Desde el Alma: A Creole Waltz

Posted by

0

(Photo by Marawan Musilem | Photography)

Rosita Melo, a tango legend born in Montevideo and raised in Buenos Aires, was only fourteen when she composed the music to the now famous Desde el Alma (From the Soul) in 1911. The beautiful melody was then recorded by Roberto Firpo’s orchestra and became a hit that many renowned interpreters brought to life.

In 1922 Rosita married Victor Piuma Velez and her beloved wrote the romantic lyrics to the music. Tango legend Homero Manzi later perfected the lyrics for the film Pobre mi madre querida (My poor dear mother).

The popular waltz talks of letting go of heartache to give way to new love and has since become an iconic piece of Argentine music.

Buenos Aires Monuments: Monumento a Las Nereidas

Posted by

0

(Photo by subcomandanta)

The Monumento a Las Nereidas (Nereids Fountain) is a gorgeous white marble sculpture by Lola Mora, one of the first and most prolific Argentine women artists. The monument is located in Puerto Madero at the Ecological Reserve and represents the Nereids giving birth to Venus.

The fountain, which was created in Rome and inaugurated in 1903 in Buenos Aires, was controversial due to the nude female figures and so, although it had been created for Plaza de Mayo, it ended up being placed at the Plaza Colón, where not a single woman showed up to the inauguration. It wasn’t only the sculpture conservative society was distraught about, Lola Mora herself was also considered scandalous, both for being an artist and for wearing pants on the sculpture’s site! In fact, many doubted her artistic capacity and questioned whether the sculpture was truly hers. The monument caused such a commotion that in 1918 it was moved once again this time to an even more distant location on Costanera Sur, where it remains today.

Top 10 Dulce de Leche Treats

Posted by

0

(Photo by Mar Garra)

Dulce de Leche is way up there on the list of Argentine favorites along with Maradona, tango and asados. It’s used on toast for breakfast, popularly chosen as an ice-cream flavor and probably the cause for many a cavity (fortunately the Argentine medical system is pretty decent too).  We´ve told you of the best dulce de leches out there and now, here are the best ways to eat it.

Panqueque de dulce de leche: The French crepe was quickly adopted by the locals and transformed into a typical delicacy with a warm gooey dulce de leche filling. A delicious sweet treat that no DDL lover should miss.

Rogel: This typical Argentine cake is made up of pastry and dulce de leche layers, topped off with rich meringue. A guaranteed hit.

Flan with dulce de leche: Flan is a dessert that was adopted locally from different immigrant influences. The delicious creamy egg based treat is typically eaten with dulce de leche or with dulce de leche and whipped cream (flan mixto). Another similar dessert from Colonial times is Ambrosia, which is said to have been Domingo Faustino Sarmiento’s top choice.

Coconut & dulce de leche squares: What could be sweeter than coconut paired with dulce de leche? This sugary afternoon snack is perfect for the sweet-toothed amongst us.

Dulce de leche tablet: These squares of solidified dulce de leche are glorious little sweet treats to eat on the go. Pick one up at a kiosko (Vauquita is their commercial name) or at an traditional alfajor store.

Dulce de leche flavored ice-cream: Probably one of the most ordered ice cream flavors in the country and with variants than include almonds and nuts, double dulce de leche, crunchy cookies, and chocolate chips.

Banana with dulce de leche: This typical Argentine dessert and snack is hard to come across commercially but is ever present in the local households. Its quite simple to make so if you have some Chimbote at hand, mash up a banana, mix it with a spoonful of DDL and enjoy!

Alfajores: The alfajor is a typical sandwich like snack made up of two “cookies” usually filled by, you guessed it, dulce de leche, (although there are variety’s filled with fruit jams and chocolate as well) and covered in chocolate, confectionary, sugar or coconut.

Dulce de leche filled churros and pastries: Churros are crunchy fried pastries usually served with hot chocolate. They’re best when still warm and the dulce de leche melts in your mouth.

By the Spoonful!

This Week in Buenos Aires

Posted by

0

Monday

(photo by PabloMFernandez)

Don’t miss the last day of the annual book fair that is taking place at La Rural in Palermo. The fair’s theme this year is Books as Bridges and there is a special focus on Dutch literature. More information here.

In the evening don’t miss out on La Bomba del Tiempo, a percussion orchestra that has become one of the local absolute musts.  For some great post dancing pizza, head to nearby Los Cocos and order a fugazetta pizza, an onion and mozzarella local specialty. Los Cocos- Córdoba, Av. 3303, Almagro

Tuesday

(photo by elgringospain)

Schedule in some exercise and sign up for the Buenos Aires Futbol Amigos training match with other travelers. More information here.

The Festival Polo Circo is taking place until the 19th of May and is hosting dazzling circus acts from all around the world! More information here.

The premier of Aleko/Francesca de Rimini, the Colón Theatre’s new opera production will be taking place at 8.30pm.  Tickets here.

 Wednesday

(Photo by //alexandre\\)

Stop by the MALBA in Recoleta and get a glimpse of the Latin American modern art scene of Grete Stern and Adriana Varejao’s work. Figueroa Alcorta 3415, Recoleta.

In the evening, US singer Rufus Wainright will be presenting his last record Out of the Game at the Gran Rex Theatre. Tickets here.

Thursday

(Photo by Maltesen)

One of the architectural landmarks of the city is the famous Palacio Barolo. Guided tours are available Mondays and Thursdays from 4pm to 7pm and evening guided tours on Mondays and Wednesdays at 8pm and Thursdays at 8.30pm includes tasting of an awarded wine and a national delicacy. More information here.

In the evening, starting at 9pm, the Pet Shop Boys will be staging a live show at Estadio Luna Park. Tickets here.

Friday

(Photo by {inercia})

Book your place for one of these excellent food tours and either get to know the best argie parrillas, the local gourmet scene or learn to make your own empanadas!

In the evening, Aleko/Francesca de Rimini, the Colón Theatre’s new opera production will be taking place at 8.30pm.  Tickets here.

Saturday and Sunday

(Photo by scrambldmeggs)

Remember to make a reservation for Hernán Gipponi’s unique must-try brunch, served on Saturdays and Sundays! Soler 5862, Palermo Hollywood. 3220-6800.  info@hgrestaurant.com.ar.

After brunch book your place for high tea at Casa Munet.  info@casamunet.com.ar. 1549173005. 

Throughout the weekend there will be tea ceremonies and ocha concerts at the stunning Japanese Gardens in Palermo. More information here.

On Sunday, Aleko/Francesca de Rimini, the Colón Theatre’s new opera production will be taking place at 5pm.  Tickets here.

Saturday High Tea at Casa Munet

Posted by

0

(Photo by Therese Tjernström)

Casa Munet is dedicated to bringing the wonderful world of tea, cakes and perfectly crafted sandwiches to the local catering scene. They offer catering services, courses and seminars and fortunately, on Saturdays, they also work as a closed-door teahouse in Colegiales. The high tea service they offer includes a fixed tasting menu in which a selection of different tea’s served in delicate cups are paired with either sweet or savory pastries. With autumn upon us, booking a spot at Casa Munet is a must. info@casamunet.com.ar. 1549173005

Buenos Aires Polo Circo 2013

Posted by

0

(Photo by tprussman)

The fifth edition of the Buenos Aires Polo Circo Festival is taking place until the 19th of May. The event, which brings together innovative circus acts from around the world, is growing larger and larger each year and currently features shows in over fifteen venues around the city.

This year will feature a special section on the Camille Boitel’s work with three different shows by the French artist. There will also be live clown and circus acts in different city parks which will be set up for picnics and fun, and also moving circus acts that will be stopping by different neighborhoods.

Tickets to the local shows are free and for international acts can be purchased here. Check out the full program here.

Top 5 Art Tours in Buenos Aires

Posted by

0

(Photo by Toni Blay)

San Telmo Art & History Walk: The perfect way to learn the who is who and what is what of San Telmo’s art-ridden streets. The three-hour walk includes a tour of both the street art and galleries; a great way to get to know the current Buenos Aires art scene whilst getting to know the charm of San Telmo neighborhood. More information here.

Graffitimundo:  This off the beaten path tour of the city streets aims to promote the booming urban art scene in Buenos Aires. Those interested in learning more about the local street art and the political and social context that is behind it should definitely pick this great option to get to know another side of Buenos Aires. More information on meeting points and prices here.

Foto Ruta: Professional photographer Jocelyn Mandrake and her associate Becky Hayes have taken tourist photography to a whole new level on their Saturday Foto Ruta tours.  What they propose is to get to know the city from another point of view, taking their travelers through off the beaten path locations and setting creative guidelines for the photographs to explore from a new perspective. More information on upcoming tours here.

Artist Atelier Tour: Meeting the artists and catching a glimpse of what their workspace is like and what they’re currently working on is one of the perks of these private tours which take you into the ateliers of four artists ending in a light lunch.  Book your place here.

Crème de la Crème: Whether it’s design, vintage finds or local art crème de la crème knows where it’s.  Their art scene tour takes you through the who is who of emerging and established argentine artists. More information here.

Buenos Aires Monuments: Monumento de los Españoles

Posted by

0

(Photo by N i c o_)

The Monumento de los Españoles (Spaniards Monument), also known as the Monumento a La Carta Magna y las Cuatro Regiones Argentinas (Monument of the Magna Carta and the Four Argentine Regions), is one of the most renowned in the city and was a gift from the Spanish community for the Centennial of the May Revolution.  Although the founding stone was set in 1910 when the Catalan Agustí Querols Subirats began its design, he passed away shortly and the building of the monument suffered many setbacks taking a long time to build.  After Querol’s death, Cipriano Folgueras was assigned the project but he also died in the meantime and so the monument’s rising was further delayed. Another unfortunate event occurred in 1916 when the ocean liner that was carrying the materials for the monument sank midway.  Finally, the stunning 24,5 m high marble and brass monument was finished and inaugurated in 1927.

At its top is a symbolic statue of the republic with allegoric marble representations of labor and work at its base, and bronze figures that represent the Andes, Pampa, Chaco and de la Plata regions. Its inscriptions include a fragment of the Argentine constitution that proclaims freedom for the country and for any person in the world who wishes the make Argentina their home and also four statements that proclaim the brotherhood of Argentina and Spain, their people, their language and their destiny.

 The stunning statue is the largest and one of the most beautiful monuments in the city. It is located in Palermo on the intersection of Av. Libertador and Av. Sarmiento.

This Week in Buenos Aires

Posted by

0

Monday

(Photo by el_rogos)

Head to the annual book fair that is taking place at La Rural in Palermo until the 13th of May. The fair’s theme this year is Books as Bridges and there will be a special focus on Dutch literature. More information here.

In the evening, starting at 9pm, Kate Nash will be staging a live show at Niceto Club. Tickets here.

Tuesday

(Photo by Matias-Garabedian)

Check out Fundación PROA‘s new exhibit which showcases Gustavo Bruzzone’s private collection of nineties art, Esteban Tedesco’s collection of the early 2000′s and Alejandro Ikonicoff’s collection of works from the last five years.  Av. Pedro de Mendoza 1929, La Boca.

If you’re looking for a laugh don’t miss the Grin Go! Stand Up comedy Show starting at 9pm at Café Rivas. Estados Unidos 302, San Telmo. Be sure to make a reservation by emailing gringo@comicosdepie.com.ar.

Wednesday

(Photo by blmurch)

Nothing like a sunny autumn day to explore the Tres de Febrero parks in Palermo. Between Av. Libertador and Lugones, and extending from Av. Casares in Palermo to La Pampa in Belgrano, this group of parks is composed of 25ha and includes an extensive rose garden, the Sívori Museum, the Planetarium and the Japanese Gardens.

Later on stop by La Catedral in Almagro where you can take a tango lesson staring at 7.30 pm or 9pm. Sarmiento 4006, Almagro.

Thursday

(Photo by Andreas Solberg)

The Festival Polo Circo kicks off until the 19th of May and will be hosting dazzling circus acts from around the world! More information here.

In the evening explore the city’s art galleries and museums with the rest of the crowd on the monthly Gallery Nights.

Friday

(Photo by Svetlana Zhukova)

Check out Graffitimundo’s off the beaten path tour of the city streets. Group tours are offered every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday starting at 3pm for those interested in learning more about the local street art and the political and social context behind it. More information on meeting points and prices here.

In the evening, stop by Fierro´s Thank Fierro its Friday Happy Hour from 6pm to 8.30 pm and then head to one of the best speakeasies in the city! Soler 5862, Palermo. 3220-6800.

Saturday and Sunday

(Photo by Sandy Austin)

Remember to make a reservation for Hernán Gipponi’s unique must-try brunch, served on Saturdays and Sundays! Soler 5862, Palermo Hollywood. 3220-6800.  info@hgrestaurant.com.ar.

Buenos Aires Market will take place throughout the weekend at the intersection of Sarmiento and Libertador Avenue.  Over 60 stands will be promoting healthy lifestyle and organic products. If it rains the market will take place on the following weekend.

A Slice of Pizza at Siamo Nel Forno

Posted by

0

Rainy days are perfect for film watching, books, theatre, art and comfort food such as pizza. Now, there are plenty of pizzerias in Buenos Aires, and a few favorites that come to mind such as Guerrín, but Siamo Nel Forno is the best if you´re looking for gourmet Italian-style.  The ingredients are ever fresh and many imported from Italy, the toppings range from traditional to one-of-a-kind, but always in good taste, and, something that the more local pizzerias usually don’t get right, they have good wines and delicious desserts on their menu too! Costa Rica 5886, Palermo Hollywood. 4775-0337