Now Tasting. Now Drinking. Yum.

Portugal has a long culinary history with hundreds of traditional recipes many of which I’ll be exploring here. But my love of food goes beyond just traditional, and the treasures at the local markets often seduce me to marry old with new. Add the regular goody basket from a friend or relative, plus an enormous selection of Portuguese wines and spirits, and I’m in food heaven. So the new sections “Now Tasting” and “Now Drinking” are for those moments of inspiration to try something new and different.

Vinho Verde

Once a week we will be dabbling with new combinations and great wine pairings. Food and wine are very close to the heart here, possibly outmatched only by our love of football, so these sections may entice some strong emotions. Since keeping the pallet peaked keeps things interesting, I look forward to feedback on both sections. Moses has already started the wine shopping so I need to get cooking!

Share This

Where’s the Golf?

Golf is serious business here in the Algarve and in the months to come, Moses and I will be exploring the many Golf courses we have here. But first we both need some basic lessons, well at least I do.

Fortunately, Forum Algarve will be hosting a Golf Lessons event very soon. If anyone happened to noticed the Golf Lessons were removed from the “Things to do” line up this month, that’s because Forum Algarve is working on the dates for the event. They promise it’s coming, so as soon as they confirm, we’ll add it back to the list.

Algarve Golf

During the quieter months of Sept – May, “Things to do” will be posted at the beginning of the month so travelers have some time to plan, but we’ll be updating it regularly as new events pop up throughout the month. So check back if you’re looking for things to do in the Algarve and I’m sure you’ll find something to tickle your fancy. If you know of an event we don’t have listed, please feel free to drop us a line and we’ll be happy to share the fun.

Share This

The future of our Roots

Today is Faro commemoration day, the capital of the Algarve, where we now call home, so it seems like a fitting day to look at the roots of our culture, not metaphorically but literally.

One of the draws moving back to Portugal was definitely the food - its not fancy food, but its incredibly good quality food, with a dynamic selection year round. There’s great fish, seafood, poultry, spices, fruit, vegetables, wines, oils, cheeses, desserts… well lets just say you really need will power to live here. But if you love food there is no better place to be.

Manga

Although I love food, I had never paid much attention to the GMO controversy, I knew it was related to the chemical altering of food, but thought I was buying healthy options so this issue didn’t affect me. Earlier this year I learnt the Algarve was a Read more

Share This

Portuguese Style Shrimp

With all the festivals, exhibits and nights out in August, my time to cook has been hit hard. But summer is winding down; and I hope to write more regularly about my favorite subject. There are hundreds of traditional dishes in the Algarve and across the country, some have been served for centuries and entice palates, passions and even rivalry. With such a rich heritage in food and drink, I look forward to exploring and sharing the traditional and more modern aspects of our diverse cuisine.

“Camarão à Guillo” is a popular style of shrimp here in the south, it has different nuances and techniques depending on region and cook, but it’s a simple and very tasty dish, so I’m sharing mine.

No Kissing Garlic Shrimp

Share This

Things to do in Algarve - September

The summer days might be coming to an end, but the entertainment and festivities across the Algarve are well and alive. Below you’ll find a list of activities that are scheduled across the Algarve in September.

Please note, by no means is this list complete … will be sure to update it throughout the month - enjoy.

To Do in Algarve September

Festival of São Vicente de Albufeira
Date: Monday, September 3rd, 2007
Time: Starting at 9pm
Location: Albufeira
Festivities: music, fireworks, art

——————————————–

Dinner & Show - Amour Latino
Location: Casino Vilamoura - Miralago Hall
Date: Sept 4th - 30th

——————————————-

FuturTech in Portimao
Date: Thursday, September 6th to Sunday, September 9th, 2007
Time: Thur. 6th & Friday 7th: 18:00-24:00 | Sat. 8th - 16:00-24:00 | Sun. 9th - 10:00-22:00
Location: Pavilhao Portimao Arena
Price: Free entry
Info: 351 282 423 536 | web

———————————————

Ana Moura - Concert Commemorating the Day of the City of Faro
Date: Friday, September 7th
Location: Teatro das Figuras | Faro
Time: 10pm
Price: 5€
Info: 289 888 100 | web

———————————————

Cockle Festival
Location: Polidesportivo da Figueira | Portimao
Date: Sept 8 & 9
Time: 19:00 – 01:00

———————————————

Artisan Salt of the Atlantic
Location: Castro Marim
Date: Sept. 9th
Time: 17:30 to 22:00

———————————————

Fireworks International Competition
Date: Sunday, September 9th
Time: Be there by 23:00 (will start approx. Midnight)
Location: Praia de Monte Gordo, Vila Real de Santo
Price: free

———————————————

Opera – “O Empresario”, by W.A. Mozart.|
Date: September 9th
Time: 22:00
Location: Portimao | Auditorio de Portimao

Share This

Loulé Noite Branca

Loulé was awash with a sea of white on its first Noite Branca (White Night) on Saturday Sept. 1. Main Street was closed to traffic and turned into a white playground for artists and guests.

Capoeira artists, pyrotechnics, piano & jazz musicians and many more were featured center city, to delight and entertain. Big comfy couches were also made available for those needing to take a load off and just enjoy the sites.

Noite Branca