Postcards from La Angostura

Organic market in San Telmo

This weekend the main producers of organic and healthy food in Argentina will gather in a street market in Buenos Aires. If you're around, don't miss it! Restaurants in the area will also join the market with tables outside and special menus.

We look forward to enjoying some delicious, natural products in San Telmo and hope to see you there!

April 28th and April 29th , 2012 (in case of rain May 5th and 6th) from 10am to 6pm. Avenida Caseros, between Bolivar and Defensa. San Telmo.


Photo via organic magazine

Life is too short to...

* not fall in love deeply

* have a job that you don't love

* postpone getting a ticket to go to that place (or places) you've been dreaming of

* not tell people how you feel

* not be who you really are

* not dance and sing MORE

* not spend a quiet day with yourself

* not help make a difference

* not feel gratitude (for the small things also)

* not be a better sister, brother, daughter, son, mother, wife, husband, father, friend, grandfather, grandson, grandaughter...

* not tweet

* not be the best at whatever it is that you do

* not smile

* be too worried about consuming chocolate, coffee, wine

* not read more

* not do sports as often as you can

* not spend more time in contact with nature

* not hug

* not take risks

* not be more curious



Please tell us what other things "life is too short to..." miss. We'd love to know your thoughts on this. xx

Friends

She's told me that I'm "the sister she never had" imagine what a thrill that is.

She makes me laugh until tears fall out and my stomach hurts. She makes fun of me when I'm too serious. She questions me. Sometimes, she makes me think that I'm brilliant and sometimes that my ideas are too naïf.

She trusts me and tells me everything openly and honestly.

She believes in me.

Her heart is infinite. If I say that I like her shoes she'll ask if I'd like to change them for mine. If you like a lamp or even a piece of furniture in her house, she will say "take it".
She gives for the pleasure of giving.

We've studied and worked together and she has always challenged me when I have not met her expectations (or my own) because she expects more, because she knows I am capable of more and does not want me to settle for less. She is passionate about the things she does and does not like mediocrity.

When I have a negative view of myself, she gives me thoughtful words, she cheers me up, or she's simply there.

I met her in class at the university. I was lucky.

Every year we travel to "some" place. We meet, we choose the place and after a short time, we're gone!

Last year I had surgery. When I was about to receive anesthesia, the doctor told me: "Now think of something nice" and I saw my friend! Yes, I saw both of us in a convertible car going from Carmel to San Francisco. We were singing and laughing. I imagined I had a handkerchief in my head, and that it flew. Eventually, we took this trip and it was better than I had imagined.

If I had to "think of something nice" again, I would imagine us dancing. She dances with this same step since we were 20; one hand up in the air, perhaps a drink in her other hand and always a smile in her face as she moves to the rhythm of the music.

Last November we went to Barcelona. She posted a few photos of our trip but I wanted to add more words to those photos. On that trip, we were lucky to meet other friends. Good friends, like us. We all met on a train, on our way to a bike tour of the vineyards in Spain. The four of us became close friends (you know, depth of friendship does not entirely depend on how long you know someone) and spent almost every day together til our journey ended. One of them lived in Washington D.C. and was visiting the other who was living in Barcelona. On a cold Saturday afternoon we separated from our new friends. It was time for everyone to part. It was weird to say bye.

On our way to the airport my friend was quiet. I thought she was sleepy but later on she said that she was feeling a bit emotional; that as we drove away from the city in the taxi, she re-lived every moment of our trip.

I think friends are a gift and I am thankful for the few, good ones that I have and for the memories that we create together.

Hugs!

Post by: Valeria Mendez Cañas

Barcelona!

I heart El Xampanyet












































































































































































































































The best part of a journey is the people you meet along the way. And the food.

Photo above is brunch at PICNIC

Punta del Este Food & Wine

José Ignacio, Uruguay.


Since last year, Punta del Este is part of the world’s circuit of haute cuisine: next month, a weekend with 5 unique events will take place, where chefs from the United States, Spain, Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay will present their best dishes with the finest Wines of Uruguay.

Based on the success of the first edition, for the 2011 edition, the Festival will be in November again, the perfect excuse to visit Punta del Este in this exceptional time of year.

Opening day: November 11, 2011 Their message: “Escape to the best flavors of the world”

Ok, I’m there. I just booked my flight :-)

Have a nice weekend!!

living it up

Photo: "hot springs" by Ryan McGinley



The concept of a bon vivant is associated with the idea of leading a good life, to live well. But what is to live well?

The other day I read an article on LNR where they talked about the good life with Argentinian chef, Mallmann.

For some, the concept of a bon vivant is overly idealized. It means having a life of luxury, 5 star travels, eating at expensive restaurants, buying big brands, a socially important status and collecting art.

For me, that sounds about right, but I also think a good life is related to living life with passion and intensity. To find the beauty in whatever you do. Whether it’s appreciating a painting, feeling the music with your eyes closed, reading, enjoying a good meal, the smell a flower, dancing, visiting a new place, laughing with a friend, reaching a goal and celebrating the love you receive and that you give every day.

That's also happiness.

In this article that I read, Mallman said something that I'd like to share:

A bon vivant "is a person who tries to live romantically, a person who likes to live each day the best way possible. It has to do with your mood, with who you are, with the time of the year, the clothes you like to wear, where you go, what you eat...”

When I was writing this post, I also ran into this definition: "a bon vivant is someone who can say, I live very well, my children are alright, I am not the richest but I can still do pretty much everything that I want to do; I have a partner who has always loved me and who I love and have fun with, I have achieved most of my goals and I'm satisfied"

Finally, I leave you with the definition that Coco Chanel gave when they asked her: "what is fashion?"

“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.”

Well said Coco! I love this definition of fashion and I find that it has much to do with the concept of a bon vivant. But more importantly, what is it to you?

Enjoy today!




Post by: Valeria Mendez Cañas

closed doors and open hearts

Almacén Secreto



A few years ago closed- door restaurants began to open in Buenos Aires.

Young chefs began to open the doors of their houses with the idea of treating guests with a delicious home-made meal, sharing nice conversation and allowing people to interact with people they don’t know. Sometimes, guests can also enjoy wine tasting, acoustic music shows and art exhibitions before, during or after dinner.

The first one we went to is Casa Saltshaker. We enjoyed a delicious dinner in a relaxed and intimate atmosphere. There were just two or three tables, so it was a nice opportunity to meet and chat with strangers from other places. We shared a table with a couple from Chicago and had a very nice time chatting with them.

These closed door restaurants are accessed by recommendation, naturally.

The proposals are varied. Some open weekends only and others on weekdays. Reservations are required.

If you have not been to one these closed- door restaurants yet, here is a list we put together.

Treinta Sillas
Freire y F. Lacroze, Belgrano.
15-4492-7046

Diego Felix. They like to experiment with exotic flavors, spices and Latin-American scents.
4555-1882

La Cocina Discreta
4772-3803
15-6571-1002

Casa SaltShaker

Almacen Secreto. North West, Argentina cuisine.
Aguirre 1242, Villa Crespo.
4854-9131

Caracoles para Da Vinci
Hidalgo 878, Villa Crespo
15-5526-6918

Casa Coupage. Haute Argentinian Cuisine
Soler 5518, Colegiales.
4777-9295



Enjoy!! xo

sunset

Contrary to popular belief, Punta del Este is so beautiful during spring time. Of course, although just a hop away from Buenos Aires, the weather in Punta is sometimes drastically different than here. Like most beach towns, you have that sea-breeze and freshness that you don't have in the city which is much warmer and less windy. Yes. Sometimes, the wind in Punta is a pain, but you can still do pretty much anything you want...

So I thought I’d share with you what I like to do when it's not summer and I can't go to the beach and be a beach bum all day. I consider myself a beach person. I’ve always loved the beach. My mum lived in Hawaii for a very long time, and to me, that was bliss. Just going there and staying with her for months at a time. That is when I started to surf. I became one of "them" lol.

Anyway, when it's cold in Punta, I like to SLEEP. This time around, I was asked: "how can you sleep so much". I can always sleep "much" but when I'm by the ocean and all you can hear is the roaring, hypnotizing sound of the waves and birds, how can you possibly not sleep so much? So I'll sleep like 10 hours or 12. I get up late and I have a good breakfast (something I don't do in ba) I’ll go for a morning walk on the beach or play tennis (which for a person who is not so good, like me, demands an enormous effort - cause of the wind, I mean). Then, a nice home-cooked lunch or maybe go to a yummy place such as Fasano (which opens all year round), La Huella or the Yatch Club, which is also fun. Usually, if we do go out for lunch, we'll run into friends. You would be amazed how many people go there all year round. Years ago, this was a summer destination only (from December to March). That has changed.

After lunch, I'll read a book and listen to music, chill for a while. In the afternoon I like to go for a swim (indoor pool, I'm not crazy, but you do see people going for a swim at the beach). How do they do it? I'll swim for about half an hour, relax, and maybe swim a little more. Other afternoon options are riding horses, biking, visiting friends, spa treatments or visiting the small art galleries and shops. There is this one book store (it's in the peninsula, actually) that I love. It's called El Virrey. I can spend hours in there. Boutiques are also nice to visit. I've seen some new ones popping up lately and they have some very cool stuff. Wool sweaters in Uruguay are the best.

At night, we’ll have friends over for dinner or go out. This time we did a little bit of everything cause some friends from Villa la Angostura were in Punta also, so it was nice to have them and other friends over for dinner and drinks. Spending time with friends is my favorite part.

Hope you have a chance to visit Punta whether it’s during the summer, or anytime. It’s a truly beautiful town with a special energy that will make you feel GOOD.

Do you often take mini-breaks? what do you like to do? what relaxes you?



Photo: Punta sunset by Mich

So, where's the wine?

Exquisite restaurants in Buenos Aires are plentiful and though beef is the most popular dish, the city has been diversifying it's culinary options for years. With new restaurants popping up everywhere, one has a hard time deciding where to go. Some restaurants are hip, some are classics, some are innovative, romantic, exotic, etc. so, in the end it's all about your mood for that day.

Whether it’s Italian, Mediterranean, Peruvian, Vietnamese or French that you fancy, there is a place to satisfy your whims. But, every now and then, you may also ask yourself: where's the wine?

Many restaurants in Buenos Aires have a short, basic wine list as they are given a selection of wines by specific bodegas so that they "promote" them to their customers. This way, people get to taste and learn about these wines. For the bodegas, having their products in restaurants is indeed a good way for their wines to get out there and it also works well for restaurants, as they have a good selection of wines for their customers provided by the bodegas at a good price (if not for free).

However, some restaurants take their wine selection quite seriously and make a constant effort to actively search for the best wines available in Argentina and the world to include in their cavas.

Below are some examples that we think you'll enjoy:


Sottovoce
Sober and plain atmosphere. An interesting variety of pasta and the best wines to go with your meal.
Address: Libertador 1098, Recoleta, Buenos Aires..

El Mirasol
Classic, with a history of satisfying even the most demanding palates. Their wine list is long and fantastic. If you like Malbec, Catena Zapata Estiba Reservada (1996) is possibly the best wine you'll ever try! It's vintage, so obviously the price is on the high side. Our favorite waiter is: Franklin. Hi Franklin!
Address: Posadas 1032, Recoleta,. Buenos Aires.

Danzon
Modern industrial wine bar with flowers and candles everywhere; Danzón was the first winery in the city. Possibly one of the best wine lists in all of Buenos Aires.
Address: Libertad 1161, Recoleta, Buenos Aires.

Oviedo
Delicious food and wine. This place has only one thing in mind and that is to blow your mind- grilled meats, fresh fish, roasted lamb, risotto, among other exquisite preparations here are hard to equal. Their wine list is outstanding. Try the Achaval Ferrer Quimera 2006.
Address: Beruti 2601, Barrio Norte, Buenos Aires.

These recommendations are only a small portion of the many choices awaiting wine lovers in Buenos Aires. Tell us which ones you like or if there are any that you'd like for us to include in our list.

Enjoy

Roads and Flavors

Next week, people, traditions, places and products from all over Argentina will gather at La Rural to display their products as a way of showing the true meaning of identity.

This year, joining the food fair, we will also find crafts and tourism stands from several provinces.

For five days, food, wine and routes from all regions of Argentina will be in one place.

Hand in hand with more than 400 farmers and craftsmen the whole country will have the opportunity to discover itself. Organized by Fairs & Exhibitions for the seventh consecutive year, Caminos y Sabores (Roads and Flavors) establishes a channel with no intermediaries between the producer and consumer.

Sponsored by the National Institute of Industrial Technology (INTI), Export.Ar Foundation, the National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA) and the Organization of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Roads and flavors is not just an opportunity to taste typical local products of the country but also a good way to understand the processes of local producers. It’s an invitation to explore a myriad of Argentinian culinary and sensory experiences, where the relationship between producers, environment and community is key in achieving outstanding quality.

Roads and flavors market is an opportunity to buy a wide range of products directly from each province and people of Argentina. The fair is an invitation to learn about the products we consume and how our choice of food can support local economies and small families. The link between producers and consumers acquires a new dynamic and allows closer ties.

Roads and flavors 2011 is simply an appointment with the roots of Argentinian identity, the scope for regional economies and a path to strengthen small producers. There are foods, drinks, crafts and special areas for the promotion of tourist destinations and festivals.

The fair offers a business model that seeks to promote family and local production of each region. Caminos y Sabores wishes to create awareness of the value that small businesses have in all provinces of Argentina. There are no middlemen, so most of the percentage of sales go directly to the artisans and producers.



From 14 to September 18 at La Rural

If you like Italian

This time in Punta del Este, I discovered L'Incanto in the heart of Punta's Gourmet hub. It’s about a year old. Joining La Bourgogne and Le Table de Jean Paul - among other prestigious restaurants in this part of the peninsula, L'Incanto definitely lives up to its name: the charm


















L'Incanto integrates warm, intimate interiors with gorgeous gardens, water, stone and wood. The outdoor area is ideal for eating on a nice summer night. Or, you can go to a semi-covered area during winter, good for an after dinner cocktail- with a heater that is! like my friends in the photo above.

check out the bar (it's empty cause we were the last ones to leave, lol)

The menu includes pasta, risotto, meat, fish and a good wine list. We tried their salmon gravlax, steak, pizza and a chocolate volcano with berries, sprinkled with mint. It was all good.

I'm happy to see that Punta del Este is expanding its cuisine options.

We liked L’Incanto and will be going back for more. We hope you like it too. 

Address: Pedragosa Sierra Esquina La Paloma.

winter

As winter has finally arrived in Buenos Aires, we figure it’s nice to spend some time indoors. Cooking is the activity that comes to mind with this cold weather, or... shall we say... eating!

If you are interested in improving your culinary skills, Lucullus, the Gastronomic French Association in Buenos Aires, is hosting its Winter Cuisine Cycle. These cycles, this year, are three, being this the second one. Next one will take place during the spring. Here is the program for the rest of the week. Thought you might like to attend.

Wed. July 20, 8 p.m.
Olivier Falchi, Le Sud chef, in Hotel Sofitel (Arroyo 841, Recoleta)
“Soups and Veloutés ”

Thur. July 21, 8 p.m.
La Cave à Vin- French wineries in Argentina in Escuela Vatel (Paraguay 1583)
French wine and Champagne tasting

Fri. July 22, 8 p.m.
Jean-Paul Bondoux, La Bourgogne's chef and owner & Jérôme Mathe, Le Café des Arts chef (Figueroa Alcorta 3415, Palermo)
“14 Juillet, Specialties from our provinces”

Sat. July 23, 10 a.m.
Bruno Gillot, L’Épi Boulangerie's chef inEscuela de Pastelería (Corrientes 4367, Cap.Fed.)
Pastries: “Puff paste and apples”

Sat. July 23, 2 p.m.
Olivier Hanocq, L’Épi Boulangerie's chef in Escuela de Pastelería (Corrientes 4367, Cap.Fed.)
Pastries: “Chocolate bombons”

Sat July 23, 7 p.m.
Toufic Reda and Emiliano Di Nisi, Tô Buenos Aires' executive chefs (Costa Rica 6000, Palermo)
“Garnishes and chutneys in Frapanese Cuisine”

For more information: http://www.lucullus.com.ar


Ahhhh! It's friend's day in Argentina today, what are your plans? restaurants will be bursting at the seams with people celebrating. Keep that in mind when planning your night out and... happy friend's day!

Zuccardi, Alma 4 cosecha 2010.


Argentinian Sparkling Wines

The Argentinian wine market has grown a lot in the past decade, making the choice of sparkling wines a bit difficult these days. But, no worries, we have taken the time to taste several and pick out a few bottles that we think you'll enjoy:

1) Rosel Boher Grand Cuvee Millenime: Made through Champenoise method using pinot and chardonnay grapes. Very similar to classic French champagne, it has a very complex and well developed bouquet that leaves a deep creamy taste in your palate.

2) Baron B Unique: It has a complex bouquet, fruits and toasted nuts, mainly. It delivers personality and freshness. It's fine bubbles leave a creamy taste in your palate. Not an easy sparkling wine to find, specially the 2000 version. Made with the same grapes and method of Rosel Boher.

3) Chandon: One could say a classic Argentinian, for all occasions, specially in it's Extra Brut version. Made of pinot, chardonnay and semillion grapes, under the Charmat method. It tastes fresh and fruity and has very well achieved bubbles.

4) Alma 4: The label translates as "4 Souls", it is made by four friends, actually by their four souls, we like to believe. We appreciate innovative people like them, you know? They got together to re think sparkling wines, broke a few rules of wine making and came up with a new sparkling wine. Instead of getting the grapes for the different labels from the same place, they get them from very different and geographically spread apart places and use a very interesting technique for producing it. Taste for your self and let us know if you liked it!

wine in the Andes

Mendoza, Argentina - One of the eight World Wine Capitals of the world

Mendoza is an oasis at the feet the Andes Mountain Range, the highest of America.
The imposing hills, sun, plentiful rivers, and fertile lands give birth to Argentina's
famed wine with Malbec as the signature grape.

When it comes to relaxation and activities, Mendoza has a world to offer: outdoor
adventures such as horseback riding, mountain climbing, skiing, 4x4
crossing, rafting, vinotherapy spa treatments, etc. There is also a
rich cultural scene with theaters, museums and art galleries.
Other options include international cuisine and regional specialties, and of course wine - the trademark of this city.
Engage in planting, harvesting and making wine. Personalized
circuits have been conceived to share locals' passion for the vineyards, wineries,
restaurants, wine lodges and most importantly the visitors!

So let's see some of the vineyards that I like (of course there are many more) and why I like them:

O. Fournier















Photo courtesy: O. Fournier

O'Fournier is a winery located in the beautiful Uco Valley. The Spanish
family Ortega Gil-Fournier, established their dramatic and innovative
winery at the turn of the millennium. This architectural wonder has been
designed to work with gravity to minimize the use of pumps, and its
underground cellar holds up to 2,800 oak barrels at a constant
temperature and humidity. Their state-of-the-art laboratory has
micro-vinification capabilities.
The vineyard produces remarkable Tempranillos, and a blend of
Cabernet-Malbec-Tempranillo. The chef of the restaurant at the
winery, awaits with her signature fusion-cuisine, while the
wine-maker explains to us how to do the wine- paring with their
awarded wines, including their top wine A Crux, B Crux and Urbano.

Vistalba

Photo courtesy: Vistalba

Carlos Pulenta’s winery is another must visit. Carlos is a direct descendant
of the Pulenta lineage of winemakers. His Vistalba winery is a model
establishment and an architectural jewel: a product- focused
facility aimed at maximizing the quality of his wines in a stark, modern, understated building surrounded by 120 acres of vineyards.
All grapes are picked and sorted by hand, and each barrel and
bottle is carefully tracked throughout the production processes.















At Vistalba we can always enjoy a splendid lunch surrounded by the
Vineyards at La Bourgogne, the winery's sleek restaurant run by chef
Jean Paul Boundoux, considered by the Great Wine Capitals organization
as one of “The World's Best Restaurant Inside a Vineyard”.

Salentein















Salentein winery is located in the mountains between a sea of vineyards.
The magnificent bodega, designed for both form and function in the shape
of a cross, allows for customized gentle handling of the grapes,
reducing the distance wine needs to be moved between winemaking steps.
Each of the wings is a small winery with two levels- a ground level
that houses stainless steel tanks and French wooden vats for fermentation
and storage, and an underground level for aging wine in oak casks.

The two levels allow wine to flow from the tanks to the barrels by a
traditional gravity transfer system. The four wings converge in a
circular central chamber, which resembles an amphitheater that was
inspired by ancient classical temples. A visit to the Killka Art Gallery,
with More than 100 works of famed Argentinian artists such as Nicolás García
Uriburu, Carlos Alonso or Marta Minujin is a must. Your experience here is not
over without an exquisite lunch at Killka's restaurant.

Catena Zapata



















Catena Zapata winery has pioneered modern vinification techniques
and high altitude viticulture in Mendoza, helping to bring Argentine
wines, particularly those made with the Malbec grape, worldwide
recognition. The bodega has passed through four generations who
have inherited the wine-making passion. Located in the town of
Agrelo, with Mayan-inspired architecture and technology.

Trapiche
















Photo courtesy: Trapiche

Trapiche, located in the Maipú area is surrounded by stunning
natural landscapes, and a Florentine- style building. This is
one of Argentina’s biggest wine brands, their medium–bodied reds
are highly desired by local and international wine-lovers.
The people at the bodega are welcoming and generous with their
knowledge.


Have you been to any of these bodegas? others? which ones did you like the most?

x Mich

Around Chile

Thanks W hotel for your hospitality!
Photo #4 kindly provided by W Hotel, Santiago. Thanks!