L’Escale Lusobox - Extend your stay.

Feitoria do Cacao: A Quest for Purity and Ethics The story of Feitoria do Cacao begins with love at first sight. During a trip to São Tomé and Príncipe, Tomoko and Sue, the founders, discovered the raw reality of cocoa: the majestic beauty of the plantations contrasted with the harsh living conditions of the farmers. From this journey was born a mission: to create the first "Bean-to-Bar" chocolate in Portugal. From their workshop in Vagos, they control every step: rigorous bean selection, slow roasting, stone grinding, and hand molding. No emulsifiers, no artificial flavors. Just the purity of cocoa, respect for the terroir, and fair pay for the producers. This commitment has earned them consistent recognition since 2017 in the world’s top international competitions. The Match of the Century: Nicaragua 57% Milk Chocolate & Pastel de Nata How to pay tribute to Portuguese heritage while staying true to artisanal chocolate excellence? The answer lies in a bold bar that captures the essence of the country’s most famous dessert. An Exceptional Cocoa: Nicaragua 57% For this creation, Feitoria do Cacao chose beans from Nicaragua. This milk chocolate, with an exceptional 57% cocoa content, offers a rare intensity. It develops notes of hazelnuts and red fruits that provide a strong foundation for the pastry’s sweetness. The Secret to the Crunch: Partnership with Padaria AZEDA A Pastel de Nata is nothing without its puff pastry. To recreate this iconic texture, the brand collaborates with the artisan bakery AZEDA. Their hand-crafted puff pastry is delicately broken and incorporated into the chocolate. A Symphony of Flavors With every bite, the experience is complete: Creaminess: The smoothness of high-quality milk chocolate. Crunch: The shards of AZEDA puff pastry. The Signature: A subtle touch of lemon and a hint of cinnamon, instantly evoking the taste of a freshly baked "Pastel." Bronze Medal in 2024 and Gold Medal in 2026🏆 Proof of its unique character and technical mastery, this "Pastel de Nata" bar proudly won the Bronze Prize 2024 and Gold Prize 2026 at the "International Chocolate Awards".More than just chocolate, it is a piece of Portuguese culture, recognized by the elite of the global chocolate world.

In northern Portugal, where the hills of the Trás-os-Montes region shape landscapes of wild beauty, grows one of the most precious treasures of Lusitanian gastronomy. Acushla olive oil is not just a condiment; it is a tribute to the land, a quest for purity, and one of the most awarded oils in the world. A Story of Heart and Heritage The name "Acushla" finds its roots in a Gaelic expression meaning "Heartbeat of my heart". This name was not chosen at random by its founder, Joaquim Moreira. Passionate about sustainable agriculture and excellence, he wanted to create a brand where emotion meets technical rigor. Since its creation, Acushla has established itself as an essential reference in organic farming. Quinta do Prado, where the century-old olive trees are nestled, is a sanctuary of biodiversity where each tree is treated with almost religious respect. Expertise Rewarded by the Global Elite If Acushla is now present on the most refined tables, it is thanks to a rare consistency in excellence. For many years, the brand has collected awards in the most prestigious competitions in the sector (New York, Tokyo, Jerusalem, London). This is no coincidence: Early Harvest: Olives are picked at the precise moment when their antioxidant content and aromas are at their peak. Cold Extraction: Performed immediately after harvest to preserve all the freshness and nutritional properties of the oil. Certifications: An organic extra virgin olive oil, guaranteeing the total absence of chemicals. An Exceptional Aromatic Palette Tasting an Acushla oil is to offer yourself a sensory journey. It carries the strength of the typical local varieties (Verdeal Transmontana, Madural, Cobrançosa). On the palate, it stands out by: An intense green fruitiness, reminiscent of freshly cut grass. Notes of almond and apple, bringing a balanced sweetness. A slightly spicy and bitter finish, an unmistakable signature of its richness in polyphenols (health benefits). Excellence at the Service of Your Cuisine At Lusobox, the selection stops where the exceptional begins. By including Acushla in our gift boxes, we allow you to bring home the quintessence of Portugal. Whether to enhance a simple salad, accompany grilled fish, or simply be enjoyed with a piece of artisanal bread, this oil transforms every meal into a moment of haute gastronomy.

Why Lusobox? The manifesto to extend your stay The journey doesn’t end the moment the plane touches down for the return. It continues in memories, in the stories we share, but especially in the flavors that instantly transport us to a sunny terrace in Lisbon or a cobbled alley in Porto. It is from this desire to suspend time that Lusobox was born. A selection born from passion Lusobox is not just a simple box; it is a curator of emotions. Our mission is to uncover the exceptional where it hides: in small artisanal workshops, with passionate producers, and in the hands of those who respect the land. We don’t just choose products, we choose stories. Like that of Feitoria do Cacao, for example, which transforms the bean into chocolate bars with exemplary ethics, or that of our canneries that elevate the sea with rare organic standards. Excellence as our compass For us, "extending your stay" means offering you the same quality you would find in the best gourmet shops in Portugal or that which you couldn’t find during your getaway. This quest for perfection comes with a commitment: to offer you only the elite of the Lusitanian terroir. Your gourmet stopover starts here Through this blog, L’Escale Lusobox, we invite you behind the scenes. We will share with you our encounters with artisans, the secrets behind the making of your next favorite products, and the Portuguese art of living. Because Portugal is a journey worth extending, every day, at your home. Welcome aboard L’Escale Lusobox.