Our vegetable garden in Algarve keeps on giving fruits and vegs with a leading role for courgettes at the moment. There are only so many ratatouille's, grilled courgettes or courgette soups one can make, I needed a new courgette solution. Because, as those who enjoy the perks of a veggie garden know, very often all produce is ready at the same time...  So, the last weeks I’ve been trying out various recipes – can’t just stick to one recipe, have to make changes. And came up with my own version of a (refined) sugar free courgette bread with - I hope - a balanced sweet-and-savoury taste.  Ridiculously easy to make and perfect companion for either honey, goats cheese and fresh figs. Or boiled egg with avocado. Or a thick layer of peanutbutter. Or. Or. Or.

If I have to make a choice between to dine or to lunch, the latter often wins. That's what I like about Portugal, or other southern countries, they take lunching (almoço) out very seriously. 2 Passos (pronounce Dos Passos) is another lunch gem just behind the beach at Praia do Anção. So, settle in the morning on the beach (beds) and take a long walk to increase the appetite.

The Beach Club (beds, parasols, beach bar and restaurant) is the latest addition to the continuously innovating Sublime Comporta resort family . At the same time that Covid-19 restrictions are released, the beach club opened late June. Not re-opened, but opened. Good timing. As expected, this place is in style with the hotel: minimalist eco chic. Who says no to lunch with sea view, especially the widely stretched pristine beaches along this particular part of the Portuguese west coast? Carvalhal Beach is only 10 minutes away from Sublime Comporta Country Retreat & Spa .

I love the Algarvean countryside and Portuguese food. Don’t get me wrong, it's not without reason that we call this Southern part of Portugal home . But from time to time I crave authentic Japanese food . Even more so after our incredible trip through Japan in 2018. Yes, you can file this under first world problems. So when my friend Annelies – local hero – shared here enthusiasm about an authentic Japanese restaurant in the center of lovely Loulé, our Asian culinary destination for the next day presented itself. Artigo três , cozinha Japonese is the name. Muite prazer!