Autumn/Winter 2013 at Hernán Gipponi Restaurant

Fierro Hotel’s popular Hernán Gipponi Restaurant brings plenty of good news for the city’s hedonists of the palate. For starters, it’s now open seven days a week and is featuring a new tasting menu that includes seasonal delicacies such as rabbit confit, baked Turkish lentils with bacon and 63º cooked egg, braised pig’s cheeks, nut bread, pistachio meringue, tangerines and more to keep us warm during the cold days to come. Additionally, One Table, a five-course dining event for up to sixteen people, is on the weekly agenda on Monday’s. Of course, the renowned weekend brunch continue to be one of the restaurant’s most concurred events, as the now monthly Friday Happy Hours. Soler 5862, Palermo. 3220-6800.

Feria Puro Diseño 2013

The Buenos Aires design scene is in full bloom and Feria Puro Diseño is the perfect way to get in touch with this vibrant side of the city.  The fair, which kicks off today, showcases the country’s best designers in different fields including art, fashion, lighting, and more. This year, the fair will feature a special collection on ecological designs to create environmental awareness and there will also be a selection of works by new talents that will display works inspired by a childhood song. There will also be a display of top ten shoe designs and a space for children as well as seminars, shopping opportunities and the chance to interact with the designers.

The fair will take place from the 21st to the 26th of May from 1pm to 10pm at La Rural in Palermo. Tickets are 35 pesos.  More information here.

This Week in Buenos Aires

Monday

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, Hernán Gipponi Restaurant will be setting eighteen places for the new One Table event in which 4 tapas, 5 courses, and 5 wines selected by Andrés Rosberg will be shared. Book your place at 3220-6820.

Tuesday

(Photo by Roger Schultz)

Feria Puro Diseño, which showcases the best of Argentine design, kicks off at La Rural until the 26th of May. More information here.

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

Wednesday

 

(Photo by L.A.Shooter)

The stunning Museo de Arte Decorativo in Recoleta is showcasing a special exhibit on traditional Greek costumes.  Av. Libertador 1902, Recoleta.

The tango championships are taking place throughout the week. Starting at 11.15pm there will be top notch dancing at La Viruta, Armenia 1366, Palermo.

Thursday

 

(Photo by scrambldmeggs)

Villa O Campo, located in San Isidro on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, brought together renowned twentieth century intellectuals and authors. Tours of the home and gardens are offered from Thursday to Sunday and afterwards some tea and scones are mandatory.

In the evening, starting at 9pm, Cat Power will be staging a live show at the Teatro Coliséo. Tickets here.

Friday

 

(Photo by Manuchis.)

Arte BA, the most important contemporary art fair of the year will be taking place at La Rural from Friday through the weekend. More information here.

At midnight, famous percussion orchestra La Bomba del Tiempo will be celebrating their 7th anniversary at Centro Cultural Konex. Sarmiento 3131, Abasto.

Saturday and Sunday

 

(Photo by SilviaVinas)

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.

Throughout the weekend there will be an exhibit of Japanese ceramics and special tea ceremonies at the Japanese Gardens in Palermo.  Av. Figueroa Alcorta and Av. Casares, Palermo.

On Sunday, at 5.30pm don’t miss the Tango Championship finals at La Usina del Arte. Av. Pedro de Mendoza y Caffarena, La Boca.

Desde el Alma: A Creole Waltz

(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

(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

(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

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 Munetinfo@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

(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

(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

(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.