TURBANS Casa J Amor

FOR TWO YEARS WE HAVE FOLLOWED THE ADVENTURES OF TWO PARISIANS WHO FELL IN LOVE WITH THE SOTAVENTO ALGARVIO, OLHÃO, AND AN OLD EMBLEMATIC HOUSE IN THE HISTORIC CENTRE. CASA AMOR IS NEARLY READY TO OPEN ITS DOORS. IT ’ S ALMOST TIME TO CELEBRATE

Words: ELAINE JOYCE

ACK AND WALTER are both tired and excited by these past two years. They gave up ‘recognised’ jobs to become entrepreneurs; they left Paris for Olhão; they bought a ruin of 1,000m², opened a coffee shop and pop-up store. Walter perfected the art of French patisserie.

They closed the bustling pop-up last December, believing they would be ready to open Casa Amor in June. But legalities and building schedules meant they failed to meet the deadlines and had no choice but to review the business plan, which had included a high season opening. They had to renegotiate with the banks and explain themselves to Portugal 2020 and the European Commission. In short, they have not stopped... But ask them how they are coping and the eternal optimists respond: “Great! Tudo bem”.

“Of cours, getting out of your comfort zone is not so easy,” says Walter, “but we love our project, we are in a country that invented the peaceful revolution to get rid of the dictatorship, a region, east of Faro, which offers the best of the Algarve, and an endearing city full of promise.”

“And we now have good friends here,” adds Jack. “It’s important when the family is afar, but a drop in morale is quickly swept away by a picnic on the beach with a sunset and stars by the thousands. Here you can find the best and the worst in social networks, but we found only the best. We are supported by a community, the Friends of Casa Amor, who gives us energy, send positive vibes and are ready to join us as soon as we can open reservations. We are incredibly lucky.”

When it comes to best memories made so far, Jack has this to say: “For me, it was when we finally got the answer from Mrs Helena’s eight heirs, because no building means no project. The day we signed, the adventure really started.”

For Walter, its was the opening of the coffee shop in the Baixa. “When your friends and family tell you that they love your pastries, it’s nice but you know they’re forgiving and caring. Being in front of customers is another story!” (note: This is Walter being shy – customers loved his pastries.)

And the worst memory? Walter: “Without a doubt the receipts of renovation quotes! Even the cheapest of them was 40% higher than our goal. If we can give advice to your readers: you can never emphasize enough the maximum limit you can put in a project. We thought it was obvious, but it wasn’t. The return to reality has been very frustrating, we have had to revise quotes downwards, and deal with the loss of time.”

And for Jack? “It’s the duration of the work, more like a marathon than a sprint. At first, we were enthusiastic. Now, towards the end, we dream of finally being at home, to have the keys, to be masters on board, a crazy desire to clean and to be able to welcome guests. But those who have been there before have told us that we will forget the negatives very quickly.”

And to conclude this 24th chapter...

If Casa Amor was a colour?

“The blue like the blue sky of Olhão”.

If Casa Amor was a plant?

“A century-old olive tree, like the one on the patio.”

If Casa Amor was a landscape?

“The Ria Formosa, it is the soul of the land and the ocean.”

If Casa Amor was a song?

“The hymn to love, sung by Edith Piaf, for a nod to France and especially love. We all need a lot of love, today more than ever.”

If Casa Amor was a party?

“Christmas to re-find your childhood soul, the scent of mulled wine and chestnuts, family and friends around the fireplace.”

If Casa Amor was a dessert?

“A raspberry pavlova, a dessert created in 193 by a young pastry chef who was in love with the ballerina Anna Pavlova.”

If Casa Amor was a wine?

“Champagne, without any hesitation.”

The teams are now focusing on finishing the first floor, hoping to deliver the building by the end of September. The restaurant and kitchen are finalised, as are the coffee shop and the winter lounge. Platibandas have their final colour.

We have nearly reached the final chapter in our series, but so happy for Jack and Walter who are waiting to welcome you to their new story.