Saturday Market and visit to Troyes

The next day was Saturday, and that meant - market day! Off we went led by a map. It was about 10 minutes walk from the apartment we rented in Châlons-en-Champagne. 

On the way we admired the style of homes, with typical of the region burgundy shutters. Many homes have the medieval look, which is nothing unusual, when just 1 hour away lies the ancient city Troyes.

Lili's Patisserie

This charming little cafe and a sweet souvenir shop is the perfect little stop on your visit to Esposende. Lili's Patisserie is the second one, on the right as you turn into R. 1° de Dezembro, and walk along the red carpet.

Lili & Companha Gourmet is a family owned place, where you can enjoy a homemade soup of the day (eg fish, pumpkin or broccoli), a nice salad with vegetables for lunch, and depending on the season, also a warm or cold drink and a dessert. Everything is freshly made on the premisses and you can have your cake at Lili's or have it packed to go. 

Biocelos Organic Orchard and Grocery Shop

Just before we moved to Portugal, I had found Lola Bio online, but Biocelos was an extra blessing recommended by our friends. This beautiful, extremely well kept family farm, was located just a few kilometers from Barcelos. There was a large green signpost welcoming us to the farm with fairly large parking. Once inside, you were warmly welcomed by Margarida or one of Biocelos staff. If you chose to have lunch it was prepared and served with real care and passion, and you would get the sense of being looked after, just as if you were visiting family or friends.

Food shopping in Portugal

Shopping for organic food in Portugal can be quite a challenge, despite the abundance of local growers. When it comes to organic, take a look at my other food posts, where I introduce you to Lola Bio and Biocelos. 

Things that grow in the north of Portugal, to name a few are, kiwis, lemons, oranges, avocados, cherries, plums, melons and figs. The latter are so tasty, that there are simply no words to describe them. It was in Portugal, that we first ate them whole, together with their skins, just raw and fresh.. straight from the tree, sliced on our breads with butter, in salads, jams, cakes and compotes.

Saturday Market and Lola Bio

Just like in the neighbouring Mediterranean countries, the people of Portugal love their weekly market. During the two years of living in Portugal, we visited the buzzing market held in the centre of Esposende each Saturday. 

Here, you would always find fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers all grown locally and the fish would be caught in the ocean not far from the coast.