Ever wondered what makes the perfect rice pudding? Join us as we embark on a delightful exploration of this nostalgic dessert, comparing the creamy American classic to the thicker, uniquely flavored Portuguese variant. Bob reminisces about Cozy Shack rice pudding, while I share my own criteria for achieving the ideal texture, flavor, and aroma. Alo…

Ready to embark on a rollercoaster of celebrations and cultural reflections? Join us as we recount the electrifying week that saw our San Miguel tour sell out, the whimsical charm of an Italian restaurant in Musteros, and the intricate dance of gaining Portuguese citizenship. Our conversation is sprinkled with laughter as we share the joy of being …

Ever wondered what it's like to attend the Emmy Awards? Our latest adventure took us to the 47th annual local Emmy Awards in Boston, where our Portuguese-themed show on Rhode Island PBS received a prestigious nomination. With our producer Dean flying in from California and our families rallying around us, the night was a whirlwind of emotions, anti…

Could a simple biscuit be the highlight of your snack time? Join us as we explore the delightful world of Maria biscuits in our latest episode of Married to Portuguese! Bob and I share our hilarious misadventures at the local grocery store, where we uncovered a variety of these unassuming yet delicious treats, including some irresistible mini versi…

Ever found yourself chuckling at life’s little hiccups? That's exactly where we begin our latest audio adventure, thanks to a slight recording snafu. As we cozy up to the mic, we invite you to laugh along with us and soak in the updates from a spring season bursting at the seams with family festivities and the creative whirlwind of content crafting…

Remember the thrill of scrounging up just enough change to buy your favorite penny candy? Or the pure rebellion of sneaking gum into a classroom? Bob and I sure do, and we're spilling all the sweet and savory details of our candy-infused childhoods on the latest episode of Married to Portuguese. Walk with us through a delicious landscape of nostalg…

Have you ever found yourself chuckling down the snack aisle, reminiscing about past travels as you spot a flavor from a distant land? That's exactly the escapade Bob and I share with you, as we bring a slice of Portugal to our taste buds and your ears. Our laughter-filled journey unfolds in a quaint Providence market, where the shelves are a cornuc…

Ever wondered what happens when an English-Irish chap and his Portuguese-American wife decide to tackle the art of making traditional sweetbread? Join Bob and me as we regale you with the highs and lows of our culinary escapades during a lively Easter weekend, hosted at our home with family bustling about. It's a tale of late-night baking, an oven'…

Tick-tock, tick-tock... Ever found yourself chuckling at the quirks of cultural timekeeping? That's precisely what we did when my English-Irish husband, Bob, and I found ourselves amusingly swept up in 'Portuguese time' at a local gathering. With every tick of the clock, we explored the lighter side of life through the lens of Portuguese culture, s…

Ever wondered if a simple biscuit could highlight the quirks of a cross-cultural household? Well, buckle up for a whirlwind of flavors and laughter as my English-Irish husband, Bob, and I embark on a culinary showdown, pitting the iconic Maria biscuit against its various European counterparts. On this episode of Married to Portuguese, we peel back …

Have you ever fantasized about swapping your daily grind for a life filled with cobblestone streets, tantalizing cuisine, and coastal sunsets? Bob and I are right there with you, dreaming of Portugal's charms and answering your burning questions on what it's like to make the leap to the Azores or the mainland. We're not experts, but we've gathered …

When Bob first encountered the bold flavors of Portuguese cuisine, his English-Irish taste buds were in for a quite the surprise. Now, he's a self-proclaimed aficionado of the rich culinary traditions that I, his Portuguese spouse, grew up with. Sharing laughter and memories, we unpack Bob's humorous journey from skepticism to total devotion to Por…

Life certainly has a way of keeping us on our toes, and this episode is a testament to just that. We're back after a chaotic spell of sniffles and bustling work trips, and we've got quite the victory lap to run. Not only did our podcast snag a phenomenal win, but we're also full to the brim with gratitude for the incredible support from our communi…

Ever felt like your birthday was just an extension of the holiday season's hangover? Bob and I sure have, and we're not keeping quiet about it anymore! Join us in a hilariously honest conversation where we tackle the plight of those born in January. While I share the woes of being a January baby, Bob gleefully boasts about the perks of a February b…

Embarking on a journey to forge deeper connections with our Portuguese heritage, Bob shares his heartfelt quest for citizenship through marriage. This week's episode peels back the curtain on the emotional rollercoaster and the complex bureaucracy that one faces when intertwining their destiny with a new nation. We traverse the trials and triumphs,…

Ever wondered what happens when you snip the cable cord and dive headfirst into the world of streaming? Join our conversation as we share the comical aftermath of ditching traditional TV. Expect a candid exploration of the highs and lows, including the ironic twist of possibly shelling out more for streaming services than the old cable bill. In our…

As the last of the confetti settled from our festive New Year's celebrations, Bob and I cozied up to the mic to swap heartwarming stories that are sure to kindle the coals of nostalgia. From the sweet memories of crystallized fruit discussions to the savory success of turning cake into bread pudding, we weave a tapestry of holiday traditions and cu…

As the festive lights twinkle with the promise of joy, Bob and I cozy up to the microphone with hearts full of appreciation for the laughter and camaraderie that's blossomed over the year. It's a moment of merriment and reflection, where we raise a toast to you—our extended podcast family—for joining us on this journey through the vibrant hues of P…

Ever dreamt of getting a taste of authentic Portuguese culture, right from the comfort of your home? That's exactly what we, Maria and Bob, bring to your audio universe through our podcast, and this episode is no different. We're thrilled to share that our website We now features regular blog posts unveiling the secrets of Portuguese food and cultu…

Remember the days of late-night Christmas feasts and mountains of gifts? Well, for us, those days evolved as our children grew up and moved out on their own. We discovered that traditions could change, and in this lively chat, we share our journey from extravagant gift-giving to a budget-friendly, stress-free holiday season with the help of an app …

Ever wondered why we don't feast upon our favorite Thanksgiving dishes more than just once a year? Come join us as we ponder this culinary conundrum, and explore the significant overlap between a quintessential American holiday and our beloved Portuguese Sunday dinners. We're your hosts, and in this episode, we'll transport you into our world of mu…

Picture this - a house with modest Halloween decorations, but a treasure trove of candies to delight trick-or-treating kids. Our conversation takes you from the Halloween doorstep to the Thanksgiving dinner table, celebrated not just in the U.S., but also in Canada and South Korea. And of course, our unique tradition of holiday plates isn’t left ou…

What if you could trace back the entire journey of a successful company, from its humble roots to its soaring heights, and all the friendships built along the way? That's the captivating story we share in our latest podcast episode. We transport you to a time when Portugalia was a simple Portuguese coffee selling company that started in a garage an…

Have you thought about taking a tour to the Azores? Well, we brought this dream to life for 37 adventurous souls, and boy, was it a journey to remember! Our first stop was Salar de Grasa, a former horse barn turned rustic restaurant, where we savored a private dinner amidst the rich history of our surroundings. The next day our tour bus then whiske…

Ever found yourself transported to another place just by the smell of a certain dish? That's what my English-Irish husband Bob and I explore in this heartfelt conversation about our favorite food memories from the Portuguese culture. Join us on this gastronomic adventure as we recount the strong flavors of the linguiça sausage and the taste of Sao …

Fresh from our culinary adventure through Texas, donned in our Central Market Passport to Portugal shirts, we are bursting with tales of tantalizing tastes and captivating culture. We had the pleasure of participating in Central Market's annual Passport to Portugal event, where we not only shared our exciting journey and recipes from Maria's book t…

One of the big updates now that season two is airing is that Maria has more time to work on the follow up to her best seller "Azorean Cooking: from my family table to yours"! Bob and Maria discuss how it's coming along and what it might look like!By Maria and Bob Lawton

Perhaps, you've been intrigued by the taste of chilled Madeira wine? Strap in for an adventure as we reminisce about summer highlights and jubilant celebrations, including Bob's mom's landmark 90th birthday and the news that Maria's Portuguese Table has been picked up by the three largest PBS stations. Fancy a bit of a cultural tour? Let's take you…

bom dia! In episode 33 of "Married to Portuguese," we dive into a lively chat about our struggles and progress with the Portuguese language. We also touche base on my journey towards Portuguese citizenship—slow and steady does it. Guess what? Our planned tour sold out in a jiffy, which made us contemplate creating a new one, although hotel and flig…

In episode 34 of "Married to Portuguese", we dive into our vibrant summer plans and share our anticipation for the sunny season. From family cookouts to beach outings and yard sales, we have a host of activities lined up! We discuss our Portuguese family traditions during summer and suggest some for our listeners - like sunset picnics on the beach.…

This week, Bob and I share a laugh over our Google assistant responding in Brazilian Portuguese and discuss the delights of immersing ourselves in Portuguese culture. We have some big news to share: our podcast is taking a little summer vacation, but don't worry, we'll be back at the end of the summer, refreshed and ready to share more adventures w…

In this episode, Bob and I take a trip to New Bedford, Massachusetts, which is a special place for me since it's where I grew up. We start our tour by visiting a seafood auction, where we meet Cassie, who runs the business. She shows us how they handle the scallops, which are some of the best in the world. We even get to cook with her and try a del…

In this episode, we take you on a behind the scenes adventure to the beautiful island of Terceira in the Azores. We share our experiences exploring the island, including a visit to an amazing pottery shop where Maria got to make her own pottery, and a trip into an empty volcano! We also enjoyed some delicious food and met some wonderful people, lik…

My husband Bob and I reflect on our unforgettable adventures on Sao Jorge, one of the islands in the Azores archipelago of Portugal. We share a humorous recount of our initial struggle navigating steep and narrow roads with a nine-passenger van, and our eventual relief at hiring a local driver. Our episode is highlighted by the heartwarming hospita…

This episode sees us getting a dose of the Azorean lushness and spiritual tranquility of Sao Jorge, where we ventured off-road and savored the freshest clams right off the lagoon. Then we transition to Pico, known for its hearty fish stews and exquisite wines. We experienced some hiccups with cancellations, yet we managed to tour a wine cooperative…

We are on episode 32 and we can't wait to take you along on our journey to the beautiful island of Faial in the Azores. Maria and I have been laughing our way through this enchanting journey into Portuguese culture, and we've certainly fallen in love with Faial. From experiencing the local foods like exquisite cheeses and baked goods, to the intrig…

We had a lot of fun filming with Dennis Alves at work (the amazing Boston Symphony Hall) and at home, going up on a skyscraper, and visiting the Frias family at a construction site. It was a bit chaotic with all the equipment and crew members, but we didn't let that dampen our spirits. One of the highlights of the episode was the Frias family's ins…

In this episode, we're talking about our adventures filming Maria's Portuguese Table, S2E3: Fall River, where Maria visited some amazing Portuguese spots. She went to Michael's Provisions, where she had a fun time with the guys there. She also visited Sagre's restaurant, which is the oldest Portuguese restaurant in the area, and was served some ama…

Hey there! Bob from "Married to Portuguese" here to tell you about our upcoming adventure to the Azores! My lovely wife Maria and I were so excited to be sharing that trip with you, departing from Boston for nine whole days. We had partnered with PBS Rhode Island Travel Club and AAA Travel Northeast to make sure everything ran smoothly, with most m…

Maria and I just released our 22nd episode and we still haven't figured out a cool intro. Any suggestions? In this episode, we talk about how to watch our show, which will be available on PBS stations in the US starting in June. The scheduling and availability will vary by station, but you can also stream it through the free PBS app. Oh, and don't …

My husband Bob and I talked about our gardening experiences. Growing up in Portugal, my dad was a farmer, so I've always had a green thumb. We've tried all sorts of gardening, like in-ground and raised beds, but they can be a lot of work, and we've had to deal with weather and disease problems. Nowadays, we participate in a CSA program where we pay…

Bob and I discuss our efforts to preserve our connection to Portuguese culture. Bob is practicing his Portuguese by reading a book with Portuguese translations, and I explain how our children, although not fluent, understand the language due to exposure from family members. We share our thoughts on the importance of supporting Portuguese artisans, …

Bob and I discuss our experience filming in Provincetown, Massachusetts during the Portuguese Festival. We were amazed by the kind and welcoming people we met during our four days of filming, and we got to visit some incredible places like the Mayflower restaurant, Brenda's gallery, and Derek's art studio. We also met the committee that puts the fe…

My English Irish husband Bob and I had a great time discussing and laughing about our life and adventures in Portuguese culture. The big news was that we had completed our eight episodes and turned them over to PBS. We toasted to this news with Portuguese liqueur, and excitedly shared our air date on Rhode Island PBS. We reflected on the hard work …

Bob and I had a blast discussing all things superstitions in "Superstitions - Azorean Green Bean". While Bob was a bit puzzled with my Portuguese superstitions, we laughed our way through some quirky traditions: like exiting from the same door you entered on your first visit, the right foot rule for new buildings, good luck charms like rooster and …

My husband Bob and I chuckle over the intricacies of various celebrations in the Portuguese culture, particularly those revolving around Valentine's Day. We explore Portugal's unique observances such as Dia Dos Amigos (Friendship Day), Girls' Friends Day, and Guys' Friends Day, offering us a fresh perspective on companionship. Our reflections lead …

My husband Bob and I engaged in an enlightening discussion about choosing where to live in the Portuguese culture. Amid our jovial exchanges, we touched on our fascination with exploring different real estate opportunities, particularly in Azores and mainland Portugal. We explored the idea of buying a property in my birthplace, San Miguel, despite …

My husband Bob and I share our insights and personal favorites from the fascinating world of Port wine, inspired by a recent documentary we enjoyed. We dove deep into the history, cultivation, and business of this beloved Portuguese drink, marveling at the challenging conditions in the Douro region where the grapes are grown and the historical trad…

My husband Bob and I delve into the festivities and traditions of the season, discussing how we continue to celebrate until January 6th, Epiphany Day, while still having our Christmas decorations up. We reminisce about the past year, our work and family life, including our daughter's wedding and the upcoming arrival of a new grandchild. We share ou…

My husband Bob and I had a good laugh over our recent adventures in the Portuguese culture. We touched on everything from the surprising surge in blue underwear sales following our New Year's podcast (we're considering selling our own lucky blue undies now!) to the joyous arrival of our new grandchild a bit earlier than expected. There was also a s…