at the airport, and potential delays. Be willing to use alternative or secondary airports too. We flew into the Bergamo airport rather than Milan in Italy and saved a lot of time and money. It was right in between two places we wanted to go anyway.

2. Take Advantage of Travel Deals and Loyalty Points

Everyone is always looking for travel tips on a budget and we’re no exception. We use a couple of travel credit cards for our daily living expenses to add points on our cards for just about every expense we have. The Chase Sapphire Reserve card has been our go-to card for travel points. It’s not for everyone because it has a rather high annual fee but that fee is countered with a $300 travel credit, your global entry fee covered, and a litany of other discounts and extras. We also have airline cards for American, Delta, and United since we are long-term users of all these airlines. You can choose whatever programs work best for you. Whichever cards you use be sure to pay off your cards at the end of each month to avoid interest and late charges. This defeats the purpose of having them in the first place.

Many cards offer sign-on bonuses with lots of extra miles and sometimes they waive the first-year annual fees. You can keep up with the offers on The Points Guy.

We used points on our American AAdvantage card for most of the hotels on our trip to Northern Italy. (You can now book hotels by themselves without booking a flight too!) We got great deals and stayed at some amazing hotels like the Hotel Gabbia D’Oro in Verona, Italy. It was fun to stay at a first-class boutique hotel just steps away from the centrally located Piazza dei Signori.

All the travel point programs send you additional offers if you sign up for their newsletters or join their apps. Also check out hotels.com, kiwi.com, and other travel sites that are great for their reward programs, too.

3. Book Early or Book Late

If you’re a planner you can really save by booking early. If you can be flexible and leave and return during the week instead of a weekend that will afford you more savings, too. Just be sure if you’re purchasing in advance to buy either refundable tickets or purchase travel insurance to be sure you won’t be stuck in case your plans change.

While we like to plan some travels well in advance, now that we’re in Europe we love to look at the last-minute deals we get for places we’d love to visit. We booked our Christmas Market trip this year about two weeks before we went. We found we had some time to travel in December, got affordable flights on Kiwi.com, and were lucky to find great hotels still available. There were many, many flights well under 100 euros. Our biggest challenge was deciding which country we wanted to visit. (Spoiler: we wanted to go to them all).

4. Consider the Quality of Your Time Traveling

This is something that we have been doing more and more. Do we want to spend our time running from place to place or do we want to spend more time in just one place? Only you can answer what best suits your travel style. Our Christmas Market tour found us staying at a different hotel each night. This worked out really well for us. We had plenty of time to explore the small Italian towns we visited. We opted to stay two nights in Milan because we knew it was a larger city with much more to see. Our goal was to see as many Christmas markets as we could in the seven days we were there. We explored 15 and found that manageable for us.

However, when we were in Amsterdam we wanted to see the important museums there. We made the time to do just that and spent time at the VanGogh, MOCO, and Rijksmuseum. We also earmarked time to walk around and take in the sights and tastes of the city. Wandering around and stopping in places that interested us along the way – we sure found plenty!

If you like to relax and enjoy spa services or visit a lot of museums don’t plan too much every day. Many hotels now have services you can enjoy without leaving the premises. Why not take advantage of them? We always check the view of the rooms, too. Sometimes if you’re only staying a night it doesn’t much matter. But if you’re staying somewhere special with a spectacular view. Be sure to ask for it.

While we were in Bolzano, Italy we stayed at the Hotel Greif which was on the Piazza Walther where the main Christmas market was held. Our room looked right out into the piazza and the market. I’m sure glad Diana discovered that before we booked.

5. Do Your Research

This leads us to a very important point. Research. We do extensive research before we go anywhere. Sure it takes a lot of time but it’s worth it. You can take advantage of our research by just checking here on FoodTravelist.com. In addition to that, you should check out where you’re staying. Whether it’s a vacation rental or a hotel/resort be sure you know what’s offered, what’s included, and what’s not.

Read the reviews, but take them with a grain of salt. Everyone has different needs and wants. What you think is fantastic someone else may find lacking and vice versa. Since most of us have limited time to travel and limited funds, wasting our time and money on vacations or trips that don’t live up to their potential can be more than disappointing.

Spending time upfront to check out photos of the property you’re staying at and the rooms and restaurants can save you lots of aggravation later.

Have Fun!

We sure hope that you’re looking at 2023 with hopes of experiencing new places, meeting new people, tasting new foods, and widening your horizons. Please use the top travel tips for 2023 and beyond to improve your travel experiences. We’ve got a few places both near and far on our radar screen. Maybe even a trip back to the U.S. Who knows? We are keeping our options open and will be sharing our discoveries with all of you.

In Living In Portugal

What’s It Like Living In Portugal For 2 Years

By Sue Reddel

Writing this post is a little surreal. It’s hard to believe that we’ve been living in Portugal for two years. There have been so many experiences, and so many changes that it was difficult to write an outline for this one. So I took to Twitter and asked our faithful Food Travelist followers what they’d like to know about our last two years. Instantly, I got lots of questions. Thanks to all who sent over their questions.

We’re coming up on our two-year anniversary in Portugal. I’m writing a post about it this weekend. Is there anything you want to know about living in #Portugal? Let me know. #TheMoreYouKnow pic.twitter.com/lB1WkyNHVp

— Food Travelist Sue & Diana (@FoodTravelist) April 19, 2023

Here we go!

Biggest Challenges Moving To Portugal

Bureaucracy Abounds

Frankly getting ready to move to another country in the middle of a pandemic is not for everyone. We’ve written a lot about the move before but needless to say, there is a lot to plan and do. Once we got here dealing with the slow bureaucracy takes time but you get used to it. Or not. We belong to many Facebook groups created for expats and immigrants to meet and exchange experiences when moving to or living in Portugal. Recently, there have been several new groups created for people “leaving” Portugal. While many people will tell you their success stories and how everything goes perfectly (ha!) it seems that Portugal is not for everyone. More on that later.

Desculpe, o que você disse?

Another big challenge is learning the language. We’ve tried several different methods but have found the most success with the online course Portuguese with Carla. Their approach is very visual (good for me) and they also take the time to explain why they do it the way they do (i.e. linguistic studies, which Diana loves). We’re far from fluent but understand more every day and we’re especially good with menus and grocery stores.

The most important thing is to keep practicing. Even if it’s embarrassing or frustrating. The Portuguese are typically pretty understanding and pleased that you are at least trying to speak the language. We know enough to get the conversation going so often people think we know the language. We all laugh and then do the best we can from there.

The Cultural Differences

We thought we were prepared for the slower pace of life in Portugal. After all, who doesn’t want to slow down and enjoy the good life, right? Turns out that when you’re trying to get your driver’s license quickly or need visa help quickly, we don’t! We Americans are used to quick answers, doing it ourselves and moving on. That is simply just not the case here. You must take a breath, and prepare to wait. Bring all your paperwork to any meeting you need to go to. If you don’t, rest assured that the one thing you were sure you didn’t need to bring is the one they will ask you for. Pro Tip: Look for where to take a number wherever you go. If it’s required and you don’t you will not be helped. Period.

In time, like us, you will embrace these differences and learn to appreciate them. They give each person full attention during their time. If you interrupt for a “quick question” they will likely ignore you or ask you to take a number. You’ll also get their full attention when it’s your turn.

Many people who have moved here like to tell their stories that everything in Portugal is wonderful. Seeing everything through rose-colored glasses. To be clear there are challenges. It’s how you respond to them that will make the biggest difference. Things happen and plans get interrupted or changed. Keep trying and learn to appreciate the differences instead of constantly wondering why it is the way it is. Or worse thinking you know the solutions to make it all so much better. You don’t, you can’t, so let it be.

Biggest Surprises About Living In Portugal

Quickly Assimilating To The Slower Pace

We made a quick adjustment to living at a slower pace and taking things as they come very easily. As I mentioned earlier, not everyone does. If you want to continue to go at a fast pace you sure can. Just don’t be surprised if the locals won’t cooperate with you on this one. Want to get out of a restaurant fast? That’s just about impossible. Here people sit, relax, take their time, and enjoy their meal. Most have dessert after a meal, coffee, and even an after-meal digestif even at lunch. The good news is you won’t be rushed out of a restaurant. There’s little concern about “turning tables.” This makes mealtime really enjoyable.

I assure you that no one here will be impressed if you are “constantly busy” with work or anything else other than enjoying your life. Having coffee or tea and something a little snack or sweet in the late afternoon most days should be a requirement for assimilating in Portugal.

Working Remotely In Portugal Is Easy

Working in Portugal feels the same as it did when we were in Chicago and Madison. The internet is speedy and reliable. We have a pretty quiet apartment (except when there’s a futbol game!). And we can work outside on either of our verandas if we want. The only downside is that the weather is so lovely on most days that staying focused and not being tempted to go out to lunch with the ladies or a walk along the sea is pretty tough. Thankfully, we plan most of our days so we start out with a walk along the water, come back to our daily tai chi (yes, it’s wonderful, we do a different video most days), have our breakfast, study Portuguese, and then get to work.

We Don’t Need Much From The U.S.

We’ve made adjustments to recipes and learned to make and try new foods. Most things we really want can be found either in the larger grocery stores or in independent stores like the Liberty Store in Lisbon and the GB Store in Cascais. The few things Americans moving to Portugal might want are easily ordered on Amazon Spain or Germany. Or course, all of us immigrants also rely on each other to bring things back whenever someone is returning to visit the U.S.A. A favorite ingredient or special sauce can be had quite easily.

Finding Yourself Again

It’s funny but moving has given me the time to get back to things I liked a lot in my younger days again. I now have the time to read more, create more, listen to more music, and be more active. We’re both still working. I’m an adjunct professor teaching communications and Diana is writing full-time and also still doing business consulting. But taking a few hours to paint, draw, or write just for fun is really relaxing and fun, too.

Somehow being in Portugal lets me organize my time better to do the things I really enjoy doing. I even watched some of the NCAA March Madness games both men and women this year. It was really fun to see some great games and talented athletes playing my favorite game. I almost forgot how much I liked it. I fell right back into the routine of loudly rooting for my favorite players and teams.

What Do We Love About Living In Portugal?

Being Here

I still remember the joy I felt when we arrived in Portugal with our 8 suitcases, two large cat carriers, and two carry-on bags. Although we were exhausted from making a cross-country road trip in the U.S. before even getting on the plane to Portugal it was such a relief. The cats were fine, we were fine, and about to start a whole new life. We only had a few days until we had our appointment at the immigration office (SEF) to get our residency cards. Talk about nerve-wracking. The photo of us on the paredão in Estoril after getting all our paperwork clearly shows our relief and joy.

Meeting People

Before we got to Portugal we started connecting with people who were already here. As I mentioned, there are a ton of Facebook groups. Some are for all of Portugal and some are more specific to the towns or areas you live in or may be interested in learning more about. Because of this, we were eating dinner out with new friends the first few days we were here. These friends introduced us to their friends and so on and so on. There are walking groups, pickleball groups, painting groups, photography groups, volunteer opportunities, book clubs, wine tastings, teas, and all kinds of activities to keep you busy.

We’ve been fortunate to make some very good friends both immigrants and Portuguese. We often serve as a family. Since ours are so far away when someone needs a hand we’re there for one another as well as to share holidays and special occasions.

One of my favorite writers and fellow immigrant in Portugal, LaDonna Whitmer, (sign up for her SubStack it’s terrific) summed it up best. She says that moving abroad is in some ways the same as when you started college. You’re in a new place, nobody knows you, and nobody cares what you did or if you were important or not. You’re starting again. This of course can bring up old (or current) insecurities that make every event seem a bit intimating. Don’t let it. We’ve met all kinds of people. Some are fully retired, some are still working, and some have kids. If you put yourself out there you will meet, as Robert Palmer sang, “every kind of people”.

The Food & Wine

This is a no-brainer. We loved the food in Portugal when we first visited and we still do. The plentiful choices of many types of seafood, pork, chicken, turkey, and of course fresh fruits and veggies make it a cook’s wonderland. Diana has tried her hand at many Portuguese dishes with much success.

Fresh citrus is also a real highlight. We had the luck to find a wonderful olive oil maker, Mario, in the Alentejo region. He also grows just about everything on his quinta (farm) as well. Eating a blood orange picked right from the tree and feeling the heat of the sun still on it is a food memory I don’t think I’ll ever forget.

The wine! What’s not to like? This country has 14 wine regions. We haven’t been to them all but as they say, they’re all on our list. Walk into any Portuguese tasca, a traditional local restaurant, and ask for the “vinho da casa” or house wine. You will not be disappointed. Many times in the U.S. ordering a house wine means that you’re getting a poor quality, cheap wine. That is simply not the case here. The proprietors are typically very proud of their house wines and with good reason. Not sure? Ask for a taste. They will happily provide one.

Travel in Europe & Portugal

One of the reasons we chose to move to Portugal was that it would make it easy for us to continue our travels throughout Europe. While COVID may have slowed down the amount of travel we’ve done so far we’ve managed to get to a few places. We went to Amsterdam with friends last fall and we went to northern Italy to check out the Christmas markets. Both trips were fantastic and very memorable. We’ll be writing more about both trips soon.

We have plans to visit Spain, Malta, Greece, and France but with the many cost-effective flights throughout Europe, who knows where we’ll go next? Plans are underway for exploring more of Portugal, too! We haven’t been to the Algarve or the Azores yet and we’re looking forward to it.

The Cultural Differences

Wait, didn’t you just say this was one of the biggest challenges? Yes! You are paying attention. We love living in this country. The slower pace, the non-existent gun culture, the people thinking of others and not just themselves. We love it. Now, we’re not wearing rose-colored glasses. We know that this country is still working on itself. We know the history and all they do to try to make up for some things their forefathers did. It’s not a perfect country but it’s one that suits us to a T.

This is Portugal. It’s not California, it’s not the United States, we’re in Europe. While there may be some geographical similarities to the California west coast, Portugal has its own culture and people. If you’re moving here to recreate what you had in the U.S. you will most likely be disappointed. If you’re moving here to enjoy the challenge of learning a new way of life you’ll fit right in.

The Cost of Living

We’re spending about 25% less on our overall cost of living here compared to living in the U.S. Now this is our experience. There are certainly ways to save even more by moving to a different part of the country and living a different lifestyle. We’ve found that our biggest savings have been in healthcare. No surprise there. We have private insurance that is affordable and use the private healthcare system which has served us very well. It’s our choice not to be an additional burden on the already struggling public healthcare system here.

More and more people are moving to Portugal. Rents have gone up considerably in the last couple of years and utilities as well. While the cost of food is still lower here we have also seen an increase since the war in Ukraine started. It’s important to realize that Portugal is not a “cheap” country. If you’re planning to move here be sure to do your research thoroughly.

What Don’t We Love About Living In Portugal?

Missing Family & Friends

I’m not sure we could ever prepare ourselves for being so far away from family and friends. COVID certainly gave us a head start. Planning Zoom calls, Facebook Lives, and staying connected on social media helps ease the change. I read an interesting article in the New York Times during their one-week Happiness Challenge. It offered many terrific ideas but the one that really inspired me suggested scheduling an 8-minute call with a friend you haven’t talked to in a while. The gist is that actually hearing a familiar voice takes you back to that friendship and the good times you had together and immediately regulates your mood. Everyone can squeeze in 8 minutes to talk to a friend, no matter how busy you are, right? I did that with several friends. It was a great experiment and one I plan on keeping up with.

Air Quality

You might be surprised to learn that the air quality is not always so great in Portugal. It’s a combination of pollution, allergies, and a fine red dust that makes its way here from the Sahara Desert. We’ve both had trouble with allergies in the springtime. An allergy pill and a box of Kleenex do the trick. When the pollen is high we keep the windows closed and sometimes even wear masks outside. It helps. When the Sahara dust comes it covers everything and you can see the difference in the skies. Thankfully, it passes and we’re back to the beautiful rich blue Portuguese skies before you know it.

Isolation

During the winter it gets quite cold and pretty rainy here. Many people stay in most of the time. I had the extra fun of getting sick several times with colds, flu, and even bronchitis. While Diana did an excellent job of taking care of me I still felt miserable and lonely. No amount of social media, episodes of The Golden Girls, Frasier, or Gossip Girl feels the same as getting together with people. I did appreciate the friends who checked in on me through social media and WhatsApp. Technology makes it easier than ever to stay in touch. And because everyone seemed to be getting sick and sharing the germs that meant staying away from large groups of people (sound familiar?). Thankfully, the sun is back, the temperatures are rising, and we’re back out and about.

We’re soon going to be heading back to the States for a quick visit with our families. Let’s face it two years is a long time to go without those hugs and in-person conversations.

Some people wanted to know where we would advise them to travel in Portugal. That, my friend, is going to take a few more posts – so stay tuned.

PIN IT FOR LATER

In Food

Stamppot Recipe

By Sue Reddel

Traditional Dutch Stamppot Recipe

If you’re looking for a hearty and flavorful meal, look no further than traditional Dutch stamppot. This classic dish consists of mashed potatoes mixed with vegetables and often meat, and it’s a favorite in Dutch households. In this post, we’ll walk you through the steps to make a delicious stamppot that will make a hearty meal for your family and friends.

Jump to Recipe

The History Of Stamppot

Stamppot has been a popular dish in the Netherlands since the 16th century. The word “stamppot” comes from the Dutch word “stampen,” which means to stamp or mash. The dish was initially made by farmers who would mix leftover vegetables and potatoes together to create a hearty and nutritious meal. The farmers would use whatever vegetables were in season, such as kale, endive, spinach, or sauerkraut.

Stamppot was also a popular dish among sailors and fishermen, who would take the meal with them on long journeys at sea. The dish was easy to make and could be stored for long periods of time without spoiling.

Over time, stamppot became a popular dish throughout the Netherlands, and it evolved into the dish we know today. Each region in the Netherlands has its own unique variation of stamppot, with different vegetables and meats used depending on the area.

Stamppot Today

Today, stamppot is still a beloved dish in Dutch cuisine and is often served during the winter months. It is a warm and comforting meal that is perfect for cold and dark evenings. Stamppot is also a popular dish during special occasions, such as Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Many Dutch families have their own unique recipe for stamppot, passed down through generations.

During our visit to Amsterdam, we had the chance to taste some authentic stamppot and we can vouch for the fact that it is both delicious and filling. Here’s our recipe for stamppot with some ideas for variations so you can experience this taste of travel in your own home.

Print Pin

Stamppot

Servings 4 people

Today,stamppot is still a beloved dish in Dutch cuisine and is often served duringthe winter months. It is a warm and comforting meal that is perfect for coldand dark evenings. Stamppot is also a popular dish during special occasions,such as Christmas and New Year's Eve.

Ingredients

2 pounds Potatoes
1 pound Kale or other green vegetables like cabbage, endive, turnip greens or spinach
1 pound Smoked sausage or bacon

1/2 cup Milk, cream, or half and half
4 tbsp Butter
Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Peel the potatoes and cut them into chunks. Boil them in a large pot of salted water until they are tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
2. While the potatoes are boiling, wash the kale or other vegetables and chop them finely.
3. In a separate pot, cook the sausage or bacon until it is browned and crispy

4. Drain the potatoes and mash them with a potato masher or fork. Add the butter and milk, cream or half-and-half and continue to mash until the potatoes are smooth and creamy.
5. Add the cooked vegetables and mix them into the potatoes.
6. Slice the sausage or bacon and add it to the potato and vegetable mixture.

7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

Serve the stamppot hot, with a pat of butter on top, if desired.

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Dutch

Keyword: Dutch Cuisine, Stamppot

Tips For Making The Best Stamppot

Make sure you don’t add too much milk or cream. You want the potatoes stiff enough to hold up to the vegetables and meat.
If you prefer, you can leave the sausage or bacon whole and place on top of the potato-vegetable mixture.

For an unusual twist, use sweet potatoes, a blend of potato and cauliflower, or a blend of potato and parsnips.
Save the drippings from the pan in which you cook the sausage or bacon, add some flour to make a roux, then add milk or broth and stir to make a nice gravy.
You can substitute braised short ribs, sliced beef roast, meatball, or other protein of your choice for the sausage or bacon.

Serve with a nice green salad and a soft roll to make your stamppot meal complete.

Versions Of Stamppot

There are just about as many versions of stamppot as there are people who make the dish. It’s so flexible and adaptable, that new variations are being made even today. Here are some of the most popular versions of stamppot in the Netherlands. Try one of these or make up your own.

Boerenkool Stamppot (Kale Stamppot):

Kale stamppot is one of the most popular versions of stamppot. It is made from mashed potatoes mixed with kale, a leafy green vegetable that is rich in vitamins and minerals. Boerenkool stamppot is often served with smoked sausage or bacon. Boerenkool stamppot is a hearty and satisfying meal even better on cold winter days.

Hutspot Stamppot (Carrot and Onion Stamppot):

Hutspot stamppot is made from mashed potatoes mixed with carrots and onions. This version of stamppot is sweet and savory and is often served with a meatball or sausage. You can leave off the meat or substitute for a meat alternative and enjoy a really delicious vegetarian meal.

Andijvie Stamppot (Endive Stamppot):

Andijvie stamppot is made from mashed potatoes mixed with endive. This version of stamppot is often served with bacon, smoked sausage, or a meatball and a side of gravy. The bitterness of the endive adds a depth of flavor balanced out by the sweetness of the potatoes, and the combination of textures makes it a favorite among Dutch people.

Zuurkool Stamppot (Sauerkraut Stamppot):

Zuurkool stamppot is made from mashed potatoes mixed with sauerkraut. This version is often served with smoked sausage or bacon. The sourness of the sauerkraut adds a tangy flavor to the dish, and it is a great way to incorporate fermented foods into your diet.

Spinazie Stamppot (Spinach Stamppot):

Spinazie stamppot is made from mashed potatoes mixed with spinach. This version of stamppot is healthy and delicious and is often served with a fried egg, meatball, or sausage. The spinach adds a fresh taste and is a great way to get your daily dose of greens.

Rookworst Stamppot (Smoked Sausage Stamppot):

This version of stamppot is a favorite among meat lovers. Rookworst stamppot is made from mashed potatoes mixed with smoked sausage and is often served with mustard. The smoked sausage adds a nice savory counterpoint to the potatoes.

Bieten Stamppot (Beetroot Stamppot):

Beetroot stamppot is a vibrant and colorful version of stamppot. It is made from mashed potatoes mixed with beets and is often served with bacon or sausage. The beets give the dish a slightly sweet and earthy taste that is both unique and delicious.

Wortel Stamppot (Carrot Stamppot):

Wortel stamppot is made from mashed potatoes mixed with carrots. This version of stamppot is slightly sweet and is often served with meatballs or sausage for meat eaters. It is a perfect meal for vegetarians who want a hearty and nutritious meal.

Prei Stamppot (Leek Stamppot):

Prei stamppot is made from mashed potatoes mixed with leeks. This version of stamppot is perfect for onion lovers who want to keep things mild. It is often served with a meatball or sausage. This version has a flavor that is both comforting and satisfying.

Hete Bliksem (Hot Lightning Stamppot):

Hete bliksem is a sweet and savory version of stamppot that is made from mashed potatoes mixed with apples and bacon. The combination of sweet apples and savory bacon gives the dish a unique and irresistible taste that is sure to please.

Top Amsterdam Restaurants Serving Stamppot

If you’re visiting Amsterdam, you’ll want to try some of the famous Dutch dishes that have been local favorites for centuries. And it’s likely that stamppot is on the top of your list. Fortunately, there are plenty of top Amsterdam restaurants serving excellent versions of it, so try one or try them all. Here are a few of our favorites from the best restaurants in Amsterdam for stamppot.

Moeders

Moeders is a popular restaurant in Amsterdam that is known for its traditional Dutch cuisine. The restaurant is decorated with pictures of mothers from all over the world, giving it a warm and homely feel. Moeders serves a delicious Stamppot dish that is made with kale and is served with smoked sausage. The Stamppot dish at Moeders is a great choice for anyone visiting Amsterdam.

De Blauwe Hollander

For an authentic Dutch dining experience and a taste of delicious stamppot in the heart of Amsterdam’s lively Jordaan neighborhood, De Blauwe Hollander is definitely worth a visit. It has been a popular spot for locals and tourists alike for over 30 years. They serve a variety of stamppot options, including the classic boerenkool stamppot, hutspot, and zuurkool stamppot. We gave several stamppot versions a try and loved the fresh and high-quality ingredients. They also offer vegetarian and gluten-free options to cater to all dietary needs. In addition to stamppot, De Blauwe Hollander serves a range of other classic Dutch dishes such as bitterballen. The restaurant’s decor is also worth mentioning. The walls are adorned with colorful murals depicting scenes of Dutch life, adding to the cozy and welcoming atmosphere.

Stamppotje

Stamppotje is the winter version of the spots where you can buy fantastic ice cream in the summer (Ijscuypje’s). Stamppots here are seriously delicious and made for take-away so you can eat them along with a scenic view. They’ve got you covered if you want something traditional with ingredients such as kale, sauerkraut, or endive. And if you’re looking for a more modern approach they also offer ingredients like wild spinach, cheese, pumpkin, and more.

Bistro Bij Ons

Bistro Bij Ons is a cozy restaurant in Amsterdam that serves traditional Dutch cuisine. Their Stamppot dish is made with sauerkraut and is served with smoked sausage or meatball and gravy. For a little more they’ll make it mom’s stewed beef. If you want to try different types, check out the Chef’s Special for dinner with three different types of stamppot in mini-pans served with bacon, sausage, mom’s stewed beef, and gravy. Bistro Bij Ons is a great place to try authentic Stamppot in a cozy atmosphere.

Enjoy Delicious Dutch Cuisine

If you’re looking to try traditional Dutch cuisine, you’ll get to the heart of it with stamppot. The dish has deep cultural roots and remains an important part of Dutch cuisine. Even so, it keeps evolving. With so many variations to choose from, there is a stamppot for every taste preference. Even when you’re not traveling, it’s easy to make a classic taste of travel right at home in your own kitchen.

We hope you like our simple stamppot recipe. And if you’re hungry for more delicious Dutch dishes check out our recipes for pannenkoeken, bitterballen, and pofferjes, too!

In Entertaining Ideas

Pumpkin Facts and Easy Pumpkin Soup Recipe

By Sue Reddel

[responsivevoice voice=”US English Female” buttonposition=”before” buttontext=”Listen to this article”]

One of our favorite fall ingredients is that noble orange squash, the versatile pumpkin. Here are some pumpkin facts and an easy soup recipe that will make you smile. Did you know that some countries, like Ireland, don’t actually eat pumpkins, they just use them for decorations or making Jack-o-Lanterns?

Pumpkins contain lots of potassium, Vitamin A, and fiber. The flesh can be used in a great variety of recipes, both savory and sweet. Even pumpkin flowers can be stuffed, baked, and served as a delicious, light dish. Recipes and uses are as varied as soufflés, pies, fritters, puddings, and, one of our favorites, pumpkin soup.

Pumpkin soup is often cream-based, but can also be made with chunks of pumpkin or in our favorite version, smooth but with a broth base. This tummy-warming pumpkin soup without cream is perfect for lunch on a cold day or as a starter that won’t weigh you down.

Easy Pumpkin Soup Recipe

Ingredients

1 medium onion, chopped
1 stick butter
3 cloves chopped fresh garlic (or to taste)
1 sugar pumpkin, cleaned, peeled, and cubed (about 6 cups)
7-8 cups chicken stock (low sodium, low fat)
1/2 teaspoon ground thyme
1/4 teaspoon ground sage
salt & pepper to taste
nutmeg & fresh Italian Parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Melt butter in a skillet on medium heat. Add the onions and cook until clear. Add the garlic and cook a minute or two until fragrant.
2. Pour butter, onions, and garlic into the slow cooker and add thyme and sage, and chicken stock.
4. Stir to be sure all ingredients are well-mixed.
5. Heat in a slow cooker on low for about 8 hours, high for about 4 hours until the pumpkin is totally soft.
6. Pour into blender small batches or use an immersion blender until all ingredients are blended smooth. Salt and pepper to taste

To serve, pour into soup bowls, sprinkle with nutmeg, and top with a sprig of fresh parsley.

NOTE: If you like a more creamy soup, you may add some heavy cream to the soup after blended or drizzle in the bowl.

If you’re looking for something to do with those pumpkin seeds…

While pumpkins are healthy and delicious, don’t forget the seeds! Pumpkin seeds contain iron, zinc, B vitamins, vitamin E, and fiber–all in one tasty, crunchy package. They’re a snack food you can actually feel good about eating!

Try this quick and easy recipe for toasted pumpkin seeds.

Spiced Oven-Toasted Pumpkin Seeds
Makes 1-2 cups of pumpkin seeds, depending on the size of your pumpkin

roasted pumpkin seeds — Roasted pumpkin seeds

Ingredients:

Pumpkin seeds from 1 fresh pumpkin
2 cups of water
2 Tablespoons Kosher salt
1-2 teaspoons olive oil or canola oil
1 teaspoon one of the following: cumin, chili powder, cayenne, or seasoned salt

1 teaspoon each of the following: Basil, oregano, parmesan cheese, and granulated garlic

You can get creative and use the spice mix that’s your family’s favorite, too.

Directions:
1. Remove pumpkin seeds from pumpkin and place it in a mesh strainer. Rinse pumpkin seeds well, removing the pulp with your fingers. Discarding pulp or use in another recipe.
2. Mix water and Kosher salt. Add cleaned pumpkin seeds and soak 2 hours to overnight.
3. Drain pumpkin seeds in a mesh strainer and spread out on a work surface to dry. Blot with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
4. Preheat oven to 375° F. Spray a cookie sheet with pan spray.
5. Transfer pumpkin seeds to a bowl. Add oil and your choice of spices. Toss to coat evenly. Spread out in an even layer on the prepared cookie sheet.
6. Bake 20-30 minutes, stirring after 10 minutes, and stirring every 5 minutes after. Bake until golden brown and crispy.
7. Transfer pumpkin sheets to a work surface to cool.

Pin It!

[/responsivevoice]

In Europe

Family Friendly Stay At The Amazing Martinhal

By Sue Reddel

We had a complimentary stay at the Martinhal Hotel & Apartments Chiado. We provide honest reviews from our own experiences.

Are you looking for a place to stay in Lisbon that is family-friendly? If so, we have the perfect place for you – the Martinhal Chiado Lisbon Hotel and Apartments. Let’s face it, figuring out where to stay in Lisbon for your family isn’t always easy. There are literally hundreds of hotels. You may find the perfect location only to discover that the property doesn’t have the amenities that your family needs.

Let us introduce you to a luxury serviced apartment hotel in Lisbon that has it all. Location, amenities, great food, and what we would call extreme family friendliness.

Best Area To Stay in Lisbon For Families

We would describe the Martinhal Hotel and Apartments as family forward. There are other hotels in Chiado Lisbon but not one as perfect for family travel as the Martinhal. Each of the rooms is a small apartment that is outfitted with everything you need during your stay. A fully equipped kitchenette has everything you need to prepare meals right in your room. Frankly, our room was better equipped than the “fully” furnished apartment we rented when we first arrived in Portugal. We got a chuckle out of that.

You’ll find a coffee maker with coffee pods and tea. There’s a washer and dryer, oven, cooktop, refrigerator, toaster, and all the plates, cups, silverware, pots, pans, and glassware you’ll need.

We arrived to find the bath stocked with wonderful toiletries and loads of towels. There were plenty of pillows, blankets, and even extras in the closet. We were there during the summer so the air conditioning was on and the room was already cool when we entered late in the afternoon. This was a real treat after spending the day walking around Lisbon.

The apartments are available in 2 bedroom deluxe, 1 bedroom deluxe, and deluxe studio apartments. We stayed in a 1 bedroom and it was spacious and had plenty of room for two adults and two or three children. There were bunk beds in the living room and a couch that could also be used for a bed.

They have all the kids’ equipment you will need so you don’t have to bring it with you. Strollers, potties, safety gates, bottle sterilizers and warmers, baby cots, and baby baths. They simply thought of everything!

Lots of Activities for Kids

One of the things we really liked about the Martinhal Chiado is that it had the feel of one of the 5-star hotels in Lisbon yet was very family friendly. Many times we get asked where a family can stay in Lisbon when they are vacationing or doing research to potentially move to Portugal. The Martinhal is definitely that place.

There aren’t kids running around all over the place either. It’s quiet and really peaceful. We were there when it was booked. We had to ask if they paid people to keep the kids quiet. They said it was always like that!

They do have plenty to keep the kids busy. The Kids Club has activities that cover kids from 6 months to early teens. It’s a secure, safe, creative, and welcoming space. There are even workshops for your kids to do some creative projects, too. The tent room was so cool that even we had to go in there just to experience it. The staff is also available to watch the kids if parents would like an afternoon or adult-only night, too.

Climbing wall at the Martinhal Kids Club

The Kids Club has its own climbing wall and plenty of activities to keep young intrepid travelers busy under the watchful eye of experienced caregivers.

Martinhal Chiado Lisbon Great Location

Located in the Chiado district of Lisbon makes this property one with easy access to many of the activities you are going to want to do. It’s just steps away from the Cais do Sodre train station which gives you access to the Linha de Cascais to take the train all the way to Cascais, the three ferries across the Tagus river, and the Metro subway trains. This makes it easy to get just about anywhere.

It’s also an easy walk to the iconic No. 28 tram line that winds through some of the most popular tourist spots in Lisbon. Grab a seat or hold on tight, watch the city go by, and see the lively neighborhoods of Alfama, Baixa, Graça, and Estrela.

Check out this quick video we took while taking the No. 28 tram through the Alfama neighborhood.

The Museu Nacional de Arte Contemporâanea is also very close by. They offer several workshops for kids, adults, and all art lovers.

Prace do Comerico Lisbon Near Martinhal — Prace do Comerico Lisbon Near the Martinhal

You’ll also be near the Praça do Comércio where many festivals are held. Restaurants and cafés are plentiful if you just want to grab a bite or a drink and let the kids run around the square.

Try Bar 1855 at the Martinhal

One of the best features of the Martinhal is its Bar 1855 Gin Garden. They worked with mixologist Peter O’Connor to create a unique and delicious cocktail list. There are many low and no alcohol drinks available, too. We had the chance to sample a few cocktails and they were really special. You can create your own gin and tonic or choose from the cocktail menu.

They also have a diverse and tasty pintxos (appetizers) menu that is set up for sharing. You can enjoy many different appetizers and the food is outstanding. We had a few the night we visited and we were so full we had to skip dinner! We’d definitely recommend a stop here whether you’re staying at the hotel or not.

A unique a fun breakfast room too — A unique fun breakfast room too

In the morning the space turns into a family-friendly breakfast lounge. Here you can relax and let your family choose from a wide variety of morning foods. From cereals, yogurt, fresh pastries, and prepared-to-order omelets and pancakes. Fresh juices and smoothies were some of our favorites. There is absolutely something for everyone.

Sign Up for The Food Travelist Newsletter & Receive 7 Tips To Eat Like A Food Writer

More Lisbon Activities

The Lisbon Time Out Market and the Mercado da Riberia are just a couple of the top tourist attractions that are easy to walk to from the Martinhal. Landau Chocolate is just a few steps down the street where you must try the “best” chocolate cake in the world to see if you agree.

There are more shops, restaurants, and museums that you’ll want to make time to see as well. The staff at the Martinhal is extremely friendly and helpful and can assist you in setting up tours, securing tickets to attractions, and even making restaurant reservations, too.

They Have It All at Martinhal

If you are looking at 5-star hotels in Lisbon that will make your family feel very special and meet all your needs be sure to check out the Martinhal Chiado Lisbon.

For those planning in other areas in Portugal try the Martinhal properties in Cascais or Algarve, you can stay at the Martinhal Cascais or one of their two locations in the Algarve. Their other locations are sure to be just right for any family looking to feel comfortable and pampered on their next trip.

Check out their website for rates, availability, and more details for all their locations.

Pin It For Later

In Better Living

A Book Launch: 101 Tips For Moving To Portugal: And Once You Arrive

By Sue Reddel

The cat is finally out of the bag! We’re launching a book. Our e-book 101 Tips For Moving To Portugal: And Once You Arrive is officially published and ready for the world.

We are beyond thrilled to make our e-book available on Amazon.com (and the other Amazons around the world).

Official Book Launch

When we reached our one-year anniversary of living in Portugal we knew we had to compile all of our knowledge about how we moved to Portugal to help others who are looking to do the same. Over the last several weeks we’ve received many, many texts, calls, messages, and emails from many, many people who have expressed interest in moving abroad and wanting to learn just how they can do it.

A lot of people have told us that we have inspired them to consider moving abroad. Some people are looking for safer places in the world to live and raise their families, and some have dreamed of living in Europe all their lives. Whatever the reasons – we’d like to help. The tips in this e-book are designed to make you really think about why you’re considering a move in the first place and then create a list of things you’ll need to do once you’ve made this life-changing decision.

We’ve Done It And You Can Too

Long-time readers know that we are beyond happy that we made the choice to move to Portugal. At the same time, we understand that it is a complicated and immense decision to make. It’s one that should be considered and pondered in depth. You will find that we say over and over again in the book, and in all our articles, that you MUST do your own research. No book, Facebook group, or even best friend can make the decision to move for you. Not to mention all the other decisions that come along after that big decision is made.

We don’t have all the answers but we do have the experience of successfully moving here (during the pandemic) and living in Portugal for over a year. We’ve worked through the bureaucracy of becoming residents, exchanging driver’s licenses (it’s a process!), getting healthcare, shopping, and setting up a new household with our two cats in Portugal.

Here are just some of the topics we cover in the book are:

Deciding To Move To Portugal

How To Get Started
Where To Live
How To Get Rid of Your “Stuff”

Taking Your Pets
Banking and Finances
Getting Adjusted

These are a few of the areas that we’ve gone through ourselves and explain in tips designed to make it easier for those who follow us. We are sharing our first-hand experiences, the good and the bad in our just-released ebook.

Can A U.S. Citizen Move to Portugal?

The short answer is, it depends. You’ll need to investigate what path is right for you. There are many different types of visas and application processes to consider. The rules of the road change frequently on visa availability and what you need to qualify.

Many people do the entire immigration process themselves and some hire firms to help expedite the process. In the end, it’s up to you. Our ebook will provide our first-hand experiences on what it’s like to go through the process and what it’s like once you get here and set up your own home.

Can I Just Move to Portugal?

It seems that every day there’s another article in a major newspaper talking about the “droves” of Americans moving to Portugal. While there are Americans here and more and more are considering moving abroad, we’re here to tell you there are not as many American immigrants as there are Brazilians or folks from the UK.

We tell people that the very first thing they need to do when considering a move to Portugal is – VISIT! Sure, there are some people who are so anxious to move abroad that they arrive for the first time never having set foot on Portuguese soil. They have rented a place and sometimes even purchased one only seeing it through the lens of a remote real estate agent. This may in fact work for some people but for us, we needed several trips here to discover the differences between the regions, the weather, and the landscapes. We needed to see it, smell it, taste it, and feel it ourselves before making the decision to move.

In our ebook, we’ll walk you through what we did and provide practical tips to make your process an even better one. We want you to learn from our mistakes and not make them yourselves.

Is Portugal Safe?

Portugal is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in the world. We are part of the LGBTQ+ community. We spend a lot of time researching places we visit and, of course, places we considered living to be sure we would be welcome, safe, and comfortable. In Portugal, we have found a diverse community that accepts us for who we are. We don’t typically walk around waving a pride flag every day (unless it’s Pride month) but we aren’t shy to introduce each other as spouses (esposas). This means a lot to us.

We know that no place is perfect. But we walk around in our community of Cascais and Estoril at all hours and feel very safe. We’ve even been in Lisbon after midnight and never felt afraid or threatened. I can’t say the same about walking the streets in Chicago at night years ago. The big difference in Portugal is that there is no gun culture here. People who own guns here are in law enforcement or hunters. There is a rigorous application process for getting and keeping a gun. You rarely hear of a gun incident in Portugal.

That’s not to say that there isn’t crime here. Watch your handbags and wallets in the larger cities. Pick pockets are notorious, but aren’t they in other major cities in the world, too? There are criminals and bad people too, but they are definitely a small minority. My 50+ years of living in Chicago taught me my street smarts and I still look around cautiously and defensively. I guess that is just me. When someone leaves all their stuff out at a cafe or restaurant to run to the restroom, I’m looking around for them and keeping a safe eye out on their behalf. Yes, people will leave their purses, backpacks, and even laptops out on the table unattended. No one grabs anything. That takes some getting used to but it’s a good thing.

Let Us Help You

When you purchase our e-book you’ll get our hard-earned advice. We’ll answer many of the questions that are swirling around in your mind and possibly overwhelming you. The book also includes a terrific resource section full of folks and services we have used and would recommend.

If you are thinking about moving to Portugal (or any other country) we hope you’ll buy our book. If you like it and it helps you, please leave a review so others can benefit from it too.

This book launch is just the beginning of our journey. We will keep learning and sharing more about living abroad so stay tuned for more information, events, and tools we will be developing and sharing.

Pin It For Later!

In Europe

Life in Portugal

By Sue Reddel

More people than ever are asking us about life in Portugal. The recent decision by the United States Supreme Court has made people who were casually thinking of retiring in Portugal consider moving up that decision. Our long-time readers know that we moved to Portugal in April of 2021. We’ve lived in two different apartments in the Cascais/Estoril region and we really like it here.

We’ve also provided non-sugar-coated updates on our lives in Portugal over the last year. The ups and the downs. Spoiler alert: there are a lot more ups than downs!

To make it easier to find all the information we’ve written on moving to Portugal this one post will contain links to all our Portuguese posts even the ones written before we moved. We also write for Travel Awaits and have a lot of content there on Portugal as well. I think it’s safe to say that we’re their Portugal “experts.”

While you are considering moving to Portugal from the U.S.A. we thought we’d give you a few of our thoughts on what to keep in mind as you go through the process. Grab a cup of tea or a glass of wine, get comfortable, start reading, take notes, and enjoy!

Is Portugal A Good Place To Live?

We happen to think that it is but like everything in life your experience may differ. If you have an open mind and are flexible and patient you can make a home for yourself in Portugal. Here the obvious attractions are good weather, friendly people, safe communities, a beautiful country with endless historical sites and of course delicious food and wine. As with any big life decision, deciding on a life in Portugal should be well-researched and done with care. Come for a long visit and experience what it might be like for you,

Best Places To Live In Portugal

The different regions in Portugal and the varying climates in each area make it possible to find a place that may be right for you. Whether you like the warmer weather you find in the south in Algarve or a more temperate climate along the Lisbon coastline or cooler weather up north in Porto and beyond.

We settled on Cascais as our home base when we first moved to Portugal. We were given the advice that it would be easy to get in and out of Lisbon for administrative meetings we would need to make (it was, and is). Many people speak English in this area which is great when you first move but not so great when you want to actually learn to speak more Portuguese. The Portuguese are very hospitable and will go out of their way to make you feel welcome and at home. Once they hear your native tongue most will speak to you in English.

Another thing to mention is that as a same-sex couple we have been welcomed with open arms in Portugal. I never hesitate to introduce Diana as my wife. While no place on Earth is perfect we truly feel like Portugal is home to us.

What Is Life In Portugal Like?

I’ll answer that question with the frustrating response – that depends. But it truly does. If you’re coming to retire in Portugal then you’ll fit in with the many other American Expats in Portugal who spend their days going for walks along the beach, exploring new places, meeting new people, and simply enjoying life in a new place.

People like us are still working, although admittedly not as much as we used to. We have a terrific Internet connection (basically the same as we had in the states). We have home offices and spend part of the day working and the rest going for walks, taking the train to discover new places, and playing with our cats, whom we also brought to Portugal.

We’ve met lots of other Americans but also made friends with a few Portuguese and other immigrants from the UK, France, and Ukraine.

For us living in Portugal as an American has been a pretty smooth transition. You can read all about our discoveries over the year-plus in the articles below.

Moving To Portugal was our very first post when we told everyone that we were moving.

Life in Portugal: The First 30 Days we walk you through what our first month in Portugal was like.

Moving To Portugal – 3 Months Later time flies here in Portugal. Check out our first three months.

Moving to Portugal – 6 Months Later half a year in Portugal. We’re really starting to settle in.

What’s It Like To Live In Portugal For 9 Months – 9 months and two apartments later we feel at home.

15 Lessons We Learned Living As A Resident in Portugal For A Year – the story of our one-year anniversary in Portugal.

What Are The Cons Of Living In Portugal?

There are plenty of articles written about how wonderful Portugal is and why you should move here. However, there are some things to be aware of before you consider the move.

If you are impatient, inflexible, and don’t like change, then moving to another country, Portugal or any other, will be difficult. You need to keep an open mind realizing that you are now part of another culture and must try to assimilate the best you can.

Some of the Bad Things About Living In Portugal

Here in Portugal, in fact, living in Europe, things move slower. Imagine slow and then slow it down again. That’s Portugal. Things like getting an appointment at the SEF office (immigration) or IMT (driver’s license office) can be beyond frustrating. We’re here a year and still don’t have our driver’s licenses. Fingers crossed we will get them soon.

Many times you need to wait in lines with no information on how long you will be there. One tip – be sure to take a number, often people don’t know you need one and stand around waiting only to realize they are not really in line yet.

There is simply nothing you can do to make most anything move faster. Getting mad and raising your voice will only make matters worse. Best to take a breath and remember that you are in this beautiful country and this small annoyance will be over eventually.

Being an expat in Portugal means that you may not have access to all the things you did in the U.S. You really need to think about what you’ll miss and what you’re willing to live without. For us, this was a non-issue.

Pro Tip: if you need help with logistics contact Expat Solutions by Professionals we have worked with them and have found them extremely helpful and reliable.

Learning the Portuguese Language is Tough

We are still learning Portuguese. It’s not a particularly easy language to learn and as I mentioned before many Portuguese do speak English. However, you still should learn it. It will make going to appointments, stores, and meeting new people a lot easier.

Check out our article on how we’re learning Portuguese.

Learning The Portuguese Language discover what tools we have found helpful.

Pro Tip: There are many, many Facebook Groups for expats, immigrants, and others thinking about moving to Portugal. One of the best we know and have used extensively before we moved was Americans and FriendsPT. Run by our dear friend Susan Korthase this group has many resources that can help and you instantly join a community of mostly like-minded people. But as we always say – read everything (read the files) and then do your own research.

Is It Expensive To Live in Portugal?

Many people first consider moving to Portugal because they have heard that it’s “cheap.” Let us tell you Portugal may present a more cost-effective lifestyle than the one you have in the United States. However, in many aspects, it may not. Contrary to the many recent articles about the “droves” of Americans moving to Portugal claiming that living here will be cheap and perfect, we’re here to tell you it is not.

Sure you can save money on some daily living expenses here but costs of housing, utilities, and owning a car are not among them. You will find these categories of expenses in some cases more than you are currently paying. We have said this a zillion times but it bears repeating – you MUST do your own research. Do not rely on Facebook groups in making all your decisions. There are plenty of groups and more than enough people waiting to weigh in both positively and negatively. Read it all and then start analyzing and really digging into what it means for you to move and what will be best for YOU.

A couple of areas you can save money are food and healthcare. Delicious food and wine are more reasonable and plentiful here in Portugal. Even a meal out at most Portuguese restaurants is very affordable especially if you order the “Prato do Dia” or dish of the day. These can range anywhere from 6 to 10 euros and typically include a starter, entree, and drink, sometimes even a dessert.

Wine is delicious and varied here with so many different wine-growing regions. It’s difficult to find a bad one. Wine in the grocery or liquor stores is a real bargain starting at 2 euros a bottle. We’ve had great fun trying wines that are on sale and have found some real winners at the Pingo Doce grocery store right across the street from us.

Healthcare is another space that is a money saver. We have private insurance and pay half of what we did in the United States. There are many plans available. Again, do the research on what works best for you and your family. Most Americans living in Portugal will find significant savings on healthcare.

Shopping is of interest to many people moving to Portugal. We provide some insights about that too. Check out more details about shopping in Portugal through the link below.

Expat Shopping 9 Tips for Shopping it takes some extra navigating to fill a new home in Portugal.

We Even Wrote A Book

Yep, for even more insights check out our ebook 101 Tips For Moving to Portugal (And Once You Arrive). We think you’ll find it informative, easy to read, and helpful even if you’re not sure if you want to move or not.

In our book, you’ll get tips on these important topics:

Deciding To Move
Getting Started

Where To Live
Taking Your Pets
Banking and Finance

Transportation
Getting Adjusted

The ebook is on Amazon Kindle but whether you have a Kindle or not you can download their free eReader and use it on any device you own.

Still Unsure?

We totally get that. Making the move abroad is a MAJOR life decision. We’ve made a couple of really big decisions in our lives and used a system for figuring out how to decide what to do. We’re sharing how to do just that in our book, What Should I Do Now? It’s a 14-day program in an easy workbook that takes you through our process step-by-step. You can read our article about it below.

How To Change Your Life only you can make the decisions to change your life, but we can help you do it.

You can also listen to interviews we’ve done on several podcasts in the links below. You can hear our honest, heartfelt words straight from our mouths.

Our Interview on Nomadic Foodist Podcast

Interview with Sandi McKenna on Unforgettable Conversations

Interview with Kathy Beihl on Celestial Compass

We hope that our thoughts and experiences help you if you’re thinking about a potential move to Portugal. If you have any questions, let us know in the comments below.

Pin It For Later!

In Food

Best Restaurants in St. Petersburg FL

By Sue Reddel

Updated January 2024

When you think Florida you probably think of sunny beach-filled days. And you wouldn’t be wrong. Our last visit was filled with meetings but we did still get out to enjoy the sun, water, and, of course, the food.

It had been a while since our last visit and we couldn’t believe how much St. Pete had changed! It was always a great place to visit on the quieter side of Florida but the recent improvements made us wonder why we waited so long to return.

Best Restaurants in St. Petersburg FL

One of the things that has really grown is the St. Pete food scene. Although we were just there for a quick visit we were able to check out many new spots and a few old favorites. Here’s our list of places you should be sure to check out.

Seafood Is Still King in St. Petersburg

One of my favorite fish to eat in Florida is grouper. I wasted no time and my first meal was a lovely grouper sandwich at 400 Beach Seafood & Tap House. just one of the fabulous St. Pete restaurants. Grilled to perfection, it was just what I needed to get me in the Floridian spirit. The restaurant is located right on the main downtown strip of Beach Drive NE and steps from the Vinoy Renaissance Resort & Golf Club.

Their menu is loaded with plenty of seafood options including an oyster bar, salads, sandwiches, and fish tacos. They also have tasty steaks, chops, and chicken options as well. We had the joy of sharing lunch that day with our friend Sandi McKenna from MidLife Road Trip. She opted for the Seafood Louis Salad and it looked marvelous!

Seafood salad 400 Beach Seafood and Tap House

While we’re on the topic of grouper, we had the chance to visit one of my old favorite spots Harvey’s Fourth Street Grill. Thankfully, it was just as I remembered it. One of the fun things about this place is that a lot of the decorations in the restaurant have come from many of the historic St. Pete hotels. The Vinoy, Soreno, and Albermarle provided just a few upcycled pieces that you’ll see.

What Food Is St. Petersburg, FL Known For?

One of the things to keep in mind when ordering grouper is always to ask if it’s fresh and local. Unfortunately, there was a bit of a problem a few years back and many restaurants were saying they were serving “grouper” and they weren’t. Rest assured Harvey’s and every place we recommend will have the real deal.

This old-school fish platter served with your choice of potato or salad and hot garlic bread made me smile from ear to ear.

Grilled grouper at the Fourth Street Grill in St. Petersburg Florida — Grilled grouper at Harvey’s Fourth Street Grill in St. Petersburg Florida

Diana loved the giant shrimp dinner with tasty jumbo shrimp. There’s plenty of other seafood to choose from too. Just be sure to save room for their delicious Key Lime Pie.

Fried shrimp at Fourth Street Grill in St. Petersburg Florida

With all these great spots to eat it’s a really good idea to check out the Coast rental bikes. Conveniently located around the city these bad boys will be sure you work off just a few calories before your next eating stop.

Coast Rental Bikes in St. Petersburg Florida

It’s also a great way to see the over 45 street art and murals that have become such a beautiful part of St. Petersburg.

Back to eating. Everywhere we visit we have to try at least one cheeseburger and downtown St. Pete restaurants are no exception. We dropped by Stillwaters Tavern to check out their menu and cocktail list.

Burgers And More

One of their delicious burgers features a hand-formed short rib, chuck, and brisket patty topped with sharp cheddar (my favorite), Thousand Island dressing, and caramelized onions on the softer-than-soft brioche bun was perfect.

Short Rib Burger at Stillwaters Tavern in St. Petersburg Florida

The fried chicken salad with buttermilk fried chicken, baby lettuce, romaine, sorghum pecans, blue cheese, apples, and celery, and green goddess dressing was another delicious find.

Fried chicken salad at Stillwaters Tavern in St. Petersburg Florida

Another bright spot at Stillwaters, as a tea drinker, I adore iced tea. I especially love a spot that serves it with simple syrup or in this case two types of simple syrup. I’m in love!!

Ice Tea with simple syrup at Stillwaters Tavern St. Petersburg Florida

Are There Ever Enough Burgers?

Another great choice with tasty burgers just down the street from Stillwaters is the award-winning Park Shore Grill. One look at this juicy Mozzarella burger will have you drooling for a taste. It’s made with fresh burrata, arugula, sun-dried tomato (loved the little kick these gave the burger), and balsamic caramelized onions. The beef is Niman Ranch all-natural, hormone and antibiotic-free. Be sure to check out their Parkshore Picnic lunch special, including your choice of small Caesar or Parkshore salad, entree, and mini dessert for only $18.00. All this while overlooking the beautiful St. Pete waterfront. They’re open for lunch and dinner.

Park Shore Grill St. Petersburg Florida Burrata Burger

Another old stomping ground for me was The Chattaway. A bit on the outskirts of the main strip this charmer is one of the restaurants in St Pete that is a must-visit. They have a beautifully unique outdoor tropical garden to sit in and enjoy yourself. Their bathtub gardens are legendary. In St. Pete since 1951, this is a place that locals love.

Bathtub gardening at the chattaway in St. Petersburg Florida — Bathtub gardening at the Chattaway in St. Petersburg Florida

The Chattaway is known for its char-broiled burger that’s delicious and the relaxing laid back atmosphere. You may be surprised to find a room inside set up for “high tea.” If you’re looking for that lovely experience be sure to make a reservation.

Cocktails and Snacks

If you like cocktails, tasty bites and a terrific view of Tampa Bay check out The Canopy Rooftop Lounge atop The Birchwood. Here you can score private cabanas and comfortable seating.

Whether you visit to watch a magnificent sunset or stay for the party crowd that comes alive at night you will have a good time. Lots of pretty bites to eat at a place that is one to see and be seen. It’s a unique choice among the restaurants in St. Petersburg FL.

Fresh seafood appetizers at The Canopy in St. Petersburg Florida

Another iconic spot is the Don CeSar Hotel on St. Pete Beach. Locals and visitors call this landmark “the pink palace.” Around since the 1920s, it’s been a romantic and remarkable place to stay or grab a meal and a drink for many years. It’s one of the best restaurants in St. Petersburg FL.

Don Caesar Resort St. Petersburg Florida — Don CeSar Resort St. Petersburg Florida

The bar on the beach at Don CeSar is one of my favorite places to grab a cocktail and unwind. It simply doesn’t get much better than a visit to “The Don.”

Cocktails at the Don Caesar in St. Petersburg Florida — Cocktails at the Don CeSar in St. Petersburg Florida

Unexpected Food Truck

During our visit, we stayed at a terrific Airbnb about a ten-minute walk from the downtown strip. One evening while we were wandering back to the house we smelled something wonderful. On a nearby side street, we spied a food truck. Our noses told us that we had to investigate.

Food Truck in St. Petersburg Florida Kickin Caribbean

What we discovered was Kickin Caribbean. We were so glad we stopped. They were preparing food for a birthday party happening in a neighboring backyard. Although we had just eaten, the owner insisted we not only have a taste but that we take some food home. Jerk chicken, mac and cheese bites, and more were piled into a container and we had a little Caribbean picnic with our Airbnb hosts. Although the hosts gave us a great rating (we gave them once too), they said we brought too much food into the house and laughingly joked we wouldn’t be welcomed back.

Kickin Carribbean Food Truck in St. Petersburg Florida — Kickin Caribbean Food Truck in St. Petersburg Florida

Drink With The Dogs

If you’re animal lovers like us you will adore The Dog Bar. As the name suggests this bar welcomes owners to bring along their canine friends. The second location in St. Pete is modeled off their location in Charlotte, NC. All dogs and their owners must complete a membership form and show proof of vaccinations from a vet. They also require parvo/distemper as well. All dogs must be neutered, over one year of age, and well-behaved.

Dogs of all types and sizes were wandering around enjoying themselves as their owners sipped cocktails and beers and socialized with other dog-loving people. There’s a separate area for the dogs “on-leash” and “off-leash” and an indoor area for people games like ping pong, corn hole, and more. So if you just want to watch the dogs that’s ok too. We spent some time mingling among the pooches and it was great fun. They also have a really wide variety of local craft beers too!

These are some of the food adventures we discovered in our short journey there this summer. We know this is just the beginning and that there’s much, much more to eat, drink, and do in sunny St. Petersburg.

Is St. Petersburg Florida Worth Visiting?

St. Pete’s restaurants and food scene is fabulous but while you’re there don’t miss the pristine beaches, world-class museums, and a vibrant community that heartily welcomes everyone, including the LGBT community.

If you have other favorite food spots in St. Pete please let us know in the comments below. If you want to learn more about restaurants in St. Petersburg FL check out their website at visitstpeteclearwater.com.

Special thanks to Visit St. Pete/Clearwater for all their help during our visit. Several of the restaurants mentioned in this post hosted us during our visit. As always, all opinions are our own and reflect our experiences.

Pin This Post For Handy Reference For Your Next Visit to St. Petersburg, Florida

Sue & Diana

Welcome to Food Travelist! We are Sue Reddel and Diana Laskaris. We travel the world to find unique spots away from the crowds. From Michelin-starred restaurants to tasty street food on a stick. We hope to bring the world just a bit closer together as we share a meal and learn about different cultures through food and drink.

Learn More
Sign up for our newsletter

Enter your email address below to subscribe to my newsletter
Categories
- Blog (28)
- Food (165)
  - Entertaining Ideas (12)
    - Holidays (8)
    - Parties (3)
  - Food Stories (62)
  - Recipes (93)
    - Appetizers (12)
    - Breakfast (10)
    - Desserts (16)
    - Drinks (6)
    - Main Dishes (34)
    - Mediterranean (8)
    - Side Dishes (24)
    - Vegetarian (12)
- Portugal (30)
  - Learn About Portugal (21)
  - Living In Portugal (21)
  - Moving To Portugal (13)
- Travel (217)
  - Americas (87)
    - Central America (1)
    - North America (84)
      - Canada (4)
      - Mexico (3)
      - United States (71)
    - South America (1)
  - Asia (9)
  - Caribbean (7)
  - Europe (74)
    - Austria (1)
    - Belgium (2)
    - England (6)
    - France (12)
    - Germany (7)
    - Greece (4)
    - Italy (1)
    - Portugal (28)
    - Spain (1)
    - The Netherlands (4)
  - Middle East (1)
  - Travel Tips (49)
- We Recommend (25)
  - Better Living (14)
  - Doing Good, Giving Back (2)
  - Things We Love (13)

Sue Reddel

Culinary Day Trips From Lisbon

2 – Setúbal By The Sea

3 – The Palaces of Sintra

4 – Fishing Village of Nazaré

5 – Beach Break at Praia Grande

6 – Walled City of Óbidos

7 – The Ultimate Beach Town Cascais

What makes Lisbon day trips appealing to any traveler?

Pro Tips:

Visitors Love Venice

Venice Hotel Prices In Summer

Drumroll please for this Hidden Gem in Italy

Hotel Palazzo Paruta & Wellness Suites Venezia

Best Area To Stay In Venice

A Warm Welcome

Gorgeous Gardens and Venetian Decor

The Rooms And Accommodations

Food And Drinks

Palazzo Paruta Bar

Homemade Breakfast

Porter and Water Taxi Service

5 Top Travel Tips for 2023

1. Be Flexible When Traveling

2. Take Advantage of Travel Deals and Loyalty Points

3. Book Early or Book Late

4. Consider the Quality of Your Time Traveling

5. Do Your Research

Have Fun!

Here we go!

Biggest Challenges Moving To Portugal

Bureaucracy Abounds

Desculpe, o que você disse?

The Cultural Differences

Biggest Surprises About Living In Portugal

Quickly Assimilating To The Slower Pace

Working Remotely In Portugal Is Easy

We Don’t Need Much From The U.S.

Finding Yourself Again

What Do We Love About Living In Portugal?

Being Here

Meeting People

The Food & Wine

Travel in Europe & Portugal

The Cultural Differences

The Cost of Living

What Don’t We Love About Living In Portugal?

Missing Family & Friends

Air Quality

Isolation

Traditional Dutch Stamppot Recipe

The History Of Stamppot

Stamppot Today

Stamppot

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Tips For Making The Best Stamppot

Versions Of Stamppot

Boerenkool Stamppot (Kale Stamppot):

Hutspot Stamppot (Carrot and Onion Stamppot):

Andijvie Stamppot (Endive Stamppot):

Zuurkool Stamppot (Sauerkraut Stamppot):

Spinazie Stamppot (Spinach Stamppot):

Rookworst Stamppot (Smoked Sausage Stamppot):

Bieten Stamppot (Beetroot Stamppot):

Wortel Stamppot (Carrot Stamppot):

Prei Stamppot (Leek Stamppot):

Hete Bliksem (Hot Lightning Stamppot):

Top Amsterdam Restaurants Serving Stamppot

Moeders

De Blauwe Hollander

Stamppotje

Bistro Bij Ons

Enjoy Delicious Dutch Cuisine

Easy Pumpkin Soup Recipe

Ingredients

Directions

If you’re looking for something to do with those pumpkin seeds…

Spiced Oven-Toasted Pumpkin Seeds Makes 1-2 cups of pumpkin seeds, depending on the size of your pumpkin

Spiced Oven-Toasted Pumpkin Seeds
Makes 1-2 cups of pumpkin seeds, depending on the size of your pumpkin