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SEE BBC2 11.11 at 9pm
Mona Whatsit
Amazingly they survived and seemed to have accumulated enough dosh to see them through the winter. I am not rushing down there but must take a look sometime just out of curiosity!!
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Ellie
UK--exported
Well--we saw the prog. through to the bitter end---and I must say--for myself it was a bit of a struggle to stick with it.
I do not know Quarteira--so cannot say how "dreadful" it is--but from watching this--you could have bee anywhere--I never heard a word of Portuguese spoken(did i miss it?)---apart from a very short debate with a Port.chap about a wire fence(and that was in English). There was nothing spoken of the country itself--the paddling in the sea scene--it might just as well been Skegness on a hot day
Specially with all those "fry ups" we saw-felt quite "queasy" afterwards.
And why oh why do people insist on flying the union jack --to me -its like "claiming" land-----
Why cant folk at least try to blend in more with the country theyve adopted --it makes me weep-----
But youre right Biffa-- just got to take a peek--when we,re there Christmas week
I do not know Quarteira--so cannot say how "dreadful" it is--but from watching this--you could have bee anywhere--I never heard a word of Portuguese spoken(did i miss it?)---apart from a very short debate with a Port.chap about a wire fence(and that was in English). There was nothing spoken of the country itself--the paddling in the sea scene--it might just as well been Skegness on a hot day
Specially with all those "fry ups" we saw-felt quite "queasy" afterwards.And why oh why do people insist on flying the union jack --to me -its like "claiming" land-----
Why cant folk at least try to blend in more with the country theyve adopted --it makes me weep-----
But youre right Biffa-- just got to take a peek--when we,re there Christmas week
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Guest
the other thing missing was the problems associated with the portuguese beucracy licences etc....anyway if the bbc want to do a follow up on this missing but vital element there there will enough stories fro a mini series
ellie is right...it could have been anywhere...i thought the owner was wise to wait for her money..frankly i would have thought she would have had a hard job to sell at all...and as one contributor said only 8% of bars make money. and that bar...yes it could have been blackpool skegness any english seaside place
well this film should go into the anglo portuguese chamber of trade as a training video
ellie is right...it could have been anywhere...i thought the owner was wise to wait for her money..frankly i would have thought she would have had a hard job to sell at all...and as one contributor said only 8% of bars make money. and that bar...yes it could have been blackpool skegness any english seaside place
well this film should go into the anglo portuguese chamber of trade as a training video
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pinkiebluesky
- CVO Senior
- Posts: 179
- Joined: Wed Jan 15, 2003 12:08 am
- Location: High in a tree
Yes, I also watched it and I wish them good luck for the comming year if they are still here. I wonder how many of you have the guts to sell up, move to a strange country and start a completly new buisness. I'ts all very easy to sit in front of your keyboard and rip these "brave" people to ribbons, shame on you! Yes, they probably went around it the wrong way and yes they should have had a few months of practise, but they survived. As for the food they're selling, all over the world you'll find English breakfast, fish and chips, tea and scones etc. Quarteira is package holidays , that's what they want, a two week holiday on the beach with their kids and simple food, anything wrong with that? I'm sure many of the bar/restuarant (not to forget the ones who started with bars and have moved on )owners bought their fast cars, jeeps, large houses with swimming pools, flash holidays through selling breakfasts and toasties for several years. Sorry folks, but you're being mean. 
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pinkiebluesky
- CVO Senior
- Posts: 179
- Joined: Wed Jan 15, 2003 12:08 am
- Location: High in a tree
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Ellie
apologies!
Sorry Pinkie--if I sounded mean and sarky and of courseI wish them luck--god knows --youre right,in that it does take a lot of "guts" to do it.
I well remember the awful scary sinking feeling as we drove away into the night--with nothing but a carload of belongings to our name--we were very very scared! and that feeling lasted for at least our first month there when,both Hub and I wanted to "turntail" and go home.All the things you have to go through --including bad bouts of homesickness---very very hot weather but you cant take time off and still have to go out to work(to make it work!)
But--at the end of the programme--they both said they felt healthier --slimmer --happier--
We were over 10 years younger --I think theyre 55---so despite my criticism-- I do sincerely wish them well.
By the way--I dont speak Portuguese well--like most of our nation--Im very lazy with other languages---My Point was that Id have liked to seen more of the Algarve landscape and more of the local people--it would have been a good advert for Portugal and added lustre to the programme---something which it decidedly lacked
I blame the BBC
I well remember the awful scary sinking feeling as we drove away into the night--with nothing but a carload of belongings to our name--we were very very scared! and that feeling lasted for at least our first month there when,both Hub and I wanted to "turntail" and go home.All the things you have to go through --including bad bouts of homesickness---very very hot weather but you cant take time off and still have to go out to work(to make it work!)
But--at the end of the programme--they both said they felt healthier --slimmer --happier--
We were over 10 years younger --I think theyre 55---so despite my criticism-- I do sincerely wish them well.
By the way--I dont speak Portuguese well--like most of our nation--Im very lazy with other languages---My Point was that Id have liked to seen more of the Algarve landscape and more of the local people--it would have been a good advert for Portugal and added lustre to the programme---something which it decidedly lacked
I blame the BBC
The family seemed completely dysfunctional - as for the son "what an absolute t***er" or was he hamming it up for the cameras? As for Quarteria - it looked the pits - not a good advert for the Algarve. Looking at the state of the food preparation area, food hygeine regs appear pretty lax - or am I being cynical. Did I hear one of the interviewees saying that only 8% of businesses on the Algarve actually make a profit, if so how do they all manage to survive. After all, most of the places we've been to in CVO appear to be doing well! Interesting programme - wish it had gone on longer - perhaps there's a follow up planned. As far as Dad was concerned, when he left the UK he was walking with a walking stick & by the end of the programme was jogging to & from work and lost about 3 stone.
Thinks - could save the NHS millions!
Regards to all in CVO & good luck to Wales against Russia on Saturday
Thinks - could save the NHS millions!
Regards to all in CVO & good luck to Wales against Russia on Saturday
While I wasnt exactly glued to the prog. I did have a look.
On one hand one certainly has to admire the family for having the b..(guts) to uproot and move out, and apparantly eventually making a reasonable success of it, on the other hand there were certain aspects that did have a severe cringe factor.
The symbolism of the flying of the Union Jack I did find disturbing. Where I come from that could,and has, led to the loss if life, and why on earth would they want to do that, or have/had they no desire to try and integrate with the local community.
I tend to eat out on a very regular basis in many parts of Europe, and when I saw what was on offer I initially was revulsed, but on reflection realised that they were in fact catering for their local customers needs. So from a marketing perspective even in Portugal there is a market for ' The Greasy Spoon Cafe'. Other areas in Southern Europe have in the past massively catered for people who expected this level of catering, and discovered to their cost that all was not peace and harmony. Many of these areas have recently seen the errors of their ways and vigorously attempted to change their image. The Costa del Sol is a prime example. Rhodes is an example of where it is still going the other way
At one stage I was thinking ' and there are people over here who are trying to convince me that it is better to be British', and I was mentally preparing a response. But then I saw the two Paddys, and they hadn't a lot going for them. I'm surprised they even contemlated having customers in their bar.
Thinking about the restaurants in CVO there might be the (very) odd one which might approximate to what was shown last night, but in the main we are blessed with having a far better mix.
On final reflection, and I suppose I'm now being snobbish, and I make no apologies for that, I think the programme did very little to encourage the people who would respect Portugal to visit this beautiful area.
My final, final reflection - it certainly seems to have given Wait Watchers a run for their money
On one hand one certainly has to admire the family for having the b..(guts) to uproot and move out, and apparantly eventually making a reasonable success of it, on the other hand there were certain aspects that did have a severe cringe factor.
The symbolism of the flying of the Union Jack I did find disturbing. Where I come from that could,and has, led to the loss if life, and why on earth would they want to do that, or have/had they no desire to try and integrate with the local community.
I tend to eat out on a very regular basis in many parts of Europe, and when I saw what was on offer I initially was revulsed, but on reflection realised that they were in fact catering for their local customers needs. So from a marketing perspective even in Portugal there is a market for ' The Greasy Spoon Cafe'. Other areas in Southern Europe have in the past massively catered for people who expected this level of catering, and discovered to their cost that all was not peace and harmony. Many of these areas have recently seen the errors of their ways and vigorously attempted to change their image. The Costa del Sol is a prime example. Rhodes is an example of where it is still going the other way
At one stage I was thinking ' and there are people over here who are trying to convince me that it is better to be British', and I was mentally preparing a response. But then I saw the two Paddys, and they hadn't a lot going for them. I'm surprised they even contemlated having customers in their bar.
Thinking about the restaurants in CVO there might be the (very) odd one which might approximate to what was shown last night, but in the main we are blessed with having a far better mix.
On final reflection, and I suppose I'm now being snobbish, and I make no apologies for that, I think the programme did very little to encourage the people who would respect Portugal to visit this beautiful area.
My final, final reflection - it certainly seems to have given Wait Watchers a run for their money
The program was not billed as an advert for Portugal or the Algarve. The program was set in Quarteira and as somebody who has visited the place it was an accurate picture of the resort, with the seafront being entirely made up of restaurants for "Brits Abroad". The people on the program will be well suited to serve others just like themselves and I for one hope that they do well at it. At least they have had the guts and determination to follow a dream...... 
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Guest
First thing i have to say i didn,t see the prog but i did spend a couple of days in quarteira in jan 2 years ago.The whole place looked like it was built in the fifties and then left just like that.We stayed at the "hotel paradiseo" im not kidding,and it was filled with golden oldies from the north,they were the most sombre holiday makers i,ve ever seen ,they didn,t drink or eat or smile but jaysus could they dance,think of a sixties style ballroom of romance glittering in shades of black and grey and you,ve got it.The ones who couldn,t find partners sat around the walls knitting,even the poor barman had to make up the numbers or hold balls of wool.Having said all that the restraunts were great and as we were the only ones there the service was top class and the staff made every effort to be friendly.Do you know something ellie i,d say you,d get great craic out of this place around christmas.
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Ellie
ex-pats
Ill certainly "have " to have a look now Gerry --youve really got my curiosity going! The thought of a barman holding some womans ball of wool --while other -what was it? --non-smiling-non-eating sombre northeners danced the night away-----sounds like everyone was having a ball As you say Gerry--great craic 
As you say Gerry--great craic -
Gazza
BB2
They survived - God only knows how, as they were plagued with a bit bad luck, bad judgement and it seems a huge dollop of naivety! Full marks though for having the get and up go to make the move abroad. Let’s hope however, that they don’t develop bigger ideas and think of franchising the ‘Mona Lisa model’ and venture west to CVO.
G
G
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Brian Quarteira
- CVO Regular
- Posts: 12
- Joined: Tue Feb 04, 2003 2:57 pm
- Location: Norfolk or Quarteira
Oh dear Oh dear Oh dear!
Recorded the prog on Tuesday and watched it last night. I know Quarteira very well as the user name would suggest. Croeso said Quarteira was not a good advert for the Algarve well the the Mona Lisa is not a good advert for Quarteira and is certainly not representative of the bars / restaurants in the town.
Quarteira is not just a resort used by the brits who want food like they get at home, It is a Portuguese working town with a great beach and a long sea front. In fact when the beaches are packed in July and August the predominant language that you will hear is Portuguese not English - the atmosphere is fantastic whith Portuguese families having a great time on traditional family holidays, also the large proportion of apartments in the town are either first or second homes owned by Portuguese families.
The Mona Lisa is positioned in a pedestrianised area that links the main road through Quarteira from a point opposite the bus station to the beach front. Which we refer perhaps unkindly to as 'Greasy Spoon Alley'. The usage of the shop units is as folows. At the top a very good Churrasqueira, followed by Mr Pickwicks, The Mona Lisa, D'Artangion's, a newsagents/tabaconists and finally closest to the beach another good reasonably priced Portuguese restaurant. The most extreme of these (both in terms of menu and decor) is the Mona Lisa, but I believe that all of the middle three offer roasts etc.
I cannot agree with Chris when he says that the seafront is made up entirely of restauants for Brits abroad, although many of them offer 'international dishes' I have had some exremely good cataplanas, arroz de mariscos, and cozido a Portuguesa along that front. If you go away from the front and into the main and also old parts of the town there restaurants of both great quality and good value.
I have to agree with the previous comments about the over use of the union flag. From the the menu and the very appearance of the place, it is quite obvious the type off food they offer and it really is not neccessary. (Perhaps they could change the to the beefeater or something equally subtle.)
The main reason we like Quarteira that it is a down to earth Portuguese town, It may be not be as upmarket as Surbiton-on-Algarve (sorry Vale de Lobo or Quinta do Lago) or even CVO, but it is good enough for us.
By the way Biffa next time I am in the White Harte in Hi***am, any one you would like me to pass your regards on to?
Quarteira is not just a resort used by the brits who want food like they get at home, It is a Portuguese working town with a great beach and a long sea front. In fact when the beaches are packed in July and August the predominant language that you will hear is Portuguese not English - the atmosphere is fantastic whith Portuguese families having a great time on traditional family holidays, also the large proportion of apartments in the town are either first or second homes owned by Portuguese families.
The Mona Lisa is positioned in a pedestrianised area that links the main road through Quarteira from a point opposite the bus station to the beach front. Which we refer perhaps unkindly to as 'Greasy Spoon Alley'. The usage of the shop units is as folows. At the top a very good Churrasqueira, followed by Mr Pickwicks, The Mona Lisa, D'Artangion's, a newsagents/tabaconists and finally closest to the beach another good reasonably priced Portuguese restaurant. The most extreme of these (both in terms of menu and decor) is the Mona Lisa, but I believe that all of the middle three offer roasts etc.
I cannot agree with Chris when he says that the seafront is made up entirely of restauants for Brits abroad, although many of them offer 'international dishes' I have had some exremely good cataplanas, arroz de mariscos, and cozido a Portuguesa along that front. If you go away from the front and into the main and also old parts of the town there restaurants of both great quality and good value.
I have to agree with the previous comments about the over use of the union flag. From the the menu and the very appearance of the place, it is quite obvious the type off food they offer and it really is not neccessary. (Perhaps they could change the to the beefeater or something equally subtle.)
The main reason we like Quarteira that it is a down to earth Portuguese town, It may be not be as upmarket as Surbiton-on-Algarve (sorry Vale de Lobo or Quinta do Lago) or even CVO, but it is good enough for us.
By the way Biffa next time I am in the White Harte in Hi***am, any one you would like me to pass your regards on to?
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Guest
well sum say guts others think foolhardy.
only with the end result one could say which.....whatever though they came very very close to losing their deposit. the prevous owner could have kept their deposit...but i think she was pleased to get out
the bbc website for the program gives some good advice based on the programme....certainly any one moving would do well to consider in advance all the pitfalls.
with regard to them now being healthier..i wonder whether the loss of weight is not down to working in a hot kitchen and the stress..i tell you i felt stressed watching them go thru the agony
well i hope they suceed,,but the evidence from what i have seen is not hopefull...i would love to see them coping with the fiscal police..or getting their licences renewed
certainly it was a marvelous piece of television
only with the end result one could say which.....whatever though they came very very close to losing their deposit. the prevous owner could have kept their deposit...but i think she was pleased to get out
the bbc website for the program gives some good advice based on the programme....certainly any one moving would do well to consider in advance all the pitfalls.
with regard to them now being healthier..i wonder whether the loss of weight is not down to working in a hot kitchen and the stress..i tell you i felt stressed watching them go thru the agony
well i hope they suceed,,but the evidence from what i have seen is not hopefull...i would love to see them coping with the fiscal police..or getting their licences renewed
certainly it was a marvelous piece of television