There are lots of reasons to boycott McDonald’s–from its food and work practices to ethics and bad commercials. But trafficking in counterfeit money?

David Leite was stymied when trying to start his blog—the biggest barriers: a completely severed Achilles tendon and an over-medicating partner.

David finds the fashion statement at Bica do Sapato restaurant in Lisbon to be an inspiration while cooking at home. A tip: the shirts run small.

Pois Cafe, a local restaurant in the Sé district of Lisbon, becomes a favorite spot of David Leite’s while he lives and works in Portugal. Tip: Get there early.

David spends his days immersed in the Portuguese way of life, dining and working like a true Lisboeta in Rossio square in the heart of old Lisbon.

A classic recipe in Portugal, this dish features softly scrambled eggs filled with fried potatoes and shards of salt cod. On top: olives and parsley.

• 1 H
• 1 H, 15 M
• 19

Steamed mussels go from standard to superlative when doused in a delicate curry-white wine broth spiked with shallots, garlic, lime, and cream.

• Quick Glance
• 20 M
• 20 M
• 5

David travels south to apprentice to whole-hog barbecue pit master Ricky Parker and learns more than he ever imagined possible about the great pig.

David Leite, a self-admitted grilling nimrod, visits Waldy Malouf, owner of Beacon Restaurant in NYC, for a crash course in man’s relationship with fire.

A useful reference to understanding how to roast turkey—from giblets to stuffing to oven care. An indispensable guide for Thanksgiving.

Creamy goat cheese, leeks, and Swiss chard come together in this flaky tart. Plumped raisins and pine nuts are sweetness and crunch. A perfect brunch dish.

• 1 H
• 2 H, 45 M
• 4

This easy recipe for deep-dish French toast made with brioche promises big rewards for little work. Make it the night before then pop it in the oven.

Food writing isn’t as glamorous as it seems. Eating—oftentimes bad—meals is part of the job, as David explains. A cautionary tale for new food writers.

Pasteis de nata, Portugal’s creamy custard cups wrapped in a crackly pastry, have no equal. David visits the Confeitaria de Belem, where they originated.