Just back from two terrific weeks in Carvoeiro. Very lucky with the weather and enjoyed visiting many of our favourite places in town and beyond.
However, did get increasingly niggled by the antics of the staff at this restaurant whenever we walked by. Aside from the usual inane, "I like your shoes!" routine shouted at passers by on a regular basis, we had a real bravura performance from three of the staff one night. Two were doing the shoe observations, but the real star was a waiter screaming almost hysterically over and over that he was gay.
Well that's his business of course, but don't know why he felt it would interest the public at large. Really, I don't know what the owner is thinking - friends of ours vowed after their last visit to the town not to use this place again owing to this nonsense, and two couples we met this visit told us, without our mentioning our own experience, that they won't go in the place because of this stuff. My family and friends have used A Rede a lot over many years - the food was good and it was good value. Won't go in there now, I'm afraid - can get any amount of this in Albufeira.
I considered calling in and asking politely to speak to the owner but was dissuaded from doing so by my wife. Maybe he or she reads the Forum.

Never eaten there although did go to look at the menu and maybe have a meal but was put off by the antics of the staff. Didn't even stop to look at the menu, just went straight into Vimar next door. I'm sure they don't mean any harm but it is a bit naff to say the least.

American Pie wrote:Never eaten there although did go to look at the menu and maybe have a meal but was put off by the antics of the staff. Didn't even stop to look at the menu, just went straight into Vimar next door. I'm sure they don't mean any harm but it is a bit naff to say the least.

Maybe they've found a supply of wacky baccy, sounds like that source of antic.

Hi Destroyer. If it is the usual routine they go through I think you will find the owner is one of the "comedians" out front. He is the tall skinny one, his name escapes me but he is a nice chap. The main guy who hardly ever serves at tables is the main culprit for the cheesey lines in an attempt to get people in. One of his favourites is that he looks like Michael Jackson. I totally agree, not everyone's idea of fun and in fair they are the only restaurant in town that uses these tactics. It's a pity as if you can ignore it and actually dine at A Rede it is excellent food and service. Maybe someone needs to tell them to tone it down and suggest it is not appropriate.

Agree with Lamby. Owner seems the worst and probably encourages the others. However, if you brave this the service is friendly and food good. Otherwise we just smile, say no thanks and wish them good day and carry on past. I can understand why it is off putting, and its a shame.

I'm glad that I am not the only one who finds the A Rede waiters to be extremely annoying. I get the impression from them that "I like your shoes" might be a euphemism and is very much a private joke between them. When they shout it at the missus that's one thing but when it's my 14 year old daughter that's another matter.

We got fed up of the waiter offering us Viagra soup . . . or meals with Viagra sauce.

According to Urban Dictionary it is not an "in joke" but a sexual comment.
In the circumstances a completely inappropriate one, forwarding a request for sexual liaison seems a strange way to attract diners.

I agree with all the above posts. We were on the zebra crossing walking towards Vimar when the shouting to us began. We ignored it and walked straight into Vimar's.

We were on the zebra crossing walking towards Vimar when the shouting to us began. We ignored it and walked straight into Vimar's.[/quote]
I have been reading all these posts on the side and am amazed that this is true.
If they started shouting at me or my a Wife those obscene comments, I would have flattened them, then called the Police for Sexual harassment.
I am surprised that people still frequent this place.

DVBRO wrote:We were on the zebra crossing walking towards Vimar when the shouting to us began. We ignored it and walked straight into Vimar's.

I have been reading all these posts on the side and am amazed that this is true.
If they started shouting at me or my a Wife those obscene comments, I would have flattened them, then called the Police for Sexual harassment.
I am surprised that people still frequent this place.[/quote]

Perhaps only newcomers to CVO will now only eat here, don't think many regular visitors will now!

If you read the comments in the restaurant reviews (which is where this should be !!) you will see that at least two regulars eat there.

Incidentally in the 2 + hours we were there we heard no 'obscenities' even though we were seated outside - only good humoured banter.

A great plus was the viagra sauce which really complemented the fillet steak

Sexual harassment? I am amazed that people take this seriously, the guys there have only ever been complimentary to me.
The food and service are good and that is why we return each trip.
If you find their comments offensive tell them so in a civilised manner and I am sure they will get the message.

I don't agree this should be in restaurant reviews as my point was that the behaviour of the staff means I won't now use the place. Arguable, of course, and I don't disagree that the food was good when I used to, which is why this is a shame. I don't regard their nonsense as sexual harassment, although it may be intended that way. It's just plain harassment in my view and I've chosen to vote with my feet. If the owner is the main instigator it seems unlikely a quiet word would sort this and, anyway, should I really have to point this out to a professional restaurateur? In the particular instance I cited the screaming waiter went way beyond any interpretation of banter.

If you have a problem with the staff in any restaurant, ask for the manager AND the complaints book (all have them). I think the point will be made without getting confrontational.