Owner: Algarve Buzz URL:http://www.algarvebuzz.com Join Date: Mon, 13 Aug 2007 08:54:24 -0500 Rating:0 Site Description: a journal that shares the trove of treasures to be discovered in Algarve Portugal from beautiful places, culture and history to incredible food, wine, scores of festivals, nightlife and of course the “Calor” (heat) of the Portuguese Latinos. Site statistics:Click here
Pasteis de Nata – Portuguese Custards 2007-10-25 15:41:28 Do I have a treat for Algarve Buzz readers…literally, this is an exciting post, where I share a little history and recipe of one of the most famous Portuguese
deserts of all - Pasteis de Nata “Portuguese Custard Tarts”.
The original recipe for Pasteis de Nata were invented by two Catholic sisters in the convent at the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos and called Pasteis de Belem, since then the secret recipe has been heavily guarded. Around 1837, clerics from the monetary, set up Casa Pastéis de Belém, the first shop to sell the pasties, in order to raise money for the monastery that took centuries to build and today is an UNESCO heritage site. At the time the monetary and shop were easily accessible by ship, allowing tourists to quickly become familiar with Pasteis de Belem, and the news spread quickly.
Today, Pasteis de Belem are more commonly known around the country as Pasteis de Nata, and only the original Pasties de Belem carry the name. The original shop also re
Algarve in November – Things To Do 2007-11-01 14:02:13 From Theater to Festivals, Algarve in November
promises to be a cozy month of things to do.
We just finished skimming through the month’s list of events in the Algarve Guide and have highlighted our top picks.
Starting off – Calling all Chestnut Lovers!
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire - no, not the Christmas carol although Christmas decorations are suddenly everywhere, but rather Chestnut fever, has finally hit the Algarve. It’s official: Algarve chestnuts are finally here, and not a moment too soon far as I’m concerned! So, what happens when we Algarvios have a food we love and it comes in season? We throw a festival…of course! So November gets warmed up with “Roasted Chestnut Festivals” in a few cities. But as the saying goes; where there’s smoke there’s fire, couldn’t help myself, and along with these fabulous hotties comes a pairing of traditional drinks such as “aqua-pe”, jeropiga, new wine and if your really adventurou
Halloween in the Algarve 2007-10-29 16:48:39 Loulé gets ghoulish this Halloween
with parties for kids and adults on Wednesday Oct. 31st.
At 15:00 (3pm) a parade is scheduled for students from local schools to show off their costumes from Rua Maria Campina to Logo de S. Francisco. There will also be activities for the younger ones at the Cerca do Convento.
Later in the evening 21:30 at Alcaidaria do Castelo there will be a mask and costume event with DJ’s, street performers and fire artists.
Who or what will you be this Halloween!?
Past Posts on Loulé:
A Day in Loule
Loulé Noite Branca
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Aquardente de Medronho 2007-11-03 16:55:36 This past week we had two spirited events, Halloween on the Oct. 31st., and “All Saints Day” on Nov. 1st. Celebrating Halloween is something quite new in Portugal, but “All Saints day” has been celebrated here, and around the globe by Catholics for centuries. With all this talk of Spirits, I think this is a good time to talk about another special spirit, not the spooky kind but rather the blow your socks off powerful kind. What Spirit am I talking about…? Aguardente de Medronho.
The alcoholic drink that’s been associated with fine drinking for decades and is exclusive to the Algarve. (more…)
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Roasted Chestnuts - Castanhas Assadas 2007-11-11 07:55:05 Since chestnut season has officially kicked off, I thought it would only be appropriate to put together a post on “How to Roast Chestnuts”.
Roasted
Chestnuts
1kg chestnuts
Sea salt
Water
If oven roasting preheat oven to 180C | 355F
With a small steady knife make a cut in each chestnut
Rinse chestnuts well in cold water
Spread wet chestnuts on pan
Salt generously
Roast for 20-30 minutes, or until tender to taste
Portuguese eat a lot of chestnuts and to keep up with the demand, in Portugal we have all sorts of chestnut roasters. The most common home use option is a pan with perforations on the bottom that can be used on a gas stove. Chestnuts can be roasted in the oven with a cookie sheet or on a flame using a holed bottom pan. I’ve never tried this but putting a holed bottom pan on a barbeque may work well also and give chestnuts a nice smoky flavour. Chestnuts are usually done when their skin is burnt and curled up.
Serve hot! Hot chestnuts are a bit like dealing
Sao Martinho & Chestnut Festival 2007-11-11 07:19:29 Today’s a special day, especially if you like chestnuts, wine and good deeds. This is the day from top to bottom of Portugal, we celebrate Sao Martinho (Saint Martin’s Day), and we do it with Chestnut
s and Aqua Pe.
First you may be asking who is Sao Martinho and what is Aqua Pe? Well the story of Sao Martin goes something like this;
Sao Martinho (St. Martin), born around 317 AD, he was a Roman solider who belonged to the Roman Empire and held the spiritual beliefs of Roman mythology. At the time, Roman Mythology was very inward looking towards the Empire and had little consideration for others. On a particularly dreadful winter day, Martin was caught in a downpour of rain with only his cape to protect him. While riding to get out of the horrible weather he was approached by a beggar, half naked with hardly a thread to cover him from the cold weather.
Martin didn’t have any change to help the man but was moved by the man’s misery - he grabbed his sword - reached back Read more:Festival
Figos Cheios made with Faro Almonds 2007-11-09 12:15:32 In writing this post I called a few friends and family members to get the scoop on the history of the “Figo Cheio”. So far none of my super sleuths have uncovered the mystery but seems we’ve somehow created a stubborn challenge to uncover the truth of its origin. Until then, everyone agrees, the Figo Cheio belongs to the Algarve and is an exclusive delicacy of the region.
What is absolutely certain is how good they taste. Made with local Algarvian figs and Faro Almonds, known around the globe as some of the finest, and of course traditional spices like anise seed, cinnamon and a touch of sugar. If you’re a fig fan these are a must try when visiting the Algarve.
(more…)
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Chinese Gourmet Restaurant in Almancil 2007-11-08 12:12:26 A few nights ago we had a craving for something different, the other side of the pond kind of different, which was the perfect opportunity to go to a place we had heard nothing but good reviews about. So off we went to Chinese
Gourmet in Almancil … tucked away in a little side street we whipped by it a couple of times but when I called the restaurant, their hostess was wonderful in directing us and stayed on the phone until we found it, when we arrived she was awaiting us on the patio. This was a good start.
We were seated right away and menus arrived almost instantly. Now the choosing, when you love food, having a long list of good looking choices is similar to slow painful torture and the thought of missing a great dish by ordering a lesser one seems to loom over every written line. Moses wanted something different, really different, so for our appetizer we decided on fried seaweed, we made sure we had a back up plan and also ordered the spring rolls. I’m a bit hesitan
Marias da Malhadinha – Portuguese Table Wines 2007-11-16 11:16:22 A couple of weeks ago we attended the Lisbon Wine & Food Show with the gang from Adegga. Not only did we have a great time, but also got to try some really incredible Portuguese
wines. As expected, there were wines from all over the country, varying in taste and budgets.
What impressed me the most was the diversity of the Portuguese wines -Vinho verdes, whites, reds all the way through ports, madeiras, etc. The selection of Portuguese wines is truly dynamic, impressive and makes me proud. So, it’s really a shame that formidable wines like these are not better known outside the county. The most popular Portuguese wine I remember in my travels abroad has consistently been Mateus Rose, although a nice commercial wine, it’s a pale comparison to the serious contenders we have nationally. Like Marias da Malhadinha, Palacio da Brejoeira, Cortes de Cima Reserva, Marques de Borba Reserva - these are pure heaven, and just a few of the many hundreds of Portuguese reds. (more…)
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, Wines
Algarve to Cork 2007-11-20 16:14:25 On Thursday, we will be trading our sun glasses for an umbrella as we head up north to Cork Ireland for a few days.
As some of our readers will know, at this time of the year there are no flights direct from Faro to Cork, to make due, we’ll be flying Faro to Dublin via Ryan Air and then taking a connecting flight from Dublin to Cork
Photo Credit: Moser Maroon
During the summer months when there are direct flights from Faro - Cork it’s a great getaway, not for the rain, but for great restaurants! Over the years we’ve discovered how much Corkonians love to eat out - as a result, we’ve learned if there’s a hot place to eat in Cork, you have to make sure to book reservations well in advance, or you’ll miss out.
Here’s a sample of the restaurants on our list during our 4 day visit:
Wagamama
It’s not a traditional Irish restaurant or pub, it’s a different food experience all together, and one of our favorite gems in Cork.
Wagamama
4-5 South Main s
Risotto de Polvo - Octopus Rice Recipe 2007-11-19 14:05:56 Long ago Portuguese fisherman uncovered all sorts of unexpected delicacies deep in the oceans they navigated, salting some for long voyages such as bacalhau (codfish), while others closer to shore brought back the fresh seafood goodness. Today both the salted and the fresh are hugely important in the Portuguese diet. With so much coast surrounding us on the west and south of the country, plus our islands of the Azores, its easy to understand why the Portuguese kitchen and diet is so rich in the fruits of the sea.
One popular deep-sea treat we’ve been feasting on for centuries is the Octopus - yes the multi-legged creature that makes some of us nervous about taking a dip in the ocean. But on a plate, octopus is tender and delicate and not scary at all. Flavour wise it’s very similar to its cold water neighbor the squid…or in more politically correct terms “calamari”. Octopus (known as Polvo
in Portuguese) is still very popular and in the Algarve, we enjoy it dried, sm Read more:Risotto
Holidays in the Algarve 2007-11-25 03:13:52 The holiday festivities have started!
Christmas is in full bloom here in the Algarve, everywhere you go there are Christmas lights and decorations, and every city has its own unique look of holiday lighting. In Faro, Forum Shopping has done a beautiful job again with their Christmas tree, Santa and his elves are patiently listening to a long list of wishes from the little ones.
There’s also fun for the older ones of any age, you can strap on a pair of ice skates and go skating right here in Faro, you might have to watch out for a Palm tree or two but yes, real ice skating in the Algarve! Although, I took a few years of “figure skating” as a kid in Canada, don’t know how long I’d last on my feet - but too much fun to pass up, so we’ll be out here soon!
Cities across Algarve are also starting to announce their holiday plans, so no shortage of fun things to do in the Algarve for the holidays. (more…)
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Things To Do & Places to Eat in Algarve 2007-11-22 04:10:45 November may be considered part of the low season here in the Algarve, but we Algarvios always have something going on…events, fairs, festivals, art, music, and of course our love for food keeps us warm and cozy all through the cooler months.
While we’re away for a few days, here are some suggestions of things to do in Algarve in November.
Casino do Algarve Rally
There will be two adrenaline-filled days to share in the excitement of motor sport rally in Algarve and watch the Super Special Stage in Portimão.
Date(s): November 23rd to 24th
City: Portimão
Tel.: 289 400 330
Algar Décor
Algardecor is decor fair with furnishings and fittings for the home, and will be open for 4 days from November 29th to December 3rd.
Start: Thursday, November 29th
End: Monday, December 3rd
Cost: €2.00 for entrance
Directions
Veneza Restaurant – Padene
If you love wine this is the place for you! This restaurant is very much off the beaten path, but wine lovers will feel right at hom Read more:Places
New Year’s Eve Parties in Algarve 2007-11-28 06:48:40 Thinking about doing something different for Christmas or New Year
’s? Then you should see what’s happening right here in the Algarve. Although tourists know us better for our summer parties…truth is we like to have fun all year round, and start getting ready for the holidays in late October, early November - when food, drinking and festivities are involved one can never start to early! ;o) So, you can rest assured there will be many holiday parties across the Algarve for everyone.
Here’s a work-in-progress list of New Year’s Eve Parties in Algarve:
Bob Sinclar Concert in Algarve – New Year’s Eve
He’s back! Record producer and DJ Bob Sinclar will ring in the New Year in Albufeira with some of his top international hits like “Love Generation”, “World Hold On”, “Give a Li’l Love” and others.
Fireworks/Multimedia Show, midnight
Bob Sinclar, 12.15am
Venue: Praia dos Pescadores
City: Albufeira
Tel.: +351 289 599 500
Other regions in the
Algarve Solidarity through Solidus - Mission: Smile 2007-12-07 03:26:00 Yesterday, I came across a wonderful project right here in the Algarve that made me smile. The project is solidus.pt a volunteer program piloted in Faro and with expectations to spread throughout the country in 2008. Solidus is a volunteer program that lets both those needing volunteers and those wanting to volunteer to come together in one common place and registering their needs and interests, to help the community. How great is that!?
The project went live yesterday, so its very fresh, and there maybe some hiccups using the site which is currently only in Portuguese. Solidus mission is simple: Creating Smile
s, by bringing like minded people together to help others.
(more…)
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Savory Portuguese Carrots - Conserva de Cenoura 2007-12-06 10:50:23 Since Christmas celebrations are in full swing in the Algarve, it’s time to start thinking about what will be on the Christmas table. Things have been a bit busy so I’m getting a late start, but good things are in store. Portuguese
enjoy some pretty big feasts at Christmas so, I’ll be sharing some simple dishes and, also trying my hand at some traditional Portuguese Christmas recipes, I’ve loved for years but didn’t have the courage try. Mostly, because I have family members who are masters, so why mess with perfection - but to carry on the tradition, I’ll be putting on an apron and apprenticing…stay tuned, this could get messy!
Portugal is very regionalized and this carries over to the food; with each region having its own traditions and variations of recipes - then there’s the staples that grace every table from north to south. One of these is Conserve de Cenoura, with or without olives.
(more…)
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, Carrots
Algarve Things To Do December 2007-12-04 07:35:00 If you’re visiting or spending time in the Algarve in December
, here’s the complete guide of things to do and see during your holiday in the Algarve.
The December guide covers all the festivities across the region from December 1st to December 31st.
December Guide by “Algarve Tourism“
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Bolo Rei - Portuguese Christmas Cake 2007-12-19 20:15:22 Although Christmas
is still a few days away it seems to have taken over: life as we know it. The holidays are a funny time of year - the shopping, planning, trips, wrapping, cooking…it just goes on and on. So for the last couple of years we've decided to inject "fun" into the equation and purposely back away from our monitors and chaos, and get our hands dirty in the kitchen. So what better way to start, than with the most traditional Christmas cake in Portugal - Bolo Rei.
Bolo Rei is a sweet bread with a large hole in the center, looking a lot like a large sweet bagel, decorated with candied fruit and nuts. It was once enjoyed on December 25th, and January 6th to celebrate Christmas and Kings day, respectively. But mix, sweets with the Portuguese
palette, and you get temptation that can't be reserved to two days a year. So, today Bolo Rei is everywhere by late November, with fresh batches baked daily, well into January.
(more…)
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Smokefree Portugal 2007-12-21 08:48:22 For a while now, I’ve been awaiting the good news - that Portugal
will join the rest of Europe, and most of the world, in a no smoking policy, in public places.
As a non-smoker, the idea of enjoying a great meal next to cigarette smoke is well… less than appealing. Now, finally it looks like the big day is about to arrive, January 1st 2008 - Portugal will be smoke free! The law will ban smoking in bars, cafe’s and restaurants with less than 100m2, as well as all public places like transportation and shopping centers.
So, looks like the only smoke on our fabulously grilled fish will be from the grill!
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Adega Nova Restaurant 2008-03-09 04:17:32 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 [...]
International Women’s Day - Dia Internacional da Mulher 2008-03-08 13:39:20 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, [...] Read more:International
, Women
, Internacional
, Mulher
Algarve’s Top Hotels as Reviewed by Past Travelers 2008-03-06 07:40:20 One of my least favourite parts of planning a vacation is searching for a hotel. Pool, gym, room service, bar, Internet, kid friendly, the list goes on…and you still don’t know if it’s a good place to stay. But luckily, over the years sites like booking.com and other hotel reviewers have made finding the [...] Read more:Hotels
, Travelers
Algarve Things To Do in March 2008-03-04 05:57:32 This past weekend, the thermometer on our terrace tipped 20 Celsius, and we’ve been having consecutive 20+ temperature days here in the Algarve. This is by far one of the joys of living in a sub-tropical climate - the arrival of spring also marks the arrival of even warmer days, making us long for summer [...] Read more:March
Carapaus Alimados - Salted Lemon Mackerel 2008-02-29 06:26:54 I had been thinking about writing this post for a while, but first I had to get over the idea of cleaning the fish. I have to confess gutting and cutting the heads off a fish, or anything else for that matter, is well, not exactly my cup of tea. So, when a family member [...] Read more:Lemon
Garage Band Contest - Abril Bandas Mil, Olhao 2008-02-27 05:35:35 Ever dreamt of being a RockStar?
If you’ve ever secretly played air guitar in your room or dreamt about actually having a band perform on stage, well you might just get your chance this April. If your air guitar has turned into a real guitar or any instrument for that matter, the city of [...] Read more:Garage
, Contest
Festival de Chocolate - Chocolate Adventures Update 2008-02-23 15:17:06 Exciting and full of adventure but not quite in the way we thought : (
First, I had been hoping my nose would have lead me straight to chocolate nirvana as soon as we arrived. Yet, there was no smell of chocolate….hummmm? The weather wasn’t really on side but we planned to arrive in early [...] Read more:Festival
, Chocolate
, Adventures
, Update
Chocolate Truffles & Adventures 2008-02-15 14:46:14 Update on the “Festival de Chocolate
in Obidos“– it’s confirmed, we will be making the drive north, from Algarve to Obidos on Sunday. Can’t wait!
In the spirit of the Chocolate Festival, Moses and I couldn’t resist indulging in an appetizer, so to speak…so we made a small batch of handmade Chocolate & Port Truffles
[...] Read more:Adventures
Lenços de Namorados - Lover’s Squares 2008-02-14 12:10:16 Many moons ago, my mom told me a romantic story about the “Lenços dos Namorados
” the Lover’s handkerchiefs. I had completely forgotten about the story, until I recently walked into a Lisbon shop “A Vida Portuguesa” and found a book on this very subject, Lenços de Namorados, escritas de AMOR - Lover’s Squares
, Words [...]
Chocolate Festival - Obidos 2008-02-13 07:55:11 Any guesses on the worlds #1, most popular flavour? Well its dark, sweet, rich and delicious…surpasses age; gender, culture, creed and people have even been known to lie about it… any clue? Chocolate
, Chocolate, Chocolate…if you haven’t guessed.
And in just a few days there’s going to be an entire 2-week Chocolate Festival
here [...]
Faro Motor Bike Rally 2008 - Concentracao Faro 2008 2008-03-17 15:28:50 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 [...] Read more:Motor
, Rally
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