CLIP OF THE DAY: When we love something...

Today this quote got my attention:

When we love something, emotion often drives our actions.

This is the gift and the challenge entrepreneurs face every day.

The companies we dream of and build from scratch are part of us and intensely personal. They are our families. Our lives.

Work should be personal. For all of us. Work should have meaning, not just for the entrepreneur.

Haward Schultz - Starbucks President.

CLIPPING 3 tips:

-TOMOE - 172 Thompson Street, New York - by far the best sushi I have ever had.

-H&M  - and their new winter hats collection - @ines4connect instagram pic above.

-ONWARD - Starbucks book, NY Times bestseller, my latest reading.....insightful & greatly inspiring.

Clip of the day: Back and forth. Always here.

I have a soft spot for him....he is fun, generous, a good friend, smart and he works hard. We used to seat next to each other at the Brompton Brands office, and quoting our ex-boss: "you two together are worse than 2 little kids in school....if you didn't get your work done I would probably never agreed to that seating plan..." All true. Also true: that I became an admirer of his work ethics and how well he has done for himself. Needless to say we went our separate ways, I launched CONNECT and Jonny Boud...well, he created the popular 'Love Brunch' concept, represented Absolut in London, promoted the Rose club, developed "Young Thread" fashion label (which I became a great fan) and most recently opened Ping, (and he is making sure that all of the above are still happening). 

This is the thing about a real connection: it doesn't matter which course of the road we decide to take, when you understand each other's universe, like the same things, and respect the very fact that we all have individual paths - that is the glue that holds a friendship together. Evidently Im not 'clipping' about my friendship to Jonny, but I AM inviting my London friends to the ultimate ping-pong dinning experience and towns latest venue PING, where you can have traditional Italian pizzas, bruschettas, move to the bar with its extensive cocktail collection from mixologist Cris Cwiek (previously at Bungalow 8) and of course: play Ping Pong with your friends. Since I'm in New York, geography is keeping me away from enjoying all of it but thats life....like the game itself: back and forth and whichever way, always here.  Well done Jonny, proud of you xxx 

CLIP OF THE DAY: Peep show

Connect  friend and  the owner of New York's hot spot La Esquina restaurant, Serge Becker just opened his latest venue and London's first adventure, so its no wonder  that that particular news alone made the cut on my connect diary last Tuesday night. In this case, with  the 'serious' loving and uplifting kind of crowd (because when you book a table at a trendy place and one that will make you blush when giving directions to any proper British cab driver) you really want to be with your gang) Yes, La Bodega Negra is situated in the heart of busy Soho neighbourhood, at a Sex shop entrance to be more precise.....its loud, fun, and the food is spicy but great. (Well it is Mexican after all) If you are in town, make a move. My Clip? Sesame tostadas with guacamole, octopus el negro and seafood cazuela. Enjoy. (I did). xxx I.  PS. Gracias Cley Cley La belle & Mr. K Van Leewen for organizing such a fun night!      

         Photo by Ines Coelho courtesy of ines4connect on instagram. 

CLIP OF THE DAY: Hot now.

Morning Clippers! A quick note on  GRANGER & CO, my new found spot turned into (or so it seems) the place for lunch during the week if you are around Notting Hill or brunch over the weekend. Sadly....waiting might be part of the process but order one of their blood Marys in the mean time and you will be alright...Keeping my promise and sending you my own pictures (needless to say, I'm the main focus of mockery amongst my friends everytime we go anywhere public...) x I.

On your right handside....my (second) Blood Mary, now this time to help me with my order: pure beef burger with  beetroot, tomato relish & courgette pickles (11.80 pounds). 

GRANGER & CO

175 Westbourne Grove 

Notting Hill

London W11 2SB

CLIP OF THE DAY: Food Lovers Only

Happy Monday Clippers! (yes yes I am well aware that my Clips haven't exactly made it to the 'every day' slogan mark...) but I will say in advance that these upcoming 2 weeks will be  very challenging work wise (a lot of good CONNECT news coming soon)...so bare with me! Now, on to something that is far from being difficult and rather one of the main reasons why living is so good in the first place: FOOD. So, if you are one of us....(the food lovers that is) than today's CLIP is definitely worth marking. Last week I was invited to Pret-A-Dinner at St James Palace N50, a quite breath-taking classic venue which has been totally revamped with crazy graffiti and contemporary art specially for the occasion. So you are in the now,  Pret-a-Dinner is an international  exquisite dinning experience concept in the format of "pop-up" dinner parties taking place in different cities worldwide such as New York, London, Berlin, Milan, Rio, Monaco...To celebrate its London opening a few and very privileged guests (think CONNECT) gathered to catch up with the latest in town over cocktails created by the maestro mixologist Tony Conigliaro from himself while enjoying the views of the  exhibition of contemporary Italian artists from Gazelli art house. 

As per promised to all of the beloved true Clippers, I have taken my own shots,  on  your right hand side DETAIL: My beautiful friend Cleyenne holing her napkin - with each name stamped personally on a linen kitchen towel that served as napkin (original ideia for hosting a dinner party ourselves). Well, I have to say, that I personally really enjoyed it, and I just couldn't miss out clipping about it to you, as any of the above cities its probably where you are reading CLIP from....so look out for their dates and try a unique dinning experience night out with friends, family or your better half...CLIPPING: LONDON - 9th May -30th June. Go online and sign up (as its by invitation only) to make your reservation. For more pictures you can follow me on Instagram under ines4connect. Hope you can make it...! xx I.

CLIP OF THE DAY: You gotta' love Paris...

Good Morning Clippers! Wishing you all a great Monday and start of the week....below my suggestion to brunch in Paris:

Coffee Parisien - 4 Rue Princesse

CLIPPING...

Too lazy to go out? Pas des problème....I have been given this great contact who delivers lavish  brunches prepared on a tray delivered straight to your home (you can even order extras like champagne and newspaper to come with it):

Sophie La Parisienne 
You gotta' love Paris.....xxx I.

CLIP OF THE DAY: When in NYC town, be a Nolitan.

Want to feel like a true cool New Yorker? Eat local, sleep local,  live local, I say. On my very second CLIP of the day, I mentioned the rising hip "NOLITA" neighbourhood as being one of the places to have in mind next time you are in town. And so it still is...Nolita’s newest hotel The Nolitan located on the corner of Kenmare and Elizabeth’s streets is here to prove that, and with the 'sole' mission of make you feel like one of them. Even if for only a few days, starting by merely having 55 rooms, you know you're bound to get special attention, and one of the pampering services is their notorious ‘free unpacking and packing service’ (I quite like that) and of-course free Wi-Fi. (enough with the having to pay for this, which usually is outragous by the way). CLIP to keep? Check out their brunches as CONNECT ambassadors keep refering them day in and day out...xx I.

CLIP OF THE DAY: Paris Calling

Yup, Paris is calling (and a few of you know why)...so lets get down to it and start getting familiar with the latest! According to The New York Times Le Bal has the best coffee in Paris. But make no mistake, as the so-called 'in the hood' Connect Parisian members are here to remind us that Le Bal is an arts institute, photography museum and an excellent bookstore, with a cinema right around the corner. A once  drinking and dancing room in the 20's, transformed into France's biggest betting shop after the Second World War and left to ruins in 1992. It wasn't until 2006 that the building was bought by the City of Paris, where  Agence Search won the competition to transform the site of LE BAL as we know it today. Great, I say: if you'll have to wait you might as well do it wisely...Yes, waitting is  indeed the frontline word - Ever since the restaurant opened in the fall lunch and dinners became highly popular and brunches almost impossible to get a table (so think Connect). Also if you all wondered where St. John's restaurant chef in London went, well....look no more: Anna Trattles, has joined talents with Alice Quillet in the kitchen of Le Bal. As for the coffee: Flynn, known for his experience at legendary Murky Coffee Washington, D.C. (closed in 2009) is the expert barista responsible for the espresso, made with Café Lomi coffee and Chemex coffee (brewed to order). Welsh rabbit, cheddar soup, pork chops, bacon, scones...Now you know why all hip Parisians are packing into the hidden corner near Place de Clichy this Spring... XX I.

CLIP OF THE WEEK: Easy like Sunday morning...

 

Happy Monday Clippers! 

Monday. Right...the day after  Sunday.  ('nice'....). 

Sometimes I feel sorry for Monday...it seems nobody actually gives "Monday" a chance. Let's face it, it does feel quite challenging to compete with hot, hip and Friday night or a cool Saturday afternoon. Let alone the popular lazzy Sunday morning...no one in their right mind ever says no to Sunday. I mean, I won't even go there. So. As a tribute to all MONDAYS out there, and inspired by my extreamly pleasant Sunday afternoon yesterday, I have decided to not feel depressed over this day and instead celebrate it by "re-creating" yesterday's Sunday all over again (as much as possible since we all have to work at some point.) This afternoon I'm clipping a suggestion: go to "a" cafe house later on. To read any local or international paper, roll around their blankets, seat outside, get some sun, eat an Austrian Apfelstrüdel with vanilla ice cream, drink some wine and enjoy the company of your friends (who just like you) had to get up and face Monday too...One of my favorite spots? The Viennese Kaffeehaus, located in the middle of old historic Lisbon, just next to one of the city's most famous theatres, São Carlos and where I met my friends for a lazzy Sunday brunch that lasted all day...(EASY). The place fits the (almost lost), tradition of literary cafés that were the trademark of Chiado neighbourhood. Although you can go there for breakfast, lunch, dinner or a drink at night, the hidden coffee place has become extreamly popular for brunches. The food is honestly outstanding, serving the best salads in town, Austrian classics as well as Mediterranean dishes. Everyday they write something different on the chalkboard, so you can always come back for something new. To acompanny the meals I would recommend Austrain Wine, Beer or their fusion signature lemmonades. Now, I can gladdly say: Happy Monday Clippers. (we do what we can) I. xx

CLIP OF THE DAY: Happy 447th!

Today is the 1st of March: Rio's Birthday, the world's most beautiful city, the one who saw me grow up and the same who gave me the best present you can wish for in life: a healthy, whole and happy childhood. My memories? endless... My joy? the beach. My addiction? coconut water by the orla. My craving? Biscoito globo. My mornings? Ballet at Dallal, Fashion Mall. My afternoons? School and Country Club - My favorite? Their hot-dog. My life? my family.  My bag? Havainas, always. My stock in Europe? risqué varnish. My laughter? my friends. My heart? Arpoador. My heritage? a carioca smile! My tears? Boarding a plane in Galeão. My certainty? Those who know where they belong only leave temporarily...

Happy 447th RIO!!!

P.S. If you never had the chance to visit Rio, make sure you take the time in this lifetime...Meanwhile: a scoop at a very special project, founded by dear friends of mine and carioca CONNECT members (I have clipped before) and they keep taking the world by storm  "just" by loving RIO: Rio eu amo, eu cuido. 

CLIP OF THE DAY: Time out

Merry Christmas Clippers! As you can probably imagine I will be giving myself a little bit of a "time out" from work these next few days...but I will make sure to Tweet about all the latest from Connect members on Holidays all over the world. I took this picture yesterday morning on my way to a family brunch at Alessandro e Frederico in Ipanema - ordered the 171 Black Coffee breakfast menu. (and I recommend) Hope you are all enjoying your Christmas! Wishing you a great holiday weekend xx

CLIP OF THE DAY: Lost with a view

Get lost but with a view...Lisbon's coolest winter terrace LOST In officially welcomes you to their Winter Jazz Session soiree tonight at 8:30pm. The usual Connect: LOST In an Indian boutique and snack-like restaurant whose owners are long-time friends, an oasis inside one of the hippest neighbourhoos: "Principe Real" along with the best view possible over the city (check their virtual tour). But all social link aside, I truly reccomend you to go there and see it for yourself, specially because we can all use some Shanti Shanti quality time in our lives. Good thing when you can do it while enjoying an exquisite and tasty wrap, toast or sanduich with an unique Indian flair to it. For rainy and cold days they have prepared a cosy Indian decorated interior room, with the same great view, candles, blankets & hidden cool mood.

CLIP-IT: Try the scrambled eggs with farinheira (Portuguese sausage), ham toast with cheese and onion jam and the Portobello mushrooms & drink lemonade.

CLIP OF THE DAY: Fishy Tales

First and foremost CLIP this "harbour / decadent" neighbourhood in mind when you are in Lisbon: Cais do Sodré, as it is becoming increasingly popular, with new bars opening up and old ones being renovated by the coolest people in town. Once a former shop that sold fishing equipment, Sol e Pesca bar still retains the same name and raw look which feels like you are entering a “fishy” store, there is, until you find beer next to the traditional Portuguese canned fish diplay windows. These small cans called "conservas" have become internationally known for its vintage design and yummy taste and can be found at the finest gourmet shops in New York and Paris, but in this case you can buy them for less than 2 Euros  and eat them on the spot. Quite a unique mix, that not only works but for some "it beats peanuts!" If you want to be local: you got it, fish no more.

CLIP-IT: As the majority of the hip Portuguese bars don't expect it to fill up anytime beofre 02:00 am. SOL E PESCA: opens Tue – Wed 12:00 – 02:00am / Thu – Sat 12:00 – 04:00 am.

CLIP OF THE DAY: Follow the Chef

Little challenge for my London friends: try getting a dinner table at Polpetto, the new Italian restaurant above the French House in Soho. You know what they say: "location, location, location" Polpetto's address?  Well, 'only': the dining room above the French House, one of the most remarkable bars in central Soho. The same owner of popular Polpo - that added to the fact that it only has 28 seats all together make it quite impossible to just walk-in and enjoy a meal. The place is rustic looking with nineteenth-century French light fittings and zinc-topped tables (very NYC West Village), serving small portions of dishes in the style of a Venetian bacaro (wine bar).  All comanded by beautiful chef and  it girl Florence Knight- who ensures that the 1.800 followers on Twitter are all in the loop with new dishes like the popular "sgroppino" or even the much antecipated  oppening of their 3rd venue Spuntino which word has gone around will be even smaller! Really: Think CONNECT.

CLIP-IT: Try the Parmesan-fried soft-shell crab

CLIP OF THE DAY: Upstairs at The Oak

As winter comes knocking on our door we are all gathering "upstairs at The Oak" for wine and tapas - our regular evening meeting point after work. The Oak in Notting Hill: famous restaurant turned into gastro-pub, always closely packed with cool locals on the ground floor that surrounded by candle lights, large wooden tables, high ceilings, chocolate-leather banquetes enjoy a wide choice of Mediterranean dishes and wood fired pizzas. The loungey upstairs bar is less busy and ideal to wait with a cocktail or in my case catch-up with friends during the week. Tonight find me seated on their  ridiculously confortable sofas sipping some on good vino and nibbling tapas: "upstairs at The Oak".

CLIP-IT: Check out Oak's cosy private room available for hire, perfect for birthday dinners or a larger get together soirée.

CLIP OF THE DAY: Brunch Buzz

The atmosphere is indeed 'electric' and the art deco-inspired dining room of The Electric Brasserie is still constantly buzzing regardles of the time you decide to walk-in. Having lived in Notting Hill, and a usual suspect for loving  The Soho House group creations this has obviously become one of my favorite spots for evening drinks and weekend brunches overtime. As some of you clippers have recently asked me to write about "classics" as much as new places in town, today I'm sharing my beloved brunch spot with you. This Saturday I met with handsome Alex Zaluski for a catch up about the latest happening in Paris and his recent return to London. (you migt remember this name, as Zaluski was the founder of Sunday Society at the Westbourne)*. From oyster platters to succulent cheeseburger's brioches, the menu was the thrill of the grill while the well stocked up cocktail list ensured the Electric Brasserie never loses its spark, keeping us there all afternoon brunch buzzing.

CLIP -IT: Weekend brunches are served Saturdays & Sundays from 12pm-5pm

* CLIP "sunday society" published on june 26th.

CLIP OF THE DAY: Prêt-à-Portea

The Berkeley Hotel is back with its legendary "Prêt-a-Portea" seasonal fashion high tea!  The menu is transformed every six months to follow the changing seasons in fashion and this time the cake collection is inspired by the autumn/winter 2011-12 collections. Think a Stella McCartney polka dot sponge cake, a Lanvin crème de mure jelly topped with signature folded meringue, a gold Dolce & Gabbana chocolate éclair sprinkled with festive stars, a Miu Miu winter spice biscuit shoe amongst others...The elegant and talented inhouse chef's are absolutely brilliant at it and each creation is a piece of art! I've been before and I definetely reccomend it as an original and fun fashionista tea time afternoon in London. If you can't wear them, eat them!

CLIP-IT: Pret-a-Portea is served from 1 to 6pm everyday at The Caramel Room, The Berckley Hotel (price starts at £37.50 per person). Call 020 107 8866 to check availability and make a reservation.

CLIP OF THE DAY: True Colours

Just like Miss Lilly's in New York, I have been meaning to write about DRIDRI italian gelato since it open! For so many reasons: the usual CONNECT - owner is a good friend of my friends (Adriano di Petrillo), all my gourmet expert friends in London keep telling me about it and well...you know my feelings towards ice cream...As I'm now in London lets not waste any more time: DriDri's charming and ubber cool shop is located in the heart of Portobello Road, 'a refreshing change that has materialised in the form of a delectable Italian newcomer'.  Their true colours? 20 flavours of gelato and sorbets in cups or cones, all made in-house with no artificial additives that look and taste like real fruit (I like that).

CLIP-IT: The real deal - Pistachio (100% natural) & Deep ruby-red French cherry sorbet.

CLIP OF THE DAY: Their Secret, our Santuary

Tradition is a temple and the very first stop as soon as I land in Lisbon is to Portuguese Perfect Pastery: Pasteis de Belém's classic shop. Following the ancient secret recipe from the aclaimed Heironymite Monastery (known as "Mosteiro dos Jeronimos"), the baking of the delicious Pasteis de Belém dates before 1820 and its one of  nation's best kept cuisine secrets and the most popular place to go at tea time. Not much to write about it, you just have to go and taste them; in the end their secret is our own sanctuary.

CLIP-IT: Add sugar & cinnamon powder on top and get their beautiful packages of six to go.

CLIP OF THE DAY: My Favorite

On a recent interview I was asked where do I like to hang out the most in New York....a dificult one as there are so many places that came to mind...nevertheless and truth be told I do have a soft spot for Soho House and their 6th floor is my "pantry meets lounge" favorite place to go to.

This weekend I pretty much tried to juggle last minute errands and spending quality time with my loved ones as I'm boarding to Europe for a month tomorrow so expect exciting news on CONNECT soon. My Friday night unfolded into a quite and cosy family dinner at Brazilian restaurant 'Rice and Beans', Saturday started with brunch with my favorite couple entrepreneur David Quinta and his beautiful wife actress Benedita Pereira at Chelsea's Westville (absolutely reccomend), followed by busines lunch uptown at Bar Italia and dinner with friends at The Soho House where we all remained happily until 3am...my favorite New York "living room" no question about it.

CLIP-IT: As part of one of the "orders to take to Europe's list" I was asked to buy nigella seeds at Dean & Deluca - not a problem as a trip to NY finest grocery shop is always a pleasure as far as I'm concerned, but what I would like to CLIP in view and share with you is that nigella seeds are aparently one of the best spices to cook - Oh well (living and learning) - For my part I was just happy that benny and I were able to take this trip and stock up on Dean & Deluca's Dulce de Leche - My favorite (too)!