International Surfing Championship - Algarve

July 9, 2008

Hunting for the perfect wave, or just enough courage to watch? Either way, the best surfers from around the world are in Sagres this weekend, where the International Buondi Pro Junior Championship is now under way.

(Photo Credit: Tarotastic)

The championship started off with the men’s under 20 challenge in Praia do Amado, and includes both pro and amateur competitions. The final round for World Surf Champion will be hosted by Super Bock Pro and starts from today at Praia da Cordoama.

The championship will wrap July 12, with a Super Bock Dance Party in Sagres featuring popular DJ’s. Sand, sun, music…and the spectacular views at Sagres. I could think of worst ways to spend a weekend. Ahhh summer!

*Word of warning - some very chilly ocean winds can blow through Sagres in the evenings, so go prepared. And if you’ve never been to Sagres and end up their one evening, stay away from the edge of cliffs, there is no fencing.

Algarve 15th Annual - Classic Car Show

July 4, 2008

Does your heart miss a beat for gorgeous hunks of metal? Well, if your passion is stoked, by big toys from another place and time, than the annual classic car show happening this weekend in the Algarve, might just be the place for you.

Algarve Classic Car Show
(credit: Georgie Sharp)

Beautiful classics from 1913 to 1978, the likes of Rolls, Bentley, Porsche, Jaguar, BMW, Aston Martin and Ferrari’s will all be out for judging, and a summer stroll all weekend long.

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Conquilhas!

July 3, 2008

There is something about these little wedge shell clams that makes them addictive, kind of like the peanut of the nut family. Eat one and suddenly you want the entire pot to yourself, but there’s something wonderfully sinister about sharing them, and feeling like your getting the lions share. If you’re a conquilha fan, you’ll know what I mean. If you’ve never had them, than you definitely need to try.

Simply cooked with good olive oil, garlic and cilantro, conquilhas are an Algarve summer favourite. I remember craving them when I lived abroad, and know folks that have conquilhas listed as a top priority when they visit. They’re extremely easy to make, the trick is to find very fresh ones that don’t have a lot of sand. The best tip I can suggest, when you see conquilhas at a fishmongers, tap the shell of an open one, if it closes than their good…if it doesn’t it’s dead, and you don’t want them.

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Monte Gordo - Beach, Food & Wine

June 21, 2008

What do you do when you get an invitation for a beach weekend in the Algarve? Well, you pack your suit!

Gourmet_Portugal_Monte_Gordo

Last weekend, we were invited out to a relaxing weekend in Monte Gordo, a small town just east of Faro and close to the Spanish boarder. Not quite ready for summer, we dug up the hibernating swim suits, packed a couple of necessity and we were ready, well almost… Before heading out, we needed to find something special to take in appreciation of this wonderful invitation. Knowing our hosts were adamant foodies, we agonized…then remembered, we had just what the occasion called for.

A few weeks back a friend surprised us with a lovely hamper from Gourmet Portugal, filled with traditional Portuguese goodies. I always feel a little guilty breaking into one myself, so sharing this treasure with friends seemed the prefect way to enjoy a basket full of treats without guilt. Add a couple of wine bottles, and we were set…to the Beach!

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Mini Wine Tasting with Catavino & Adegga

June 18, 2008

While visiting our friends from Adegga, during a recent Lisbon trip, we got the opportunity to also meet the Catavino’s, otherwise known as Gabriella & Ryan Opaz. Besides finally getting to put faces to names & emails, we also got to eat and drink wine!

Catavino

Although, a long drive home meant we’d miss the deliciousness soon to come out of the kitchen, we did squeeze in a mini wine tasting, with 3 whites Gabriella and Ryan brought for all of us to try. We also, learned a valuable lesson… next time there’s wine, food and this gang, we’re staying for the weekend!

The wines:

Planalto Douro Reserva, 2006
Casa de Paços , 2005
Quinta de Paços Arinto Reserva, 2005

For detailed tasting notes, plus the recipes for the great dinner we missed, stroll on over to Catavino.

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Rosé Wine: Fonte de Nico 2006

June 12, 2008

There’s nothing quite like a bottle of chilled Rosé to welcome summer, actually think we’re still officially in spring but with such gorgeous weather lately who’s going to argue the point?