Top-rated chefs will be turning the humble sweet potato into a variety of dished at the Aljezur Sweet Potato Festival which returns to the western Algarve on the 24, 25 and 26 November.
The foodie offerings will be found at four restaurants, three cafe restaurants, at a variety of street food stands and in the main tent that hosts Aljezur's main autumn event.
Invention beyond belief includes chocolate and sweet potato, a liqueur, a compote, a brandy, an ice cream, a hot drink and sweet potato craft beers.
The beer is the main novelty this year and results from a foamy partnership between Cerveja Marafada at Quinta dos Avós in Algoz and the brewers of Ale n'Tejo beer from Saboia, Odemira.
"More than a hundred exhibitors will bring colour, craftsmanship and authentic regional products to thousands of visitors that are expected this weekend in Aljezur. The best sweet potatoes in the country are on offer and all have a Protected Geographical Identification classification as guaranteed by the producers association," according to the blurb.
The official opening is on November 24, at 6:00 p.m. by Miguel Freitas, the Secretary of State for Forests and Rural Development.
The festival opens Friday and Saturday at 12.00 to 24.00; and on Sunday from 12.00 to 22.00 with the benefit of free admission and parking.
Over in the orange capital of the Algarve, Silves, this coming weekend (24 to 26 November) is the 2nd Orange Flavours Festival (2º Fim de semana com sabor a Laranja) with several local restaurants presenting menus using orange as a key ingredient.
The participating restaurants, 19 in total, are Al- Karib, A Ladeira, A Mesquita, Bistro Ugo Art Café, Café Castelo de Silves, Café da Sé, Cafetaria Chapim, Casa Velha, Churrasqueira Valdemar, Lendas & Mitos, O Barradas, O Pina, Pérola do Arade, Ponte Romana, Snack Bar Central, Snack Bar ao Pé do Tio, Snack Vira Copos, Sushi Love and Tasca do Bené.
Throughout the three days, the Duo Académico e o Duo Fole’Percussion will be wandering around performing at the various restaurants, no doubt to the delight of diners.
On the 25nd of November in Loulé’s main church, the Ecos de Coimbra group presents a free concert at 9.00 pm.
The Igreja Matriz de Loulé is celebrating the creation of the parish of São Clemente on November 23rd, 1249, after the castle was taken from the Moors.
The group, originally from the Algarve region and which has been around for 25 years, is composed of six members: José Maria Oliveira and Orlando Almeida on the Portuguese guitar, Maurício Monteiro on the classical guitar, António Vinagre, Joaquim Rogério and Luis Filipe on vocals - pictured below
