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
Algarve Concerts 2007-08-13 06:45:54 One of the greatest perks about living or visiting the Algarve, is how spoiled you get by great and constant entertainment. For example, in the month of August alone, there are over 18 concerts here in Algarve – and many more, which we’re including on this post, so there is no time to get bored or lazy in August!
Lionel Richie on 01/08 at Sheraton Pinecliffs in Albufeira
Lloyd Cole on 03/08 at Royal Golf Course, Loule
(more…)
Olhao Seafood Festival - Festival do Marisco 2007-08-12 06:54:32 I have a confession to make: I’m a seafood addict!
I love it all — shrimp, crab, snails, lobster, conquilhas, conch, octopus, squid (aka calamari), cuddle fish, and the list goes on….some of these you may never have heard of but you’ll be introduced soon.
To my delight, every year around this time there is a seafood festival in a little fishing village right here in the Algarve. Olhao is a historic fishing village just 7km, East of Faro and their “Festival
do Marisco” has become famous worldwide.
The Annual “Festival do Marisco” in Ohlao, is now in its 22nd year of providing grilling, stewing and steaming bliss for us seafood zealots. This finger licking fun-filled event kicked off Friday, August 10th and will continue through Wednesday, August 15th.
We won’t be missing this one; Moses and I will be at the festival on Wednesday, August 15th. If you’re planning on being there, let us know, we would love to get together over some freshly grilled tigers and a Sup
Moto Clube Faro - Bikers Paradise 2007-08-07 07:57:02 Ever dreamt of seeing Europe on the back of a Harley, or having the wind in your hair, ground at your feet, while straddling your baby along the scenic routes of Europe’s gorgeous roads? Whether you’re an adventurer, a wonderer or a weekend rider and your baby is a Harley, a Vespa or something in between, this year’s Moto Rally in Faro, Algarve was the destination of 40,000 bikers just like you. A mammoth presence doubling this small towns population from 50,000 to 90,000 overnight. The annual gathering in Faro’s, Valley of Souls (Vale de Almas) lasted four days, serving up parties, concerts and a lot of beer.
The bikes started rolling in a couple of days before the party kicked off, and in no time biker fever was on. Businesses put out welcome signs, the city increased its road safety, gas stations gave out mini packs of snacks, bike parking was sectioned off all over the city, and the Valley of Souls came back to life, opening its arms in welcome of its returning flock Read more:Bikers
, Paradise
Ola Gente! (Hello Folks!) 2007-08-06 07:02:54 Welcome to Algarve Buzz!
August is the hottest month here in the Algarve both in temperature and things to do. So, I’m going to try my best to keep up with the main events, festivals, parties…and of course food. One of the first things you need to know about the Algarvios and Portuguese in general is our love of FOOD, and we are completely quality and fresh obsessed.
Aside from food Algarvios have a few other “F” priorities we take very seriously: Family, Friends and Fun. Combine these with a month holidays and you’re sure to get a lot of lazy days and late nights, enjoying the best things in life, and of course some freshly grilled fish and vinho verde. Welcome to life in the Algarve. Read more:Hello
World Press Photo Exhibition 2007-08-15 07:34:22 I’ve often believed a great story depends on the storyteller, but an image rarely needs more then a few words to describe it. If you are curious about our world as its unfolding and dare to witness both the beautiful and the tragic, this is an exhibit you don’t want to miss.
The following images are used with approval from WorldPressPhoto
.
1st prize Spot News Singles
Akintunde Akinleye, Nigeria, Reuters
Man at the scene of petrol pipeline explosion, Lagos, Nigeria, 26 December
A man rinses soot from his face at the scene of a petrol pipeline explosion in Lagos, Nigeria, on December 26. At least 260 people were killed after a punctured pipeline caught fire. Thieves had tapped it to fill tankers with petrol for resale, and hundreds of people had gone to the scene to scoop up leaking fuel in plastic containers. Pipeline vandalism and fuel theft are common in Nigeria, the world’s eighth largest exporter of oil, where most people live in poverty.
(more…) Read more:Exhibition
Forum Algarve - The Gift 2007-08-20 14:56:44 We Algarvios are truly spoiled: great weather – amazing food – non-stop entertainment.
This coming Tuesday, August 21st, we are in for another special, a free concert at Forum
Algarve in Faro, featuring The Gift.
The Gift is a Portuguese alternative band that’s different from any other band I’ve heard coming out of our borders. They have a truly unique sound, and a lead singer with a voice that makes you stop and take notice. The band has been around for a while and isn’t that well known outside YET…but something tells me it’s just a matter of time.
(more…)
Good Bye Summer - Update 2007-08-20 08:40:29 Sasha summer sessions wrapped up last night on a hot note thanks to DJ Chus - when we left at 5:30 in the morning the party was still going strong, with Chus’ original sounds.
If you were ready to call it a night and cash out early like us, there was a little problem; multi banco was down. There’s one cash machine across the street from Sasha in Portimao and it never seems to have cash…its purpose, questionable. Anyway, if you were caught empty-handed or empty wallet…no problem. Sasha had a shuttle organized for anyone needing a lift to the closest machine…nicely done Sasha!
Here are Photos of Sasha Summer
Sessions Good Bye
Party DJ Chus
And here’s a video clip from last night’s party
Looking forward to next year! Read more:Update
Tia Maria Batata Frita 2007-08-19 05:58:36 As a food fanatic I regularly come across things that peak my curiosity and I have to give them a try. I consider these, mystery foods yet to be discovered by my taste buds.
Tia Maria
Batata Frita (Aunt Maria’s Potatoes Chips)
Stumbled on these the other day at the local grocery store at first, the nice packaging got my attention. Then the fact their fried in olive oil really got me curious. But the backlist of ingredients is what sold me:
Potatoes
Olive oil
Salt
That’s it!
Since some things are just better simple, into the cart they went.
The result, real potatoes chips not processed, that taste like good fried potatoes in light olive oil, with a nice touch of salt. Nice, crisp, good! Only thing I can think of to make these better would be a really cold Super Bock on a hot summer day.
Food & Figs - aahhh Figs! 2007-08-17 16:36:57 It’s time we talk about one of my favorite subjects, food!
Portugal is unbelievably blessed with an incredible selection of everything from seafood to fruits, nuts, wines, dairy, desserts, oil, salt, cured meats, breads, preserves, spices…you name it. We still have food artisans that make fresh cheeses, cured meats & olives, hand made breads and pastries daily which are then sold at local markets for that days meal — so great quality food is very much part of our every day culture.
There’s so much to cover in the area of food, I’m excited to get started, but secretly fearing how much time I might have to invest at the gym.
(more…)
Seafood Festival Update 2007-08-16 13:37:17 It’s a sad day, Olhao’s annual seafood festival is now over, but I say this with a happy belly : )
Yesterday was the last of the six day long festival - the selection of everything, right up to the end was impressive. So I got my fix of seafood rice, crab, clams, shrimp, lots of shrimp actually - grilled, peel & eat, pan fried with tons garlic and butter…heaven!
(more…) Read more:Festival
, Update
Nikki Beach Algarve 2007-08-23 07:53:50 Nikki beach arrived in the Algarve this summer with a big bang, and not with just one gorgeous location, but two! And from the looks of it, Nikki Beach
is planning to stay for a while. This is a good thing, now we have two beautiful places to tan our hides, drink, eat, party and lounge the warm summer days and nights away…got to love the Algarve!
This will be a two-part post first on Nikki Beach – Portimao then Nikki Beach – Vilamoura.
About the locations: Nikki Beach Portimao is directly behind the Marina and shopping areas. Nikki Beach Vilamoura is towards the back of Tivoli hotel, and the Beach Bar is across the street, directly behind the restaurant.
We’ve been to both locations a few times and impressed by (more…) Read more:Nikki
Faro Sweet Festival 2007-08-22 05:52:15 Although not highly publicized, Faro’s sweet festival has a nice show of traditional Portuguese desserts. We couldn’t help having a crepe, some salami, a hot fartura and picking up a Dom Rodrigo for the road…I’m having nightmares of my next few workouts.
In case you’re not familiar with Portuguese salami (I realize the jokes that can be made here) it might not be what you would expect of traditional salami. The Portuguese version is made of chocolate and cookies and shaped like salami hence the name, and normally wrapped in foil.
View more pictures from Faro’s SweetFestival
A Dom Rodrigo is that mystery dessert you (more…)
Things To Do in Algarve - August 21-26 2007-08-21 08:23:42 With so many events taking place in the Algarve, we felt it would be nice to have one central spot for all this Algarve info. So here’s what we’ve come up with. By no means is this list complete.
If you know of any events that should be listed and not included here, let us know… por favor : ) and we’ll be happy to update!
Tuesday, August
21st
Day of the Craftsman “Fatacil” | Lagoa | Info |
The Gift Concert Forum Algarve | Faro | Info |
Breitling Med Cup | Praia da Rocha, Portimao | Info |
Sweet Festival | Centro Faro |
Folk Faro International | Faro | Info |
Wednesday, August 22nd
Breitling Med Cup in Praia da Rocha, Portimao Info | (3rd day)
Fatacil Fair “Day of the Youth” | Lagoa | Info |
Sweet Festival | Centro Faro |
Folk Faro International | Faro | Info |
(more…)
Fatacil in Lagoa 2007-08-21 06:54:25 What is Fatacil? The simple answer would be “it’s a fair” but it’s actually a lot more than just a fair. Fatacil is an initiative dedicated to progress and innovation for the region of the Algarve, in the areas of Arts & Crafts, Commerce, Tourism and Agriculture and it stresses the differentiation and quality of Portuguese products from other counties such as Spain whom Portugal is often wrongly associated with.
(more…)
Folk Faro 2007 2007-08-18 12:17:15 Portugal has a strong history with folk dancing so it seems fitting to host this annual International Competition right here in Algarve!
Seven countries from around the world are here to participate – Portugal, Costa Rica, South Korea, Venezuela, Check Republic, Republic of Buriatia & Republic of Tatarstan.
If you’re interested, visit Folkfaro.com for details.
Things To Do in Algarve - August 27th to September 2nd 2007-08-27 07:04:23 Here’s our list of things to do in Algarve from Monday, August
27th to Sunday, September
2nd.
We’re working on a better layout and schedule and look forward to presenting this to you very soon. In the meantime, if you know of any events that should be listed here, let us know. Thanks.
Monday, August 27th
Art Exhibition | Monchique | Caldas de Monchique - Sala de S. João | 10am-5pm Daily | 282 912 994
Contempary Art Expo | Faro | Loule | Lagos | Complete Details
International Sand Sculpting Festival |Pera| Details here and here
Until Sunday, October 7th open 10:00-24:00
Photography Exhibition | Albefuira | Tel: 289 599 500
From: Monday, August 20, 2007 To: Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Tempos que Passam is an exhibition of photographs by Vitor Sousa. Open 17:00-23:00
Colours & Shapes of Our Artists | Albufeira Municipal Gallery | Tel: 289 599 500 |
To: Saturday, September 15, 2007
The painting exhibition Cores e Formas dos Nossos Artistas is open from 11:30-17
Faro Things To See, Do & Eat 2007-08-26 07:36:41 What would I do if I had just one day in Faro, Algarve?
I would see, do and eat as much as possible!
In an attempt to accomplish this I’ve broken things down into a few small categories that hopefully make picking what you have time for manageable.
Faro is the City center of the Algarve, yet often when tourists come through Faro’s airport they go directly to the surrounding resort and miss all of Faro’s history and charm - this is a mistake. There’s a lot to see in this small town and definitely worth a visit.
Things to See & Do in Faro:
Baixa de Faro | Down town Faro
Arco da Vila | Arched entrance through the fortress walls to the old city
Se Cathedral | Central Cathedral – Cathedral inside the old fortress walls
Igreja de Sao Francisco | See traditional tile, guided work and religious figures
Igreja do Carmo | Baroque style church, constructed at the begining of the XVIII Century – Beautiful guilded handwork inside
Rua de Santo Antonio | Main Street – Sho
Nikki Beach Vilamoura 2007-08-25 17:49:26 Nikki Beach
Lounge, in Vilamoura is nestled behind the restaurant and provides a great way to spend lazy afternoons. The set up is nicely done although a bit tight in some areas, but lots of couch and bed areas to choose from.
View more photos of Nikki Beach Vilamoura
We got a few unexpected surprises the afternoon we went, (more…) Read more:Nikki
Fatacil Lagoa Algarve Fair 2007-08-24 08:02:52 This was my first visit to Fatacil. I have been to many local fairs and was expecting something similar to what I had seen before. I was pleasantly surprised; Fatacil is in a class of its own. It showcases products from all over the country such as hand crafted wooden spoons, glass blowing, wicker chairs, beautiful leather goods for riding and foot wear, pure wool products, arraiolos, traditional pastries, wine, Portuguese ceramics & Azulejos, products for the home, animals, and even handcrafted body armor! With over 800 vendors there’s a lot to cover, I recommend taking an appetite for things that are original and a little room in the belly for something good to nibble.
View more pictures from Fatacil in Lagao
We had a long wait from some roasted chicken but it was amazing, we were however a little more careful with the sweets this time, but couldn’t pass up the chocolate and fruit skewers….one word….yum!
Fatacil is well organized and very much worth a visit, there is
Fiesa International Sand Sculpture Festival 2007-08-29 14:54:50 This exhibit is nothing like the sculptures I remember creating on the beaches of the Algarve as a kid. This is way beyond my pail and shovel.
Incredible work done by very talented artists, a great display whether you have kids, or you are a big kid. Who knows maybe you’ll be inspired to play in the sand all over again!
This year’s theme is Wonders of the World, to match Lisbon’s 7 Wonders - beautifully done!
Read more:Festival
, International
Coffee with Ms. Piggy in Loulé 2007-09-22 10:08:33 When we ventured out this afternoon in search of the “European No Car Day” in Loule, we expected to see the new ecofriendly cars, some solar powered cooking and maybe give some thought to how we could be more ecofriendly ourselves. What was in store was drastically different than the script we had planned.
On searching through the old city, no Ecocars could be found, hungry and remembering a (more…)
Read more:Coffee
, Piggy
Cured Goat Cheese & Mango Puffs 2007-09-16 05:50:10 This recipe evolved from a new cheese I recently spotted called “Quinta dos Moinhos Novos – Queijo Puro de Cabra Curado”. This cheese turned out to be a bit of a surprise. I somehow missed the part of the label that said “Curado” so when I cut into it I was expecting something of a creamer texture and found it was much more solid than I had imagined. Note to self…it’s good to read the label. Anyway, sometimes wonderful accidents happen, and since I was already a fan of other Quinta dos Moinhos cheeses, I left my faith in their good name and wasn’t disappointed.
Cured Goat Cheese
& Mango
Puffs
(source: own | serves 4, or in our case 2)
Ingredients:
Defrosted, prepared puff pastry
Pure cured goat cheese - Quinta dos Moinhos Novos
6 Garlic cloves, roasted – Monchique garlic if available
½ Medium onion – finely chopped
1 Tblsp. Olive oil
2 + 2 Tblsp. Butter
½ Medium ripe Algarve Mango – chopped
1 Orange – fresh juice of one small orange
½ Tsp -Piri Piri
Vinho Verde. Via Latina. 2007-09-16 04:07:08 Portugal has so many great wines - from red to port, and everything between. Each week, we will be trying a different local wine and sharing our experience with you. By no means are we sommeliers- just wine lovers. From our experience we hope to make your next wine selection a little easier.
Before the warm summer Algarve days are gone, we wanted to enjoy a nice chilled bottle of Vinho Verde (green wine).
Via Latina
Type: Vinho Verde (green wine)
Cost: €1.99 (that’s not a typo)
Taste: This is a light fruity flavor with hints of plum and slight floral undertones, the sparkle in this wine is very subtle and a clean middle finish, not too sweet or to dry.
Great with: medium cheeses and sweeter bread dough’s, or a plate of fruit and cheese. Or with “Cured Goat Cheese & Mango Puffs”
Now Tasting. Now Drinking. Yum. 2007-09-11 15:19:00 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.
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!
Where’s the Golf? 2007-09-11 02:26:02 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.
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 hap
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