Mamie Moves to Portugal

Meandering Notes About New Adventures in Porto, Portugal

Bolhao Market

The famous Bolhão Market is an open-air market that covers an entire city block. It’s an easy 5-minute walk from my apartment. Over 100 years old, it just reopened in September after a complete renovation. More than 600,000 visitors strolled through in September alone.

I go here several times a week for the outstanding fresh fruit, vegetables, and amazing empanadas. The images below tell the story better than I can.

I could eat the pork and chestnut empanada every day.
This wonderful family has a wine stall where they provide excellent advice on Portuguese wines. No surprise, I’m getting to know them well. Wine is also sold by the glass in the market. It’s a great place to get a tasty lunch or snack, along with a glass of wine or fresh juices.
Fresh fish, of course. When you walk by the fish stalls, it doesn’t smell “fishy”. It smells like just-caught fish.
I’m looking forward to cooking some of the wonderful meats, whether pork, beef, or chicken.
Real people, selling real food.
Image from Bolhao Mercato website.
Mushrooms, I can’t wait to cook with these!
The market has a number of educational and special events, including Mercado “In the morning begins the day”, a project to promote healthy eating among the school public. 

November Update

I arrived back in the United States last week, and I’m staying with my wonderful brother and sister-in-law in St. Louis while I follow the necessary steps to acquire my long-term visa, called the D7 visa. Many of you have asked about this, so I’ll follow up with an explanation of the process soon.

For Portuguese natives and experts, please forgive any inaccuracies in history or facts in these blogs. I am a beginner, with optimism that as I learn, I’ll improve.

Mamie Patton

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2 responses to “Bolhao Market”

  1. Dawn L Milchuck Avatar
    Dawn L Milchuck

    Mamie I am behind reviewing your site..this market is just awe inspiring..such an abundance of wonderful, freshness. Wow.
    I hope you are no worse for the wear from all the Visa trials. Look forward to more posts in the new year..So glad you were able to be with your family. Here is to more Mamie adventures.

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    1. Mamie Patton Avatar
      Mamie Patton

      Thanks Dawn! Hoping 2023 has good adventures for all of us!

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