We always knew Lisbon was special. We thought the exciting vibe of the city was our own little secret. But not any more! Today, European Consumer Choice Awards announced Lisbon as the winner of Best Travel Destination 2010.
The Praça do Comércio in Lisbon
In its announcement, the awards organization described, ““A scenario combining the grandiosity of its history and a vanguard path toward its future, Lisbon is endowed with unique natural beauty and fascinating tourist attractions, which are intensified by the city and surrounding region’s diversity and quality.”
Castelo do São Jorge Overlooking Lisbon
For the award selection, the Brussels-based European Consumers’ Association proposed a list of ten cities focusing on quality of life and infrastructure, as well as offering cultural and tourism variety. In addition to Lisbon, other cities on the ballot were Barcelona, London, Copenhagen, Bilbao, Lyon, Amsterdam, Berlin, Prague and Helsinki. Voting took place between December 2009 and January 2010.
Popular & Trendy Baixa District
For the Association of European Consumers, the election reflects “a city that has retained all his soul and offering a gateway to tourism, without forgetting their social and cultural riches.”
More information at:
www.europeanconsumerschoice.org
www.visitlisboa.com
Now in its 23rd edition, the World Superbike Championships will be held at the new Autodromo International Algarve. These are bikes loaded with testosterone and raced with extreme competitiveness that is recognized worldwide.
World Superbike Chamionship 2010 in Portimão
The bikes used on the track are built on the basis of production models rather than from prototypes. While rules vary from series to series, in general the motorcycles must maintain the same profile as their roadgoing counterparts, with the same overall appearance as seen from the front, rear and sides. In addition, the frame cannot be modified. Teams may modify some elements of the bike, including the suspensions, brakes, swingarm, and the diameter and size of the wheels.
The seven factory teams competing this year include: Aprilia, BMW, Ducati, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki & Yamaha.
When: 26 – 28 March, 2010
Where: Algarve Autodrome, Portimão, Algarve
How: You may book your ticklets online directly form the Autodrome (15% discount if you buy before 21 March) http://trackshop.autodromodoalgarve.com/SelectTickets.aspx
Or Call: +351 282 405 600
Michelin Star Restaurants in Portugal 2010
The gastronomy of Portugal rivals that of its European neighbors. Traditional dishes transformed into contemporary masterpieces. French or Mediterranean classics inspired by local Portuguese ingredients. Vila Joya in the Algarve is the only restaurant to be designated with two Michelin stars. Yet, there are 11 others throughout Portugal distinguished with one star. Following is the list of Michelin Star restaurants in Portugal for 2010:
North & Central Portugal
Arcadas da Capela – Chef: Albano Lourenço; Consultant: Joachim Koerper
Arcadas da Capela, Coimbra
In the historic XIV century manor house known as Quinta das Lágrimas, there is a convent-like yet romantic atmosphere, reminiscent of the story of forbidden lovers Pedro and Inês who once lived out their affair here. Executive Chief Albano Lourenço, under the direction of German Consultant Chef Joachim Koerper, prepares exquisite dishes utilizing traditional ingredients of the region. Many ingredients are collected on the estate: herbs from the gardens; oranges, lemons and avocados from the orchard; and raspberries and watercress in the fields. Tasting menus are revised four times a year, inspired by the seasons.
Hotel Quinta das Lágrimas, Rua António Augusto Gonçalves, Coimbra
Reservations: 239 802 380
More Information: Arcadas da Capela Website
Largo do Paço, Amarante
Largo do Paço – Chef: Ricardo Costa
Located in the picturesque city of Amarante, between Porto and the Douro Valley, lies a beautiful XVI century palace, now home to boutique hotel Casa da Calçada. The hallmark of this hotel is, Restaurante Largo do Paço, wehre Chef Ricardo Costa prepares Portuguese cuisine that has its roots in Luso tradition, yet evokes contemporary sophistication. Favorite dishes include smoked sardines served with tomato confit, pepper jam, regional sausages and fresh vegetables drizzled with olive oil; and the Bisaro suckling pig with polenta cream, smoked ham, balsamic onions and Amarante jus.
Largo do Paço, 6, Amarante, Porto
Reservations: +351 255 410 830
More Information: Largo do Paço Website
Lisbon Area
Eleven – Chef: Joachim Koerper
Eleven, Lisbon
This modern and minimalist restaurant in Lisbon’s business district, overlooking the entire city. Here Joachim Koeper,who has experience cooking in some of the world’s finest restaurants, creates menus in harmony with the seasons. He has a passion for the tastes, colors and aromas of Mediterranean cuisine and southern European produce, which he infuses in the extraordinary dishes of Eleven, such as: crayfish carpaccio with pineapple and sweet peppers; foie gras terrine with fig mousse and beetroot chutney; and, panna cotta with wasabi, red fruits and vanilla ice cream.
Av. Marquês da Fronteira, Jardim Amália Rodrigues, Lisbon
Reservations: +351 213 862 211
More Information: Eleven Website
Fortaleza do Guincho, Cascais
Fortaleza do Guincho
– Chef: Antoine Westermann
Situated in the 17th century fortress, the Fortaleza do Guincho Hotel is a showplace for this award-winning cuisine of French Chef Antoine Westermann. Guests enjoy spectacular views out over the Atlantic Ocean and Cabo da Rocha, as they savor incomparable dishes. Westerman, who earned critical acclaim at his Le Buerehiesel restaurant in Strasbourg, applies his heritage in French cuisine to this culinary tradition of Portugal. Compliment this gastronomic experience with one of 800 selections from a wine list that Wine Spectator Magazine calls “one of the best in Portugal.”
Estrada do Guincho, Cascais
Reservations: +351 214 870 491
More Information: Fortelezado GuinchoWebsite
Tavares – Chef: José Avillez
Tavares, Lisbon
First opened in 1784 by Tavares Rico, this is Lisbon’s oldest restaurant. It’s opulent décor of mirrored walls, gilded trim and crystal chandeliers evokes the grandeur of a bygone era, yet still provides dramatic ambience for one of Portugal’s finest meals. Chef José Avillez prepares French-inspired classics, including caviar, sole cooked in champagne sauce and seasonal game birds, roasted in a rich wine sauce. Yet, Avillez also maintains his Portuguese roots with such fare as traditional bacalhau or the sopa alentejana (Alentejo-style soup that’s a concoction of garlic, bread, and egg). An experience not to be missed.
Rua da Misericórdia, No. 35, Encarnação, Lisbon
Reservations: +351 213 421 112
More Information: Tavares Website
Algarve
Amadeus, Almancil
Amadeus – Chef Siegfied Danler-Heinemann
Although in the Algarve since 2003, Amadeus never ceases to amaze. Austrian-born Chef Siegfried Danler-Heinemann specializes in a simplified approach to modern European gourmet cuisine, using the freshest seasonal ingredients and avoiding extravagant presentation. Many different fixed-price menus are offered, and the wine list is, featuring a wide selection of Portuguese and international wines, is considered one the best in the region. Just outside Almancil in the “golden triangle” of the central Algarve.
Escanxinas, Estrada Almancil-Quarteira, Almancil
Reservations: +351 289 399 134
More Information: Amadeus Website
Henrique Leis – Chef Henrique Leis
Henrique Leis, Almancil
(Almancil)- Some call it intimate and rustic; some call it quaint Swiss-style chalet. No matter the description of the comfortable ambiance, the cuisine of Brazilian Chef Henrique Leis is a stand out performance. The international menu includes such creations as royal urchins and nuts oysters lukewarm Sabayon seaweeds, filet- mignon de boeuf sauce au Porto et á la truffe, and lobster Sagres in two services. A cuisine that celebrates the elegance and importance of details. The wine list is equally impressive.
Vale Formoso, Almancil
Reservations: +351 289 393 438
More Information: Henrique Leis Website
Ocean Restaurant, Porches
Ocean at Vila Vita Parc - Executive Chef Hans Neuner
A couple years ago Austrian Chef Hans Neuner brought his unique approach to gourmet cuisine to this refined restaurant at Vila Vita Parc. Blending traditional with the contemporary, he re-invents recipes using current methods and technical knowledge, with his own inspired finesse. His emphasis is on the freshest, highest quality and locally sourced products. More than 70 percent of the food products he uses are organic and most are procured regionally, including many from the resort’s own organic farm, Herdade Dos Grous.
Alporchinhos, Porches
Reservations: + 351 282 310 100
More Information: Ocean Website
São Gabriel – Chef: Chef Torsten Schultz
São Gabriel, Almancil
With experience cooking across the globe, from New York to China, and Las Vegas to Spain, German-born Chef Torsten Schultz enjoys infusing these cultural experiences into his fine cuisine at this cozy restaurant in the Algarve. Presentation of each dish is impeccable—each, a work of art unto itself. The elegant interior of this former ambassador’s residence makes for a romantic evening not to be forgotten. In the Summer, the patio offers al fresco dining among the lush sub-tropical Thai garden.
Estrada Vale do Lobo – Quinta do Lago, Almancil
Reservations: +351 289 394 521
More Information: São Gabriel Website
Vila Joya, Galé
Vila Joya – Chef: Dieter Koschina
Portugal’s only Michelin Two Star Restaurant. Chef Dieter Koschina continues to win award-after-award for his gastronomic artistry and has turned this seaside hotel into Portugal’s best address for fine dining. Austiran Chef Dieter Koschina regularly inspects the Algarve markets in search of the finest quality ingredients. He buys lobster, crayfish and turbot from the local fishermen Algarve. And he sources ingredients such as caviar and truffles from international markets. Dinner is a set menu of six courses, except on Thursdays when Koschina serves his famous gala dinner with eight courses.
Praia da Galé, Galé, Albufeira
Reservations: +351 289 591 839
More Information: Vila Joya Website
Willie’s – Chef: Willie Wurger
Willies, Vilamoura
German born and trained Willie provides an exquisite and relaxing atmosphere in which to enjoy his variety of international influenced cuisine. Elements of French, Italian and central European cuisine are enhanced by an extensive wine selection. It is Willie’s desire to share his love for fine food with his guests, creating a relaxing atmosphere where the level of enjoyment and hospitality makes for a memorable dining experience. The restaurant is quietly tucked away behind the Hilton hotel in the beautiful residential area of Vilamoura.
Rua do Brazil, 2, Vilamoura
Reservations: +351 289 380 849
More Information: Willie’s Website
Madeira
Il Gallo d'Oro, Funchal
Il Gallo d`Oro - Chef: Benoît Sinthon
In the luxurious Cliff Bay hotel in Madeira, this classy restaurant offers elegant and formal (gentlemen are required to wear dinner jackets) dining, superb sea views and a real old world ambience. Gallic chef Benoît Sinthon is at the helm, and he has achieved no small feat- getting Madeira island its first Michelin star. Cuisine inspired by Italy and the Mediterranean is the hallmark of this restaurant. Try sampling: trio of lobster, asparagus and wild mushrooms; turbot fillet cured, stuffed with scallops, caviar sauce and lobster medallion; symphony of chocolate.
The Cliff Bay Hotel, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
Reservations: +351 291 707 700
More Information: Il Gallo dÓro Website
For chocolate lovers…it is heaven on Earth. The extraordinarily popular Chocolate Festival returns to the enchanting walled-city of Óbidos (an hour north of Lisbon) on 4-14 March.
The Castle in Óbidos Decorated for the Chocolate Festival
Every year, hundreds of thousands of visitors come to the this hilltop village to partake in a cocoa-cornucopia! And this year, the council of Óbidos have plenty of surprises in store. There will be contests for best chocolateur, displays of chocolate sculptures, chocolate haute-cuisine cooking classes, cake decorating workshops and even a chocolate spa! Specifically for the kids, the House of Chocolate will provide a pint-sized venue for insight into the history and preparation of chocolate. So, get ready for a decadent day of fun in Óbidos!
Decadent Dessert at the Òbidos Chocolate Festival
CHOCOLATE CLASSES
So you think chocolate is just for dessert? Learn how to prepare gourmet dishes using chocolate as a key ingredient or as a sauce in meat dishes and more. Some of the best Portuguese chefs will give cooking demonstrations win which you can participate:
- Sautéed Shrimp with Peanuts and Chocolate, with Hot Pepper
- Filet Mignon with Foie Gras, Bed of Wild Mushrooms, Caramelized Apple Sauce & Chocolate
- Tenderloin of Wild Boar Crust of Pine Nuts with Chocolate Sauce
- Duck Breast with Chocolate and Orange
CAKE DESIGN
Presented by the Óbidos-based National Association of Cake Designers , learn the art of designing chocolate for the pleasure of sight, not only taste! Meet one of South America’s best known cake designers, Djalmma Reinalldo. Workshops are scheduled for 10, 11,12 and 14 March from 17:30 to 18:30.
CHOCOLATE THERAPY
Ever dreamt of taking a bath in chocolate. Well, here you can come really close. Imagine a skin and facial treatment with melted chocolate! As any choc-oholic knows, Chocolate is an anti-oxidant, rich in vitamins B1 and B2, sodium, potassium and iron. As a skin treatment, chocolate is used to moisturize, revitalize and soften the face and body, leaving it luminous, soft and fragrant.
CHILDRENS HOUSE OF CHOCOLATE
This is a special venue created with the mini-chocolateur in mind. A special entrance fee allows kids to participate in activities such as games, painting, face painting and a workshop on the history of chocolate. And, with the help fo a professional, they can learn to prepare yummy chocolate recipes in a kitchen set up just for young chefs.
Chocolateur Providing Entertainment
EVENT INFORMATION
Schedule
Trade Fair
Monday – Friday: 15:00 – 23:00
Saturday: 10:00 – 22:00
Sunday: 10:00- 20:00
Children’s House of Chocolate
Monday-Thursday: 10:00 – 20:00
Friday: 10:00 – 22:00
Saturday: 10:00 – 22:00
Sunday: 10:00 – 20:00
Tickets
Adults (aged 12 and over): €700
Children (between 6 and 11 years): €5.00
Family ticket for 4 persons: € 20.00 (€5.00 each additional ticket)
Tickets Adult/Child, with show: €10.00
Free entry for Via Verde for Culture and Bom Sucesso Cards
Free entry for Municipal Workers Tuesday through Thursday.
Chocolate House of Children
Children for house entrance only: €5.00
Children with festival ticket: €2.00
Courses Chocolateria: €7.50
- one course of one hour
- award certificate
* To have access to the courses, it is necessary to also buy a festival ticket.
Parking
There are 7 parking areas near Óbidos, with capacity for more than 4 thousand vehicles.
For more information and show times, click here for event website: http://www.festivalchocolate.cm-obidos.pt/
Need glamorous hair tonight…but a flight to Hollywood takes too long? Want that movie star look…but your stylist is on holiday? Hollywood comes to Portugal in the form of Philip B Botanical Products, introduced this month at selected Perfumes & Companhia locations.
As Hollywood’s preeminent hair-treatment expert, Philip B. has won international praise for his visionary approach to hair, scalp and body-care treatments. His award-winning formulas, all based on pure botanicals and essential oils at potent, unheard-of-in-the-industry concentrations, have dramatically changed the way the world perceives luxury care for hair and skin.
Philip B - Hollywood Hair Expert
Philip started out in the treatment business as a young stylist in Boston, and later moved to Los Angeles. He became sympathetic to clients and friends with dry and over-processed hair. So, he began experimenting at home with natural remedies. As his client-base grew, word of his expertise and custom-made products spread throughout the Hollywood community. He soon became stylist and colorist to some of Hollywood’s most prominent actors and industry players. He was asked to provide services on photo shoots and film sets around the globe. He used this opportunity of global travel to obtain interesting, never-used-before ingredients to analyze and test. With this, he was well on his way to reaching his goal: creating the finest hair-care treatments in the world.
What he found along the way shocked him: Most shampoos — even in luxury lines — were predictable formulations of detergent, water, and fragrance. Conspicuously missing were the quality ingredients such as proven botanicals at active levels high enough to ensure performance and results.
Rejuvenating Oil
Philip tackled the most difficult challenge, but most necessary product, devising a hair-conditioning oil light enough to enter the hair shaft, without leaving it sticky, heavy, or limp. Soon after, Philip B Rejuvenating Oil was born. It became an instant word-of-mouth phenomenon.
Today, Rejuvenating Oil remains the flagship treatment in the Philip B® Botanical Products portfolio of luxury hair, scalp and body-care products. Other best-sellers include:
- Russian Amber Imperial Shampoo
- White Truffle Nourishing & Conditioning Cream
- Nordic Wood Hair & Body Shampoo
- Peppermint & Avocado Volumizing & Clarifying Shampoo
- Cucumber & Blue Orchid Hand & Body Crème
- Chai Latte Soul & Body Wash
- Drop Dead Straightening Baume
- Lovin’ Leave-in Hair Conditioning Crème
During his recent trip to Portugal, we had a quick chat with Philip:
Philip, Portugal is a long way from Hollywood! What’s up?
In the last year, I have been introducing my haircare line to Europe. For now, I am based in Berlin as we rollout Philip B Botanical Products market by market across the continent. Europe seems like the next logical extension for my line. And now, I am very excited to debut this product in Portugal.
Why Portugal?
Why not? (laughing) Portugal is an exciting county….and I understand it is a hip, up-and-coming country. I think there is a great opportunity here. And, I am thrilled Perfumes & Companhia sees the potential for my product in the market.
Is this your first trip to Lisbon?
Yes, and I love it! This country seems so magical! The people are great. I have been very surprised at the beauty of the city…and warm reception of the people I meet. Unfortunately, this trip has kept me very busy and I haven’t been out to experience the city as much as I want. What I have seen, though, has been truly exceptional. It is a vibrant cosmopolitan city, with a lot of glamour.
Russian Amber Imperial Shampoo
Will you be back?
Definitely. I’ll be back in a couple months to continue promotion of the product. And, this will give me a reason to explore the country further. I want to be a tourist in the city, and I want to experience the nightlife. I hear it is very exciting. Also, I really want to go south to the Algarve. I am told the beaches are beautiful. I have a friend from L.A. who lives there now. He says it’s a great lifestyle. So, yes, you can count on me returning for business AND pleasure.
In Portugal, Philip B products are sold exclusively in selected Perfumes & Companhia stores. Internationally, the line is now sold in thousands of upscale department stores, boutiques, salons and spas around the world. Products can also be purchased on line at www.philipb.com.
(Philip B is a friend of Atlantic Estates on Facebook! To become a fan of Atlantic Estates, click here… http://bit.ly/cAVuP2 )
One of the newest attractions in the Algarve is the Estoi Palace (Palácio de Estoi). Once a grand home, the Estoi Palace is now the newest gem in the Pousadas of Portugal group of historic hotels.
The Palácio de Estoi has been transformed into a Pousada of Portugal historic hotel
The Viscount of Estoi, José Francisco da Silva, commissioned construction on the palace in the late 19th century. After 20 years of works, in May 1909, completion of the palace was celebrated with a lavish party in the gardens.
The grand Estoi Palace is a fine example of rococo styling. It is partially covered in tiles with hand-painted floral motif. Interior space boasts a chapel, hall, reception and dining rooms, and two tea pavilions. Decorating the exterior is a small temple with a waterfall and statue of the Three Graces on a shell at the entrance to the palace. Statues of Venus and Diana sit in niches.
A salon featuring roccoco decor.
The lavish Versailles-style gardens stretch out on different levels, with stairways, lakes and statues. A decorative tiled flight of stairs leads down to the lower gardens, where a grotto covered in mosaics from nearby Milreu is featured.
After the Viscount’s death, the palace remained in the family until 1987 when it was acquired by the local municipality. Permission was granted to turn the estate into a historic hotel.
In May 2009, after a €15 million refurbishment, the Estoi Palace was reopened as a showplace hotel. The Palace’s new design comprises a renovated main building, with exuberant salons, frescoes, tea pavilions, revitalized gardens, and former stables and cow sheds now converted into spaces for holding all sorts of events. A new modern wing was built to receive the rooms, with surprisingly complimentary furniture in contemporary style, and with windows that open onto a tranquil countryside or pool view.
The addition of a contemporary pool deck enhances the luxury of the historic venue.
A gourmet restaurant now resides in the former chapel. Algarvian cuisine, consisting of both local grown produce from the land and locally caught fish and shell fish from the sea, provides a fine final touch to this full Portuguese experience.
To stay at Palacio de Estoi, or any of the historic Pousadas of Portugal, click here: http://www.pousadas.pt/historicalhotels/EN/pousadas/Portugal/Algarve/PalaciodeEstoi/home/PalaciodeEstoiHOME.htm
Estoi Palace
Rua de Sao Jose
8005 Estoi
Portugal
+351 289 990 150
Pousadas of Portugal are a member of Atlantic Estates Blue Box card program.
Carnival Reveler in Loulé, Portugal
This year the festival will ne 14-16 February. The theme “In the World of Show” will surely bring out flamboyant and colorful characters of all kinds. Already confirmed for the daily parade are 15 floats, samba schools, giant puppets and other entertainment groups. They will be wearing costumes representing fado, magic, ballet, samba and flamenco. And, if past years are any guide, festival revelers in costumes will provide as much show as the “World of Show” itself!
What: Loulé Carnival 2010
Theme: “In the World of Show”
Date: 14, 15, 16 February 2010
Time: 15:00 to 18:00 daily
Location: Avenida José da Costa Mealha
Entry Price: 2 euros.
