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: I love Brooklyn.

The Village of Breuckelen, named for Breukelen (providence of Ultrecht) in the Netherlands was first inhabited by the Dutch and contemporary native americans in 1646. Known to us as: Brooklyn, this is the second-most densely populated county in the United States, after New York County (Manhattan, there is); but despite facts, walking around it actually feels like a ride around a local village... So what truly makes a city liveable or loveable? Its heritage, the neighbours, parks, your favourite restaurant, transportation, a good opportunity, convenience or love - simply? On my case, CONNECT did, and it took me around what is now one of my favourite places I want  to learn more about, Williamsburg. 

First and foremost I cannot possibly take the credits for my latest article, as I must thank my friend and talented photographer Pauline Rochas for connecting me around the hood as one should. Allow me to start by Williamsburg newest platonic idea of modern reborn from an old textile factory turned into towns hottest hotel and cutting edge rooftop meeting point for residents: The Wythe Hotel. 'where sleep is optional'. Well, in any case if you decide to, its not expensive either ($179 a night). Blending hip and raw industrial look with impressive hospitality, what I found interesting is that much of the furniture was actually (and very cleverly may I add) made from wood salvage during the renovation process and designed all by local craftsman. If you are there just for the ride check out the bar on the roof top; if you are in for the long one, make sure you eat at the Reynards Restaurant. Well, since food is on the menu, yesterday I had dinner at Aurora, a rustic little Italian spot where we all sat by the garden and enjoyed Tuscan finest bowls of pasta and white wine, priceless after a very long day of work. Speaking of which, have you checked the latest on CONNECT....?  

CLIP-IT - My next stop there: The outdoors cinema night at the Pier 1 Harbour SYFY Movies (starts at sunset, and it runs every Thursdays until August 30th) --  I do love Brooklyn. 


* Above picture courtesy of ines4connect on Instagram. 

Have you found what you are looking for?

For most of my experience, I seem to discover new places, which end up being very special to me - the same way I connect with people: accidentally meant to be, at the right time precisely but the wrong moment and when I am not looking. So my question is: Do we really find what we are looking for? Or should we look for it to be found?


Whichever the case, the world does work in mysterious ways... but still, I can guarantee you that 9 out of 10 people will tell you that their favourite restaurant was found by chance on a hidden corner during a carefree stroll. (and that happens for the world's most known love stories to man kind and successful business ideas we hear about it). So my point is as much as I had promised for CLIP of the day to be - everyday - I would be lying to you if I had come here to write an article about something new, given CONNECT's latest happenings....

The same way you can't learn to have charisma or buy connections, you can't force spontaneity; you either have it or you don't. But ultimately that in it self can be the difference, and I have always been a strong believer that force should  never be imposed but rather always achieved. But I must confess that I have 'forced' myself to come here everyday since the 17th of June, I have continuously forced my self to write and failed. Everytime. Not because I fell out of it, but simply because my heart wasn't here. And that is most probably and the most logical explanation why we only have 1 heart, and why it will never truly function in two places at the same time. You cannot do everything at once. (Not if you truly put all of your heart on it). So like everything else in life, I made a choice and gave you nothing.  Absolutely nothing for ....days. No hint, no apologies or new CLIPS. And if for every choice a consequence, I must now reveal that I couldn't be happier with mine. It is with great joy that I can confirm that CONNECT has officially and successfully joined forces with two new international identities and is preparing  for the launch of a bigger and better new website by the begging of September 2012. That alone has taking more than my regular extra time since March and clearly a lot more of my body and mind, heart and soul lately...and it will continue to until early September. But these are very exciting times for all CONNECT members and the new ones to come....!

So with that being said, I thought I would lock today's CLIP of the day with a few suggestions for the summer straight from CONNECT members, fashion features editors, restauranteurs and  the coolest entrepreneurs....:

1 -This season's sunglasses hot picks - Westward Leaning &  Oliver Peoples 

2 -London's new Greek spot - Mazi Restaurant 

3 -Saint-Tropez's latest hotel found - White 1921  


4- New York's inexpensive opening  The Pod Hotel

5 -Brazil's promessing musical talent - Rodrigo Lampreia & Samba Santa Clara Project 




Well, wherever you are, I hope what you are looking for,  finds you. xx 

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: Pool Party

In some cases Sunday nights are made of catching up on your laundry and cosing up to a movie on your sofa....others....Sunday night means time for another Pool Party at The Shoreditch House roof top....Well, this Sunday I was gladdly ticking option 'B'....! So if you are indeed a member, let me blog on to your memory and remind you of how great it is to just forget tabout all these pretentious restaurants and clubs  out threre and how refreshing it feels to just  walk around on your  jeans and black converse tennis shoes holding a beer and catching up with some of your favorite creative friends (who by the way wouldn't be caught dead on the above scenarios....).

MY CLIP....

Escaping (after some happy spinning on the dance floor) to the downstairs floor and hit on a different kind of pool.....YES, I am serious - and my softspot goes to cracking up with my friends playing foosball and pool. (BLISS)!

IF YOU ARE NOT A MEMBER

If you are not a SOHO HOUSE member, you can still try and book a room at their hotel or  head to their ubber cool and  super laid back Restaurant Pizza East for some oven made pizzas and italian's finest vino.  In any case, if you do, think about booking prior as its normally very busy. So, as per promissed, I made sure to click and clip it first hand so you are in the know for next time you are out on a sunday night or in town for a visit. Until the then... you've got CLIP.....I. xx

 

PIZZA EAST

Telephone +44(0) 020 7729 1888

56 Shoreditch High Street

London E1 6JJ

SHOREDITCH HOUSE

Telephone +44 (0) 2077395040

Ebor Street, Shoreditch

London, E1 6AW, UK 

Click below for:

HOTEL RESERVATIONS

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 WEEK: What's cooking Milan?

If you are mearly well connected in Milan, then you have surely heard about The Cube, the temporary, eco-sustainable restaurant atop Milan’s Galleria Victor Emanuel. The four-month project opened  less than 3 months ago and it was conceived by Electrolux (yes, the Swedish appliance brand). Situated at Piazza del Duomo, where you may enjoy three-hour-long lunches and dinners for 18 guests with a front-row view of the historic Duomo’s Gothic spires. Michelin-starred chefs assume two-week residencies to experiment with local ingredients on an interactive hip open kitchen surrounded by Electrolux apliances (evidently). Reservations must be made in advance at www.electrolux.com/cube and according to some of the finest Italian CONNECT members: they recommend....so we are taking their word for it. The Cube’s post-Milan tour lineup includes London, Stockholm and eventually Moscow. CLIPPIN on my diary. You? xx I.

CLIP OF THE DAY: Tradition is a Temple.

Tradition is indeed a temple....and today I'm RE Clipping: in the end whats good should be repeated. The prestigious and multi-awarded Feijoada do Sheraton Hotel ran by Chef Stefan Bunning is back for Carioca Carnaval season. If more than 30 side dishes wasn't enough the 5 star Hotel is making sure you keep the beat coming and your spirits a up with the one and only: Portela School of Samba themselves - All by the pool facing the world's most envied ocean....Thank God for our Connect favorite Hotel Ambassador Miss Sarah Moreira for inviting us to join! Be there or be squared, Saturday 18th February from 12:30 to 4pm. 

CLIP OF THE DAY: It´s a 2 Degrees Factor.

Today was what I call a "clip found"...as I was heading to one of my least favorite things to do: sort out paperwork downtown at 8am, one of my long time friends made it a little (not so say -a lot-) better by letting me know she would be having a meeting across the street so we could meet up for lunch. So you know, I´m in Brazil, in Rio at the moment, the temperature in the morning is above 39º C and as much as this all sounds lovely if you are not so much as lying at the beach, walking at the city centre is the closest to hell you can possible get these days...Dutties done, I was incredibly surprised how my lovely designer and talented connect friend managed to scoop me out of the pandemonium straight to exhilaration-land:  BESI  - the ubber and super charming hidden decor boutique turned into healthy-cute and quite café. You may all thank Designground founder for that my dear connect friends who work in "cidade" and the many of you who go for a day visit to the monuments and email me asking for a decent and cosy place for a break. We might not be able to control the outside temperature just yet, but we surely can control who we connect with on a 2 degrees separation...(I know I have).

CLIP OF THE DAY: The Ultimate Party Pad.

Last year this was my friend´s best kept secret: THE get away retreat and...ultimate party pad (the Connect kind, if you know what I mean). Château de la Goujeonnerie is the true definition of a flamboyant fairytale, featuring unicorn taxidermy and chandeliers, seven double rooms and three single, a heated outdoor pool only reached by strolling through a forest (evidently...)the property can be rented catered for 9.000 pounds; just in case if a weekend as a "mere" guest wont do. What else is worth knowing...? That La Goujeonnerie is run by the 3 men behind London's hip cocktail bar Loungelover and Les Trois Garcons restaurant which I absolutely recommend a paper CLIP on you travel journal and a visit upon the shortest notice. Michel Lasserre, Hassan Abdullah and Stefan Karlson may have started simply by selling and collecting antiques in Notting Hill but today, these are the characters in a fairy tale for grown-ups. And we sure all need one...Dream away clippers xx

CLIP OF THE DAY: Pret-a-manger.

Say hello to le grand chef Thierry Marx's experimental and crazy menu inspired by the latest Japonese techiniques - Sur Mesure, at the Mandarin Oriental in Paris (where else...)? An all white interior and a unisex bathroom wrapped in rose scales. What I was told to try when landing there? Risotto with bean sprouts and truffles in soya milk foam and ginger sorbet for dessert. Anthelme Brillant-Savarin brilliantly said: "Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you what you are". Quite honestly I have no idea what I will be having for lunch, but I can tell you what I am: someone craving  being in Paris right now... - Happy Wednesday Clippers xx

CLIP OF THE DAY: NYC's New Steam.

For some of us who live or lived in New York recently, its known that Chinatown restaurants have now become kitschy night hot spots where the real cool downtown fashion circuit hides and parties for that matter. It all started during Fashion Week in September, and they keep steaming up this winter's trendy soireés. Everyone's new favorite? Connect word has it its Red Egg, and don't be diseased by the regular "design" restaurant look  across from Centre Street that goes quiet after dark. Inside, we are talking intimate hazy red, blue and purple lighting that looks like a cinematic projection of a Wong Kar-wei movie where DJ's dressed in Alexander Wang jumpsuits and animal prints spin British punk, R&B and electro-pop of Swedish House Mafia. Considered one of the three most difficult places to get in in town right now by the New York Times. Well, now you know: Red Egg - Wednesday to Saturday, 10p.m. to 4a.m. And think about maybe using your Connect account if you want to get in. 

CLIP-IT: Good Ambassadors in hand, like my favorite beau when it comes to partying in NYC. THANK YOU for the inside scoop Jonathan Rod, we love you! Check out party pictures on Twitter: @ines_connect. Keep up the good work Clippers - See you inside the red, wild, hot egg soon. xxx

  

CLIP OF THE DAY: Simplicity's Sake.

As usual...: "Happy Monday Clippers" ! - I don't know about you, but it seems like today everyone is fighting the "coming back to work factor" (still) - Well, on that note, allow me to focus on something nice to keep the day going: good food. This weekend I was invited for lunch at one of my favorite restaurants in Rio: Aprazível. Talk about simplicity being the key to your happiness...a restaurant ran from a chef's home,  hidden between charming rooms that lead to a tropical garden, facing the Guanabara Bay - great weather, great company and a kitchen that serves up an intriguing and outstanding variation of Brazilian food. CLIP-it: The popular peixe tropical (grilled fish in an orange sauce served with coconut rice and baked bananas). Well done Pedro Hermeto, Aprazível's mentor, connector and the better half of a long time friend of mine. Grazie F. Meneghini for lunch and for reminding me that la felicitá is "previsível": for simplicity's sake.

Clip of the day: Do drink. Be Happy.

Its Rio's first Italian-style 'enoteca' in the heart of Leblon hot neigbourhood: Bottega Del Vino. From the same owners of successful Duo this time the main focus is wine - Think three wine cellars, four Enomatic machines, italian smoothies, terrine, carpaccio and portions of imported cheeses distributed in space of 150 square meters with four environments and a winter garden. The new kid in town just opened and wines by the glass are already packing the house between 5pm and 7pm, alongside with Italian finest appetizers and snacks. Two words for you Clippers: Happy Hour. 

Bottega Del Vino -  78 Rua Dias Ferreira.

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: 1981

Happy belated Monday Clippers! I have indeed landed on one (of my two) hometowns: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (bliss)! And I will most definitely be writing about what is going on around the Tropics for next weeks to come. Today and under my radar is one of my all time favorite little carioca restaurants: Guimas. We have a lot in common...lively, passionate about simple and good Brazilian cuisine and both born in 1981. Cherished by artists and young bohemians Guimas is celebrating three decades this month and I thought today I would remind my friends with who I shared so many memories seating at their cosy chairs and scribbling with their in-house crayons to pop by Gavea soon for some "pastéis de queijo de brie". If you haven't been, CLIP-it in mind when you come to Brazil. Happy 30th Guimas!

Guimas: Address - Rua José Roberto Macedo Soares N5, Gávea.  

Telephone (005521) 22597996 - no website.

CLIP OF THE DAY: "Shake 'n' Bake"

Pristine white. White marble polished floors. White billowing curtains. White upholstered arm chairs. A simple yet sophisticated effect that leaves us no choice but to trust what goes on behind this kitchen's closed doors. Otherwise, who on their right mind would design a busy social venue so clear and clean cut? Talented Aviv Moshe, the owner himself did. He is a Kurdish chef who turns out dishes such as fish ceviche with lentils in a Japanese lemon marinade. Among appetizers, look for a dish of calamari served with lemon cream eel and gooseliver. Yes, I'm talking about Tel Aviv's trendiest restaurant: Messa. And yes I'm clipping about one of our favorite city destinations for this New Year - selected by the Connect Ambassadors themselves. Why? Tel Aviv has the Unesco mark of approval for its unparalleled collection of modernist architecture and its becoming hippier by the second. Basically: Bauhaus architecture, boho markets, restaurants fully fusioned, nightlife that goes on (all night), beautiful people and year-round sunshine. Packed already...?

CLIP-IT: Tomorrow is "New Year's - Favorite destinations" final clip, so it is only fair that I feature some nice suggestions for many of you who will not be travelling or want to keep it in the low. 

TWEET-IT: My all time favorite music company Sheik 'n' Beik started officially following Connect! The ubber cool traveling music/art installation project hosts some of the hotest parties in New York, L.A., Paris, London, Rio, Beirut and Bogotá, integrating innovative and high quality music with the most cutting edge connectors out there. Become one of them and watch out for their next event: Tammany Hall NYC - Dec 10th. Cannot wait! Until then: follow the blue bird...