Although we live by the sea, the Algarve region is rich in customs related to land and agriculture. Now it’s time for the peanut harvest, and Mar d’Estórias is focused on the whole process associated with the cultivation of the “alcagoita” as it is called here.
The four-month plantation begins in May when the dried peanuts are sown in the land.
Rachel Ramirez and Kevin Gould, one an internationally acclaimed artist, the other a former travel writer, turned restaurateur and owner of Chá Chá Chá in what now is the coolest part of Olhão, one block back from the famous fish market.
Rachel is the restaurant’s August artist of the month and a wide selection of her work, centred on the creatures and plants of the Ria Formosa and, latterly, man’s discarded objects collected while beach-combing, is on display and for sale.
It’s in the confection details as well as the knowledge acquired from the past generations, that the richness of Portuguese regional gastronomy is based. If there are dishes that identify the Algarvian culinary heritage, the carapaus alimados (horse mackerel Algarve style) is, undoubtedly, one of them. Characteristic of the Algarve coastal area, when it was necessary to preserve the fish in the brine, this dish illustrates the simplicity and purism of this ingredient so appreciated by us, the Algarvian people.
To the Praia dos Pescadores in Armação de Pêra and the new beachside restaurant, Só Verão, for a summer lunch with friends.
So good to be out of town for the day, taking the wooden walkway from the parking area at the eastern end of dear old Armação with a view over open countryside to the north and the sand to the south leading to a crystal blue sea.
Living in Portugal is very much about the lifestyle, so restaurants play a large part of life here - the quality and freshness of the food, the location of the restaurant, the atmosphere and the service.
We have put together a list of our favourite restaurants to eat out in the Lagos and Luz areas of the Algarve. There is something for everyone, for all tastes and occasions, and to suit all budgets. We've even included a restaurant map so you can find them quickly and easily!
Open for light lunches, snacks, afternoon tea or even an early sundowner, the Garden Café by Fine Dining in Style, now open at Natura Garden Centre in Almancil, is a new ‘pop-up’ casual concept for the summer.
Located in a shaded, tranquil spot in the middle of the popular garden centre on Estrada de Vale do Lobo in Escanxinas, the Garden Café’s menu includes tapas-style sharing starters and salads; grilled prawns, steak, fish and chicken; grazing platters of Portuguese meats and cheeses; dishes of the day; and freshly-made cakes and desserts. A variety of items are also available for delivery or take-away.
On the 7th May, Quinta dos Vales was once again honoured at the “XI Concurso de Vinhos do Algarve 2018” winning the Grand Gold Medal and the coveted distinction of “The Best Wine of the Algarve” for the seventh time in the competition's short history, and totalling also 12 other Gold medals alongside the prestigious award.
Avenida is a brand new restaurant located in the main avenue of sunny Lagos, Portugal. Its part of the Lagos Avenida Hotel, just opposite Lagos Marina.
The Restaurant serves international cuisine, locally sourced and globally inspired. The food is European, you have a mixed gastronomy, to complement the wines they have selected - the best wines in the world !
