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: Rio, the real deal.

 

To many the extraordinary musical universe of Antonio Carlos Jobim does not fit into words...he represents the real Rio: timeless, whole, perfect like a vintage postcard that makes us dream about (truly) the most beautiful city in the world. It was  probably this exact overwhelming feeling merged on a multi dimensional sensitivity that lead director Nelson Pereira dos Santos (along with Dora Jobim) to have the imense courage of revealing on film the musical career of the grand Brazilian composer, author of a work that seems to live forever. His latest film: "A música segundo Tom Jombim" reveals Jobim's path completely through the sound of his own melodies, along with Heitor Villa-Lobos, one of the greatest exponents of all time in Brazilian music. A succession of images of large national and international artists starring unforgettable performances, and Tom Jobim himself at different times of his life. There is no word in the film...and yet is one that you simply cannot resist to watch. Quoted by the New York Times as "Pure immersion"...Showing at two of my favorite movie rooms in Rio: Instituto Moreira Salles (which I have clipped before) and the brand new Espaço Itaú Cinema (former Arteplex) in Botafogo. Happy Weekend Clippers 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: 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: 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: We boil at different degrees.

Happy Monday Clippers and lovers of good music, cinema and arts...! Clint Eastwood once said "We boil at different degrees". True. We do differ towards the same things as a matter of fact... Thinking of something besides going to the beach when in Rio? You got it: pay a visit to The Instituto Moreira Salles a non-profit organization founded by the late successful Brazilian banker, politician and philantropist Walter Moreira Salles in 1990 and managed by the Moreira Salles family. Intended to promote the development of cultural projects mainly in five areas: photography, literature, libraries, visual arts and Brazilian music. IMS (the they aften call it) is located in three different states in Brazil (Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Poço de Caldas and Belo Horizonte). Save the date? 31st January in Rio. Your last chance to check out Clint Eastwood Movie Restrospective both as an actor and director. Brilliant, and I've got cult connector Isabel to thank for. (in this case we boil at the same degree...).

CLIP-IT: Tuesday, 31st: 2pm (The Enforcer) 3:45pm (Magnum Force)6:15pm (Coogan's Bluff) 8pm (Pink Cadillac). 

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: I've got my mind set on you.

"Holidays from your holidays...." familiar with that? I am. Today I've got my mind set on Mediterranean gardens, a certain emerald sea view of a once private villa from my favorite weekend retreat: Búzios - Brigitte Bardot's favorite fisherman's village turned into Brazilian Hippest Rivieira. Luckily for me, two days ago I was introduced to the delightful Emmanuelle Tonnere -  Insolito boutique hotel's owner - the trendiest clean-cut and sleek spot in town. Think white walls, lime print cushions, crimson lampshades, infinity pools and the best of all: insolito silence.  

CLIP OF THE DAY: Al fresco.

The word is frescobol and the mode is fun for brazilian's beach basic; from Gisele Bündchen to Justin Timberlake, frescobol went from carioca sport to Hollywood hot (al fresco). Clip the world's coolest bat in hand when you're next heading to the seaside and Max & Harry's hip FB Collection before packing. My dear and talented longtime friend Harry Brantly (one of the co-founders of FB) shares the same passports, sun mania, and my passion for Rio and London. Together with his biz partner Max Leese, they have cleverly created "timeless style to the beach" bringing the best of both worlds. Fashionistas now call them the king's of frescobol style - For my part: I now, know no other accessory to match my bikinis but their (as hip as) linen towel collection. After taking 2 to Rio and Trancoso, I can officially say: I'm addicted to all of them! Thank you boys.   

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: Sao Paulo's new number

Rio's sleek restaurant-lounge inside the planetarium 00 (zero zero) just opened their new doors, this time in São Paulo. 00 has been known in Rio for their lively buoyant scene and its Brazilian/Asian cuisine. After dinner, cocktails are served at the outdoors wooden deck overlooking  Gávea's rock and inside some of Rio’s best DJs spin electronic and house tunes throughout the night turning dancers into habitués. The ´Paulista' 00 is located in Al. Itu, 1466 - Jardins.

CLIP-IT: Try the 00 Fresh (vodka, mint, cranberries, orange).

CLIP OF THE DAY: Brazil Bohemia

Be bohemian in Rio: think great Brazilian music from samba, pagode to bossa nova; culture, endless dance venues and hip bars all in one place - Lapa. Known since the 1950's for its unique mix of colonial heritage and contemporary entertainment allure; at night Lapa has been Rio's best host to carioca bohemian street parties, that go on until dawn. Today I was told about a rather useful portal that gathers all the latest news about where to go and what to do in real time: La na Lapa (Thank you for the clip tip Kiko Mesquita).

CLIP-IT: If you have never been look out for Connect Rio Ambassador's favorite spots - Rio Scenarium, Carioca da Gema, Circo Voador, Fundição Progresso, Gabinete e Estudantina Musical.    

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: Fashioned by what we love

You know how much I like to CLIP about people that are close to my heart, as they are essentially  the ones who make CONNECT the growing force its becoming. Despite being in New York trying to keep up with all social fashion soireés happening this week, my words today are dedicated to special friend Betina de Luca, recently pointed as Marketing director for Fashion Mall, Rio's chic mall in Brazil. Giving prestige to "Vogue Fashion Night out" Betina has manage to gather the "carioca who is who" from socialites, to fashion designers, upcoming artists and hot musicians; all in one night (way to go Be). The event starts tomorrow Sept 13th at 6pm and it will be hosted by Daslu founder Donata Meirelles (world's biggest fashion store) and  Bruno Astuto who will be raffling beautiful unique pieces by jewellery designers Jack Vartanian (who I clipped about before) and Antonio Bernardo. Another favorite on my CLIP's  is Copacabana Club band (featured on yesterday,'s clip of the day)  who will actually be performing Jazz tunes alongside DJ Nepal, DJ Marcelo and DJ Dudu Garcia throughout the event. De Luca has also made sure that film lovers and fashionistas would be well entertained and Fashion Mall's movie theaters will feature:"Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky" at 18h / "Crazy love by Yves Saint Laurent" at 20h20  / "The September Issue" –at 22h20.

CLIP-IT: Marcelo Ment - A pioneer in the graffiti scene in Rio de Janeiro, who is among those who take their work to the streets and places where it is normally not seen, exchanging experiences with a extraordinary talent and rich pallete. (Ment will be at Fashion Mall tomorrow).

*Endorsements will revert to NGO Rio Eu Amo Eu Cuido, whose one of the main founders is my long time friend and connect ambassador Eduardo Juaçaba.

CLIP OF THE DAY: Scene Stealer

Anybody running out of ideas on what to do on your next Saturday afternoon in Rio....? Tradition is a temple and Feijoada at the Sheraton Hotel or S at S as I like to call it (Saturday's at the Sheraton)  its quite a Scene Stealer and it might just do the trick. This is not a "new/hot at the moment CLIP" but Brazilian super popular dish (Feijoada) S at S has been awarded by Gula magazine over the years as the best in town, thanks to aclaimmed Chef Stefan Bunning's secret ingredients, its weekly live music acts (from samba, chorinho to bossa nova) at the Hotel's Mirador restaurant overlooking the iconic  Ipanema beach. Every Saturday from 12h30 to 5pm, you get to try over 20 different meat options, black beans ("feijão") and other Brazilian cuisine specialities. So you are in the know S at S Feijoada now features a light menu version prepared  specially for the occasion–  with fresh vegetables, brown rice and grilled chiken. And as if this was not enough – think Seafood Feijoada as well! CLIP-IT: Although S at S Feijoada initially became a destination a sunny weekend, I would actually consider gathering a group of friends or plan a family lunch on a rainy day as well, the room has beautiful light and the feijoada is served indors. 

If you would like to plan or book anything special, think CONNECT - Sheraton's PR beauty Sarah Moreira is also one of our Connect  Travel Ambassadors for Rio de Janeiro, so she will be happy to guide you through all diferent S at S cool new offers as they keep coming this new season!

CLIP OF THE DAY: Rio Review continues

As my Rio Review continues, I've learned that the term "surfing on LeBronx" became known in Rio during the 80's and defined a laid back group, beach lovers and pro healthy food people. Influenced by that philosophy of living Le Bronx was recently designed to accomodate the easy going way of many "Cariocas" in town, where you have have breakfast, lunch and dinner at the same time regardless of the time you order. Think of it as a sort of "Brazilian dinner", to what many are now calling: "lancheteria" which in Portuguese stands for lanchonete (dinner) + sanduicheira (sanduich bar), decorated like a charming bistro. This CLIP was a very happy accident and the result of myself walking around in Leblon at 5pm hungry and looking for a quick bite, Clip-it in mind in case you need it too!

CLIP OF THE DAY: Rio Review

My sincere appologies for not Clipping yesterday, (wasn't expecting e-mails from you asking about it)! Very glad, nevertheless. Between landing from Brazil and trying to recover from a flu and a temperature, my computer was off limits and so were my notes & paperclips. As I'm back on track today and as per promissed I'm sharing the latest from my trip and what's new in town!
Straight from Rio de Janeiro:

*Meza Bar cool owner, (friend of friends of mine) Fábio Battistella just opened his newest project: DOIZ, my favorite discovery while in Rio this week! More like a club rather than a bar, Doiz has quickly become Carioca's favorite hot spot to lounge around at night this South American winter.

*One of Rio de Janeiro's most prestigious and busy streets: Rua Dias Ferreira in Leblon just welcomed yet another great bar Q. Fun, elegant and simple, the same owners of popular Quadrucci, Q gastrobar  opened less than two months ago but make sure to call before as their recipe for sucess is proving to be very effective! 

CLIP -IT: Q-Eat: Mix de Boteco, Salmon Roll with Wasabi spawn & frozen Vodka. Q-Drink: Aperol.

CLIP OF THE DAY: Chill Brazil

When in Rio, act like a Carioca meaning that you should find a hype place to chill out and hang with friends. Ideally this should involve a nice environment and quaint setting. I´m giving you all a helping hand where you can find me tracing around town in my havaianas and lightweight dresses.

For relaxing, spending time with friends from out of town and great Amazon food: Palaphitas

For good wine and yummy nibilings: Venga!

For a bohemian night out: Bar do Horto

CLIP-IT: This is my favorite bar, old school and where all Cariocas meet after work: JOBI. Fun fun fun and not enough clips in the world to express how simple and cool this place is....

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...