An English summer tradition: the BBQ
When I moved to England, almost 3 years ago, I knew there would be compromises – the weather, the beaches, the food and, of course, my family and friends.
What I didn’t really know, was how to enjoy sunny days in this part of the world. Where would I go for fresh grilled fish? How often would I see the sea (as in the beach)? Little did I know how much fun one could have in a small, medium or large garden.
The ultimate European BBQ – meat, fish and seafood
The Brits are obsessed with BBQs, I found – and once the sun is out.. there come the invites! I personally became such a fan of this quirky tradition, that I found myself organising an Olympic-sized BBQ this year – for 50 of my closest friends.
No mean feat, a lot of prep involved, but what I really wanted was to mix it up a bit – every Portuguese tradition I have adopted at home has been welcomed with open arms by my UK-based friends, especially if it involves food or drink.
Mrs. O gets her hands dirty!
I may have mentioned my sangria-making skills once or twice, and this time around, I was determined to out-do myself – to make Mrs. O’s sangria using not sparkling wine, but rosé port. You heard it here first.
Croft and Taylor’s Port challenged me to recreate some Portuguese classics using Port instead of wine – and I must say, these 2 drinks were the absolute hit of the party.
Croft Pink Rosé Port Sangria – the real deal
I know what you are going to ask me.. did we get headaches the next morning? Absolutely not! We mixed 1 bottle of rosé port with 2 litres of lemonade (sprite for the non-Brits), lots of ice and, of course, the fruit (anything you want, but strawberries and peaches are a must for me).
Another nice surprise? Dry white port and tonic.. with some mint leaves and lots of ice. Very refreshing and perfect as an apperitiv. We mixed it as we would mix an European Gin & Tonic (no mean UK sizes).
I loved trying White Port and Tonic
Time for some food and we tried every meat in the world – I think we totally over-catered and will have food for weeks (any excuse to have more friends around and fire up the BBQ). One thing I now love is corn on the cob, something we don’t have a lot in Portugal, and I could have it pretty much every day.
Love BBQed corn on the cob
We have been blessed with 2 amazing weekends in August, and I had the chance to test some more Portuguese delicacies, which I would love to share with you.
Ameijoas à Bulhão Pato – clams with wine wine, garlic and coriander
Ameijoas, or clams, must have been one of Mr. O’s first Portuguese words… he has never forgotten them, and I am now almost able to make them. As they say, the more you try, the luckier you get.
Summer on a plate
But grilled sardines is my ultimate summer staple – it is as simple as it gets. And makes me miss Portugal a little bit less.
How how did we finish our day? With a slightly chilled glass of 10 year old tawny. So amazingly different – I am liking Port more and more!
Chilled… yes, chilled!
Wishing everyone a fab summer – not long to go now, sadly, but determined to enjoy it until the last minute!
xo
Mrs. O
PS. A big thank you to Taylor’s and Croft for sharing their cocktail recipes. As we say, Port is not just for Christmas 
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- no travel required | the lazy travelers - [...] We mentioned this on twitter, but we always kind of thought of BBQs as a super American tradition, no? ...
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Scotland is even worse than England for weather. Despite this I friend of mine once had a barbecue on Boxing Day!
whatkatedoesnext recently posted..Tommy Toilet
boxing day??
Sounds like you have settled into life in England very well. Your BBQs sound great fun and I’m going to have to try that punch some time.
travelwithkat recently posted..Cooking piadina in the heart of Rimini’s hinterland
Hi Kat
I have indeed, love it 
Rosé Port is definitely worth trying 
Found that Majestic stocks it and Waitrose the white one 
I would have never thought of making sangria with port. For that matter, of mixing port with anything! Will need to find some rose port!
Raul (ilivetotravel in Twitter) recently posted..Photo of the Week – Santiago’s Fresh Seafood at the Mercado Central
You should – promise you won’t regret it
White port and tonic….I must try that! But I agree..port is better served chilled:)
D.J. – The World of Deej recently posted..The 17 Mile Drive of Monterey Peninsula
Oh yes, we Brits love a barbie! It’s just finding the right weather for it that we struggle with. I’ve attended a BBQ many a time while holding a giant umbrella!
Arianwen recently posted..Cocora Valley near Salento: beauty in the palm
I have done that too.. made it even more exciting
delicious photos Mrs. O. i’ve read your request for a proper July 4th BBQ in the USA. you are cordially invited – as is Mr. O of course! Boston is THE PLACE to be on the 4th if you ask me
xo – lola
lola recently posted..Ames Boston: a hotel that aims to please
You may find me there now.. whether you want it or not!!
I will make the sangria!
That looks like quite a spread there. Top it off with homemade sangria and the bbq turns sublime.
Traveling Ted recently posted..Top 10 national parks in India to spot a tiger
It was quite something, Ted
I will have to try that famous Mrs. O sangria someday!
Pola (@jettingaround) recently posted..Photo of the Week: A street in Oaxaca City, Mexico
I think I won’t disappoint
Great picnic! Those clams look so delicious!
Jennifer recently posted..Our Favorite Accommodations Around the World Part 1
Hi Jennifer, they are indeed
thank you!
so funny, i so don’t think of bbq’s as a british thing! i always think of them as very american. though your drinks look much classier than our traditional bbq beers.
the lazy travelers recently posted..no travel required
I would love to go to an American BBQ – can we do it on July 4th for the ultimate experience? Please!!
Wow – 50 people – that’s no mean feat! Looks delicious, tried Croft port on a cellar tour in Porto last year, surprisingly good!
Fiona recently posted..The Photo Edit: Lake Como, Italy
I know, hard work and possibly not to repeat – lasted from 2pm to 2am
but great fun!
Dear Mrs. O it’s always a great pleasure reading your posts…
I was quite sure that a portuguese tornado like you would have fascinated the UK!
They didn’t know what hit them
now imagine if we added a little Italian touch to it 
I want to try every single bit of this. I sure wish I could have made this BBQ, but surely I’d have to be rolled out because I’d eaten and drank so much. Lovely, Mrs. O.
Leah Travels recently posted..Costa Brava,TBEX & an Unexpected Trip to Spain
houston, we now have a problem. It may mean the end of pimms… I am serious… it is that good!
Another great post by no other!
Those clams look absolutely delicious…
You like all the wine and food ones. getting better on the clams
may treat you when you come to this wonderful country!
Mrs O! Great post!The Pink Port Wine was a total surprise and what a wonderful drink, so refreshing and a must now for the summer. As for the Chip Dry Port – wow… And I am glad you like the British traditional BBQs! Very sociable and fun! Thank you for bringing some Portuguese delights for us to sample. I agree Port is not just for Christmas!
I seriously think we surprised everyone, especially the Portuguese. And thank you for being a good sport, always up for trying food and wine