A distinctive and traditional grocery store in the center of Porto, and among its vast offer, the canned food and preserves, teas, cookies, jams, spices, olive oils, dehydrated products, and chocolates stand out. This has been the reality of Pretinho do Japão, founded in 1957 and renovated in 2016. While the coffee is being ground and the cod is being cut, stories are being told. He received us with its arms wide open, and shared with us a few details of the store. This selection is different from the usual but promises to be a mixture of flavors and a unique tasting.ĭiogo Gonçalves is the Manager of Pretinho do Japão. Barros Port wines (a celebration of Portuguese talent, with character and uniqueness), of special dates, are the choice of the Portuguese for Christmas Eve, especially some vintages, are unique and special.Īmidst customers and laughter, Bernardete advised the chili puff pastry with walnuts with Tawny red Port Wine as a choice for Christmas Eve. The wine offer is large in the establishment however, tourists buy mostly Port wine. Douro red wine as the special drink of the night. On the Christmas table, cod, French toasts, Aletria, Bolo-Rei (king cake), Pão-de-ló (sponge cake), hallacas. The smell of cinnamon and candied fruit mark her Christmas, which, as in everything in her life, is divided between the two countries. Bolo-rei (fruit cake), pão-de-ló (sponge cake), and now, many other traditional Venezuelan sweets. However, people still seek the Confeitaria do Bolhão at Christmas for what is its strong and traditional points. “They find old friends, sweets from home, smells that remind them of their childhood, this is what Christmas is all about”, she said.īecause of the Venezuelan origins that are rooted in the confectionery for 22 years, the offer has grown a lot. It is a place of gathering at Christmas and where customers are reunited with their origins. “They already come with an idea of the wine they want to buy”, he concluded.īernardete Matos is Venezuelan, and the Coffee shop represents both nationalities. “However, in the last few years the clients have been increasing their wine knowledge”. They buy wines to harmonize with the meal and many times “they buy the wines we suggest”, he admitted between chuckles. And of course Dão red (normally bought to be enjoyed with the main courses). But also Muralhas of Monção, a Vinho Verde Branco (very balanced, and ideal to accompany the meal). “People seek the establishment for its vast offer of dried fruits, codfish, canned foods, and wine,” he confessed.Ĭustomers usually buy Porto Ferreira (to accompany desserts, an authentic wine with strong roots). Among household smells and sweets, “cinnamon, sweets, and dried fruits” are the smells that most mark his festive season.Īntónio knows the business better than anyone, and it’s Christmas that sets the pace of the grocery store. French toast and Dão Red, the wine “that signs his Christmas”, his favorite, he confessed that he never exchanges it.
On his Christmas, he can’t miss the traditional codfish, bolo-rei (king cake), Aletria. Among the cod, smoked fish, dried fruit, local wine, and canned foods, António Reis, the owner, makes us feel home. With a historic facade, the Pérola do Bolhão, founded in 1914, is part of the Christmas of the Portuguese and is where the local tradition begins. The Christmas bustle and shopping starts at the beginning of November, Porto is dressed in lights and Christmas decorations. His shop is a landmark in the city’s traditional commerce, especially in the commercialization of ground coffee and dried codfish.
And Diogo Gonçalves, manager of Pretinho do Japão, a grocery store with more than 70 years of history. Bernardete Matos, in representation of Confeitaria do Bolhão, a 121-year-old pastry shop, now counting with a Spanish accent. António Reis, owner of Pérola do Bolhão, a traditional grocery store in the city center that has accompanied the people of Porto for 104 years. They gave us their vision about Christmas traditions and wines that mark the season. To give the best advices to make the ideal choice of wine, tradition and pairing this Christmas, we interviewed three major landmarks of Porto. But the best option is to harmonize wine and food, to fully respect the identity of each food. With the gathering of family and friends, there is a greater possibility of choosing wines of various styles and regions.
Wine suggester full#
The richness of aromas, a table full of typical dishes, seasonal ingredients… These are the characteristics that come to mind when we think of the Christmas season.
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