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Local artist Jérome Gay applies his multifaceted talent to sculptures, ceramics, and paintings

Turning feelings into art

– September 14, 2023 | Text Beatriz Maio | Photos Charlotte Cockayne/Open Media Group

Born in the UK, Jérome Gay came to live in the Algarve as a child with his English mother and Spanish father, where he grew up, made friends, and acquired a taste for the country. From an early age, he had a connection with the arts as his family had several paintings at home which, together with his good grades at school in this area, made him realise that his professional path was inevitably through the arts.

At the age of 18, he decided to study at the Winchester School of Art – University of Southampton, in Winchester, England, where he specialised in Sculpture because the cultural offer in the Algarve region was weak. After two years, he moved to Salamanca, Spain, where he studied Fine Arts for a year and a half. Whilst the first course was more focused on contemporary art, the second allowed him to learn more classical drawing techniques.

When Jérome returned to Portugal, he took a Ceramics course which he considers to be “a middle ground between painting and sculpture” and which brought him new opportunities. From there, he started working with tiles and opened a studio where everyone could see his work. The orders started coming in, more for ceramic pieces, like plates, but also tile panels for kitchens and outdoor living spaces, including swimming pools. “I was painting in blocks of colour on large panels in a very contemporary way that had not yet been seen in the Algarve,” he recalled.

His professional success has not only brought him many job offers but has also allowed him to take his work to another level: to dedicate himself to move toward spontaneous ideas, “works that are not so commercial”, he explained. His most recent endeavours are Joker, The Queen, and Juggler, three unplanned alter ego characters, and he already has buyers for two of them. “Now I can allow myself to explore without worrying about the commercial side,” he clarified adding: “That’s where the best begins.”

His works are social statements, with a bit of a quirky side and twisted vision, that expose the observations he makes, a reflection of his thoughts, inspired by what he feels daily.

“Art is a fight with yourself, a moment when you confront yourself and try to put your ego aside,” according to Jérome, who admires French artists like Henri Matisse, Jack Mathieu, and the American Jean-Michel Basquiat.

He defines himself as an “unpredictable” artist who, in his own words, is able to create both abstract and concrete works, more conventional or spontaneous.

“One idea provokes four and four provoke another 16, so I try to let the message emerge,” he reflected mentioning that “unforeseen events are marvellous”.

In addition to the intention of “bringing out the truth” in his unique artworks, he aims to show “the real side” of life through paintings on recycled material with acrylic paint, spray, brushstrokes, and a combination of techniques that produce rich textures. “I want to create images that people can identify with and that can transform what we have in our minds into something physical,” he said, emphasising that he wants to “expose what we all think”.

His ideology is based on the message of The Little Prince’s book: “If it is beautiful, it is truly useful.” In his viewpoint, aesthetic language proves that “beauty has immense utility” and serves to seek what artists think is visual balance.

With everything going positively and feeling that his art is appreciated by all ages, Jérome opened Déjà Vu, in Ferragudo, an art shop dedicated to designing crafts, antiques, vintage pieces, and products made in Portugal.

Although it started out as an art gallery, with the intention of exhibiting his and other artist’s works, it ended up being a space where decorative items and textiles are sold, giving way to the ideas of different people who have become his friends. “There are artists who have been exhibiting here for more than 10 years and, at the same time, there are also new ones coming regularly with singular projects,” he said.

Going forward, the plan is to “rip it up and start again, a new and completely different start”, Jérome revealed, highlighting that now there will be a “free road” ahead, in which he will be free and have time to do whatever he feels like. “Being an artist requires an evolution of ideas that creates fluidity in the work, and, for that, constant dedication is necessary.”

Jérome is looking forward to it and recognises that he has the “right age and maturity” to choose how he wants to spend his time to dedicate himself to his essence. “I was painting to please my clients, now I will stop painting for others and do it for me, exploring new projects,” he stated.

Follow Déjà Vu on Instagram and Facebook.

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September 14, 2023
From generation to generation, one family continues to pass on the traditions of locally produced regional liqueurs

A taste of the Algarve

– September 7, 2023 | Text Beatriz Maio | Photos Charlotte Cockayne/Open Media Group

It is in the heart of the mountains that some of the region’s most flavourful liqueurs and firewater are born, produced by a couple who have collected centuries’ worth of knowledge for their production. In this family, it is a tradition to provide for those who enjoy a drink at the end of the meal with the most distinctive flavours, a practice that started with the actual owner’s great-great-grandfather.

Jorge Lima and his wife Esmeralda, both from São Marcos da Serra, in Silves, are the owners of Regionalarte, a company that was born in 1999 with only three drinks and has not stopped growing since. At the moment, they have 17 liqueurs that stand out on the market, with something for everyone, even those with peculiar taste.

From the typical flavours of the Algarve region such as carob, fig, almond and honey to more unique creations like the Folar liqueur, made with milk, herbs and sugar; the Aphrodisiac, made with ginger, ginseng and pau de Cabinda (yohimbe bark); and the Devil’s Breath, with a spicy kick.

The range of options is wide, whether for a more refined or casual occasion, with cinnamon, pennyroyal and lemon liqueurs also available as well as a special one called Licor da Serra (Liqueur from the Hills ) made with port wine flavoured with cinnamon. But it doesn’t stop here. Jorge not only makes liqueurs but also gins, firewater (aguardente), honeydew (melosa) and honey. Like the liqueurs, the Caesar’s Gin, Hibiscus and Cobiçado brands are also exclusive products born from his creativity.

Many of the productions are a result of experiments, together with the curiosity of the owners, friends or customers, with special requests always welcome and enthusiastically received. The Aphrodisiac liqueur, for example, was created in response to the owner of an aphrodisiac restaurant, in Faro, who idealised a signature drink for the establishment.

From this order, two drinks were made with the same ingredients, a 17%-proof liqueur and a 42%-proof firewater. “People liked it and we ended up selling thousands of bottles,” recalled Jorge, emphasising that “the priority in orders is to provide a solution and please the customer.”

Currently, they are developing a special order called the Apple Fire, a firewater of apple and cinnamon, which will be exported directly to Spain. Companies and individuals both national and international appreciate Regionalarte drinks, distributed all over Portugal and even in the islands.

The biggest foreign buyer of these liqueurs comes from the Netherlands, after a group stopped by the facilities in São Marcos da Serra and sampled the drinks. Four months later, an article was published in a Dutch magazine about Regionalarte liqueurs. Also, the fact that there is a camping site, whose owner is Dutch, with about 90% of the customers also Dutch, means that many visit Jorge and end up buying bottles to take to Holland.

In spite of that, their biggest fans are the locals. “Our drinks have sweet and intense flavours, just as Portuguese people like it,” Jorge commented, explaining that “some are stronger than others”, but all are “great at the end of a meal”.

Another of the Algarve company’s specialties is the aged firewater with a woody aroma and flavour, after fermenting in barrels for about seven months – a meticulous process since if the fermentation time is exceeded the drink will have too much wood flavour.

This production differs from normal firewater by being more flavoured and stronger as well as by its browner colour. Because it is so unique, it is the drink that honours the owner’s mother, Dona Inácia, part of the 4th generation of distillers in the family who has always been linked to the medronho harvest and is therefore considered “the inspiration behind the business”.

The place where the liqueurs are sold carries history and feelings, even the decoration was thought out in detail. The wood used to make the shelves is over 100 years old – it came from the distillery of Jorge’s great-grandfather, grandfather and father. “It was not only a way to save and recycle wood, but also to bring everyone’s presence here,” explained the owner.

Therefore, it is a family business where everyone helps. Jorge’s eldest daughter, Rute Lima, with a degree in Public Relations, is the one who promotes the liqueurs at many craft fairs and makes their flavours known. “She has the gift of gab and customer service which allows her to respond to people who are curious about the liqueurs and want to know more,” commented Jorge.

In truth, Regionalarte was not meant to be a liqueur brand, but a craft brand, dedicated to the production of stone and iron materials for construction sites, as well as furniture such as beds, sofas and tables. However, the desire to make drinks that last a lifetime, even after opening if they are properly preserved, was stronger.

Although the present is bright and the future looks promising, Jorge revealed that “the goal is to grow, but always with the feet on the ground”.

By this, he meant that to maintain the quality of his products he will not produce large quantities “because this can cause the quality and essential characteristics of the liqueurs to be lost”, so he will keep producing through traditional methods in a small distillery. “We will do our best to keep growing. We want more and more people to take our liqueurs home,” he stated.

Follow Regionalarte on Facebook.

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September 7, 2023
Ferragudo is home to a trendy brunch spot that has already become a reference in the area

Brunch in Rio offers “a memorable experience for more than just the food”

– July 31, 2023 | Text Beatriz Maio

In a familiar, intimate and comfortable environment, Brunch in Rio offers a memorable experience, not only for the food – which is exceptional – but for its relaxed atmosphere and pleasing décor.

It is a place that was missing in the Algarve and has been much appreciated by locals and foreigners who haven’t stopped coming here since it opened on August 8, 2021, exactly as the owner Ana Prudêncio had envisioned.

The restaurant is remarkable for the diversity of the dishes on the menu and also for its location, all carefully chosen by the founder: “The idea was all mine and so was the name,” she admits.

Just as the name states, this brunch spot is situated close to the Arade River (‘Rio’ in Portuguese), which crosses Ferragudo village.

And there is no lack of tasty options – from typical local dishes such as ‘Tábua Barrosão’, named after the building’s owner, to the traditional Peruvian dish ceviche, Mexican tacos, bao buns, originally from China, or bagels inspired by those of the Polish Jewish communities.

The product suppliers are from all over the country but, as it could not be any other way, the oranges are locally sourced.

“I only want to have nice dishes on the menu; I want food that leaves an impression,” Ana explains, adding that clients can expect a multitude of cuisines – something unusual in other restaurants that normally focus just on one.

The owner also says that “people are not treated as if they were ‘just another client’ but as a family member. The goal is for them to feel as if they’re coming to a friend’s house”.

Some groups will have lunch at the restaurant and then spend the afternoon there, ordering pancakes and waffles or just enjoying cocktails.

This comfortable attitude is a result of small details that make the place feel loving and warm. For instance, ‘Panquecas do João’ (João’s Pancakes) is a dish that Ana invented for her 8-year-old son during quarantine, as well as the puff pastry croissants that she used to make at home but never ate at any restaurant.

The menu is a mix of all the dishes that Ana tried in different places, mostly in the Portuguese capital, Lisbon, and flavours that have stuck with her. She also encourages the bartenders and the kitchen staff to come up with their own original ideas for the menu and attend to customers’ special requests, always making room for innovation.

There are also many vegan and vegetarian options, which earned Brunch in Rio the “Best Vegetarian Restaurant” accolade in the area in 2022 and 2023 by the rating platform Restaurant Guru.

Ana wants the customers to feel at home, in a cheerful space decorated with sofas and unique tables she chose.

“I wanted something different so I picked a combination of diverse components, from the lamps that say ‘love’ and in the shape of a heart to the decorative quotes that inspire and make sense to almost everyone,” shed said, pointing out that there is much more to the restaurant than just food.

The wallpaper with plant motifs and green colours, the tables made from restored wooden cable coils, wood features, shades of orange and strong neons create a pleasant environment with nooks that were created specifically to set themselves apart from one another with different tables, allowing customers to choose the one that best matches their vibe.

Although the eclectic food and decoration are already great reasons to visit Brunch in Rio, the attentive team is another highlight, composed of a group of seven, most of whom have been here since the beginning.

Ana reveals that, when she started, she wasn’t looking for anyone in particular but it was like the right ones came to her through friends who knew that they had restoration experience and were ready to take care of the place.

On the opening day, only Eduardo Leite and Fábio Fonseca were working in the front house with the kitchen helmed by Paula Fernandes, a 60-year-old experienced cook that has known Ana since she was a child because of her grandmother.

When Paula heard that the restaurant was about to open, she offered to help. By the time the opening date was chosen, the team wasn’t fully set and it was a challenge, however, taking this risk has paid off until today.

Brunch in Rio is exactly as Ana imagined, not only because it combines all the types of food that she likes and couldn’t find together before she created the concept, but also for the decoration and the good atmosphere everyone can enjoy, especially locals, as well as many English, German and French visitors.

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July 31, 2023
How three friends decided to combine their skills to show the beauty of the Algarve Coast in a very particular way

Paddling away in an intimate, friendly and familiar environment, away from the crowds

– July 26, 2023 | Text Beatriz Maio, Photos Xavier Madeira

BrotheRootz Sup Tours was born in January of 2022 and began operating around Easter that year. It was a joint project by three friends who are passionate about the sea and, in particular, the Algarve coast. Having all grown up by the beach, since childhood, all they have always wanted is to spend their days around this environment.

Egas Pedroso, 29 years old, decided to leave behind his life as a dentist to fiercely embark in this business with his cousin, Francisco de Araújo, a 24-year-old who studied Oil and Gas Engineering in Lisbon, both from Carvoeiro. The third member of the team is 29-year-old Caio Carvalho, originally from Itacoatiara, located in Niterói district, in Rio de Janeiro, known for its surf culture. He came to Porto to complete his undergraduate degree in Geography but, as he is also from a beach town, he could not resist the allure of the Algarve for too long and decided to apply all the knowledge he acquired during the course here.

Their shared passion for nature was the fuel they needed to start this adventure. When they met four years ago at Vale de Centeanes beach, this project did not cross their minds. Francisco and Caio were working for different boat tour agencies and Egas used to meet them there. The relationship between the three of them quickly strengthened and, in 2021, when the idea came up, they were confident they could compete with other companies as they had plenty of experience, knowledge and, most important, love for this job.

Francisco explains that the name BrotheRootz refers to “being genuine” which is not only related to their essence, but also with the type of experience they want to provide: “Familiar, friendly, intimate and relaxed.”

Instead of just visiting the coastal hotspots, BrotheRootz Sup Tours provides “a cool day at the beach”.

Carvoeiro’s Praia do Carvalho was the spot chosen for the tours’ departure for those who want to explore the famous caves under the expert guidance of the three friends. Each cave tour takes around two hours plus 30 minutes of preparation and allows clients to take a closer look at the Benagil Cave, the most well-known in the region.

Before they arrived, there were no activities on this wild beach, which is one of the reasons why they picked this place: the privilege of being able to avoid the Benagil beach crowd and the dozens of boat trip companies that operate there.

Their clientele are mainly North Americans, followed by Canadians, Germans and British tourists.

Quality is one of their focus as well as being away from the busy area. Another of the company’s policies is to work with small groups so they can all use the boards and avoid pollution and noise. Their main tours are at 7.30am and 9am with a maximum of 10 people, so they can avoid all the hustle and bustle of boats and people on other tours.

As young entrepreneurs and nature lovers, the three friends do not hide their concern for the preservation of the coast, suggesting the creation of legislation to decrease the oversaturation and degradation of the area.

“We want to preserve our coast and for that we have to think long term and not focus on quick profit”, they reflected, explaining that BrotheRootz are “building something solid, step by step, to reap the rewards later on”, which they believe is exactly what sets them apart from other companies.

Bringing innovation to tourism is also a core value of the company and, in their vision, limiting the number of people who can go to Benagil cave daily and raising the prices, as it happens with other attractions around the world, would allow the place to be less crowded and better cared for.

In the Carvoeiro area everyone knows Egas, Francisco and Caio for their kindness, enthusiasm and proximity to locals and tourists alike.

“We have good relations with everyone we come in contact with”, stated Francisco revealing that the group wants to “unite the community” through shared values of “being happy, healthy, financially independent and caring for the region”.

The future is bright and inspiration is not a problem.

“This is just the beginning,” they admitted, sharing first-hand their plans to create a Carvoeiro community focused on local talents and many activities that will include art, music and sports.

Their goal is to bring diversity and youth to Carvoeiro through the BrotheRootz brand, which they want to grow from the sea to land.

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July 26, 2023
Experience a breadth of emotions with ‘scenic flights’ over the Algarve coast

Explore the caves of Benagil, the Sagres Fortress, or the Vicentine Coast with the “largest general aviation company in Portugal and one of the largest in Europe”

– July 19, 2023 | Text & Photos Bruno Filipe Pires / Open Media Group

Getting to see the caves of Benagil, the Sagres Fortress, or the Vicentine Coast from an altitude of 1,000 feet (around 300 metres), aboard a small single-engine aircraft, is something you can experience if you visit the Portimão Municipal Aerodrome.

“The correct term is ‘scenic flights’,” explains João Lopes, head of aviation operations in the Algarve for Sevenair, the largest general aviation company in Portugal and one of the largest in Europe. “We also do these scenic flights in Lisbon, from our Cascais base, but here they really are something else.”

“In legal terms, passengers are called ‘task specialists’. We have two different target markets – people between the ages of 30 and 45 who want to go on an adventure, or those looking for a romantic experience such as flying at sunset. We also have many foreign residents who want to get to know the Algarve from a different perspective, sometimes even to take their visiting friends on an adventure,” he explains. “We offer specific routes at set prices. However, flights can also be customised.”

The company began operations in Alvor back in 2002. “It started as a hangar for private planes. Then, we began to invest in aerial advertising. Later, and due to demand, we started doing scenic flights. Skydiving appeared in 2014”, and became their core business. In 2018, the company acquired an Extra 300 XL aerobatics plane, being the only licensed company in Portugal in this field.

“We have allocated a Pilatus Porter for parachuting, a Cessna 152 to rent to pilots who need flight hours or who come to try it out with one of our instructors, and two Cessna 172, which are the planes we use for both the tourist flights and advertising. Our company fleet includes many other planes that we allocate according to our needs,” he explains.

The scenic flights are under the ‘Air Emotions’ banner. “If we consider the people that visit the region, I can easily say that tourist flights are more popular in the low season. Tourists visit the region looking for something different. However, this service isn’t as popular yet as skydiving,” states João Lopes.

So, how does it work? “We accept bookings up to 24 hours in advance or based on availability. It often happens that people will stop by and ask if they can fly right there and then. Sometimes, planes are busy, and the timing doesn’t coincide with people’s availability. But we always have a pilot on base and a second one on call.”

One of them is Pedro Rebelo. At 23 years old and with around 300 flight hours, he started working for the company earlier this year, as soon as he finished his course in Ponte de Sor. Before that, he took the tests for the Portuguese Air Force and even pursued Engineering at university, but the dream of flying spoke louder.

He is the one pushing for this niche market and assures that his schedule is full for the peak summer season. “I want sightseeing to be a big part of my occupation. The experience of a private flight is amazing. I take three people at most, one next to me and two in the back seat. On average, people buy a 30-minute flight, but they end up enjoying it so much that they buy more time. I think one hour is enough,” he reveals. “Flying in the morning is more comfortable as there is always some wind in the afternoon. But we are well acquainted with the landings. During winter, conditions are always a little more unstable, but we explain to people what turbulence is and, when they are sat alongside the pilot, they understand that it really is nothing to worry about.”

The pilot explains that when he lands in Portimão, the wind is usually blowing cross or north-westerly. “We usually take off towards Lagos just over the Ria de Alvor. Or westwards over Portimão, and at 500 feet over the Arade, we can turn towards Sagres or head for Carvoeiro. The farthest we usually go is Albufeira. Flying further east doesn’t happen very often because of the traffic at Faro Airport. But we can also head towards the interior of the Algarve,” he explains.

What if the fear of flying takes over in actual flight? “The aircraft we use is quite powerful for this task. Sometimes I have to reduce its power, otherwise it starts going too fast for the scenic flight. These planes are very safe and are very well maintained, especially because they are also used in our aerial advertising. If something goes wrong, we always have to keep our training in mind,” says Pedro Rebelo.

For the time being, the pilot is not considering moving to an airline, as his passion for this style of aviation is evident. “I am Algarvian, I like living here and I enjoy this kind of aviation. It is all very dynamic. In London, I went for a job interview at Nordica and got the job, but I would have to go and live in Scandinavia. So, I emailed this company, explained my intentions and they offered me this opportunity. I am happy here.”

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July 19, 2023
Vila Vita opens new Italian restaurant Giardino

Giardino shines the spotlight on “traditional classic dishes from Italy”

– July 11, 2023

Luxury resort Vila Vita Parc in Porches, Lagoa, has a new Italian restaurant, Giardino – La Cucina Italiana.

The restaurant shines the spotlight on “traditional classic dishes from Italy” and joins the selection of 11 restaurants that the resort has to offer.

“Located on a covered Clubhouse terrace with an expansive ocean view, Giardino’s menu celebrates the regional cuisine of Lombardy, Piedmont, Naples, Capri and Sicily, with distinctive dishes such as the stracciatella pizza with burrata, peas, green asparagus and black truffle; the Bucatini carbonara pasta with squid and black basil; the XXL ravioli with ricotta, artichoke, sage butter and hazelnuts or the risotto with laminated veal,” the resort says.

“The menu is a love letter to the freshest produce and classic flavours that make Italy an icon for any gourmand, paired with Italian wines from the Mediterranean coastal region to which the famous Prosecco and Vermouth are added as appetisers,” it adds.

Giardino will be open every day in summer from 6pm to 9.30pm. Advance booking is recommended.

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July 11, 2023