Porto: Stories from Portugal’s Historic Bolhão Market

I have this book proudly displayed on my coffee table. The pictures, stories, and recipes are wonderful. The author does a great job a capturing the authentic essence of the market and Portuguese culture and traditions ! Don’t hesitate just buy it !

Not a cookbook. Not a travel guide. Not a memoir. Each of these, but also a love letter from the authors to the people and culture of Porto.This was a purchase on my wife's Amazon account, and this is an unsolicited review.I first met Gabriella Opaz one rainy morning on the way to a Port Lodge in Vila Nova de Gaia. Ryan Opaz was driving the car and she suddenly appeared to help with the parking. While I do not know Gabriella's co-author Sonia Addresson Nolasco, Gabriella and Ryan are treasures. As soon as I heard that there was a book in the offing I preordered it right then and there in the car. If you even know Gabriella and Ryan a little, you want to be a part of their world.My wife and I discovered the Bolhao market on a walking tour in May of 2018. The original space was closed for a massive renovation but our walking guide took us to the temporary relocated space for the market. The first impression upon walking through the door are large banners with each family's name and photo. These families have sold in the market for generations, with each generation suffering more and more from the terrible condition of the market which the government promised to rectify but never did, until recently. The market ladies wear layers of clothing to keep warm in the winter. They try to stay on as one generation ends and another wishes to take over, but are often denied. Still, the market is their way of life and their home.This book is a story about the people of the Bolaho market, their lives, their food, and their struggles, but mostly it's about the spirit of the families who make this market their home. Yes, there is a lot of information about the food in the market, and some great recipes. But what shines through the pages is the culture of Portugal and the love that its people shower on everyone including complete strangers.Oh, yes, buy the actual book in hardback. Ryan's photos are amazing, the book is easy to read, the writing is inspired, and it will tug at your heartstrings. You will want to read it like a novel.If you have never been to Portugal, make sure you go and make sure you visit Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia, and the Bolhao Market. Meanwhile, visit Catavino.net and get to know Gabriella and Ryan Opaz.

Tenderly written, this book celebrates the hearts and souls of the people behind Porto’s emblematic Bolhão market. Whether you have visited Portugal or not, it is a delightful read for anyone who appreciates food and culture, and the soulful stories of the people who – with equal parts nostalgia and optimism – create, cultivate and carry it forward. The authors of this book invite you on a behind-the-scenes cultural tour of Northern Portugal, where the farmers, vendors, fishwives, butchers, and artisanal bakers of Bolhão market have set a place at their family table just for you. With their easy Portuguese charm and hospitality, they welcome you warmly and share their family stories, their memories, and the wisdom they have acquired in the Bolhão market. While you delight in the fruits of their labor, from their stories of grit and grace, and of persistence and resilience, it becomes apparent that their hard work and craft traditions are expressions of their love for family, neighbors, and a community deeply rooted and interwoven into Portuguese culture. Their humble pride, sense of humor, and future hopes for their beloved Bolhão makes the food and drink they offer to us even more delectable.

Being Portuguese, I must say that this book brings such a sense of nostalgia and longing for my dear Portugal. The authors have a beautiful way of writing that beautifies this important part of Portugal’s gastronomic culture. The Bolhão market is just not a place to go, but a full on experience. The mix of story and recipes makes this a beautiful book to keep out. You can read this cover to cover, but i suggest you jump around, read a different part everyday. Dear fellow foodies, this book is a must in your library.

What a beautiful book. A sumptuous and loving look at the still vibrant scene at Bolhao. I took my honeymoon in Portugal and this brings back the wonderful people, food and scenery in full color. Makes me want to go back knowing allthat I've learned from Grabriella and Sonia's stories! Highly recommended for foodies and anyone who loves to travel and explore other cultures. This is a work of love. The photos are gorgeous.

Although I love fresh markets ( sorely lacking in the USA), the authors seemed to really have to reach to tell stories about the venders and their experiences in the market. It is basically the same tale of change caused by modernity in any endeavor.Even though I am an avid fan of almost all things Portugal and Portuguese, I had to read this book in steps so as not to loose interest.

"Porto: Stories from Portugal's Historic Bolhao Market" is filled with storytelling so detailed that you feel as if you are standing in the market with the authors. With personal and culinary stories to enrich your soul, and beautiful photography that activates your senses (and salivary glands), this is a wonderful read.

Great companion for my future vacation.

Always adored the Bolhao market when we were allowed to travel to Portugal. This book is a great evocation of the market. Part travelogue, part homage, part (small part) recipe book, part photography book.

Beautiful and most interesting book.

Very good

As a long time enthusiast of Portugal, it's wine, food, history and people, this is a captivating homage and celebration to this market and it's people. A great book for anyone interested in Portugal, international cuisine, and the human element that goes with travel, food, and life. Highly recommended.

Beautiful book about a great old world market.