Social Scene Costa del Sol 27 Feb - 5 Mar 2025 Issue 2069
Val’s 86th
LOCAL charities fundraising champion and pillar of the Costa del Sol community, Valerie Williams, celebrated her 86th birthday in style at La Sierra restaurant in Cerrado del Águila, Mijas.
There was a full house of members of the Simply Thriving Group in attendance to celebrate the group’s founder and her Big (B)old 86th, a testimony to importance of sticking together and the strength of community spirit.
classics from the lifetime of Val, the first few being hand-picked by Val herself from the 50s and 60s. These included the eternal spellbinding Etta James song At Last, and Brenda Lee’s Sweet Nothins. By the time Emma divinely gave a rendition of Martha and the Vandella’s Dancing in the Street, everyone was dancing between the tables.
As well as the splendid three-course meal laid on by the team at La Sierra, shining star chanteuse Emma Prothero wowed the audience with some timeless
Val decided to auction off the beautiful bouquet of flowers gifted from Euro Weekly News for the charity Last Chance Animal Rescue, the shelter for abandoned and mistreated animals in Pizarra.
DonkeyFlamenco
¡OLÉ! Tickets are now on sale for the first big fundraising event of the year at Donkey Dreamland with an afternoon of passion and culture on Sunday, March 9 from 12pm to 4pm.
This unforgettable Sunday afternoon event will be filled with fiery rhythms and vibrant energy!
There will be a real Spanish Flamenco performance lighting up the afternoon with music, stunning dance and an atmosphere you don’t want to miss.
Savour the flavours of Spain with authentic Paella, cooked to perfection by Amor en Cocción, and drinks available for purchase to keep the afternoon flowing.
The entrance is just €10 to enjoy the incredible Flamenco performance by Paca Rodríguez and Nano de Marbella, and help Donkey Dreamland continue their vital work at the Donkey rescue centre. Every ticket supports their mission to care for and protect their beloved donkeys.
Mark your calendars and bring your friends, as this is an event you don’t want to miss.
Book your tickets for €10 at donkeydreamland. com/events.
You can find Donkey Dreamland in Diseminado la Rosa, 79, Las Lagunas de Mijas.
Happy birthday Val Williams. Credit: EWN
Flamenco and paella event, Donkey Dreamland.
St David’s Day
GET ready for an unforgettable night of music, culture, and celebration as Ricky Lavazza presents The St David’s Day Concert - a spectacular event honouring all things Welsh!
Live performances from top talent!
Joining Ricky on stage are two incredible special guests:
Credit: Shutterstock, Debra Angel
St. David’s Day Concert: A Welsh celebration like no other!
Bodega del Mar, Marbella
Mario Ross - Bringing his powerhouse vocals to the stage
Emma Luisa - Delivering a stunning performance you won’t want to miss. A truly special talent.
Anyone who has watched this young girl perform live knows it’s worth making the trip just to see her sing. Simply amazing!
Expect a night filled with passion, tradition, and a true Welsh spirit.
Show Dates & Times
Saturday March 1 at 7.30pm.
Sunday March 2 at 7pm.
Venue: Fuengirola’s English Speaking Theatre
Important Information
Wheelchair Accessible: The theatre is open from September to May and fully accessible for wheelchair users. Wheelchair-accessible tickets are available exclusively from the box office.
Online Ticketing: If you experience payment issues, please wait 30 minutes before retrying.
Children Policy: No children under five years old allowed. All children must have their own seats and be accompanied by an adult.
Scam Warning: Tickets should only be purchased via the official Salon Varietes Theatre to avoid fraud.
Box Office & Booking. Telephone: (+34) 952 474 542
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 11:00 - 14.30, and one hour before any show E-Mail: boxoffice@salonvarietestheatre.com Venue Details
Address: Teatro Salon Varietes, C/ Emancípación, s/n, Fuengirola 29640, Malaga
SPANISH croquetas, the small, breaded, and fried morsels of deliciousness, typically made with a thick béchamel base, and mixed with various fillings like ham, chicken, cod, are staple comfort food of any Spanish home, bar or restaurant. There is one place croqueta fans should put on their bucket list when in Marbella, and that’s La Bodega del Mar on Avenida Duque de Ahumada. It gets rave reviews for its tapas and rations, including croquettes with a local twistthink fried anchovy or oxtail fillings alongside the everyday traditional Spanish ham. Also worth checking out if not all of your party are into croquetas, the Patatas Baby with Mojo Picón spicy sauce, or the fried aubergine and honey. These are things you can enjoy at any one of a thousand places along the Costa del Sol, but here
they are exceptionally good and with a perfect ambiance overlooking the Mediterranean in bustling Marbe-
The seaside patio adds to the appeal, and the croquetas are priced pretty reasonably for Marbella, at around €3-4 per piece. It’s a laid-back place, yet upscale enough to feel special. Make sure you book at weekends and on public holidays.
You can find Bodega del Mar on Avenida Duque de Ahumada 13, Marbella. Reservations on 952 772 704.
Manolo, best in Banus
RECOGNISED as the best barman in Banus, Manolo, the cornerstone of Sinatra, is 65 years old, although he doesn’t look it.
On Thursday, February 26, he is finally retiring after 46 years at the emblematic bar that has seen the evolution of Puerto Banus from a quiet fishing village into a bustling hub of opulence.
He is something of a local legend, woven into the fabric of Sinatra’s storied reputation. A figure who’s left a deep impression on patrons throughout the years. He’s often cited as a standout character, as a ‘crack’ - Spanish slang for a top-notch guy - highlighting his knack for making the experience memorable, whether you’re there for a midday coffee or a late-night cocktail.
Manolo has been at Sinatra Bar in Puerto Banus since it first opened. The legendary spot has been a cornerstone of the area’s nightlife for decades. Synonymous with sophistication and swagger, the bar defined the Banus vibe from the start. It positioned itself along the marina’s frontline, offering a prime perch for people-watching - yachts gliding in, supercars cruising by, and a parade of well-heeled patrons.
EWN: I bet you’ve seen some changes here.
Manolo: It was a lot of fun in the early
back then.
days. People had fewer problems back then. People knew how to party a lot more back then.
EWN: Do you see more varied nationalities coming in these days?
Manolo: No, there have always been loads of different nationalities here. At first, the French came, then the English. Now there are more Dutch and Belgians. In the summer I serve a minimum of 10 different nationalities in the bar in any given moment.
EWN: What about the regulars here?
friends, and then come back year after year at the
Manolo: Like family. Everyone we’ve had over the years have been fun and friendly. It’s always been that way. We have people who come here on holiday, make friends, and then come back year after year at the same time and meet up in Sinatra. They’re family to me. I am going to miss them all.
Jeremias, one of Manolo’s colleagues, who’s been working at Sinatra for 13 years, says that he learned everything from Manolo. Rene, a regular at the marina-side bar, says, “He’s the face of Sinatra, a fantastic guy. Everyone knows Manolo. A small guy with a big mouth who makes everyone come back again and again.” Manolo’s last day at Sinatra is on Thursday, February 26.
Enjoy your retirement, Manolo.
Crush Band to ignite Marbella
GET ready for an electrifying night as Crush Band takes over Premiere Club Marbella on Thursday, February 27, the eve of Andalucia Day! With a free entry show kicking off at 11.30pm, this is set to be a high-energy, non-stop party you won’t want to miss.
More than just a cover band - it’s a full-blown party!
Fronted by the charismatic and lively Jai, Crush Band isn’t just another tribute act. They bring an unstoppable mix of energy, fun, and music that keeps the crowd jumping from start to finish. Expect an adrenaline-fuelled setlist featuring Bruno Mars, Michael Jackson, Steppenwolf, AC/DC, Blur, and more - all delivered in a uniquely electrifying style.
This isn’t just a gig - it’s a full-scale party experience. Think wild dancing, relentless jumping, and a night of top-tier live music with an unexpected twist.
Event details
Venue: Premiere Club Marbella
Date: Thursday, February 27
Time: 11.30pm
Whether you’re a rock lover, a pop enthusiast, or just looking for an unfor-
gettable night out, Crush Band guarantees a show packed with energy, sur-
prises, and pure
magic.
Don’t miss out - be the-
Andalucia Day at Pimpi Marbella
FRIDAY, February 28 is Andalucia Day, and at El Pimpi, Marbella, they will be celebrating with the most Andaluz cuisine and music.
El Pimpi Marbella, has always been known for offering the best of local cuisine and a unique atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. For 2025, they have revamped their menu with a selection of innovative tapas that blend traditional Andalucian flavours with modern touches and pleasantly surprising piquancy.
From the Almadraba tuna toast to the carabinero shrimp sandwich with black pudding, their new creations are perfect to pair with a fine wine from El Pimpi’s exclusive cellar.
El Pimpi Marbella will always be the place to enjoy a unique culinary expe-
rience, and now even more so with their new El Pimpi tapas.
After a stroll along Diseminado Von Bismarck promenade, popping into El Pimpi for a drink and some tapas is the perfect recipe for a weekend afternoon.
El Pimpi Marbella is in the Puente Romano Beach Resort, Bulevar Principe Alfonso von Hohenlohe. Make a reservation on 682 112 233.
musical
re, bring your best moves, and get ready to party like never before!
Two streets behind El Puerto Hotel, 30 seconds from Fish Alley
Large secure private terrace
Spanish Winesmuch more than Rioja....
SPANISH wine is some of the best in the world, known for its variety, quality, and affordability. Spain has more vineyard acreage than any other country, which may surprise you, although it’s third in total wine production after Italy and France.
It’s great climatic diversity, vast range of grapes, expansive range of terroir and the emergence of new enterprising young winemakers all contribute to a truly exciting range of wines. From the wild Atlantic coast, the Basque Country’s unique conditions, the hot and arid plains of central Spain to the revered Roman legacy of making wine in the south, this really is one of the most exciting wine countries in the world.
So what do you need to know to expand your vinous horizons; here’s a brief guide:
Key Wine Regions
Rioja - World famous for Tempranillo-based red wines, often aged in oak with strong character
Rueda - The absolute home of Verdejo with nearly 90 per cent of vineyards dedicated to it
Navarra - The epicen-
powerful (and expensive) reds from Garnacha and Cariñena
Rías Baixas - The home of Albariño, a crisp, aromatic white wine
Penedès - The heart of Cava accounting for about 95 per cent of production
Jerez - The kingdom of sherry, with everything ranging from very dry (Fino) to deliciously sweetsweet (Pedro Ximénez)
Notable Grape Varieties
tre of Spanish rosé wines, predominantly from Garnacha and Tempranillo
Toro - In north western Spain, this vastly underrated region produces powerful, full bodied reds from Tempranillo
Ribera del DueroAnother top Tempranillo region, known for bold, structured reds often with less oak than Rioja
Priorat - Produces very
Tempranillo - Spain’s signature red grape, found in Rioja and Ribera del Duero
Garnacha (Grenache) - Often blended, but great on its own, especially in Priorat Monastrell (Mourvèdre) - Known for bold, spicy reds and at its best from the province of Murcia
Mencia - Produces medium-bodied, high quality, floral and fruity wines in the northwest
Albariño - A fresh, citrusy white from Galicia famed for its pairing with seafood
Verdejo - A zesty, herbaceous white from Rueda and Spain’s leading white by far
Godello - A lesser-known but excellent white from northwestern Spain with great fruity character
Ageing Classification (for Rioja and Ribera del Duero)
Joven - Young wines, little or no oak ageing. Crianza - Aged at least two years (one in oak).
Reserva - Aged at least three years (one in oak). Gran Reserva - Aged at least five years (two in oak).
So there you go, a little introductory guide to the great diversity of Spanish wines. Now head to the shops and experiment !!
COSTA FOOD TOURS
Carnival three times Experience every moment
MIJAS streets will be filled with all the fun and colour of carnival this March, and if you miss it, don’t worry, as there will be another right around the corner.
This year’s carnival will be celebrated three times, in three different neighbourhoods of the municipality, between Saturday, March 1, and Sunday, March 9.
On Saturday, March 1, the big street party will be held in Las Lagunas with the parade starting off at 11am between Parque María Zambrano and Parque Andalucía.
Residents can participate in the parade, but must bring along their ID cards to enter. There will be a street bar managed by the neighbourhood association El Juncal, and a big barbecue.
On Sunday, March 2, the carnival moves to
za Virgen de la Peña, again kicking off at 11am. There will be fun for the children, a stage where the best costumes will be chosen, and the bar will be set up by the charity Cáritas.
La Cala de Mijas will have to wait until March 9 from 11am. Those of you who fancy dressing up and joining the parade through La Cala should register at the local town hall an hour
before the parade. The fl oats, marching bands and colourful costumed participants will all end up in La Butibamba park, where there will be plenty of activities for the younger ones, a best costume competition, and bar and food stalls of Santa Teresa parish.
FOOTBALL enthusiasts, get ready! The UEFA Champions League 2024/25 season is in full swing, and The Clubhouse Marbella is your premier destination to catch all the live action. With an exciting new format this season, featuring 36 teams in a single league phase, every match promises unparalleled excitement.
Head to The Clubhouse Marbella to enjoy every goal, tackle, and celebration in a vibrant atmosphere, complemented by delicious food and drinks. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just looking for a fun night out, this incredible venue offers the perfect setting to immerse yourself in Europe’s most prestigious club football competition.
Key Dates:
• Round of 16: March 4 - 12
• Quarter-finals: April 8 - 16
• Semi-finals: April 29 - May 7
• Final: May 31 at Allianz Arena, Munich
The Clubhouse Marbella will be showing every match live, from the early league ba-
ttles to the epic final showdown, so you never miss a moment of the action. Get ready for unmatched football fever at The Clubhouse Marbella. Bring your friends, grab a drink, and immerse yourself in the passion of the Champions League.
Located just beneath La Sala Puerto Banus, The Clubhouse Marbella offers a vibrant atmosphere. With state-of-theart entertainment, including F1 and Multisports simulators, Dartsee dartboards, and over 50 TVs equipped with Zapping technology, The Clubhouse is the ultimate destination for sports lovers and socialisers alike.
EAT . DRINK . WATCH . PLAY Book your spot by contacting reserva tions@LaSalaBanus.com or calling 952 814 145.
Mijas Pueblo in the Pla-
Credit: BearFotos - Shutterstock.
Carnival time for Mijas.
La Scala Restaurant showing
ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY incredible souls united over the food of the gods and luxurious prizes - from boat trips and supercar track days to VIP tickets and exclusive packages - with every ticket delivering €35 directly to charity. We danced with mirrored ballerinas, cheered on fire-eaters and stilt walkers, and shared moments of pure joy as we auctioned, bid, and celebrated together.
A huge shout-out to our powerhouse entertainers - Mr Maph, Paul Maxwel, Diva Fever, Melissa Carver, Toni Leigh, and Sam & Oliva from Bespoke Live Entertainer - and to our amazing photographers, Rachel, Richard, and Kyle, for capturing every unforgettable moment.
Special thanks to Lorraine Palmer of El Oceano Hotel for her surprise donation of €11,000 at the end of the evening and to the ever-generous Charlie Mullins and Jim McAllister for rounding our contributions to an inspiring €50,000
This night was dedicated to honouring Joyce of Adintre’s incredible work. Her unwavering passion supports our vulnerable community. Tibbi, Michelle, Steven, and I rallied for her. We pledged together to raise €11,000 to open the showers for the homeless, along with the unwavering support of our teams. However, the community got together, and they proved that when we unite, we change lives and what a change they made.
Calle Feria de Jerez, (between Palacio de Deportes
showing the Coast with Love
Thank you to everyone who made this magical night possible. Your love and commitment have genuinely showered our coast with hope and dignity.
achieved
We set out together to raise €11,000 to open showers for the homeless seven days a week, and with the support of this fantastic community, we not only achieved this, but we can now feed the homeless seven days a week and help the children of domestic abuse.
You, the community, did this - you changed lives on this night. Everyone got involved, and what a difference you made. Thank you, thank you, thank you. You, the Costa del Sol community, showed that miracles do happen, and we were so grateful to be part of this fantastic achievement.
When you move to the Costa del Sol for your new beautiful home - your new beautiful life in the sun with its stunning views and fantastic weather you also become part of something even more amazing - you become part of this incredible community that does care - that does what no other place can do - it changes lives for the better, and it cares - how lucky are we?
The Costa del Sol community gives us back the HOPE we need today.
Thank You, everyone, for everything you showered us all with an abundance of love ..
(between Fuengirola TV and El (29640) Fuengirola, Málaga
Aino and Teemu fusion chefs
LA PUERTA VERDE, tucked away in a side street in central Fuengirola, offers something truly different based on the creative flair of husband and wife team Teemu and Aino from Finland.
It’s not a Finnish restaurant, nor is it Spanish, but it is unique, and drawing more and more curious customers eager to try their fare. Euro Weekly News spoke with Aino, one half of the duo who thought up the concept for this delectable treat, to see how all this came about.
EWN: Where do you get your ideas from?
Aino: My husband was a chef in Finland at high-end restaurants. He has a bank of hundreds of recipes stored in his head.
EWN: How are they going down with the customers?
Aino: We get compliments all the time
from surprised customers saying, ‘Oh, I had never considered combining those two ingredients.’
EWN: How often do you change your menu?
Aino: Every week. We have customers who dine here on a weekly basis, so we like to keep the menu fresh and surprising.
EWN: What’s your star dish?
Aino: Probably our most requested dish is the king prawns cooked at a very low temperature with a pil pil glaze and a purée of roasted garlic. The tenderness of the prawns is like nothing you can find anywhere else.
Aino and Teemu are driven by quality and culinary art more than a quick buck, making La Puerta Verde quite unique.
Calle Miguel de Cervantes 17, Fuengirola. Tel: 687 505 675
