Recent Events

For interest, this page contains events which we have held over the last year. It contains the description provided prior to the event and, as appropriate, some comments and photographs added afterwards.

More recent events include a 'slideshow' of photographs. The way these appear will depend on the device you are using :

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2023

Saturday January 21st

CASA Traditional

"After Hangover"

Dinner

Big Red's Steakhouse

in Alvor.

Following your weeks of

celebrating Christmas and the New Year

with too much to eat and drink

-

Join us for some

"Hair of the dog ...."

The Alvor beach is just a short walk away

if you need some fresh air before/after your meal.

Menu

Couvert

.....

Vegetable Soup

Or

Goats Cheese in a filo basket with red onion marmalade

......

BBQ Spare Ribs

Or

Chicken Kiev

Or

Seafood Bake (white fish, salmon & prawns)

.....

Sticky Toffee Pudding

Or

Apple Crumble with custard

Wine and Water included.

Pre/Post dinner drinks can be purchased at the bar.

Members price - €28

Arrival time 18:30 for service starting at 19:00.

As is our long standing tradition CASA started 2023 with our annual 'After Hangover Dinner', the purpose of which is to celebrate survival of a Christmas holiday season consisting of more eating and drinking than is good for us! It does tend to incorporate the old adage of taking 'A hair of the dog that bit you' as a cure. Big Red's Steak House in Alvor did us proud in this respect - not only was the food superb but the portions were huge, a number of participants leaving with doggy bags containing left over ribs or chicken!
As with most restaurants post-pandemic Big Red's was slightly short staffed, but those working made up for their lower numbers by working flat-out for three non-stop hours. Our sincere thanks to them all for their efforts to make the evening such a success. Our 43 members occupied the larger room while other customers filled the smaller.

Over our next few events we will be working towards attracting more members; Brexit has unfortunately driven a significant number of UK members back to their roots, some other nationalities have not yet returned to Portugal since they retreated 'home' during the pandemic, we hope to see some of these returning this year. Meantime we have some space for new members to join us for more events centred around just being 'social' in convivial locations.

Friday December 2nd

Thyme by Ruccola

near Alvor

Christmas Lunch

The Christmas meal here last year was just so superb

that we felt that we had to return!

The members price^* of €50 includes -

* Welcome drink: Bucks Fizz or Soft drink

* Garlic Mushrooms or Prawn Cocktail or Vegetable Soup

* Traditional Christmas lunch -

Turkey or Beef with all the trimmings or
* Seabass fillet with citrus butter & chives
* Vegetarian -

Filo basket, with stir-fried vegetables & sweet & sour sauce

* Traditional Christmas Pudding with Brandy Sauce or

Almond tart with cream

* Wine or 2 small beers, Water & Coffee with a mince pie!

Father Christmas is unfortunately unable to join us,

however his elves will be dropping off some presents......

Last data for booking was Friday 25th November.

*Non-members price is €55.

After a lot of hard work in the preparation, our final event of 2022 was held a little earlier than usual on the 2nd of December. 43 members, including a few guests, attended an excellent Christmas Lunch at the Thyme by Ruccola restaurant which is part of the Alto Golf resort in Alvor. This is a lovely location for a Christmas party with plenty of space to socialise during the arrival process, which we made good use of. The meal was, naturally, excellent and much enjoyed, the traditional Roast Turkey followed by Christmas Pudding was the most popular choice but the 'supporting cast' of Roast Beef, Sea Bass etc were also very much appreciated. Claudia and her staff provided superb service throughout the lunch, so much so that we included them in the distribution of Christmas presents during the coffee service! The only thing missing from our day was Father Christmas himself, hopefully next year he will be available to join us in the celebrations.

We also assembled a few donated items for the annual Castelo de Sonhos 'Shoe Box Appeal'.

Thursday 10th November

Dinner at

Cantino do Almareado

in Guia

at 7 for 7:30

MENU

Couvert
Starters:
    Ham and Cheese Board OR
    Vegetable Soup
Main courses:
    Filet of Sole
    Veal Stroganoff
    Vegetable curry
Desserts
    Fruit salad OR
    Chocolate Mousse

Includes: Coffee, Water, Wine

Members price

€26 per person

Last date for booking Saturday 5th November

This was the first time CASA has visited Cantino do Almareado in Guia, by the end of the evening the consensus of opinion was that it should not be the last! Once we got ourselves sorted out with friends seated together and the staff were able to move freely around the room again the service was great and non-stop. The starter for most of us consisted of a board laden with bread, cheeses, cold meats and other nibbles, enough to satisfy anyone. Followed by very tasty main courses and finally the sweet – most of us choosing the chocolate mouse and finding it one of the most tasty in memory. The wine flowed steadily and the conversation and laughter intensified as members caught up with each other's backlog of news. It's two and a half years since we have been able to meet so freely and relaxed over an evening meal. It was great to be able to welcome some new members and guests in such a hospitable atmosphere.

Wednesday 19th October

Car Treasure Hunt

Motor Meander

followed by lunch.

The Treasure Hunt will start with coffee at

Bar Bacchus

at Porches Pottery

on the eastbound side of the EN125 near Porches.

Registration and Coffee starting from 10:15, first competitors depart 10:45.

The Simple Rules:

Each car must have a minimum of 2 and maximum of 4 occupants, at least one should be a member.
All non-member guests must take part in the same car as the inviting member.
The three teams solving the most clues along the route will win a prize plus hold one of the silver cups until the next Treasure Hunt

The Treasure Hunt is planned to take about 1 1/2 hours, it is NOT a race or rally.

The lunch destination will be

Flor do Campo

between Porches and Alcantarilha, this family-run restaurant is located on the eastbound side of the EN125 and has ample onsite parking.

On arrival one welcome drink per person will be served on the terrace, any additional drinks taken while waiting for lunch are not included in the price.

Lunch is expected to be served at 13:00 and the Treasure Hunt prizegiving will take place between courses during the lunch.

Menu:

Couvert

Mains:

Basquaise Chicken with rice or
Bacalhau c/natas or
Goat cheese salad

Deserts:

Red Fruit Tiramisu or
Tarte Tatin

Water, Rose wine, House white wine, Coffee

Price is €22 per person for lunch only

or €24 if taking part in the Treasure Hunt.

Plus €2 extra p.p. for non-members.

When you book in addition to your lunch menu choices please give us a fun name for your team, these team names and scores will be published here and in the November club newsletter.

Booking is now closed.

We have seven cars taking part in the Treasure Hunt and 26 people for lunch.

Getting our autumn program under way, eager members of the CASA Social Club (and a few guests) met on Wednesday the 19th October to hold our ever popular annual Car Treasure Hunt. Initially meeting up at Bar Bacchus at the Porches Pottery for a welcome pre-event coffee (or in some cases a Hot Chocolate) and a half-hour of socialising, the nineteen competitors set off in seven cars at intervals, each armed with a list of 27 clues to solve along the route. The 35 Km route took us over many small roads that even those who had lived here for 20+ years did not know existed! Only one team got significantly off track and was a little late arriving at our lunch venue - but still somehow managed to come joint 4th with 23 correct answers. The slight delay to our lunch at Flor do Campo (near Alcantarilha) allowed plenty of time for lots of animated discussion about the route and the questions while the papers were being marked by the judges. The afternoon's rain started just as we moved inside for our lunch which was very well received and much enjoyed. Between courses the results were announced and prizes distributed. We had to use a tie-breaker as two teams (The Bryanks and The Lost Tribe) each managed to score 26 points out of the possible 27. The silver cups will be held (after engraving) by the top three teams until the next Treasure Hunt when we do expect them back! However the Wooden Spoon for the poorest score may be retained as a permanent treasured keepsake! Overall a very pleasant day out, many agreeing this was our most challenging Treasure Hunt for some years.

Our thanks go to the staff of both Bar Bacchus and Flor do Campo for the excellent service provided at both locations. Also our grateful thanks to our members Daphne & Paul who spent many hours planning our very enjoyable and challenging Treasure Hunt for us; we have already started twisting his arm re next year.

The scores of all the teams in place order are:

The Lost Tribe 26 points & tie-breaker
The Bryanks 26 points
Terrible Trio 24 points
Clueless 23 points joint with
SuperSeekers 23 points
Newbies 14 points
Intrepid Explorers 5 points Wooden Spoon winners

Friday 20th May

Lunch at

Asia-Tokyo

Pria da Rocha

Portimao

This location proved very popular with members in both 2019 and 2021.

Arrival from 12:30 for service from 13:00

Non-stop buffet served at the table over multiple courses including sushi and other asian dishes. Not forgetting the Prawn Crackers and the ice-cream to follow!

If you want more of any dish just ask the waitress!

Members price is only €20 p.p. including the lunch, wine/beer/soft drinks and coffee.

This is the same as 2021 which is amazing value in the current economic environment.

Note that the problem some members experienced last year with local parking is not schedulled to start until June.

Friday April 8th

lunch at

Restinga Ria Restaurant in Alvor

1p.m. for 1:30

A breathtaking view over the Alvor harbour all
the way to Lagos, so come along and join us for
a superb lunch!

COUVERT
Bread, paté, butter, olives.

STARTER
Vegetable soup

MAIN COURSE
Fried shrimps with rice or
Duck Rice or
Grilled Chicken breast with Chips & Salad or with

Sautéed Vegetables & Rice
Vegetarian Option: Green Ratatouille with nuts

DESERTS

Egg pudding - Chocolate Mousse - Apple Pie & Ice Cream

Wine (Red & White), Sangria, Beer, Water, Coffee

Price €27 per person - Last booking date April 4

==============

We only had 17 members attend the lunch at Restinga Ria, most unfortunate for those who decided not to join us as is turned out to be an excellent lunch! The welcome drink (a refreshing Bucks Fizz with fruit) was very well received and the supply lasted through much of the meal. Those who choose the Shrimps received a 'dish to die for' and the Duck Rice was similarly delicious. The location itself was also perfect, the large windows providing a great view while protecting us from the rather chilly breeze off the sea. The friendly service and flowing wine made for an exceedingly pleasant afternoon. The last stalwarts remaining for a friendly chat until they had to be chased out. Our thanks go to Zelia and her staff for a lovely lunch.

Friday 18th March 2022

AGM and Dinner

Recanto dos Mouros

Silves

In a beautiful corner behind the Castle,
stands this restaurant in Silves, which has
become a reference in the national
gastronomic scene. The privileged location,
overlooking the castle walls, and the rustic
and welcoming space, give a special charm
to the delicious food.

The AGM will take place prior to dinner and will

include elections to the committee.

Schedule and Dinner Menu

Arrival from 18:00 when a welcome drink of Portuguese champagne and orange juice (i.e. Bucks Fizz) will be served. This will take place on the patio with views of the Silves Castle walls if the weather is suitable.

18:30 move inside for the meeting.

Note that only paid-up members may vote in the elections for a new Committee.

Estimated that the meeting will finish by 19:30 when dinner will be served.

Couvert of Bread, butter, olives, cheese, ham etc.

Cold starter - Dishes of Assadura and Prawns for sharing

Main course, choice of:

Traditional Portuguese Lamb Stew

Turkey done in the oven with vegetables

Bacalhau a'Bras

Sweet: At least three as available on the day plus fruit salad

Wine (Red & White or Beer), Water and Coffee are included.

Members Price €20 pp.

Please specify your main course choice when booking.

Saturday 19th February 2022

Jardim Das Oliveiras

near Monchique

- Lunch -

12.30 for 1 p.m.

MENU

Five starters on each table:

Mushrooms, ham, chorizo, polenta and asadura.

MAINS: Pork Loin with chestnuts or Lamb in the oven with prunes or Rooster from the Hills.

There will be a choice of desserts.

Wine, Bread, Soft Drinks and coffee will all be included for €27 per member.

===============

Forty of us attended the lunch at this lovely old restaurant which is housed in an old Farmhouse in the hills above Monchique; we were treated to a superb lunch whilst we took in the decor and ambiance of our surroundings of rustic beams and warming fires burning in the hearths. A lovely get together much enjoyed by all.

Saturday, January 15, 2022

After-Hangover Dinner

Por-do-Sol - Alvor

- 6.30 for 7 p.m. - €25 pp

Many of our members have been to this restaurant
before and will know that the food is of the highest
quality, that the restaurant has amazing ambience,
not to mention the cosy log fire!

*Cover
* Vegetable soup or Mixed Salad
* Monkfish Algarvia or
* Grilled Seabream with butter & Aromatic herbs or
* Pork Tenderloin with Béarnaise Sauce or
* Chicken Breast with Mushroom or Pepper Sauce
* Vegetarian option - Lasagne or Stroganoff
Fish is served with batata cozidas & vegetables
Meat is served with batata fritas & vegetables

* Crème Brûlée or Fruit Salad

* Wine in jugs on the table
* Water & Coffee

There will be a recovery kit for you all should you still be in need of one!

============

We promised you a cosy log fire and a superb dinner at our January function at Por-do-Sol and we weren’t disappointed, 43 attendees enjoyed just that; as usual, at our get togethers (since this is what they’re all about) friends were chatting, the conversation flowed along with the wine and of course that made for a very special evening; we trust the ‘After Hangover Bags’ came in useful too!
Thanks to Snr. Candido and Snr. Rui for making it such a great evening for us all.

Friday 10th December

CASA Christmas Lunch

Thyme by Ruccula Restaurant

Alto Club, Alvor

12.30 for 1 p.m. - 45 euros p.p.

* Welcome drink: Bucks Fizz or Soft drink

* Garlic Mushrooms or Prawn Cocktail or Vegetable Soup

* Traditional Chirstmas lunch -

Turkey or Beef with all the trimmings or
* Seabass fillet with citrus butter & chives
* Vegetarian - Filo basket, with stir-fried vegetables & sweet & sour sauce

* Traditional Christmas Pudding with Brandy Sauce or Almond tart with cream

* Coffee with a mince pie!

* Wine or 2 small beers, Water

Oh! and mustn’t forget - Father Christmas will be there with his sackful of
Christmas ‘stocking filler’ presents!

Last booking date was Friday 3rd December.

Our Christmas Lunch on December 10, held at the beautiful ‘THYME BY RUCCULA RESTAURANT’ in Alvor was very much enjoyed by all 44 attendees; the food was superb as was the attention we received from Snr. Nuno and his staff; the wine flowed as did the conversation, culminating with the arrival of Father Christmas who then delivered his sackful of presents; a complimentary ‘Christmas Raffle’ was also on the agenda and three lucky members each received a bottle of wine!

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