Bourdain’s Porto
Though from the outside it may seem that Tony excessively indulged in pleasures that most people will never experience, that same person provided a voice for minorities, advocated for the unheard and the unknown. He had a gift of being able to connect with locals and discuss sensitive topics that only he can do. It was amazing to watch one man reveal a different perspective of culture, politics, economics, art, you name it; all because he sat down to eat a meal with them. With every episode, viewers become more comfortable with the unknown. As he once said beautifully, “walk in someone else's shoes or at least eat their food. It's a plus for everybody.”
There’s no denying Anthony Bourdain’s profound impact on how we personally travel and eat today. Because of him, it’s okay to go to Hong Kong just for that perfect plate of hand made noodles. That there’s no shame in slowly sipping that wonderfully balanced negroni in the heart of Florence, all while watching people and the day go by. Bourdain taught us there is no town too small; that every city and country has something to offer. He was more than a chef, journalist or adventurer. He was an icon. An icon so big that left a hole in the foodie universe. And we are here to try to fill that gap. Here’s Bourdain’s Porto.
We can still remember the morning of June 8, 2018, as we was getting ready for what I thought would be an uneventful work day: the radio informed us of the tragic death of Anthony Michael Bourdain. It’s one of those upsetting announcements that puts you in a standstill. How did people react to John F. Kennedy’s assassination or to Marilyn Monroe’s drug overdose? We felt like I got punched in the stomach. Yet how can your world be turned upside down about someone you don’t personally know. Little did we know people all over the world were feeling the same way. It’s like they loss a close friend or family member.
We can’t tell you how many hours we have spent watching Bourdain eat his way across the globe. From his first show, A Cook’s Tour to his very last episode of Parts Unknown, he made it effortlessly cool to explore the world. We were under the impression that this guy knew all the best places to eat and drink. It’s easy to envy a man whose job is to consume alcohol, party hard and sample good food. It wasn’t until later on, after his death that we realized he was more than just a rock star.
Local Cuisine: Tripas à Moda do Porto
José de Meirelles, Bourdain's former boss introduced him to the old city of Oporto. They shared a common love for tripe, edible lining of the cow's stomach. Tripas à Moda do Porto is the regional dish that can be dated as far back as the 14th century. The people of Porto transformed scraps and odd ends of meat into a delicious stew.
A Cozinha do Martinho
Rua de Costa Cabral 2598
Porto, Portugal
+351 91 959 5316
Local Drink: Port Wine
Porto has several great wine cellars that offer tours and in depth explanation of the process and production of this unique sweet fortified wine. Tony chose the oldest wine company, Real Companhia Velha to sample Port with various cheeses and meats. At 15 euros, the 45 minute premium tour includes access to the cellars, the vintage museum and a tasting 4 ports.
Real Companhia Velha
4431-022, Rua Azevedo Magalhães 314
Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
+351 22 377 5100
Local Market : Mercado do Bolhão
The local market featured in the beginning of Parts Unknown Porto episode is currently under construction. However there is a temporary location just a few blocks down the street in a shopping mall basement. Though it doesn't have the open outdoor feel, it still retains its charm of a local city market. You can even spot the two female butchers who harassed Anthony in the show. Don't worry, they are quite friendly and mostly professional to customers.
Mercado do Bolhão
R. Formosa, 4000-214 Porto, Portugal
+351 22 332 6024
Good Eats: Francesinha
It's hard to put this sandwich into words. Think of every piece of meat between white bread, covered with melted cheese and thick tomato and beer sauce. Pictures and even videos do not do justice. Even though Bourdain has eaten at some of the best places in the world, he still gravitated to simple, delicious meals like the francesinha.
Café O Afonso
4050-610, Rua da Torrinha 219
Porto, Portugal
+351 22 200 0395
Local Stroll: Dom Luís I Bridge
In season 1 of A Cook's Tour, Bourdain walks along the Douro river with José de Meirelles. It's a nice location to relax, especially during the warmer months. You can spot all the famous port wine houses like Sandeman and Cálem. Climb up to the Dom Luís I Bridge for a spectacular view of the city below.
Late Night Grub: Cachorro
All Bourdain fans know how obsessed he was with hot dogs or any meat in tubular form. At Cervejaria Gazela, Anthony tried his first cachorro, portuguese sausage in a toasted bun with cheese and spicy sauce. He felt at home at small pubs and family businesses like this one. Unfortunately these local establishments are slowly disappearing in Porto. But Cerveharia Gazela is still very a popular, busy eatery, even when we visited the bar in summer 2019.
Cervejaria Gazela
Travessa Cimo de Vila, 4 Batalha
Porto, Portugal
+351 22 205 4869