Social Scene Costa del Sol 8 – 14 May 2025 Issue 2079
ARCH fest 2025
ARCH, the Andalucian Rescue Centre for Horses is holding its annual Spring Fest on Sunday, May 18, and this year the event will have a Western theme.
Activities will include an enthralling demonstration from Local Police dogs and their handlers, the popular artisan market with a wide variety of stalls, acti-
vities and games (for children and adults), live music, and lots of food and drink. In addition, there will be the fantastic ARCH raffle with great prizes for the lucky winners.
So, save the date, Sunday, May 18, venue the ARCH Rescue Centre, Vina Borrego, between Alhaurin el Grande and
Coin, open from 10am until 4pm. The horses are looking forward to the attention, golden boy Torero is already practising being a cowboy’s horse.
For more information follow ARCH on Facebook, Centro Andalusí de Rescate de Caballos or go to their website hor serescuespain.org.
Emma Luisa is Taylor Swift
AMERICAN singer-songwriter Taylor Swift has been one of the most influential artists in contemporary music since she was named the best new artist by the Country Music Association in 2007.
If you were not fortunate enough to see the Eras show or did see it but can’t get enough of TayTay, Emma Luisa brings you Enchanted - a magical tribute to the biggest pop star of our generation - Taylor Swift.
On Friday, May 23, the Salón Varietiés Theatre, Fuengirola, be whisked on a captivating journey through Taylor’s biggest hits, from old fan favourites like ‘Love Story’ and ‘22’ through to classic sing-a-longs like ‘Shake It Off’ and ‘Blank Space’ and not forgetting her more recent hits such as ‘Cruel Summer’ and ‘Lover’.
Emma Luisa is joined by the fabulous dancers Yasmin and Miranda. (Choreography by Lauren Taylor). Emma has been a regular performer at the Salón since she was five years old, performing in many pantomimes and musicals. She most recently played Dorothy
in The Wizard of Oz and the princess in the pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk. She has also performed many times at the theatre with her dad, Ricky Lavazza.
But now she is taking the stage herself with this superb tribute. The show also features the Girly Pop Party, with songs from Dua Lipa, Sabrina Carpenter, Chappelle Roan, Ariana Grande and more. Tickets are €12, online at salonvarietes.com or by calling 952 474 542.
Torero practising being a cowboy’s horse.
Credit: ARCH
Emma Louisa, Yasmin and Miranda ready for the Salón.
Credit.
Joanne.
Darkness into Light
ON Saturday, May 10, the Darkness into Light walk for mental health charity AFESOL will take place before sunrise at three Costa del Sol locations: La Cala de Mijas (opposite Biddy Mulligans), Estepona, and Benalmadena.
For the Mijas walk, participants gather at Biddy Mulligans from 6am, walking along the boardwalk past El Oceano and back to La Cala to witness the sunrise.
Michael O’Halloran launched the first walk in Estepona in 2016; this marks the fifth year in La Cala. Biddy Mulligans is proud to support this cause, raising awareness for Pieta House and AFESOL, which aid those affected by mental health struggles, suicide bereavement, self-harm, or suicidal thoughts. The walk’s symbolism - moving from darkness to light - unites the community, delivering a powerful message of hope.
Participants can register at dark nessintolight.ie, selecting their preferred Costa del Sol location. Biddy’s encourages wearing t-shirts from past walks, with limited availability on-site for early arrivals.
After the walk, everyone will be gathering for breakfast at Biddy Mulligans, the famed Irish pub at Blvd. de la Cala, La Cala de Mijas.
The event welcomes new and returning participants to support this vital cause.
A life on Costa del Sol
PAUL HICKLING from The Roman Oasis restaurant in Sabinillas has been in touch with Euro Weekly News to reflect on his life on the Costa del Sol.
“Where did the time go? I’m 80 next week! Over half my lifetime building and improving the place. Now my lovely wife Kaat is running it as I potter around doing maintenance while enjoying watching the people having fun on the 18-hole Crazy Golf course I built four years ago. You don’t need to book for the challenging course; just turn up. We supply everything you’ll need except luck!
“Oh yes, at the end of the bar I see Keith Floyd having a slurp with South London gangster Charlie Richardson and Bob Hos-
kins. Frank Carson’s telling a naughty joke to Freddy Star, and Cilla Black’s having a lorra lorra laughs! Helen Shapiro is singing to Anni-Frid of ABBA (who had her daughter’s wedding here). And, oh dear… Robert Carlisle is giving everybody ‘The Full Monty’! Every picture and relic above the bar tells a story,” he recollects.
So many famous faces from the history of the Costa del Sol; the Roman Oasis is still going strong in Sabinillas. Open every day from 12pm (except Wednesdays) for a fun afternoon at crazy golf, a game of pool and a fun day out for families, or a team-building exercise for your business. Check out reservations on romanoa sis.com or call 711 068 700.
La Cala de Mijas walkers in 2024.
Credit: Biddy Mulligans.
Credit: Paul Hickling
Paul Hickling and The Roman Oasis.
10 Tempting Andalucian Tapas
WE all know that Spain has massive regionality when it comes to food, but tapas originated in Andalucia, attributed to their birthplace in Sevilla. And although this authentic Spanish food culture has now spread worldwide, there are still many tapas that are truly Andalucian. Outside of the ubiquitous calamari, tortilla and albondigas, here’s 10 more to get you inspired:
ESPINACAS
CON GARBANZOS (Spinach with Chickpeas) - A typical Moorish inspired dish from Sevilla, loved and devoured by locals. It’s a surprisingly simple recipe; mostly spinach and chickpeas spiced with cumin and garlic. Despite its simplicity, this tapa tastes way better than the sum of its parts. RABO DE TORO (Braised Oxtail) - Originating in Cordoba, and traditionally made after bullfights, this meltin-your-mouth meat is slow braised with a rich combination of red wine, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and various aromatic spices resulting in a delicious thick brown gravy. MOJAMA (Cured and Dried Tuna Loin)Dating back to Phoenician times, this is salt cured tuna loin (blue fin tuna that migrate
through the straits of Gibraltar) that is then laid out in the sun to mature and served very thinly sliced with almonds and olive oil. ENSALADA RUSA or ENSALADILLA in Andalucia (Russian Salad)Featured on almost any menu, it’s a cold salad made from boiled potatoes mixed with shrimps, crab, tuna, some vegetables and hard-boiled eggs, and then smothered in home-made mayonnaise.
TORTILLITAS DE CAMARONES
(Shrimp Fritters)
- Made of whole tiny whole shrimps, chickpea and wheat flour, water, spring onion, parsley, before being deep fried in olive oil. Crunchy, tasty and one of the most delicious savoury bites. HABAS CON JAMON (Broad Beans with Ham)Even if you don’t love beans, this is a must try. Fresh broad beans, Serrano ham, onion, garlic, white wine, pancetta and extra olive oil make this dish surprisingly tasty. GAZPACHO (Cold Garlic and Vegetable Soup) - Made with raw tomatoes (plenty), green peppers, cucumber, rustic bread, garlic, sherry vinegar, extra virgin olive oil and water. Perfect for summer days. FLAMENQUIN (Deep Fried Pork, Ham and Cheese Rolls) - A speciality from Cordoba, this roll of pork loin, serrano ham and cheese coated is coated in breadcrumbs and then deep fried. The flavours together are super tasty!
BERENJENAS FRITAS
CON MIEL (Fried Aubergines with Cane Honey)
- Sounds strange but this typical Malaga dish is incredibly delicious. Sliced aubergines lightly coated in flour, fried and drizzled in sugar cane honey. CARACOLES (Snails) - A delicacy in southern Spain and definitely one of the musttries. Served in a flavourful sauce, including garlic, parsley, black pepper, paprika and cumin. It’s delicious to finish the sauce by dipping in bread.
So, there you are, go out and treat those tastebuds !!
COSTA FOOD TOURS
Chocolate treats Vintage bikes
GET ready for a day of engines, history, and community fun in Coin. On Saturday May 10, the 12th Quedada de Motos Clasicas (12th Classic Motorbike Meetup) will take place at the Parque Periurbano. This popular event brings together bike lovers from across the Costa del Sol and beyond. Whether you own a vintage bike, love taking photos of them, or enjoy a great day out, this event is for you. The show is free to attend and welcomes all ages. Expect to see many classic motorbikes, many lovingly restored and proudly displayed by their owners.
SIMPLY THRIVING group met at the Happiness Lab in Mijas Pueblo on Wednesday, May 7, to put their creativity into making some delicious chocolate treats.
The day usually includes a group ride through the streets of Coin, giving everyone a chance to hear those engines in action. Food and drink stands, music, and a relaxed, family-friendly vibe will be available.
It’s a great chance to connect with fellow motorbike enthusiasts, meet locals, and enjoy the Andalucian sun. Parking is available nearby, and the venue is easily accessible by car from Marbella, Fuengirola, and other parts of the Costa del Sol.
Around 30 made it to the event where they learnt the process of making the most mouth-watering, natural chocolate bites and then decorating them with natural ingredients.
Everyone huddled round the centre table inside the popular chocolate factory run by Eli and Jason, masters in the happiness business.
Pistachios, peanuts, almonds, and papaya, and coconut – everyone chose their own ingredients to add from a selection of around 30. Afterwards all the gang waited out on the terrace for the results of their chocolate treats to set, having one of the
best coffees anyone can find in Mijas Pueblo in the glorious sunshine.
Val Williams formed Simply Thriving after the pandemic, with the idea of keeping the community together with fun and friendship because no one on the Costa del Sol need be alone. Among the group was actress and singer Alexandra Avery, who decided to celebrate her
birthday with the Simply Thriving group.
Afterwards it was off to La Raja restaurant in the heart of the twisting and turning Pueblo Blanco streets for a slap-up lunch together.
The Happiness Lab chocolate factory is in the Plaza de la Constitution in the centre of Mijas Pueblo, and the Simply Thriving group can be found on Facebook.
Julián Maeso Organ Trio
ON Thursday, May 8, the jazzy Hammond sound of Julián Maeso Organ Trio will be at Louie Louie Live in Estepona, ready to deliver a soulful performance rooted in a rich musical legacy.
The well-seasoned keyboardist, Julián Maeso, known for his wizardry on the piano and organ, with his trio, promises an evening of slick jazz, blues, funk, and poprock fusion. Maeso is famed for his deep passion for music, perfected from a young age through a fascination for the ivories. His dexterity on a keyboard as well as across genres and meticulous approach to mixing up traditional and modern techniques have earned him a reputation as a musical craftsman.
AMAZING
The Estepona concert is a chance to experience Maeso’s artistry live, as he fuses soulful melodies with innovative sounds in a night of pure cool. His sound, crafted to transcend the supercial, invites listeners on a shared journey of connection. Jazz fans and newcomers are encouraged to join this community of cool, celebrating music with heart at Louie Louie. The gig begins at 10pm, with doors opening at 9.30pm. Tickets are priced at €13 in advance. Louie Louie is facing Estepona harbour.
Simply Thriving group making chocolate bliss at Happiness Lab.
Julián Maeso, keyboard wizard.
Classic motorbikes in Coin.
Credit: Coin Town Hall
An Inspector Calls
INTERNATIONAL THEATRE STUDIO in Marbella, the longest established English-speaking theatre group on the Costa del Sol, presents the classic thriller ‘An Inspector Calls’ by JB Priestley.
An Inspector Calls by J B Priestley, is a play that revolves around the apparent suicide of a young woman called Eva Smith. In the play, the unsuspecting Birling family are visited by the mysterious Inspector Goole. He arrives just as they are celebrating the engagement of Sheila Birling to Gerald Croft.
Directed by Peter Brooks and produced by Andrea Stevens the play boasts a superb cast with PJ Lopez as Eric Birling, Laurie Passman as Mr Arthur Bir-
ling, Sheila Mellor as Mrs Sybil Birling and Samantha Weaver as Sheila Birling.
This is the Birling Family. They all know what they did, but do you? Watch the compelling and haunting thriller and you’ll find out. The play also stars Martin Curd as Gerald Croft and Paul Baker as Inspector Goole.
There will be performances on Friday, May 9, Saturday 10, and Sunday 11 at the Hotel Paraíso at 7.30pm each night. Tickets are available online at the ITS website internationaltheatrestudio.org now and cost €19.50 for ITS members and €22 for non-members. Hotel Paraíso in Ctra. de Cadiz, km. 167, Avda. de la Gardenia, Estepona.
Seasonal flavour at La Escalera de Balthazar
TUCKED away on Calle del Almendro in the centre of Benahavis village, La Escalera de Balthazar is a cosy and elegant restaurant that offers some of the best food on the Costa del Sol. Known for its fresh seasonal produce and top-quality meat and seafood, this local gem delivers a Mediterranean dining experience full of flavour.
Every dish at La Escalera de Balthazar is cooked with care over an olive wood charcoal grill. The result is a smoky and rich taste that brings out the
best in every cut of meat and fillet of fish. Every bite is full of depth and flavour, from grilled prawns and Burgundian snails to Iberian pork ribs marinated in cider. The lamb shoulder, slow-cooked with lemon and rosemary, is a must-try. The menu changes with the seasons to reflect what is fresh and in stock from local farmers and fishermen.
Specials vary daily, and the wine list pairs well with the food. There is also a good selection of classic desserts, including crème brûlée and
chocolate mousse.
Whether you are planning a quiet dinner for two or a relaxed evening with friends, the atmosphere is welcoming and the service is excellent. With a charming rooftop terrace and fair prices for the quality served, La Escalera de Balthazar is one to add to your list next time you are in Benahavis. La Escalera de Balthazar
Calle del Almendro 4, Benahavis
Telephone: 951 50 60 48
www.laescalerade balthazar.com
Jumbo prawns grilled over charcoal and glazed with pastis.
