World Kempo Competition - Faro 2008

March 28, 2008

Looking for something really different to do here in the Algarve, how about Japanese Martial Arts? In a few days, Faro, Algarve will hosting the 5th World Kempo Competition, featuring 500 competitors from around the world, representing 34 countries.

Photo credit: mamba909

The competition will be broken into two disciplines: Traditional and Modern and will feature world champions specializing and competing in each.

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Gourmet Tastes - Apolónia Celebrates 25th

March 24, 2008

If you’ve had enough Easter chocolate and are looking to nibble on something different, Apolónia, in Amancil is celebrating their 25th anniversary, with a week of deliciousness, starting today.

Apolonia 25th Anniversary

Samples of regional goods, a demonstration of recipe development by Apolónia Magazine food editor, Boris Schijvens, and local chefs such as Siegried Danler-Heinemann of Amedeus, Jens Rittmeyer of Sao Gabriel, Yannick Guichaoua of Casa Velha, Pieter Warnik of Florian and Vincent Nas of Vincent, will all be on hand throughout the week, cooking up wonderful things to tantalize taste buds.

If your sweet tooth is still looking for a fix, the week ends with Algarve’s Association of Pastry chef’s demonstrating perfect spring fondues. And let’s not forget something to wet the appetite, The Association of Algarve Barmen will also be included and will be wrapping up the weeks demonstrations with what else….party drinks!

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Folar da Páscoa - Portuguese Easter Cake

March 20, 2008

Seems the Easter bunny has arrived and Easter is in full swing here in the Algarve. Actually truth be told, Easter eggs started popping up in shops everywhere, about two weeks ago. Can’t hold out on the Portuguese sweet tooth too long or possible chaos might ensue.

Like many European countries, Portugal has a strong Catholic belief that drives most of its cultural events. This time of year is of course passover, then in a few days, Easter. Churches will be filled for mass and various processions will be happening throughout local towns and villages, and like everywhere Easter is celebrated, Easter egg hunts will be organized and A LOT of chocolate will be devored. But in the Algarve, we have a little something special that challenges, even the likes of chocolate…we call it “Folar da Páscoa”. Continue reading this entry >>

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Faro Motor Bike Rally 2008 - Concentracao Faro 2008

March 17, 2008

While taking a drive out this past weekend it was obvious biker fever is back in the air. We found owners cranking clutches and starters, bringing rusty relics out from hiding and others proudly polished chrome to a sparkle.

With the great weather we’ve been having I was reminded the Annual Concentracao de Faro/Faro Bike Rally 2008, couldn’t be too far off.

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Adega Nova Restaurant

March 9, 2008

We hear from friends and tourists, that they would like to go to a restaurant that feels really traditional here in the Algarve. Well, we have a favourite place that’s traditional and it’s right in the heart of Faro, and we like to go there whenever the traditional urge hits us.

“Adega Nova Restaurant” - this place has been around since the 80’s and started by a husband and wife and now passed down to their son, who is regularly on hand to watch over every detail. It’s tucked away on a side street close to the heart of old Faro, and it’s all about tradition. You won’t find fancy cocktails, with exotic names or refined fusion anything, what you will find is good old hearty, rustic Portuguese food. The decor is well traditional, and in what looks like a converted and hollowed out house/barn, dimly lit with high ceiling and lots of wood, bottles of wine, ceramic plates and hunting paraphernalia. Bench type seating makes for a casual but intimate feel and they recently added a partial second floor that will accommodate smokers now that the smoking ban is in full force.

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International Women’s Day - Dia Internacional da Mulher

March 8, 2008

Women touch our lives in so many ways as mothers, grand mothers, sisters, aunts and friends. So this special day is just for them, and all the things they do big and small. In Portugal, women have strongly embraced this day and take advantage of it to get together with friends to celebrate womanhood.

So, if you’re thinking about going out to dinner on March 8th, anywhere around the Algarve, I highly recommend you make reservations. As the lovelier sex, will be filling up restaurants, cafe’s and clubs and celebrating life and womanhood.

A little history about International Woman’s Day.