Simply
FR E
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September 2018 Issue 29
Loulé, Almancil, Vale do Lobo,
Quarteira, Quinta do Lago, Vilamoura, S. Brás
Welcome... ...to your September issue of the Simply Algarve magazine. We hope you had a great summer with lots of time on the beach and in the pool! In this issue we bring you some exciting reads with a lot of food, so if you aren’t already hungry you will be soon! It starts off quickly with Chilliboy Viv Thomas’ soon to be released book “I’m no chef but I can cook”. We bring you three flavourful recipes from Viv that he hopes you will enjoy, after which we learn about the history of tinned fish and later on we walk you through 5 steps of starting Yoga at home from Annie Moore, who’s Yoga and Art retreat we featured in our July issue. For you Art collectors, we have an interesting insight to what putting together an exhibition entales from ArtCatto. Also this issue is our first instalment to our new restaurant guide, every month we will have restaurants recommended by our readers along with why they think you would enjoy them. All of this along with our regular monthly pieces from News, Photo of the month, Property, Finance, Currency updates and more! Don’t forget, if you have any stories or ventures to share with our readers, please email us at simplyalgarvemag@gmail.com or call 966 044 143. Richard Bassett, Publisher
PUBLISHER Richard Bassett
EDITOR Richard Bassett
ART DIRECTOR
DISTRIBUTION
6,000 copies printed. All advertisers are issued copies for distribution, along with retail outlets.
Jake Bassett
COVER PHOTO
WRITERS
Pete Trew
Susi Rogal-Goodkind Anthony Martin
ADVERTISING
Call Jake on 966 044 143 or email simplyalgarvemag@gmail.com
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All rights reserved. Except for normal review purposes, no part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. Every care has been taken in the preparation of this magazine, but the contents are only meant as a guide to readers. The proprietors of this magazine are publishers not agents or sub agents of those who advertise therein. The publisher cannot be held liable for any loss suffered as a result of information gained from this publication.
Unipessoal Lda
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Contents NEWS
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MAP
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PEOPLE
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GRACIOUS LIVING
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PHOTOGRAPHY
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THE PROPERTY MARKET 30
ART
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HEALTH AND BEAUTY
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YOGA
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MONEY MATTERS
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ART
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FINANCE
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Your local news Chilliboy’s book
Photo of the month Tins to treasure Yoga at home! It’s show time!
Almancil and surrounding areas Property of the month
A property update from experts
New beauty products and treatments News from Currencies Direct An update from experts at AFM
RESTAURANT GUIDE
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IDEAS
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AGENDA
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SPORT
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GOLF
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EXPATS
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A monthly guide to local restaurants Sam’s views and reviews
A list of ‘Must Go’ events this month Sports news from Chris Wright Pro tips from PGA professionals Tales from an expat in Portugal
Susi RogolGoodkind is a freelance journalist/ editor who works between the UK and the Algarve where she and her husband have had a home for 30 years. She is also a member of the ACCA children’s charity committee. susi@rogol-goodkind.com
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News
News
Keep up to date with this month’s news
n American fisherman managed to hit a world record this Monday by capturing a 366-kilogram Blue marlin near Calheta, Madeira. According to local press, the previous record fish of 358 kilos was caught off the Ivory Coast 28 years ago. This was beaten on Monday by sports fisherman, Gary Carter, a frequent visitor Madeira and was on his last day’s fishing in the region. Reeling in the monster fish took Carter an hour. He was located some 15 miles from Fajã dos Padres, Quinta Grande, on the deep-sea fishing vessel, Silva Rod-0’. Carter says that other sea areas may have more marlin but, off Madeira, fewer means larger. The catch was made with a 20-pound line and beats the long running world record. Normal protocol is for rod-caught marlin to be tagged and released. There are heavy penalties is this procedure is not followed. It is not yet known why this did not apply in Carter’s case. The fish may have expired due the stress and exhaustion of being hooked, played and captured. Not only is Carter delighted with his catch but he expressed happiness with the calm weather conditions, the warm welcome always afforded him by the locals, and the food. Carter praised Madeira in an interview with RTP, “It’s the nicest place to fish for Blue marlin in the world, the weather’s fabulous, the country’s wonderful, the people are friendly, the food’s great, the calm seas ... and on and on and on. “It does take a lot of patience to fish here because you don’t see all that many marlin. A lot of areas you can go to, you can catch a lot more fish than here but to catch a fish like this, Madeira’s the place.”
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ortugal’s harbour authority, Docapesca, finally has launched a public tender for dredging work at Faro docks at a target price of €100,000. The dredging, the first in 27 years, will see 16000m3 of silt removed in an effort to restore the dock area in preparation for the refurbishment of the floating piers used by fishermen; dredging also will allow more vessels to access the fuel station. The notice has been published in Diário da República and covers an area of 1.75 hectares. Docapesca stated, highlighting the fact that there has been no dredging at the site for nearly three decades, that: “This intervention is essential for the restoration of operating conditions in the interior of the Faro dock and is part of a larger project.” The chosen company will have two months within which to do the work. Further to the east, in the Ria Formosa, the dredger that sank near the island of Armona yet may be refloated as a new salvage operation is being planned for September. Engaged in urgent dredging activity, the massive 400-tonne vessel capsized, leaving the crew floundering. The Maritime Authority gave the owner two days to remove the obstacle to shipping but nothing has happened since an aborted mission to refloat the vessel in January. The hull broke up in the springtime storms and the expectation is that new flotation balloons from China will give sufficient lift to get the hulk off the seabed.
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the hilly areas of the municipality where people are supplied directly by the Council, i.e. households that are nowhere near the wider municipal water supply system that supplies more populous areas. The pilot project is focusing on the north of the county, including Cerro da Ursa, Monte Capitanes, Lages, Cabanas, Fronteira and Alfarrobeira where equipment will control and monitor local water consumption. This hilly, arid area which has been
heavily affected by water shortages in recent drought years, is the guinea pig in a project that aims to extend to the wider mountain area. After monitoring consumption patterns, the Council plans to “create some procedures” to save water and to distribute it in a more equitable way. This last comment is what worries locals as the Council is not known for its generosity – the fear is that water prices will go up, not down.
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SÃO BRÁS DE ALPORTEL COUNCIL STARTS WATER PROJECT IN HILLSIDE VILLAGES
ão Brás de Alportel Council is starting a project to analyse the consumption of water, which “is a precious asset for the population, but one that is increasingly scarce due to climate change and drought.” The Council has been working on water efficiency since last October when it started its Municipal Water Savings Plan which has led to this latest stage. The Council project is to control and monitor water consumption in
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DREDGING OFF FARO, “THE FIRST IN 27 YEARS”
Sources: www.algarvedailynews.com
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AMERICAN BREAKS BLUE MARLIN RECORD OFF MADEIRA
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Simply Algarve Full page SEP2018.indd 1
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17/08/2018 12:58
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PEOPLE
CHILLIBOY Viv and Avril Thomas – him an icon in the adult entertainment industry, she a dazzlingly glam show girl – share a spicy past. They also have a hot hot present and a big big future with their piri piri condiments company, ChilliBoy. Viv’s first book ‘I’m no Chef but I can Cook’ Is about to be published and he’s already on to a follow-up, ‘ChilliBoy’s Kitchen’, from which these recipes come
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iv says: “It was my friends and family and their enthusiasm for my food that got this whole thing going. I was forever being asked for my recipes but because everything I devised was off
the top of my head, with a pinch of this and a dash of that, I never knew exactly what I put into a dish. Prior to selling my business, I dabbled at note making. Then I officially retired on a Friday, the last day of June. The next morning I woke up, made a cup of
coffee and walked out onto my terrace and thought: “Now what am I going to do?” So I started cooking in earnest, writing down recipes, measuring things, taking photographs and so forth. The project took on a whole new reality then.”
SPICY TOMATO SOUP SERVES 6 Avril is not too keen on assisting me in the kitchen. However when she does, she believes her specialities are soups. When Avril makes this one it never fails to please, I think she has the flavours and spice in perfect balance. INGREDIENTS • 2 cans plum tomatoes (800ml in total), sliced into small chunks • Celery, thinly sliced • Onion, finely chopped • 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated. • 5-10ml ChilliBoy Piri Piri, 5ml will give it a nice tang; 10ml will give the soup a great kick • Generous bunch fresh coriander, finely chopped • 5ml ground cumin • 15ml sugar • 500ml stock (veggie or chicken) Home made all the better. • 100ml red wine • 30ml olive oil • Sour cream • Bunch fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
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METHOD Using a large saucepan – at least a 2-litre one – heat the olive oil and fry the onions, celery and garlic until just soft. Add the tomatoes, ChilliBoy Piri Piri, sugar, cumin and coriander and simmer for about 10 minutes. Add the stock and red wine, and simmer for a further 10 minutes, stirring gently. Set aside and allow to cool, then place the mixture in a blender and puree until smooth. If still too thick, thin with a little more stock and mix in, and re-blend. Return to the heat and bring back to a simmer – do not boil. Serve hot, place a dollop of sour cream into each serving and sprinkle chopped basil leaves over the top.
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CHILLI PRAWNS WITH GARLIC SERVES 4 AS A STARTER OR SIDE DISH This dish is similar to the Spanish Pil Pil shrimps, but it is actually quite different in that the prawns are much larger and flavours are slightly different as is the way you’ll eat them. INGREDIENTS • 20 Queen / King prawns • 120ml olive oil • 15ml ChilliBoy Cooking Paste (if you want to add just a light chilli bite to the dish, then reduce to 10ml) • 8 garlic cloves, thinly sliced • 30ml parsley, roughly chopped • Optional: 6 Birds Eye chillies, left whole
METHOD The prawns need to be cut down the back and the vein removed. It is your choice to keep or remove the shells, but definitely leave the tails attached for finger eating. Heat the olive oil in a frying pan. Add the garlic and ChilliBoy Cooking Paste and cook over a mild heat for about a minute until the garlic is soft. Be very careful not to burn it. Add the prawns and cook for about a total of three minutes, tossing at least two or three times in the process. Add the Birds Eye Chillies, if using; they’ll give it a bit of an extra buzz and the red colour is fabulous. Once cooked, the prawn shells will be a nice rich pink colour. Place the prawns in a pre-heated serving dish and pour the remaining oil and garlic over the top. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the prawns just before serving.
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NOTE This is a fantastic finger dish and can be quite messy removing the shells with the juice running down your elbows, so have some hand towels and a couple of bowls of warm lemon water to rinse fingers at the ready. Load of fresh crusty bread rolls for dipping in the sauce is a must-have.
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PEOPLE
CHICKEN ARRABIATA & SPICY TOMATO SAUCE SERVES 4 This dish should not be limited to chicken – the sauce is ideal for a number of different seafoods and fish. I found it goes fantastically with salmon, prawns, scallops, even pork fillets. For the purpose of the exercise we’ll stick to chicken right now. Traditionally, this dish is associated with chillies, being very spicy and tangy. Tony, an Irish chillihead friend, says that his Naga chillies are perfect for it. I’d suggest one Naga for an acceptable heat level, three of four for that trip-to-the-moon effect. INGREDIENTS • 6 chicken thighs • 2 cans of plum tomatoes, roughly chopped • 2 large ripe tomatoes, peeled and roughly chopped • 12 garlic cloves, grated • 6 Thai red chillies, seeded and finely sliced. (Add a Naga or Habanero!!) • Sun dried tomatoes, cut into bite-size strips, saving the oil/brine • 1 large onion, finely chopped • 30ml capers • 150gm +/- can Anchovy-stuffed green olives • Generous pinch turmeric • Generous pinch cumin • ChilliBoy Piri Piri oil, to sprinkle • Olive oil to fry the onions • Bunch fresh basil, leaves roughly chopped, stem finely chopped separately • Bunch spring onions, topped and tailed then cut into thin strips, to garnish • Chives, finely sliced, to garnish
METHOD Debone the chicken thighs (breast is equally as good – I just find the thighs juicier and more flavoursome), and remove the skins. Lightly brush the chicken with left over oil from sun dried tomatoes. Very lightly sprinkle with ChilliBoy Piri Piri oil, turmeric and cumin. Then, using a kitchen mallet or rolling pin, flatten the chicken pieces to about 10mm. Cover with cling film and set aside while you prepare the sauce. Fry the chopped onions, garlic and chillies in some olive oil until nice and soft. Add the cans of tomato and allow to simmer for about 15 minutes. Add the fresh chopped tomatoes, sliced sun dried tomatoes, finely chopped basil stems, capers and stuffed olives and allow to simmer for another 10 minutes. Using the remaining oil from the sun-dried tomatoes, fry the chicken fillets until just cooked through; the spices will turn the chicken a lovely golden brown colour. Remove from the pan and slice into thin bite-size strips. Add the chicken strips to the sauce with the chopped basil leaves, stirring gently.
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NOTE: I like to serve the sauce on a bed of pasta – preferably miniature macaroni or similar. Sprinkle the chopped/sliced spring onions and chives over the top just before serving.
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Picure perfect
Photo of the month
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Dave Sheldrake
aken at the Silves medieval fair last month.. Unfortunately this will be the last contribution from the photography group as they have re-located to the West of the Algarve, however, if you are interested in learning more about photography and don’t mind taking a trip west once a month, then check them out on Facebook. The group brings together like-minded enthusiasts who have a sense of adventure and are always ready to discover
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something new that can be captured on camera. The group is run by Dave Sheldrake and Chloé Ophelia who know, better than many, what the region has to offer. Find out more by emailing Dave Sheldrake on dave@davesheldrakephotography.com or by joining the group’s Facebook page. You’ll find it at https://www.facebook.com/groups/ AlgarvePhotographyWalks/
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Art
Napoleon Bonaparte was the first to order the canning of sardines. Classed as one of the world’s healthiest foods, they were preserved in tins of brine or olive oil and used to feed his growing Empire. Carolyn Kain explains 14
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Tins to treasure
t wasn’t until late in the 1920s that sardine cans were given a creative treatment; this was during the period when Art Deco was flourishing and skilled artists and designers were employed to draw attention to the fine quality of the produce. Also known as Style Moderne, the streamlined illustrations reproduced on the tins were illuminated with deep, rich colours and a distinctive style of script; the tins are a reminder of a time when the Algarve shore was regularly visited by great shoals of sardines. Factories in Olhão and Portimão were never busier and they became increasingly innovative in their design approach. As well as regular sardines, sardine pastes, sardines in tomato sauce and sardines flavoured with different varieties of olive oil were produced. As factories
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competed with each other for sardine sales, designers were challenged to create the most eye-catching tins. Today, sardines are still fished off the Portuguese coast but in strictly-approved numbers. The industry has received the coveted ‘Blue Award’ presented by the Council of Marine Stewardship but, as a result, only one canning factory remains in the Algarve. A collection of 15 different designs can be printed on canvas, tin or on wood, to client’s particular specifications. They are available from the Corte Real Gallery in Paderne. The Gallery is signposted from Boliqueime, Ferreiras and Paderne Open Thursday to Sunday, from 11am until 5pm. Telephone: 912 737 762
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A new restaurant in Almancil offering a variety of international dishes with the highest of quality coupled with excellent service. We also have a great range of wines for before, during and after your meal so come and give us a try!
For reservations and opening times please call 281 356 379 or 914 479 794 Rua Sacadura Cabral N20 - 8135-144 Almancil
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Yoga
THERE’S MORE TO YOGA THAN BEING FLEXIBLE! There is a myth that yoga is only possible for those who are bendy – perpetuated by yoga contortionists posting on social media. But, says Annie Moore, it’s more about focusing on the mind rather than just on the body
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ou could say that yoga is a type of meditation through movement, where you learn to stay in the present and focus on your inner self… your soul. It’s about withdrawal of the senses and preventing the chatter of your mind – the monkey mind – from taking over. I would like to show you how learning to control the breath can help you mobilise and strengthen your physical body without forcing or straining into difficult poses. There is a lot to be gained from following a regular practice, using the yoga principles of pranayama breathing, meditation, relaxation and, of course, gentle yoga poses. The idea is to master and explore an effortless flow that leaves you feeling uplifted, energised, calm, relaxed and peaceful. The perfect balance.
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When we talk about Yoga we are effectively using the natural ability of the breath to control our yoga postures. Once we understand these principles we increase our ability to enjoy the extension, flexion, lengthening and releasing of our muscles and limbs with minimal effort. Taking control It’s at this point that we can really begin to develop our practice. We are able to tune in with the breath, close the eyes, listen and feel how our body is responding in the moment. If it doesn’t feel right then we stop and rest. If we are feeling energized then we can release a little further. If we are feeling stressed then we have the ability to slow down completely, taking more time between poses to adjust and settle with the breath.
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Yoga and breathe into the stretch. Take three breaths here and extend the arms a little further on each exhalation.
Beginning the yoga journey is not a difficult step. You just need to approach it with an open mind. Be prepared for change, open your heart to acceptance, and allow your body to release and your mind to let go. Starting to practice from home is a good way to develop a yoga routine that best suits your needs and your lifestyle. If you struggle to find time during the day, you could get up a little earlier in the morning. The benefits you get from your yoga will definitely outweigh the sleep you will have sacrificed. The following poses will help you to get started with your home practice, giving you the confidence to commit to a daily ritual that will make you feel more balanced and in control of yourself. Aim to practice the following sequence in the order suggested, but be aware that before starting your yoga practice, it’s important to begin with stillness. Begin by lying in savasana – corpse pose – so you can sense how your mind and body feel. Lie on the mat with your legs just a bit wider than hip width apart with your feet flopping outwards and your arms, alongside and away from your body and with palms relaxed facing upwards. Take about six breaths to settle yourself and tune in. 1 Resting Breath Taking a moment to set an intention. This will ensure that you use your time constructively. Follow this with a breathing exercise to slow you right down and bring you into the moment. Place your right hand on the heart and your left hand on the belly. Inhale deeply into your belly and feel your left hand rise as your belly fills with air. Slowly take the air up into your lungs and feel your right hand rise as your chest expands with the air. Hold the breath at the end of the-inhale for three counts. Then slowly exhale and control the release of the breath as it travels back down into your belly, feeling your hand fall as your belly flattens. Hold the breath at the end of the-exhale for three counts. Then inhale and repeat the complete round two more times. 2 Upper body stretch With your arms by your side, bend the knees and place the feet flat on the mat, keeping the knees and feet hip width apart. Inhale and bring the arms overhead. Exhale
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3 Synchronized Bridge With the knees bent plant the feet hip width apart onto the mat and release the arms to the side with palms facing down. Inhale slowly, and as you exhale peel your back off the mat, coming up onto your shoulders and press your palms and feet into the mat. As you inhale take your arms over your head, keeping the body lifted off the mat. Exhale while releasing your back to the mat and keep the arms overhead. As you inhale bring the arms back down by your side, to finish. Repeat the complete sequence six more times, beginning with exhaling the back off the mat. The idea is to synchronise the movement with the breath, so that you flow through the sequence with minimal effort. 4 Resting Pose Release your legs along the mat and bring your arms to your side, a few inches away from the body with palms facing upwards, coming into savasana, which is the resting corpse pose. Lie here for a few minutes to rest and restore your body and bring your mind back to stillness. 5 Knee Circles Hug the knees in to the chest and circle them in one direction and then the other to release the lower back and stretch the spine. Then roll over to your right side and come up to sitting with legs crossed to finish, bringing hands into prayer position at the heart centre bow your head as you say “Namaste”. Yoga is ageless, anyone can do it! An ongoing practice can help you to achieve your fullest and best potential in all areas of your life. Embracing the different elements of yoga with the breath, poses and relaxation helps us to take control of ourselves. Most of all, yoga assists us to find inner peace, to still the chatter of the mind, and it provides us with tools for living a balanced and harmonious life.
Annie Moore is a holistic therapist, yoga and meditation teacher with 25 years’ experience. She teaches and hosts yoga and meditation retreats at Casa Vida in Betunes. For details of forthcoming sessions, contact moorwellbeing@gmail.com
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Art
IT’S SHOW TIME... You walk into a gallery, see a dazzling exhibition of works by one or more artists, and perhaps fall in love with a particular piece. You certainly leave enriched, having learned something about a special talent. But have you ever wondered how it all comes together in one perfect presentation?
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n an ideal world, my team and I sit down and plan a year in advance,” says Gillian Catto. “We have to take into account that we stage exhibitions both at our Loulé gallery and at the Conrad in Quinta do Lago. While the gallery could be likened to a small museum with different artists in each room, the hotel showings have very different demands, governed in no small way by the vast space at our disposal and that they are dedicated, usually, to just one artist and one sculptor. It goes without saying that the quality of work, the name behind it, and the artist’s ability to create the volume that is needed for a major presentation are vital ingredients in the mix that leads to success.” Gillian and her support team, gallery managers António
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Lourenço and Frederic Ponte, are hugely experienced in finding artists whose work will be greeted with the level of admiration and passion that result in sales. They scour the artworld, study the global media for critiques from respected art commentators and maintain a watchful eye on emerging talents. It is rare in this vibrant field, that an artist will walk in off the street who is destined to be tomorrow’s big name. Across her 35-year career as an art dealer, Gillian has represented over 70 artists and her interest, naturally, is focused first and foremost with those who have an established, international following. Walasse Ting, Jack Vettriano, Dom Pattison, John Hoyland, Jeff Lowe, John Atkin, Colin Fraser, Shen Ming Cun, Jurgen Lingl-Rebetez
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Art and Philip Jackson are among the top names on her books. The planning So how does a show come together? Does a gallery leave the content decision to the artist? More than likely not. It is common knowledge in the art arena that artists find it hard is to stand back from their work and assess it objectively, taking into account the environment where it will hang and the audience who will be viewing it. It is the gallery’s decision how many works are needed for a particular exhibition, the sizes if possible, and the price range – the latter decided by the artist. And of course, new pieces are key. Then there is the issue of moving artworks from their home studio to the Algarve. Some arrive ready framed – although not always perfectly so – while other pieces are rolled up and have to be stretched and framed on arrival. That is just part of the expense a dealer faces. Advertising, social media, quality brochures (ArtCatto’s are designed by Suzi Steinhofel, and often become collectables in their own right) are vital to the promotional campaign. Opening night parties attended by a hand-picked audience are de rigeur and with those come the flow of Champagne and a never-ending array of fashionable nibbles. Add to that the cost of a photographer, a videographer and, often, live music and it is easy to see the investment that goes into every single event. With a client base that not only covers local residents
Artist - Jurgen Lingl-Rebetez
and businesses but also visitors with holiday homes here, ArtCatto sees regular customer contact as essential. “We know our patrons’ tastes,” says Antonio. “Often we advise them before a particular show about the works that will be exhibited so that they have inside knowledge and the opportunity to view pieces early.” This contact often results in special commissions in advance as well as at the opening show. For example, a client might see the work of a particular landscape or cityscape artist and want a painting of where they come from or a place with which they have strong emotional ties. Yes, some works sell on an opening night, but the majority of collectors do their viewing and make their buying decisions quietly, and in private. There are others, of course, who prefer to lean on advice from the experts, and this is where team Catto score serious points. They also work with the top interior designers, whose clients want inspired suggestions as to which artworks will work best where in their home. “Our commitment is to do the very best for our artists,” says Frederic. “That means sourcing the right audience for them and putting every tool in place to promote their name and their work. There are situations when price may prohibit a particular sale but it is surprising that often those keen to buy, but unable to do so at the time, will return and purchase later. That tells us we have done the best job possible, and that is a great reward in itself.”
Artist - James Gill
James Gill, one of the great 60s pop artists, whose work features in the permanent collection at MOMA (Museum of Modern Art), rejected fame and fortune when he was right at the top of his game, and chose instead to become an architect. Now in his 80s, he has returned to painting; his work today is a mixed-medis fusion of realism and abstraction. The artist will be flying over for the ArtCatto exhibition at Conrad Algarve, opening 7 September. Prior to the opening drinks will be served on the ballroom terrace and a short video will be shown.
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Property
Property of the month YELLOW HOMES Land & Houses Algarve Real Estate Agent since 1995 Tel: +351 289 301 294 Email: info@yellowhomes.com www.yellowhomes.com EN 125, Benfarras Boliqueime (opposite DHL)
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PROPERTY DETAILS
Unique 3 bed duplex penthouse apartment with large roof terrace and stunning views near Ferragudo
• Peacefully located between the fishing village of Ferragudo and Carvoeiro • Part of a premium resort with a wealth of facilities and amenities for owners • Brand new South American themed restaurant • Huge communal swimming pool area with poolside bar • Beautifully manicured gardens and tennis courts. • Bordered by multi million Euro villas • Construction area 228 m2 (including front terraces 50 m2 ) + 83 m2 roof terrace • 3 bedrooms with fitted wardrobes and 3 bathrooms (2 ensuite) • Large living-dining room with covered terrace • Several front balconies • Huge open roof terrace with stunning views towards Portimao and the Monchique Mountains • Modern fully fitted and equipped kitchen • Underfloor heating throughout • Central sound and alarm system • Pre-installation for air conditioning units • Double glazed windows with mosquito nets • Only minutes away from some of the finest beaches in Portugal • Partly electric shutters • EC Class C
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Property
Buying “Off Plan” Properties Property expert Paul Greenhalgh advice on the current property market
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ave you been thinking about possibly owning a brand new build property in the Algarve? With the rise
in house prices showing no signs of slowing down, buyers and investors are looking for more affordable alternatives when purchasing properties. Off plan purchasing can be
GOLF PROPERTIES - VILLAS - APARTMENTS - TOWNHOUSES - PLOTS
AMI: 6232
IMPRESSIVE ELEVATED 3 + 1 BEDROOM RUSTIC VILLA IN THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE. This mesmerising property perfectly combines character & rustic charm with modern day living. Situated on a private and elevated plot with spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and coastline is this totally private villa. Extensively renovated in 2006, this is such a well thought out property in every detail from the architecture right through to the final carefully chosen finishes. Price: €1.495.000 Ref: P-BCE EC class D.
Contact us! Our email is info@yellowhomes.com or call us on (+351) 289 301 294 Find out more info on our website www.yellowhomes.com
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one solution. The term ‘off plan’ is given to those properties that are sold before or during the early stages of construction after permission to build has been given. Obviously, owning a brand new property has huge appeal and as most property developers are happy to sell their properties before they have finished building them – it is a win win situation for both buyer and developer. From a buyer’s viewpoint, it is a great way to reduce purchasing costs, because on average the off-plan properties are between 20 and 40% less expensive than buying a finished property. Of course, because you are buying something that doesn’t yet exist, off plan investment can be also seen as a somewhat high-risk investment strategy. Don’t forget that off plan purchasers were hit particularly hard in countries like Spain during the 2008 financial crisis, with some developers running out of money and
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abandoning projects. The advantages and disadvantages of buying off plan depend mainly on the condition of property market in a specific area and it could be the right time now for off plan purchase if you are considering Portugal as your destination.
As it’s more than likely that your property will go up in value before completion, investors can choose to immediately put their property for sale and sell at a higher market value. This is a good strategy for investors looking to make a quick profit.
What are the advantages of off-plan? Your new home could be worth significantly more than what you paid for it by the time it is finished. This is a great option if you’re looking to buy and want to secure the purchase at below market value. Developers normally need to demonstrate a certain level of sales prior to marketing the development and usually offer their clients excellent discounts on off plan property. Property investors can make a profit of up to 40% for properties in high-demand areas. Some property developers show flexibility when it comes to choosing building materials, the layout and other integral features, like electric underfloor heating, etc. Some off-plan deals have the added benefit of staged payments. These payments can help spread the cost of the purchase and enable investors to purchase property without a large deposit. The standard waiting time for construction to be completed in Portugal is between 12-24 months, which gives the client enough time to gain savings or profit of another already existing investment.
What are the disadvantages? Not knowing what the final home will actually look like. However more often than not, the property looks considerably better than on paper. The majority of banks don’t offer mortgages designed specifically for off-plan properties. It’s difficult to establish the value for a new build compared with older properties where there are immediate comparisons. In a falling market, purchasers could find themselves liable to complete a purchase which is worth less than they initially agreed. The risk of losing the deposit should the developer go bust. Before you buy a property off-plan… Compare the price of the off-plan property properties in the area to be sure you’re getting a good deal and check to see the demand for this type of property in the area. Purchasers should have seen all the plans and the specification list before they instruct a lawyer. They should not rely on promotional brochures. If you don’t know the original
GOLF PROPERTIES - VILLAS - APARTMENTS - TOWNHOUSES - PLOTS
specification then the developer can change them and you could get something you weren’t expecting. Always try to get a bank guarantee to secure your position and make sure the developer has a valid insurance to cover incompletion or late delivery of the property. Check out previous developments to find out if the homes match up to the brochure promise, and research customer satisfaction levels. Off plan buying procedure Reserving the property: the buyer pays a down payment as a sign of good faith. Signing the contract: you pay the deposit (normally up to 20- 30 %) and eventually further stage payments, which can always be negotiated with help from your agent. Only after construction is completely finished and all licenses are granted should you pay the remaining amount. Apart from using the services of a well-informed real estate agent, we would always strongly recommend taking financial advice before pursuing this type of investment. With more property sales happening than property listings coming in, we are more eager than ever to list quality properties or plots particularly around the areas of Loule, Almancil, Boliqueime, Vilamoura, Carvoeiro and Tavira. If you are considering selling your property or plot and would like to speak with a member of our team then please call us now on 289 301294 to make an appointment. We look forward to hearing from you soon. Yellow Homes Land & Houses Algarve www.algarvepropertysearch.com www.algarve-portugal-immobilien.de Vilamoura Office EN 125, Benfarras Boliqueime 8100 - 068 Boliqueime Tel: 289 301294; Fax: 289 301439 AMI 6232
AMI: 6232
SPACIOUS AND BEAUTIFUL MODERN TOWNHOUSE WITH SEA VIEWS NEAR BOLIQUEIME. Recently reduced from Euros 350.000, this unique 3 bedroom townhouse is part of a small condominium consisting of only 10 units sharing a beautifully landscaped garden with swimming pool conveniently located near a small village between Boliqueime and Loule. The property is the perfect lock up and leave home. Must be seen. Ref: HBS Price €325.000
EC class C. Contact us! Our email is info@yellowhomes.com or call us on (+351) 289 301 294 Find out more info on our website www.yellowhomes.com
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Tavira Office Rua Dr. José Pires Padinha 178 8800 - 354 Tavira Tel: 281 320 281 Fax: 281 321 901 AMI 6232
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Health and beauty
LOOKING GOOD…
feeling great
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When you want expert advice, who do you talk to? An expert of course. And when it comes to beauty, they don’t get more expert than Jacqui Vehlow, whose two salons in the golden triangle focus on bringing out the best in every client LATEST SKIN CARE PRODUCTS – THE RIGHT CHOICE The first thing I ask a client is whether they looking for drastic measures and chemical-based treatments or if they want natural, paraben-free organic products. My preference is for the less chemical, and aroma therapeutic if possible. Oils are back in vogue again which is fabulous, from oil cleansers, to oil-based night treatments. Don’t be put off if you have oily skin, because the oils chosen are to treat that and to balance oil and water content of the skin; they will not add to the sebacious secretion. Absolute aromas have four oils that can be used at night - balancing, nourishing, sensitive, rejuvenating. SUN TAN LOTION AS A FACE MOISTURISER A specific sun cream for the face is a must in this weather, either a day cream with an SPF of 25 plus or your normal day cream with an additional sun block on top. A sun cream for the face is just that – don’t use body sun block on your face and then wonder why your pores are getting blocked and your skin is breaking out. The consistency will be different and most good sun blocks have anti-ageing properties. Studies have shown that factor 50 lotion would at best provide 40% of the expected protection – it needs to be applied thickly, which many of us fail to do. SPF ratings are based on the assumption that a 2mg blob will cover 1sqcm
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of skin; that means you should use at least six full teaspoons to cover the body of an average adult. The best product to use on sunburn is aloe vera. It’s a must have in any holiday bag, as an after-sun lotion. FACIALS – A TREAT OR PART OF A REGULAR SKIN CARE ROUTINE Facials used to be just a treat, but times have changed, and they are regarded by many as an essential. We all get lazy and do not exfoliate our skins often enough. Not only are facials relaxing, but you get to have really good extraction done, ridding you of things you often can’t see without a magnifier. I am constantly on the lookout for changes to clients’ skins, and refer them to a dermatologist if I see anything suspect. TREATMENTS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE Mesotherapy or Dermapen treatments are one of the best natural treatments that stimulate your skin’s own production of collagen and elastin, with the added affects of the active ingredient the therapist chooses to use, ie vitamin C, retinol, vitamin E. CELLULITE – CAN YOU REALLY GET RID OF IT AND HOW The best treatment long term and the least invasive is lymphatic drainage with meridian line massage to unblock lymph glands. A course of around 15 to 20
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Health and beauty
sessions stimulates circulation, helps drainage of toxins and tones the skin.
of good, efficient self-tanning products available today that will deliver instant, natural-looking streak-free colour.
A DAY OF DELIGHTS The most popular treatment for a real pamper is head to toe massage. Start with a good 45-minute back massage, followed by a head/scalp and face massage and finished with an hour of reflexology. You will feel as though you have had ten hours of sleep.
PEELS Th ese should not be done in the summer months, so plan ahead. Again, make sure the therapist is qualified as there are peels on the market that should only be done by doctors. My all-time favourite is Dr Schramme, the original green peel. It does have a five-day down time of no water on the skin and the use of three home care products, but skin looks amazing afterwards.
EYEBROW DEFINITION – MICROBLADING It is essential to find someone who specialises in this and only does this; you want an artist. Talk over colours and shape in depth – eyebrows make a huge difference to a face, and you want a look that is yours. Make the decision based on your own, natural shape. BOTOX AND FILLERS As you would before any medical procedure, do your homework and only go to medical professionals who are qualified to offer them. Don’t be price influenced, you pay for what you get and believe me, I have seen some horrors. Less is best and don’t let a specialist push you to have more than you want. In my opinion, chemicals that are not good for the body and you do become addicted to them – once you start its difficult to stop. Natural and youthful is what you should aim for. TANNING BEDS Using sun beds for the first time before the age of 35 increases the risk of developing melanoma skin cancer by 59%. Regular sun bed use under the age of 30 increases the risk of skin cancer by 75%. There are plenty
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CHANGING YOUR SKIN CARE PRODUCTS Many people, with a home in Portugal and one abroad, use the same products wherever they are despite the fact that the weather is different, the water is different and pollution is a factor. We have a summer and winter wardrobe and skincare products should follow on. We need to listen to our body and skin and adapt to what it is trying to tell us: hydrate it when it’s thirsty with water, feed it when it’s dry with oil, protect it from the sun and artificial light. Change your products regularly – at least twice a year – even if you stay with the same brand. Want expert advice and TLC? Estetica Salons can be found at: Urb Quinta Verde, Almancil 912 560 153 and The Four Seasons Country Club Quinta do Lago 289 357 134
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We need you!
SALES PERSON REQUIRED
Simply Algarve is looking to add another member to our team, for over two years now we have been growing from the gound up and now it is time to take the magazine to a new level. To do this we need a comission based salesman that has the following:
Previous Sales experience; Transportation; Knowledge of the area; Fluent in English and ideally a knowledge of Portuguese; Self-motivated; Determined and ready to work! If you know you have what it takes then call us now on 966 044 143
Guided road bike & mountain bike tours! Easy , Intermediate & Challenging rides available www.algarvebikeholidays.com e.mail: paul@algarvebikeholidays.com
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Beautiful Art For affordable Art Everyone that’s Find us in front of Hotel accessible to Art For Vila Gale Tavira. Rua 4 de everyone Everyone Outobro, 24, Tavira Find us in front of Hotel Vila Gale Tavira. Rua 4 de Outobro, 24, Tavira Telephone 96 201 2111 www.taviradartes.com taviradartes@gmail.com 36
Telephone 96 201 2111 www.taviradartes.com taviradartes@gmail.com
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Finance
Risk of no deal Brexit drags down pound Keep up to date with our currency expert Chantelle, Client Account Executive at Currencies Direct
A weaker-thanexpected UK average weekly earnings reading for the second quarter put the pound on the back foot
S
taying on top of the latest currency news can help you time your transfers more effectively, so find out what you should be looking out for over the next few weeks…
Latest currency news Over the past few weeks the pound has come under increasing pressure, with markets failing to take heart from the latest UK data. The pound to US dollar exchange rate fell to a fresh one-year low of 1.26 in the wake of July’s UK inflation figures, struggling to find any particular support as risk aversion mounted. What’s been happening? A weaker-than-expected UK average weekly earnings reading for the second quarter put the pound on the back foot. With inflation once again outpacing earning’s the stagnation of UK wage growth continued, to the detriment of GBP exchange rates. Warnings from UK and EU officials that the chances of a no deal Brexit currently stand at roughly 50% also diminished demand for the pound. As the Turkish lira went into freefall, this dragged the euro down across the board, with the threat of Turkish defaults on foreign-currency loans raising fears of a more widespread financial crisis. However, as Greece successfully exited its long-running bailout programme after eight years, this helped to buoy the mood of the single currency. The general increase in market jitters enabled the US dollar to push higher against its rivals, meanwhile. As the US unemployment rate unexpectedly fell to 3.9% in July, this encouraged USD exchange rates further, with the continued tightening of the labour market likely to encourage the Federal Reserve to maintain a hawkish policy outlook.
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What do you need to look out for? Brexit jitters are likely to mount further as the next EU summit approaches, with a continued lack of visible progress having the potential to drive further pound losses. Unless UK data points towards a more resilient economy, GBP exchange rates could struggle to make any significant gains. If the Federal Reserve continues to demonstrate signs of hawkishness, the prospect of further interest rate hikes may keep the US dollar on a bullish trend. On the other hand, the euro remains vulnerable to any deterioration in the Turkish crisis as the Eurozone struggles to recover its lost economic momentum. With over 20 offices worldwide and 450+ dedicated financial services employees, Currencies Direct specialises in providing oneto-one support and expert guidance whether this is online, over the phone or via the app. They also provide access to services like forward contracts (which give clients the option to fix an exchange rate for up to a year ahead of making a transfer) and rate alerts, so clients have less chance to miss out on a positive market movement. If you need to make a currency transfer and want to have a chat about your requirements, the friendly teams at Currencies Direct are always on hand to help. Give them a call on +351 289 395 739 or pop in to the local office in Almancil to see how they can help. You can also register by using the following link:www.currenciesdirect.com/portugal Currencies Direct are authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), hold a Level 1 credit rating with Dun & Bradstreet and protect client’s funds (to any amount) in segregated client accounts.
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Finance
Rentals: Registering your foreign guests Keep up to date with our Finance expert, chartered accountant Ricardo Chaves from All Finance Matters
When foreigners stay in a commercial accommodation, such as hotel or a local lodging unit, these tourist facilities are required to register the arrival and departure with SEF
B
esides taxation, one of the main obligations of property owners who rent their properties to tourists, is to report to SEF (emigration office) the entry and exit of all guests of non-Portuguese nationality. SEF is the entity responsible for monitoring the entry, exit and presence of foreigners in Portugal. When foreigners stay in commercial accommodation, eg a hotel or a local lodging unit, these tourist facilities are required to register the arrival and departure with SEF, via the accommodation registration form (Boletim de Alojamento). Fines for noncompliance with this law may vary between 100€ and 2.000€, so don’t take any chances! These details need to be reported to SEF: • Full Name and Nationality • Date and place of birth • Document type (passport/ID) and number • Country of Issue • Country of Residence • Check in and check out date The SEF website offers a full list of FAQs in Portuguese, below you can find a few: Who must submit identity documents? Each non-Portuguese person, regardless of age (and including children) shall present identity documents.
What counts as a valid identity document? • Passport/identity card or equivalent government-issued photo ID; • Documents issued under the relevant agreements between the States Parties to the North Atlantic Treaty; • Laissez-passer issued by the authorities of the State of nationality or the State that represents them; • Flight crew license or certificate; • Seafarer’s identity document, when on duty; • Maritime registration certificate; • Residence permit, extension of stay or the identity card given to diplomats and their administrative/ domestic staff or officials of international organisations based in Portugal
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and members of their families; • Birth certificate or (where guests are from a country that allows a child to be entered on the passport of their parents) an entry on the parent’s passport for the child, or an entry on the passport of whomever has parental authority over the child; • Other documents issued by domestic or foreign authorities when, for acceptable reasons, (theft, robbery, etc) one cannot present a passport or other document; • In all other cases (total absence of documents) should contact local police and/or the respective consular authorities; What happens if someone refuses to provide ID? A person renting accommodation or member of a group doing so who refuses to confirm identity should not be accepted. In addition to security issues, customer registration in the hotel is still required for tax and statistical control (INE and Turismo de Portugal IP) purposes. Not collecting the required information can lead to the establishment being subject to the imposition of heavy penalties (imprisonment and fines). What penalties are involved for noncompliance with this regulation? Any person who encourages or facilitates non-compliance in any way is subject to punishment with imprisonment of one to four years. If any crimes are committed by those foreign citizens causing inhumane and degrading conditions, endangering life, causing serious harm to body or death, the establishment owner shall be punished with imprisonment of two to eight years. Financial penalties: For failure to register foreign nationals within three days through SIBA or through local authorities (where SIBA is not available, restrictions apply), a fine of €100.00 to €2,000,00 may be incurred depending on the number of offenses committed. Fines may be increased under the conditions of Fundamental Law on Offences
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(Decree-Law No. 433/82 of 27 October). Any further criminal or administrative offences may incur additional penalties (including forfeiture of assets and other limitations). What about those who own private homes and commercially provide rental of rooms to foreigners? Any rental of bedrooms, large portions of a house, an entire house, a villa, a tent, caravan, boat or any other form of accommodation to a foreigner requires mandatory registration of that guest through SIBA. Can a lodging establishment hold the identity documents for any reason? No. Only the police and judicial authorities have the power to withhold or retain these documents and only for the period necessary for their processing. Does free accommodation in the homes of friends or relatives need to be reported? No, it is not required in the case of foreign nationals who are staying in a friend’s house.
toldos - awnings sun wind rain protection
toldolanda
It’s important that you make the necessary registration of your holiday property, whether it is a large establishment or a room in a private home that is occasionally rented. If you need any assistance with this, contact our team today, as we are able to provide this service and make sure that your property is fully compliant! info@toldolanda.com | www.toldolanda.com | 914 609 517 INTERIORES + ARTE
gosto
Please feel free to send us the questions you may have to ricardo@ allfinance.pt. We will select some to be published.
Avenida Prof.Dr. Aníbal Antonío Cavaco Silva Boliqueime www.simplyalgarvemag.com
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Dining out
Your ultimate
Restaurant In the start of a new series, we ask you to recommend your favourite eateries so that others can discover their specialities
guide
THE SHACK Quinta do Lago
Katy Fridman On holiday here, our favourite place to eat with the kids is The Shack on the lakeside by Casa de Lago. We always end up there for at least a couple of lunches and early dinners as there’s something to suit everyone. It has a great laid back beachy vibe – the kids eat sliders and drink mocktails and we get to eat fresh fish tacos downed with jugs of rosé Sangria. We can sit and relax while the kids play on the sand close by and within view. Sundown at The Shack is the most perfect time of day – sitting on the edge of the water with some great tracks playing, munching on homemade guacamole and spicy chicken wings. And they offer healthy options for kids, like fresh salmon and grilled chicken which makes a nice change from the breaded rubbish that you get in most other places. Whenever friends head for Portugal I always recommend a meal at The Shack. Casual and stylish – great crowd, great food. The Lake, Quinta do Lago 289 381 225 / quintadolago.com/en/restaurants/the-shack/
CAPISCE Almancil
Helen O’Brien Capisce produces a perfect fusion of international chillout music and delectable Italian food, in an exquisite setting and at reasonable prices. We were a party of 12, and indulged ourselves with an array of sumptuous antipasti, oysters, tartares, ceviches, and all manner of pastas and risottos, paired with a careful selection of wines by their sommelier. Depending on your mood, whether you are looking for a simple aperitif or a full meal, you can choose the bar, the indoor or outdoor dining areas or the magical garden lounge. We chose to eat in the beautiful garden, as it was warm and lingered over after-dinner drinks well past 1am. A thoroughly enjoyable experience… Rua Joaquim Ricardo Barbara Sitio de Vale de Èguas, Almancil 289 393 347 / Capisce.pt
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WINE BISTRO & TAPAS Vila Sol
David Rubie If you want no nonsense food, you can do no better than the wine bar restaurant in Vila Sol. A small restaurant with comfortable seating, with staff who are helpful, and who remember your name the next time you go. A good couvert, with tuna paté and other delicacies could make the selection of starters a non starter. It is hard to say no, but before you chose, look at the main courses – fish, meat and vegetarian dishes make it hard to decide. The calves liver is a delight; the steaks are tender and tasty; the quality and variety of fish excellent. The desserts will not let you pass them by, and sharing will give you a better option. And the wine list covers all tastes and prices points. You are never rushed, and no one is breathing down your neck for your table. Try this restaurant once, and you will certainly return. 8125 - 306 Quarteira 912 283 066 facebook.com/Wine-Bistro-Tapas-restaurent
MR FREDDIES Almancil
The Newman family This restaurant has been a firm favourite with our family for many years. It has a warm cosy atmosphere in the winter, and a lovely garden for the summer months. Francesco has been the charming host who receives you as you arrive, and although the restaurant has changed hands a couple of times over the years, the standard never changes. The menu is varied with fresh fish and meat available. However, if you are a true carnivore try the flambé steaks, which is Francesco’s true speciality. The flambé pepper steak with green pepper, brandy, Champagne and cream is just wonderful and a perfect dessert is the fresh fruit kebab with hot chocolate sauce. The cover is exceptional, too, with garlic carrots, cheese, sometimes smoked salmon and sometimes fried sardines, but always a large selection of breads and rolls. Estrada de Vale de Lobo 289 393 651 facebook.com/mrfreddies/
MED - COZINHA MEDITERRÂNICA Loulé
Ben Austin Loulé has landed a great new restaurant – Med, a perfect name for the food it serves... beautifully presented plates of fresh Mediterranean ingredients and classic flavours, harmoniously put together. There is a menu with wonderful starters such as crusty fish cakes or grilled goats cheese on toast with sliced apple and honey. Main courses – well, it is hard to choose and there is always at least three pratos do dia. The servings are really generous and although you feel you could not eat another thing, up comes the dessert menu. Heaven on a plate but hell on the waist. Celine, the owner, has created a great interior. One long wall with a concept of being on the outside of a shop – a creative, light and charming feel for a special restaurant. The staff are friendly and helpful and the bill is surprisingly reasonable. What more could you ask for? Rua D. Paio Peres Correia 14, Loule / 964 210 708 / med-cozinha-mediterranica.negocio.site
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Ideas
Sam’s favourite sushi spots!
Native German and living in Portugal since 1995, Sam is a partner at Management Works! and of Blue Sky Villas, with over 8 years of experience and knowledge of the local area.
W
ith the Summer coming to an end, September is arguably the best month for your Algarvean holiday. The month of September is known for its typical beautiful blue sky and sun shine; however with a more bearable climate with temperatures around 25 degrees and less chaotic (which I personally prefer). This month’s article is targeted at the sushi lovers as I will be suggesting my favourite Sushi restaurants in the Algarve. I have tried most local sushi restaurants and am incredibly picky with the freshness of the fish. So in no particular order, the following are my favourite sushi places that I am happy to recommend. Apolonia, Almancil “Wait a minute, that isn’t a restaurant!” I know I know, but I truly believe that Apolonia’s take-away sushi is not only the tastiest within the Almancil area but that the fish is always incredibly
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fresh, melting in your mouth at first bite. Their sushi rolls are not as inventive as others; however, if you are looking for some standard and affordable sushi rolls, this is the place to get sushi take-out. Yakuza by Olivier, Albufeira I had the opportunity to try this place out for the first time a couple of months ago and I can honestly say I absolutely loved Yakuza! Great service and the atmosphere is quite different to other places I have been and also quite different in terms of price (it is double the price in fact) but a definite must try for all you sushi lovers. Instead of offering the standard fish rolls, Yakuza tries to fuse the classic Japanese sushi with Mediterranean flavours, including creative and delicious dishes that I have personally never tried before. We chose the dishes suggested by the waiter and we could not have been happier with that decision! My favourite dish was the Tuna tartar, just absolutely mouth
watering. Unfortunately it is only open in the summer months, so, go ahead and book your table! Sushi Pearl, Faro Sushi Pearl is a smaller restaurant near the Faro marina, a lovely little place with an open-plan kitchen where you can see the chefs preparing your sushi rolls. Their fish is always the freshest and they love to experiment with flavours! In terms of price, I would say it is somewhere in between Apolonia and Yakuza. It’s the perfect place if you just want to relax and eat some sushi in a nice setting, particularly if you are looking to go for a drink after dinner – the Faro Marina offers plenty of bars within walking distance. This is my rundown of my favourite sushi restaurants, do you know of another restaurant I should try? Let me know! contact@blue-sky-villas.com
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A TRUE LINKS COURSE ON THE SPANISH BORDER AT AN INCREDIBLE PRICE
ENJOY
Costa Esuri RESERVATIONS: COSTA ESURI GOLF CLUB Urbanización Costa Esuri Avda Juan Pablo II, S/N, A49 – Salida 131 21400 Ayamonte, Huelva, Spain Tlf:(0034) 959 328 071 www.costaesurih2ogolf.com
Restaurante
Abstracto Traditional Portuguese Cousine
General Auctions Plus Antiques and Collectables General auctions are held on the 1st Saturday of the month and Start at 10:00 am.Viewings on the Thursday and Friday before the Auction Rua Dr. Antonio Cabrera, 34 between 09:00 and 17:00. 8800-344, tavira
FURTHER DETAILS OF ALLTel 937 037 712 restaurante.abstracto@gmail.com AUCTIONS ARE ON OUR Gardens Square WEBSITE Rio Open: Mon - Fri 09:00 - 14:00pm Gilao Sat: Open Auction days Email: valuations@ahalgarve.com Office: 289 832 380 Restaurante Tel. Mark: 914 774 438 Abstracto Sitio do Besouro, Conceição, Faro
WWW.AHALGARVE.COM Restaurant.Abstracto.Tavira
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Roman Bridge
Bishops Square
BRITISH STYLE AUCTION HOUSE
• Direct Sales • Business and House Clearances
Direct sales, Business and house clearance service, online catalogue, & Monthly Auctions! Free valuations and Monthly Auctions!
• Free Valuations • Online Catalogue
WANTED!
Mediterranean ANTIQUE AND restaurant VINTAGE JEWELLERY AND HALLMARKED STERLING SILVER.
Do you have antique and vintage jewellery you would like to sell? Have you got some hallmarked sterling silver items you no longer want? These items are creating a lot of interest at Auction at the moment and are achieving realistic prices. Why not give us a no obligation call to discuss what you may like to sell? We offer honest valuations Largo and free advisedo to allMercado, Cacela, Faro, Portugal potential sellers. Call: 281 956 118 Email: essencia.net@sapo.pt
Facebook: essencia.algarve
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Agenda
NOT TO BE MISSED:
Each month, Simply Algarve brings you a hand-picked selection of the events on the region’s calendar. There are, of course, many more, but we will focus on the lesser-known and possibly more interesting. Got an event coming up? Email us with the details at simplyalgarvemag@gmail.com.
THE ARTS NAMES TO NOTE
ArtCatto, Loule 20 September A collective of the work of artists who are new to ArtCatto, include pieces by Carrie Graber, below, a master genre painter of the Southern California contemporary school, and sculptress Anneke Bester whose latest figures express freedom of movement and a passion for life. Much-lauded English urban artist Nick Walker, and Tim Madeira, a contemporar y Portuguese artist, will be along those represented. Art works will be priced from €1,000.
FUN TIMES CHILDREN’S ENTERTAINMENT
Vale do Lobo Praça Till 30 September 6.30p-11pm Kids can jump on the bouncy castle, enjoy exciting workshops and experiment with face painting under the watchful eye of professional child minders from Oficina dos Sonhos. Also returning this year are mini cars for younger guests to be able to explore the Praça from behind the wheel!
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GUILHERME ALBAGLI
Corte Real, Paderne On now This is a new collection of paintings by Guilherme Albagli from the beautiful state of Bahia in Brazil. Guillaume is a Professor of the Arts in the university of Santa Cruz in Ilheus; his painting Duas Gracas captures the innocence and gracefulness of the women of Bahia.
VITOR RIBEIRO AND ANA PAID OLIVEIRA
Vale do Lobo Art Gallery Till 11 October A selection of pieces by sculptor Vitor Ribeiro and painter Ana Pais Oliveira are on display at the gallery as part of an ongoing collaboration between the resort and the famed São Mamede Gallery.
CLEVER STUFF ALGARVE HISTORY ASSOCIATION
Vasco da Gama - Hero or Villain? Municipal Library Lagoa, 25 September, 6pm Municipal Library Tavira Friday 28 September, 11am If you ask someone to name five famous Portuguese, it is a safe bet that one of the names will be Vasco da Gama; he is famous for making the first sea voyage from Europe to India and back again in 1498. But what about the rest of his life? How did he come to be selected for this historic voyage of discovery? What sort of person was he? An aristocrat, or a humble mariner? And what about his life after the momentous journey? Did he retire quietly to rest on his laurels? Or was he soon awarded a peerage and pressed into further royal service? And lastly, when he died in 1524, where was he buried? And what happened to his remains in between his first interment, and the re-interment in the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos in 1880? Are his remains really there? Join Peter Booker to discover more about this champion of Portuguese maritime history.
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MUSIC WORTH CHECKING OUT
Live music in Quinta do Lago at Casa Velha every Friday; the Clubhouse and Bovino Steakhouse every Saturday; Casa do Lago every Sunday. Check with the restaurants for what and when. Dive-in movies at the Magnolia Hotel every Friday throughout September. Dinner on offer, and special cocktails and, when the sun goes down, there’s a movie on the wall beside the heated pool – hence ‘dive-in! 289 005 300 / booking@themagnoliahotelqdl.com
AMÁLIA FOREVER
Fado Concert by the Al-Mouraria Group Vale do Lobo Auditorium Saturday 22 September, 7.30pm Amália Rodrigues has been a constant source of inspiration for a generation of musicians over her 50 year recording career, and she was instrumental to the success of modern Fado performers including Argentina Freire, Filipa Sousa and Inês Gonçalves. During this concert, the diva of Fado will be celebrated with performances of some of her bestloved works as well as a number of new pieces performed on the Portuguese guitar, classical guitar, double bass and accordion. For tickets call Resort Reception on: 289 353 322 or email: events@vdl.pt valedolobo.com/en/events/al-mouraria-amaliafado-tribute/
CONCERT WITH THE QUINTET SUL´ARTE
Quintinha da Música Near Tavira Sunday 23 September, 5pm The Quintet – José Gomes (violin), Helena Duarte (violin), Ângela Silva (viola), Michail Shumova (cello) and Joana Vieira Shumova (piano) – will play Schumann´s Piano Quintet in E flat major, Op 44, composed in 1842 and considered one of his finest compositions and a major work of 19th century chamber music. After the interval, the Quintet will present Elgar´s Piano Quintet in A minor op 84. Tickets are €25 and can be obtained from lynne. algarvehistory@gmail.com
LIVE MUSIC
Vale Do Lobo Praça Daily, till 30 September, from 7.30pm Great performances every night on the centre stage – take your place at one of the restaurants for a front seat to the shows! Monday – Wendy & Adam Tuesday – Electric Love Wednesday – M90 Thursday – Wendy & Adam Friday – Denzel & The Washingtons / The Roots Saturday – Space Jam / Soul Nice / H20 Sunday – The Originals
VIVIANE CANTA PIAF
NOITE DE FADO
Museu do Trajo, São Brás de Alportel 30 September, 9pm Just €4 will buy you a ticket to a great evening of relaxed entertainment, courtesy of the Amigos of the Museum. It’s worth joining, not only for the savings at each event, but to ensure you get advanced notices of what’s happening when. The programme is varied and there’s always something to get toes tapping and brains focused. amigos-museu-sbras.pt Sunday – The Originals
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Auditório Municipal, Olhão 21 September, 9.30pm With a solo career of 12 years and after the release last December of her most recent CD, Viviane sings Piaf, Viviane goes live with a concert of the same name, paying homage to the great French singer Edith Piaf. Regarded as one of the most charismatic voices in Portuguese music today, Viviane’s repertoire includes La Vie en Rose, Padam Padam, Non Rien de Rien, Sous le Ciel De Paris, and Milord in a show that is full of emotion and some surprises. Tickets are €13. Call 289 700 160 for ticket info.
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Sports
SPORTS NEWS
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WALKING FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT, VILAMOURA
rowns Sports & Leisure Club stages its ever popular tournament on the 5th/6th October with teams from the UK and Portugal putting their best feet forward in competitive but friendly rivalry. A strong contingent from East Algarve Walking Football (Olhão and Tavira) will be striving to retain the trophy that they have won for the last three years. www.walkingfootballalgarve.com
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WORLD SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP
he tenth round of the World Championship returns to the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, Portimão on the 14th/16th September. Northern Ireland’s Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) won Round Nine at Misano, Italy with the defending champion demonstrated yet again why he is the favourite for this season’s trophy. www.autodromodoalgarve. com/SBK_2018/Superbikes
SIR BOBBY ROBSON : A TRUE LEGEND
hen FC Porto and Newcastle United went head-to-head at the Estádio do Dragão in a pre-season friendly they had at least two things in common. Porto celebrate their 125th anniversary this September, just ten months after the Tyneside club celebrated the same milestone, but more importantly it was an occasion to remember a wonderful servant of both clubs - Sir Bobby Robson. The great man took charge at Porto twenty-five years ago and won two Portuguese titles, the Portuguese Cup and the Super Cup during his three year tenure before moving on to Barcelona. Robson was not only revered in Porto because he won trophies, but it was his football philosophy that won the hearts and minds of the public. he once said: “If we score a goal it’s fine, it’s great, but let’s try for another. And if we get another, excellent, but the game continues and we will look for yet another goal. We have to keep attacking and attacking, to get as many goals as we can.” Jut as Sir Bobby had transformed Porto he did likewise on Tyneside after rescuing Newcastle, who were bottom of the Premier League in 1999, and turning them into a Champions League outfit. His first game at St James’ Park will never be forgotten when Sheffield Wednesday were thrashed 8-0 and Alan Shearer, who had been on a bad run, grabbed five goals. Shearer recalls: “If it wasn’t for Sir Bobby I would have left the football club. That was the reality of the situation. He saved my career. I didn’t know where to go, what to do, what I was doing right and what I was doing wrong. He had an aura about him. He had a personality that was lovable, that was engaging and
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Brought to you by Chris Wright
open.” Shearer’s revelation comes in a new film about Sir Bobby. Called ‘Bobby Robson: More Than A Manager’ it charts the life and career about one of English football’s most revered characters. Sir Bobby passed away in July 2009 from cancer and The Bobby Robson Foundation has subsequently raised more than £12m (€13.4m) for research in to the disease. The film about his life charts his career from its beginnings as a player at Fulham through to the highs and lows of a managerial life that included taking England to the semi-finals of the 1990 World Cup and winning the UEFA Cup with Ipswich and the Cup Winners Cup with Barcelona. Starring an A-list cast including Sir Alex Ferguson, Jose Mourinho, Pep Guardiola, Ronaldo, Paul Gascoigne, Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker it also includes never-before-seen archive footage and emotional testimony from Robson’s widow Lady Elsie. The same weekend as the Porto Newcastle game was taking place in the north, the Sir Bobby Robson Celebrity Golf Classic was in full swing at the Championship Course at Pestana Vila Sol, Vilamoura where Alan Shearer, Harry Redknapp, Steve Bruce and Mick McCarthy led a star studied field. The annual fundraising event has raised over one million euros for the homeless children’s charity the Refugio Aboim Ascensão, Faro since its inception fourteen years ago. Lady Elsie Robson and her family have continued their unwavering support for the charity. Two years ago a wonderful statue of Sir Bobby was commissioned and placed in a beautiful position, sitting on a bench overlooking the 18th green, a favourite spot of Sir Bobby’s at Pestana Vila Sol.
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Golf
Do custom fit golf clubs work for the average golfer? W
Richard Hudson and Eddie Charnock, Algarve Golf Guru, PGA Professionals answer a very important question!
e all watch the top athletes in their sport and wish we could replicate what they do! They all have unbelievable talent, fitness and an amazing mental strength when the real pressure is on. But they also have something very important behind the scenes! A perfect example for this month’s topic is Team Rose. You are now thinking who? The answer is Justin Rose. He calls himself Team Rose as he believes without his support team he would not be at the top of his profession. The support team consists of his Club Manufacturer Taylor Made, Golf Ball Manufacturer Taylor Made, Adidas Golf Shoes, his Golf Coach, his Fitness Coach, his Dietitian, his Mental Coach and when both on and off the golf course his Caddy. Now take a look around you at your fellow golfers, they are all different in many ways, height based on length of
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body/length of leg, length of arms, size of hands along with the physical power that they posses. So you still feel that playing with a set of clubs produced from the factory for Mr Average is going to make you a better player, well think again, no chance! This is a game you love; you want to be at your best when you play, which will help you to get the maximum enjoyment from this wonderful game. Let’s take one part of your team, your golf equipment and put this to the top of your list to get sorted asap! If you would like to contact Richard or Eddie to book a Custom Fitting at Vila Sol or any other golfing needs you can find them on their website: www.algarvegolfguru.com Email: sales@algarvegolfguru.com
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Last Word
Tales from an expat in Portugal
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Have holiday will travel. That’s the tourist’s mantra. But, says Anthony Martin, how much more enjoyable would their time out be if they ventured off the beaten track to the sunbed on the beach, and went on a journey of discovery
s I write this, it is mid- you spend most of your year working apart from driving from the Spanish August, the holiday in a crowded city then a few weeks in border to Cap St Vincent via the season is in full swing, a resort relaxing on the beach is what motorway, and spending one night in the beaches are packed, is needed… and, of course, our beaches Lisbon, he has been precisely nowhere a cold drink is upwards are amongst the best in Europe. and seen nothing. Porto, Evora, of €4 and there are places where you However, resort lovers should also Coimbra, the villages of the Alentejo, can’t get a table for lunch until end be aware of what they are missing. the western coastline – nothing, zilch, September. And why not, the Algarve We hillbillies, who came and carved nada. Furthermore, he isn’t interested. is enjoying itself. Everyone agrees out a life for our families in this He will see ugly (graffiti) but not that Portugal is a wonderful place, inhospitable rocky terrain do not have beauty; architecture goes unnoticed a sentiment with which I heartily the normally-accepted god-given right because he never looks up. He is not concur, except for one small interested in the history of the detail. We are talking south of the country, its customs, its festas or “How can you bear it, there’s EN125 which, although this puts regional dishes; he has no interest us geographically in Portugal, is in seeing the Portuguese people nothing here except view?” one culturally so far removed from in their natural environment. He visitor said. And that view is, of does not want to understand the the rest of the country that it could well be the independent course, precisely why we chose the slower pace of life, is impatient state today that the Algarve was if he must wait in a queue and, location to being with up to the beginning of the 19th worst of all, gets annoyed when century. the Portuguese don’t speak I know people who come here year to permanent hot and cold running English. I do sometimes, wonder why on year, rent the same house, eat in water. No, we must sell our souls to a he holidays abroad. the same restaurants, play the same higher deity and worship the graven All those years ago when we first golf course, and readily admit they images formed by our collection of started coming to the Algarve with never leave their resort. Get off plane pumps as we cajole and entice them young children, we split our time – leave airport – turn left – left again at to operate as they should. We do not between beach and exploring our Almancil – get suntan. want to suffer the consequences, as surroundings. Not that we could A few weeks later they go home we did this morning, of waking up explore far in a plastic door-less, roofpraising a country they haven’t seen waterless and convincing ourselves less Citroen but we managed most of and its people they haven’t met. These that filling up the toilet cisterns with the hill towns and villages up to the holiday-makers could be anywhere buckets of pool water is good exercise. Lower Alentejo. in the world. No curiosity and nil That is just one instance of how we And that is what led us to decide interest in their surroundings. When yokels amuse ourselves. Others being that this was the place we wanted, one they called over to see us, up in the watching a local man building a wall day, to live. It wasn’t just the weather hills but only eight kilometres from from the top down (I kid you not); but a combination of the region’s the sea, one visitor said in complete measuring the rate of disintegration charm: its food, the friendliness of the seriousness: “How can you bear it, of the dry-stone wall of an unpopular people and the ease with which we there’s nothing here except view”. ex-pat neighbour; and trying to track foreigners were able to fit in. Which is of course, precisely why we down the phantom carob thief who So, resort lovers, drive up here (and chose the location. works in darkness throughout the beyond) and be surprised. You may At this point I must clarify August crop-collecting season. Ah yes, even enjoy it and, like us, become something. I am not criticising the the not-so-simple life. captivated. Who knows, it may even holiday maker who arrives with their But to be serious, I do get annoyed be enough to make you consider family for the children to enjoy the sun when I hear someone pontificating having your own home from home. and sand and the adults the sangria; if how well he knows the country when,
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