"Don't miss" when you are in the Algarve.....

We have listed ten " not to be missed" things to do when on holiday in the Algarve. We have only scratched the surface - please add your suggestions:-

Sample the hot sausage bread straight from the bread oven in Caldas da Monchique


Visit a colourful Algarve Market


Take a Kayak tour in Ponta da Piedade

Enjoy Quad bike tour, through the countryside

Swim with the dolphins

Visit the most Southwesterley point in Europe

Eat Snails in May

Eat Chicken Piri Piri in Monchique

Watch the fishing boats come in - Armação de Pêra beach

In our Mailbox today

We came to the Garbe two years ago and vowed to try and come back every year.

We didn't make it last year but were so glad we came back again this year.

We love the hotel, the food is great, the rooms are comfy and the atmosphere is one of complete relaxation.

I've recommended it to all my friends and family and I hope they get to share that wonderful experience of breakfast on the terrace on a gorgeous sunny morning.

Thank you for a lovely stay. Keep up the good work!!

'Allo 'Allo

Coming up this weekend - Silves Rural Fair

Ruralidades Silves, 2010
30th April, 1st and 2nd May - Fissul Centre - Silves

Familiarise yourself with the products, traditions and culture of the Silves Area.

Over the three days, you will be able to enjoy the riches that the inland areas of the Algarve have to offer, traditional cuisine, handicrafts and a huge range of leisure and adventure activities are just some of the things that you will find on offer.

Dried fruits and sausages, homemade bread and the well-known and much loved oranges, these are just a few of the products that you will be able to find at this Fair.

You will also have the chance to enjoy folk dancing and accordian music.

More infomation from - Silves Municipal Council

Tel.: 282 440 800

"Há caracois" - Snails

Caracóis are small snails which are found in the Portuguese countryside during the months of May and June.

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For those who like them they are delicious.

Eaten between the months of May and July the snails are usually boiled and then flavoured with garlic and oregano.

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The best snails, it is said, are those picked from fennel plants. Look for a sign reading “Há caracois”, meaning snails are on the menu.

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They can be bought at most markets, to cook at home:-

1 kl. (around 35 oz.) of small/medium snails. You can pick them from your garden… :)

3 crushed cloves of garlic

1 hand full of oreganos

Salt

Wash the snails well. After they are well cleaned, place them in a pot casserole and cover them in water.

Add, garlic and oregano, bring them to the boil - simmer, stirring once in a while.

Let it cook for around 10 to 15 minutes.

Serve with chilled beer and bread. You’ll need tooth sticks to get the snails out of their shells. Enjoy!

New Year's Eve Programme

Wednesday, 29th December 2010
• Arrival
• Afternoon Tea and Cakes
• Welcome Cocktail Party with Music from our Resident Organist
• Buffet Dinner with wine
• Dancing to Live Music
• Accommodation

Thursday, 30th December 2010
• Buffet Breakfast
• Afternoon Board Games in the Chelb Room
• Afternoon Tea and Cakes
• “Pajama Party” Fancy Dress Night
• Buffet Dinner with wine
• Dancing to Live Music
• Accommodation

Friday, 31st December 2010
• Special Last Day of 2010 buffet breakfast with Bucks Fizz
• Afternoon Tea and Cakes
• New Years Eve Gala Buffet Dinner
• All night dancing to Live Music
• Dance Show
• After midnight
Traditional Soup
Buffet of Salads , Cold Meats and Dessert Table
• Accommodation

Saturday, 1st January 2011
• Special New Year’s Day Hangover Brunch
• New Years Day Dip in Sea for Charity followed by Hot Chocolate for the Swimmers

Price: 359 Euros per person in twin room

Single Supplement per night - 14 Euros
Seaview Supplement per person per night - 12 Euros

Children from 2 to 12 years - 50% reduction sharing room with parents
Cots Free

Please also see our special festive tariff. For more information please contact us.

mail@hotelgarbe.com - www.hotelgarbe.com

Another Spectactular Day

Charity Dinner Dance

Saturday, 29th May, 2010
7.30pm – 11.30pm

Three course buffet dinner with wine

Dancing to Live Music by Saraband

Tickets: € 25 (includes charity donation0

Raffle prizes … Donations Gratefully Received

Tickets / Information call
Carol Williamson – 282 322854
Carole Good-Dixon – 966571639
Heather Scott – 282 471096

25% off room rates at the Hotel Garbe, Armação de Pêra,for this event, please Tel 282 320 260

Hotel Garbe 2010, Christmas Programme

Thursday, 23rd December 2010
• Arrival
• Mulled Wine, Mince Pies and Carol Singing
• Welcome Buffet Dinner with wine
• Dancing to Live Music in Bar Boa Vista
• Accommodation

Friday, 24th December 2010
• Buffet Breakfast
• Afternoon board games in Chelb Room
• Afternoon Tea and Cakes
• Christmas Eve Buffet Dinner with our Resident Organist
• Dancing to Live Music in Bar Boa Vista
• Accommodation

Saturday, 25th December 2010
• Special Christmas Day buffet breakfast with Bucks Fizz
• Christmas Day Dip in Sea for Charity followed by Mulled
Wine for the swimmers
• Afternoon Tea with Christmas Cake
• Christmas Day Buffet Dinner with special appearance
by Father Christmas
• Dancing to live music in Bar Boa Vista
• Accommodation

Sunday, 26th December 2010
• Special Boxing Day buffet breakfast with Bloody Marys
• Afternoon Tea and Cakes
• Boxing Day Treasure Hunt
• Buffet Dinner with Wine
• Dancing to live music in Bar Boa Vista
• Accommodation

Monday, 27thDecember 2010
• Buffet Breakfast

Price: 398 Euros per person in twin room

Single Supplement per night 14 Euros
Seaview Supplement per person per night 12 Euros
Cots Free

Children from 2 to 12 years - 50% reduction sharing room with parents

Please also see our special festive tariff. For more information please contact us.

Gipsy and other weekly markets in the Algarve

Taking place throughout the Algarve markets attract tourists and locals. A huge variety of goods is usually available - handicrafts - wicker, wood and ceramics, household and dry goods and clothes and shoes.

Don't miss the opportunity to visit a market - whther to buy a souvenir or to just enjoy the atmosphere. from all over the region -

The most popular markets!!!

Albufeira
Caliços - 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month
Guia: 3rd Friday of the month
Paderne: near Rua Miguel Bombarda - 1st Saturday of the month

Alcoutim

Pereiro: in front of the parish church - 4th Sunday of the month
Vaqueiros: Rua do Poço Novo -2nd Thursday of the month

Aljezur
Rogil: near the parish council - 4th Sunday of the month
Aljezur: near the school & kindergarten - 3rd Monday of the month

Almancil
Almancil: near the school - 1st & 4th Sunday of the month

Castro Marim
Castro Marim - 2nd Saturday every month

Faro

Estói: near the supplier\'s market -2nd Sunday of the month

Lagoa
Lagoa: area in front of Fatacil - 2nd Sunday every month

Lagos
Lagos: area at the municipal stadium ( Estádio Municipal) - 1st Saturday every month
Odiaxere: Largo do Moinho - 4th Monday of the month

Loulé
Almancil: at the school - 1st & 4rd Sunday of the month
Ameixial: EN 2 - 1st. Thursday of the month
Azinhal: at the school - Last Saturday of the month
Benafim: Rua 25 de Abril - 1st. Saturday of the month
Boliqueime Largo da Igreja - Last Thursday of the month
Cortelha: -2nd. Saturday of the month
Loulé: opposite the Convento de S. António -Every Saturday

Monchique
Monchique: Largo do Mercado - 2nd Friday every month

Olhão

Fuseta: near the camping ground - 1st Sunday every month
Moncarapacho: near the street Rua das Olarias - 1st Sunday every month
Quelfes: frente a Escola EB1 - 4th & 5th Saturday of the month

Portimão
Portimão: Exhibition area (Parque de Feiras e Exposições) - 2nd Monday of the month

Quarteira
Quarteira: Fonte Santa - Every Wednesday

Sagres

Sagres: in front of the market hall - 1st Friday every month

São Bras de Alportel Market
São Bras de Alportel: Fairs Park - Every Saturday

Silves

Alcantarilha: Centre of the village - 1st Friday of the month
Silves: near the Cemetery - 3rd Monday of the month
Algoz: Largo da Vázea - 2nd Monday of the month
Azilheira / S. Marcos de Serra -1st Thursday of the month
São Bartolomeu de Messines - 4th Monday of the month
São Marcos da Serra : near the Cemetery - 1st Saturday of the month
Tunes : Rua 1° de Maio - 4th Saturday of the month

Tavira
Tavira: Rua Vale Caranguejo - 3rd Saturday of the month
Santa Catarina: Rua 1° do Maio - 4th Sunday of the month

Vila do Bispo

Vila do Bispo: opposite the market hall - 1st Thursday of the month
Barão de S. Miguel: village centre - 1st Monday of the month
Budens: village centre - 1st Tuesday of the month
Raposeira: opposite the school - 1st Wednesday of the month
Sagres: opposite the market hall - 1st Friday of the month

Vila Real de Santo António
Vila Real d.S.A.: Square Marquês de Pombal - 1st. Sunday of the month

Special "Flavours of the Sea' Package

23rd - 30th June

coincides with the Caldeirada Festival
in Armação de Pêra

and the Traditional Dancing Parade on 23rd June

3 Nights - 115.00 Euros per person

Accommodation and buffet breakfast

Supplements
Single Supplement (3 nights) 36,00 Euros
Seaview Supplement (3 nights) per person 36,00 Euros

Marchas Populares - 10.00 pm - 23rd June, 2010

For more information, reservations or if you only want to stay
1 or 2 nights please contact us - Tel. 282 320260

Royal British Legion April Lunch

A few photos from the Royal British Legion lunch which took place today.

The Algarve Sub-Branch now has a membership of 150 and meets the 3rd. Wednesday of every month at Hotel Garbe for lunch.
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All visiting RBL members are welcome and please join us in the Bar for pre-lunch drinks at mid-day.

For more information please contact Mr. Peter Wilkinson at thealgarvewilkinsons@gmail.com More photos can be seen here

A taste of Portugal - Prawns Piri-Piri

Ingredients
2 tbsp piri piri sauce

half a tsp chilli powder

juice of 2 lemons

24 large king prawns, raw with heads on

1 bunch of watercress

1 bunch of coriander

Method
1. Mix together the piri-piri sauce, chilli powder and lemon juice in a mixing bowl. Add the raw king prawns, coat thoroughly, cover and marinate in the fridge for 2 hours.

2. Tear the watercress and coriander into sprigs and arrange on a large serving plate.

3. Heat a heavy frying pan until hot. Dry-fry the king prawns, seasoning with a little sea salt, until they turn pink and opaque, around 3 minutes.

4. Serve at once on the watercress and coriander.

Enjoy with a light white wine from the Alentejo

Other Recipes from Portugal
Sopa da Pedra
Cataplana
Caldeirada Broad beans - Algarve Style
Green Peas and Eggs
Sweet Rice Pudding
Pudim Flan
Dom Rodrigos
"Fig" Cheese
Octopus Rice

From our Golf Desk

GOLFING 29 MARCH 2010

Hi All at the Golf Desk,

Thank you for your mail. Be assured that the golf experience you provided was judged the best yet of our 8 trips, yes better than Vilamoura. Everyone was impressed by the whole package and already are talking of a return. ( I even think one of the lads is planning his summer holiday with you ). The hotel experience was excellent.... staff were very friendly and efficient and most importantly very sincere, - great value,- food, service, accommodation, attention to guests was very much appreciated by all. The golf was superb value. Courses were a joy to play. Thank you. We definitely will be back, and hopefully bring a few more with us. You have set yourselves a very high standard to follow, but I'm sure that is no problem for you.

Helen, no need to apologise re tee times. Your transport company was very accommodating. Any hitches were purely my fault. I should have had all that organised with you weeks before hand. I will know better next time. Some of the lads are just beginning to discover that, (as an Irish song says) "You can't do all night what you used to do all night". I mean of course drink!! and then expect to play golf early the next day. Thank you for all your help and work for us. We are singing your praises to anyone who will listen over here.

AFPOP Quiz Night success - contributed

Last Friday evening 16th April the Hotel Garbe in Armacao de Pera hosted an Indian Dinner & Quiz Night for the Albufeira AFPOP group.

Diamond Cleaning Services (Albufeira) sponsored the prize draw which allowed funds to be donated to Albufeira Bombeiros.

Following an excellent 3 course Indian meal in The Raj Restaurant the grey cells were tested by Lynn and Martin's Quiz and after a closely fought contest the winners prizes were split between two teams, both agreeing to forego the tension of a tie break question.

The winning teams are pictured here along with Peter and Miriam Hare the AFPOP representatives for Albufeira.

Algarve - News and Events

Do not miss this months Be Hip Show - now online - http://www.hipalgarve.net -

In todays' mailbox

We had a most relaxing week. Everything was perfect. Our room was so comfortable and the staff so friendly and helpful. We enjoyed the long breakfasts and the dinner we had was delicious and great value with the 20% off. We can't wait to go back! Thank you!
Junior Suite 320 from 3-10 April 2010

Calendar of Events

Events in the Hotel
Thursday, 10th June - Fantastic Things
24th - 27th June - Caldeirada (Typical Fish Dish) Festival

Thursday, 24th June - Fantastic Things
Saturday, 25th December - Swim for Shoes - Dip in the Sea for Charity

Saturday, 25th December - Christmas Day Gala Dinner

Sunday, 26th December - Boxing Day Treasure Hunt

Friday, 31st December - New Years Eve Gala Dinner and Dance Saturday, 1st January - Swim for Shoes - Dip in the Sea for Charity

Events Nearby

22nd May - 22nd October - Fiesa - the International Sand Sculptures Festival

23rd June - Traditional Dancing through the streets of Armação de Pêra

24th - 27th June - Caldeirada (Typical Fish Dish) Festival - Armação de Pêra

3rd -12th August - Sardine Festival in Portimão

3rd and 4th July - WTTC World Touring Car Championship:

7th - 15th August - Medieval Fair - Silves
Sunday, 8th August - Procession in Honour of Our Lady of the Fisherman
20th - 29th August - Fatacil - Lagoa
16th - 19th September - Lit. Algarve (International Literature Festival)
Sunday, 19th September - Procession in Honour of Nossa Senhora dos Aflitos
21st - 29th August, 2010 - Fatacil in Lagoa
28th August - White Night - Loule

October - Churchill - The Musical - Lagoa

4th December - The Angels Christmas Cracker

12th Caldeirada Festival

will be taking place in Armação de Pêra from 24th to 27th June, 2010.

Caldeirada” is a typical Algarvian dish which consists of stewed fish and sea food with potatoes, onions ,tomatoes, pimentos, spices wine and olive oil.

A number of local restaurants, including our Por do Sol Restaurant participate, and as well as serving Caldeirada we will also have other typical fish dishes available.

Hotel Garbe will serve its ´Caldeirada feast` for lunch or dinner daily through the festival and both hotel guests and local residents are invited to join the celebrations.

For more information please contact Hotel Garbe, Armação de Pêra mail@hotelgarbe.comTel: 282 320 260

Algarve Ladies Lunch Clubs Joint Meeting

On Tuesday April 6th members from five of the Algarve Ladies lunch clubs gathered at the Hotel Garbe in Armacao de Pera, for a very successful lunch followed by a short formal meeting.

Fifty plus members travelled from across the Algarve in order to meet and share the various activities, events and processes of their particular groups. This event had taken place before in 2005 and 2007.

Following a welcome drink, and 3 course buffet lunch the Organiser, Carole Good-Dixon, invited speakers from the five groups to give a short talk about their specific organisation. This gave all present an idea of when and where each group meets, the philosophy of how each group manages its organisation, including in several, the financial management. Some invite speakers and lunch in the same venue, whereas others travel all over the Algarve meeting in different locations each month.

Thanks go to Maureen Yould from Western, Wendy Webb from As Serranas, Lis Jensen from both Central and Eastern as well as Antje Whittle from the Lunch Bunch. As a result of their involvement members are looking forward to creating an annual event that will now build on this information and plan for a central shared issue relating to Womens’ issues. Members will be kept informed of future plans.

Carole Good-Dixon

Click Here for more photos

Perfect for a walk on the beach this morning.....

Thank you for your feedback

I just wanted to say on behalf of my husband and myself how much we enjoyed our time at the Hotel Garbe. Everyone was so helpful and we were so lucky with the weather. It is so good when everyone goes that extra mile to make sure visitors enjoy their holiday. Thanks to everyone.

Contributed - Speed Networking at the Hotel Garbe - 22nd April

Following the success of the first Speed Networking session, the Hotel Garbe, Armação de Pêra will once again be the venue.

Thursday April 22nd. Arrive for 09:00am to start the ''Speed'' for 09:30 am. Cost 4 euros and coffee/water will be provided

The success of this type of event completely relies on knowing the amount of poeple who will be present, as the circulation needs to be determined before hand. Therefore, please advise me if you will be attending by April 14th. The number attending is limited to a maximum of 38. We need to start on time.

Don't miss it book now - bowentherapy.lindsey@gmail.com

Eggs and Bonnets

The sun shined on the participants of the Hotel Garbe 1st Easter Egg Hunt, which added to the enjoyment.

Starting at the Hotel Garbe and taking in Armação de Pêras new seafront promenade the participants had to up to twenty Easter Eggs in the allocated time. The winners Mardie Cunningham and Mary King found all but four!!!!.

The Hunt was followed by an Easter Bonnet Parade and Competition. Carole Good-Dixon was the winner with her Bonnet decorated with a chocolate hen and eggs.

Both events were organised by Martin Binks and Lynn Love on behalf of Castelos dos Sonhos in Silves.

More photos can be seen here

Thank you for your comments

We were delighted to receive this feedback this morning from recent guests David and Lynne:

Excellent hotel, very efficient and personable staff. We will definitely recommend to friends and family and return to visit you probably Sept or Oct. Thank you

April Newsletter

Our latest newsletter is now available - please click here

HAPPY EASTER

From all at the Hotel Garbe

What's On - April, 2010

“Boa Vista” Bar
Happy Hour - 20% - Every Day from 6.00 to 9.00pm

Daily Entertainment – 9.00pm

Thursday. 1st April - Nuno - Resident Organist
Friday, 2nd April -- Xico - Guitar Player
Saturday, 3rd April - Sandra & Jorge – Música Ao Vivo
Monday, 5th April - Nuno - Resident Organist
Tuesday, 6th April - Ilze - Singer
Wednesday, 7th April - João Caracol - Music for Dancing
Thursday 8th April - Nuno - Resident Organist
Friday, 9th April Nuno - Resident Organist
Saturday, 10th April – Sandra & Jorge- Music for Dancing
Sunday, 11th April - Carlos Pontes – Música Ao Vivo
Monday, 12th April - Nuno - Resident Organist
Tuesday, 13th April - Arte Viva - Music for Dancing
Wednesday, 14th April - João Caracol - Music for Dancing
Thursday 15th April - Nuno - Resident Organist
Friday, 16th April - Xico - Guitar Player
Saturday, 17th April - Sandra & Jorge- Music for Dancing
Monday, 19th April - Nuno - Resident Organist
Tuesday, 20th April - Ilze - Singer
Wednesday, 21th April - João Caracol - Music for Dancing
Thursday 22nd April - Nuno - Resident Organist
Friday 23rd April - Nuno - Resident Organist
Saturday 24th April - Sandra & Jorge- Music for Dancing
Sunday,25th April - Carlos Pontes – Música Ao Vivo
Monday, 26th April - Nuno - Resident Organist
Tuesday, 27th April - Arte Viva - Music for Dancing
Wednesday, 28th April - João Caracol - Music for Dancing
Thursday, 29th April - Nuno - Resident Organist
Friday, 30th April -- Xico - Guitar Player

Weekly
Mondays - 9.30am - Pilates - Advance Class – Chelb Room
Mondays - 11.00am – Pilates – Beginners Class – Chelb Room
Wednesday Evenings - 6.00pm - Silver Jewellery - Reception Area
Thursday Evenings - 6.00pm - Pearl Jewellery - Reception Area
Fridays - 9.30am - Pilates - Advance Class – Chelb Room
Fridays - 11.00am – Pilates – Beginners Class – Chelb Room
Fridays – 2.00pm - Learn Bridge - Chelb Room
Fridays – 7.30pm - Bridge Millennium - Chelb Room
Saturdays – 1.45.Pm - Bridge - Chelb Room
Sunday Evenings - 6.00pm - Silver Jewellery Exhibition - Reception Area

The Facilities and Entertainment Featured May Change Without Notice

Raj at Garbe - April Special Promotion

Don't miss this promotion

Enjoy a half bottle of wine per person when you next dine our famous Indian Restaurant ! Offer valid till 30th April, 2010

www.rajatgarbe.com/voucher.pdf

Book your table now Raj at Garbe, http://www.rajatgarbe.com/, 282 320260

Friday, 30th April - Dinner, Dancing and Entertainment