CLIP OF THE DAY: Portuguese do it better

There is a shop in a little street  off Chiado neigbourhood in Lisbon that if you don't know of then you should definetely CLIP it in your diary next time in town. Its called A vida Portuguesa and I have written about it several times (and shall continue to as I am a big fan) To me, its no news that the Portuguese do it better....although one has to say sometimes we don't market ourselves as well as we should. Or....coming to think maybe this actually serves us right so we can still treasure our favorite classics before it goes too much into fashion and known by everyone on every corner of the Earth. My favorite new pick that I would like to share with you is their "cestas tradicionais Portuguesas"  in other words: hand made REED BASKETS.

They are good to carry your groceries, keep magazines on an original display and perfect to go to the beach this summer. While on research I found out this super cool website designed by the original maker's grandchild called "Toino Abel". Best of all? You can select and order it online from anywhere you are...Yup, think all you want, truth is (in our very own little way) Portugueses do it better. xxx 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: Name Droppin'

 

Hey back Clippers - landed safe, sound and back in Europe...what am I up to this Friday? Dinner at Bica do Sapato with Chad Hugo in Lisbon. Why is that worth clipping you might be wondering... Right lets "Connect" the dots and do some "name dropping": few years ago I was invited to a party hosted by Alicia Keys and Pharell Williams in London, that was the same night I met Pharell's music partner and NERD* member Chad Hugo, as well as the Parisian producer Cyril Kebellian. Who is Who? Chad is not only a very talented DJ, but he is also one of the man responsible for launching and producing Jutin Timberlake's very first solo CD. Old time friends, Timberlake and Hugo have been taking the beat universe by storm partnening with Madonna, Gwen Stefani, Britney Spears, Snoop Dogg and the list goes on -while Cyril in the mean time was helping Daft Punk and David Ghetta spinning the dance floors from coast to coast. So, if CONNECT  is anything but "learning to keep your connections in touch" then I guess its a no brainer that now that the boys are flying to Europe to start their "Back in Black" tour then here I am to connect them to LUX (co-owned by John Malkovich) who also happens to own where we are off to dinner...So...what is this CLIP really about (besides some serious name dropping)? An invitation to all my dear Lisbon friends to pop in this friday and check Chad Hugo's come back and DJ set sessions from 11pm at LUX. Looking forward to seeing you there xx I.

PS - A special thanks to Connect Ambassador Mariana Melo for organising it all xx

CLIP OF THE DAY: Another one bites the dust.

For the ones who either live or summer often in Lisbon, it´s not really a new clip publishing about POEIRA. Loved by fashion desingers, artists, decorators, frequent travellers, collectors or anybody who needs their home to be a reflection of their own universe mirrored with the right portion of personallity to it. As unique and vibrant as her own atelier, the interior designer Monica Penaguião is not only a familiar Connect face for decades but she also shares the same and (eternal) passion for Rio de Janeiro, where she spends most of her time now. Makes sense, therefore, that another one bites the dust.. The result? Monica´s special spear corner for yet another great spot in Leblon (Rio de Janeiro) - her secound "Poeira" shop ('dust' in Portuguese). If you are new to this CLIP, well now you have no excuse...From the world's most known brands such as Missoni Home, Designers Guild to national heros like Sergio Rodrigues and her own signature (and some other rare finds). 

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: Frida Forever

Casa da America Latina in Lisbon organizes the first international exhibition of 257 photographs revealing moments of the extraordinary life of one of the most intriguing figures of the early 20th century, Frida Kahlo. Mexican native - she shared a public and tumultous love story with celebrated artist Diego Rivera (who later became her husband) - Frida was an artist, a political activist,  a latin lover, a professor of art and now we come across Kahlo's universe through her onw lenses as a photographer. A remarkable collection of pictures taken by the artist her self which had remained hidden for more than half a century until 2007 - when her storerooms, wardrobes, and safeguarded trunks were finally opened. A real treasure that reveals the tastes, personal interests of Kahlo and Rivera, not only through the images themselves but also through notes hand scribbled on pictures that mirror a life lived with passion, tremendos hope, determination and one which makes you think twice about the meaning of intensity. In her own words:  "I hope the leaving is joyful and I hope never to return".  FK

 CLIP-IT: Frida Kahlo: Her Photos runs through 29 January 2012 at the Museu da Cidade.

CLIP OF THE DAY: King of Kitsch

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Formerly a grocery store that sold spices from the Far East,  today Pavilhão Chines  Club is (and still remains) as one of one of the  "old school" most popular (almost hidden) bars loved by generations of true Lisboetas - Put it this way: This Saturday, I ran into my father while I was having a drink with my friends who were visiting from Belgium... and that is just another day...The owner’s  extraordinary personal collection of kitsch and junk (filling every available space) makes the exception to the rule that "less is more" and the venue looks more like a lively and vibrant flea market than a bar. From china teapots to antique mugs, model trains and literally thousands of miniature soldiers (my favorite), the collection is awe-inspiring and definitely worth the visit. While the bar serves all the classic wines and whiskies from the beautiful art deco menu book, I personally am addicted to their  collection of exotic teas, which makes it a great place to go to even if you are not in the mood for an alcoholic drink. If you arrive later in the evening and find that the doors are locked, no problemo - all you need to do is to ring the bell, and trust me you will be glad you did.

 

CLIP-IT: Ask for a table on the back room where you can play snooker, (even smoke) while listening to the jukebox playing classic rock songs from the 60′s and 70′s. Address: Rua D. Pedro V N89-91, Príncipe Real, Telephone (+351) 21 342 4729 - Open Monday-Sat 6pm/2 am / Sundays from 9pm to 2am & Buzzing since 1986....

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: Word of mouth

Let me introduce you to one of my favorite restaurants in Lisbon -  Esperança -  (which stands for "hope" in Portuguese) situated in Rua do Norte  (the heart of hip "bairro alto" busy neighborhood). Great food, fair priced and perfect for fun easy going dinners with friends. The owner and a long time friend Duarte Uva emailed me while I was in New York to let me know that he had just opened his second "Esperança", this time across the street from one of the most beautiful and  historical places in Lisbon: Sé Cathedral. As per promissed as soon as I landed my first dinner out with friends was evidently at his new spot.  Esperança Sé is located in a very Portuguese tradicional building  that was kept truthful to its  simple heritage while its interior was cleverly re-designed featuring low lighting around and GREAT music where groups gather before a long night out. Duarte has also managed the impossible and the new Esperança Sé has tables outside surronded by Olive trees overlooking the breathtaking Sé Cathedral walls. The menu has strong Italian influences, including excellent thin-crust pizzas, bruchettas and fresh italian ice-cream for dessert.  

CLIP-IT: Book in advance, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. Rua do Norte, 95 (Bairro Alto) & Rua de São João da praça, 103, Alfama (Sé, the new Esperança) - Tel (+351) 213432027.  Esperança has no website, for Duarte its all about finding the truth about a great spot: word of mouth.

CLIP OF THE DAY: Frozen cool

So Frozen cool!! Portugal's first frozen yogurt shop has just opened the first (of many) doors.
Congrats to my lovely school and long time friend Manuel Sena and his partners for such great idea!
Check out Llaollao in centro comercial Alegro. I have and I'm completely addicted already - specially after Manuel told me that they are all done with skinny milk and have  40% less calories than regular frozen yorguts out there. Just in time for the summer....

CLIP-It: Watermelon Frappé & Frozen Yogurt with caramelized coockies

CLIP OF THE DAY: Portuguese Pride

This is the first of many special CLIPS to come. Its the story behind A Vida Portuguesa.

This special edition of Portuguese soaps was launched in 2008 and it tells the story behing the unique manufacturing of 15 soaps between 1920 e 1960. Confiança company was founded in 1894 in Braga, in the northern region of Portugal and the illustrations of each package represent the history and heritage behind of one of the most traditional countries in the world. Today these small boxes can be found in any luxurious boutique in London, New York, Tokio, and across the globe. Picture Perfect: Details of this one: box with 2 soaps with the theme: Tamariz (a known beach in Estoril, Portugal) and Monte Carlo, wrapped on archived paper that is more than 100years old.

CLIP-IT: I've got them on my drawers (they smell great)! Its also the perfect house gift or small remembrance to a friend for less than $20.

CLIP OF THE DAY: RE-Cycle

THEY ARE BACK & in VOGUE!! (have they ever left...)?

BICYCLE: The first human means of transport to use only two wheels invented by the German Baron Karl Von Drais and "officially" introduced to the public in Paris in 1818. Re-designed in the 1860s, by Pierre Michaux and Lallement, who added a mechanical crank drive with pedals on the front wheel...and the world has never been the same. From sports, movies, quotes inspired by it to professions that depend on it, bicycles have always been part of our lives one way or the other....and that used to be ok with me. But when 2 of my friends in NY (Andre A and Benny Aires P) sent me proud pictures of their newest acquisition: a bike on the same week, Carol B & Maria Braga started bragging about cycling around sunny London, and Barao meeting me on his stylish bike...well ...to me it was time to CLIP about it!


BICYCLEPIDIA by CLIP

1- My favorite in New York

Landmark Vintage - A charming shop that restores and sells vintage bicycles from the 1950s to the 1990s, (specializing in Schwinns and Raleighs) with a selection ranging from $175 for 1980s or an antique Bridgestone from the 1930s ($1,000).

2-'Pimp my ride' - the acessories

*My bookman light (found it at Cool Hunter) LOVE IT!

*Leather trunk by Pinel e Pinel

*iBike app by MAC

3- New in town
Ktrak a bike that changes your regular sports bike to a bike that can ski!
Project Xylon wooden bikes & Concept bikes by designer Alex Suvajac.

4 -Make a day out of it:

Rent a vintage bike in New York: for $35 a day, cycle alongside Tejo River in Lisbon and Ipanema beach or get London newest super cool cycling routes designed by Simon Parker and enjoy the ride!

Trendiest CONNECT bike owners: Friends - Tommy Hilfiger's Randy Cousin, Club owner Piers Adam, movie director Guy Ritchie, brazilian buddy Isabel Cantidiano, sports men Eduardo Juaçaba & Pedro Rufino...

CLIP OF THE DAY: Brunch Away

GOOD MORNING CLIPPERS!

Heading for brunch at Deli Deluxe in sunny Lisbon with my friend and VOGUE's editor-in-chief, Patricia Barnabe.....bliss!

I'm a firm beliver of brunches - to me they are the best way for a proper laid back catch up with friends and something I should do more often with my family as they end up being so much fun when we do...

Where you are most likely to find me on Saturday mornings:

LISBON - Deli Deluxe Delicatessen  with Mariana Melo, Barao, Pat, Sara & Ines FR....

RIO DE JANEIRO - Garcia Rodrigues  with my loving family: sister Sara, Mom, Nini, Luly...

LONDON - Aubaine  with my girls - Carol Bononi, Cat A, Rafaela F, Gabriela Bevilacqua....

NEW YORK - Freeman's with Damian, or  Andre Albarran (all the time...)!


Find a spot & call a friend and brunch away....I am.