Lovely Frenchie

Taken from Design*Sponge

omg omg omg !!!

Anthropologie is now doing weddings ... I had heard about this a few months back, but today a lovely email showed up in my inbox, treating me to this ethereal image and a tempting message to stay in the loop. Although I won't be able to enjoy what's in store for my own wedding in June I cannot wait to see what they have to offer!!

More Food - The Minimalist's Top 25

Even though I don't cook nearly as much as I would like to (using the lamest and most transparent excuses to justify it! Even worse), I always look forward to reading the Minimalist's column in the NYT to see what he's cooking this week. Sadly, after 13 years and 700+ recipes, he's leaving his post and turning toward writing about and advocating for "eater's rights." After more than a decade I guess this seems to be the logical next step, but now I'm thinking about printing out and archiving all of those recipes so I can have them on hand when the moment of inspiration strikes!

If you're wondering what to make for dinner tonight, check out this list of his Top 25 Dishes that either require minimal time, technique, or ingredients (As he says, many of his recipes include at least 2 of those categories). Some of my favorites ... Spaghetti with Fried Eggs, Sichuan Chicken with Chilis, and South Indian Eggplant Curry (ridiculously easy to make). It might be just the dish you didn't realize you were craving!

Noodles, Noodles, Everywhere

I am ready to get on a plane this moment and head to New York to stuff my face with hand-pulled Chinese noodles. No, really. I'm sure the mild hangover I'm nursing doesn't help in this situation (wine tasting on an empty stomach is clearly not the best idea), but after reading yesterday's feature in the New York Times about the new culinary trends in Chinatown, I died. It's a great article, describing two men who only destiny could bring together to create some of the most delicious and also innovative noodle dishes today. There's nothing I love more than classic dishes from faraway lands, so now I want to be sure to check some of these places out when I'm in New York in March. Hooray!

My mouth is seriously watering right now. Help.

felicidades

To Penelope Cruz & Javier Bardem - their baby was born yesterday. If Mom and Dad are any indicators, that baby will be absolutely stunning. I wish I looked like Penelope!

Lovely Bouquet

This makes my morning.

I miss Punta ...

Actually this was taken in Colonia, but I am nostalgic for a getaway, out of town .. away from the heat and from the day-to-day doldrums. It's too hot to move (110), the thing I'm working on right now is mind-numbing, and the air conditioning barely reaches me at my current location in the apartment.

I just want to be on the coast ...

Fab FT feature on Punta

Here is the link to this piece my sister sent me, but I'm pasting the entire thing in here because it's too funny not to read!

"Brutus. B-r-u-t-u-s. You know – the guy who killed Caesar. Caesar, the Roman emperor. Rome, the hit HBO show.” This is the conversation I overheard while on the beach in Punta del Este, Uruguay. John, my film director friend, was communicating with his producers in Los Angeles via the wizardry of Skype. “Never assume knowledge in Hollywood,” he commented when I teased him for clarifying who Caesar was. “The guy is brilliant,” he said of this Brutus. “I’m offering him the lead in my new film.”

The final “stage” of my South American tour has taken me from the tango halls of Buenos Aires to Bariloche (the lake district of Argentina) to the ricos y famosos here in Punta. Like Aspen airport, you know on arriving in Punta that you’ve hit money when you count more private jets parked on the tarmac than commercial planes.

Punta del Este refers both to the town itself on the southern tip of Uruguay and the area in general. Big Daddy, property whore that he is, has added to his portfolio with a house here, so I’ve come to Punta in my Secret Agent capacity to explore the landscape – and offer my professional opinion on Big D’s investment.

The actual town of Punta, to me, underwhelms. High-rise condos face the ocean à la Miami, but a busy thoroughfare must be crossed to reach the waves. It’s the towns up and down the stunning coastline that truly charm. La Barra and Manantiales are a mix of barefoot beach life, chic (but unflashy) boutiques and restaurants. Just two blocks in from the main drag, the roads become dirt tracks with no markings. If you continue up the coast road you come to the achingly fashionable José Ignacio – a bit too self-consciously so for my liking. When I came previously on a romantic break, the only other inhabitants of our hotel were a gaggle of models in from New York for a shoot and their overly serious editors – it was disconcerting.

The season here is January and February. The population swells by gargantuan proportions – mainly Argentines, though it is becoming fashionable among Europeans. The prices reflect this trend. A penthouse designed by Rafael Viñoly (Uruguay’s most celebrated contemporary architect) is for sale for $8m (£5m); plots on the beach go for millions. My guide to the geography, the social landscape and the spots that are hot is my Argentine cousin, Pimi. She was long ago christened “Pimi Power” for her ability to accomplish with minimum fuss and maximum efficiency what others merely dream about doing over a caipirinha. She has a taste not for the most expensive and obvious, but for the most charming and authentic. Such is her capability and taste she has been enlisted by Big Daddy to decorate his house and surrounding gardens.

. . .

When putting his finger on the map, Big D eschewed Punta itself. “I don’t follow trends, I create them,” he intoned – and then bought a plot on Laguna del Sauce, 20 minutes from town. It’s a mesmerising site on a lake, facing west, so every night you have the magic of the most glorious sunsets, the reflection of the sun dancing on the water. It feels like a different world from Punta, one of seclusion and peace, yet Punta is a short ride away if the urge strikes. What started in Big D’s head as something modest has turned into a palace. It will be a vision of glass perfection when completed next month.

Punta is about the beach. And it is spectacular: broad, sandy and endless. You can walk for hours along it, along the many and various beaches to be precise, for in the capable hands of Pimi I have learnt there’s a beach for every mood, demographic and inclination: the teenager, the old money, the nudist. In this liberal South American enclave, all are catered to. On the whole, the beaches remind me of the Hamptons, but the pervading spirit is far more laid back.

Big D’s house is a triumph and I tell him so, hoping I may be able to borrow it one day. I support his desire to lengthen the infinity pool from 15 to 18 metres. “Nothing worse than a mean pool,” I say rather pompously, not sure where this folie de grandeur has come from. A clue, perhaps, that it’s time to go home, back to grey skies and difficult clients.

“And your conclusion on Punta?” Big D asks me.

“Love it.”"

TOC-TOC

Last night we went to the theater with friends and saw a wonderful and hilarious play, "TOC-TOC." Adapted from the original written by Laurent Baffie, the local version was one of the funniest things I've ever seen! The premise and plot are quite simple: 6 completely nutty people, all who suffer from various forms and types of OCD, are put together in the waiting room of the only doctor who is supposed to be able to help them overcome their issues ... but is stuck in traffic on his way to the office. While they wait, each of their idiosyncracies comes out in full force, and they start to help each other plug into, and hopefully overcome, their inner demons.

There is Camilo, the taxi driver who is obsessed with counting everything (He even wears a shirt bearing his name, but in a different format: "K-1000-O" ... amazing). Then we have Alfredo, who suffers from Tourette's and can't go even 5 minutes without blurting profanities. Lili has the need to repeat everything she says twice, Maria Auxiliadora who has to check everything repeatedly, Otto who need symmetry in everything (including his own name!), and Blanca who has a phobia of germs.

It was such a joy to watch ... While it seems to be a superficial or silly look at these often debilitating conditions, as the play progresses we see how the patients help each other and encourage one another to attempt to overcome their issues.

Anyway .. Great night, great play and a fun way to end the week/start the weekend.

The sun is shining and we're off to the Flea Market to look for some goodies ... bon weekend!

Mobile Juice Salesman

Costanera Sur, Buenos Aires

Happy 172nd Birthday, Paul Cezanne!

Cezanne is one of my favorite painters, so it made my day to see Google's homepage logo image converted into one of his works to celebrate what would be his 172nd birthday today!

I actually hadn't ever seen this Pyramid of Skulls before, but since I can't turn down a good skull I figured "why not?" - Anyway, Happy Birthday Paul!

Hahaha ... Really, New York Times?

I just logged on to the Times' website to get more info about the shooting at the LA high school (it was being broadcast live via our local news network) and when I couldn't find anything on the home page, I went to the U.S. news section. I assume they're still working on a piece about the shooting, gathering details and whatnot, but I laughed out loud when I saw that this news tidbit actually made it online! Poor Chico the Chihuahua ...

CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill. (AP) — An owl attack has left a 4-pound Chihuahua with a healthy fear of the dark.

The attack happened when Chico the Chihuahua was out for a walk with his owner George Kalomiris in the Chicago suburb of Crystal Lake last week. Kalomiris says they were walking down the street when a great horned owl swooped down and tried to fly away with the 3-year-old dog.

Kalomiris says he kept a firm grip on Chico's leash as the bird dragged the dog across the sidewalk, and he managed to scare the owl away.

Chico was treated for a puncture wound caused by the owl's talons, and his owner says he's still traumatized. Kalomiris says the dog now refuses to go outside at night.

Pass the Bubbly

I love this shot from the new Moet & Chandon campaign with Scarlett as their new cover girl. Who wouldn't want to be surrounded by big bottles of bubbly and and endless supply of flutes? Yes please ...

The Incredible True Story of the Collar Bomb Heist

This article, while lengthy, is so incredible that I had to re-post it for you today. If you're a fan of any type of crime drama that is heavy on the intrigue, you will love reading about this very true and very bizarre bank robbery/murder case from 2003 in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Apparently there are plans in the works to turn the story into a film - which I would love to see right now if I could! Chock-full of double crossing, clues that lead nowhere, and serious psychological disturbance, this article is a surefire way to give your Tuesday a little jump start!

Putting a little Pep in my Step

Although it's been too hot to wear any form of closed-toe shoe lately, I was admiring the shoes José got me for Christmas. They're a pair of perfect little ballet flats from my favorite shoe store, Paruolo - with sassy black glitter, understated but still fun ... A great way to spice up an outfit when you're not in the mood to wear sky high heels. Since it's currently pouring rain here (joy! I love a nice cozy, stormy afternoon at home) I have been looking for other shoes that would make my flats feel right at home. These two pairs are just the ticket. The first, from our beloved Christian Louboutin, remind me of when my dear friend Frances and I were discussing the possibility of footwear that could double as a weapon to ward off muggers and/or any other kind of delinquent. They're perfect! The second, from Pour La Victoire, border on the edge of too kitschy to take seriously, but I don't care.

Coinless City

Here is a photo and a link to one of the paper's features that I adore - The Indy Eye. Beatrice Murch is a great photographer who always snaps some interesting shots and offers the outsider an intimate glimpse into life in Buenos Aires. This week her images of the now infamous "NO HAY MONEDAS" (no change, no coins) signs all over town in cafes, kiosks, and grocery stores are absolutely great. Here is one to whet your appetite; check out the full feature for more.

Love

Just the other night, there was a feature on the Beatles on our local news channel. Kind of random, yes, but it was like a trip down memory lane for me. When we were young I remember listening to either Vivaldi or the Beatles. I have to hand it to my parents for orchestrating (no pun intended) that one; it felt so good to sing along to some of my favorite tunes as the journalist recounted the highs and lows of their decade-long existence. I just love this photo of the group.

Nardos // Tuberose

Source

Take me to Sonoma County ...

Stare longingly into this image, then read the article that goes along with it. I love wine.

41 Places to Visit in 2011

P.S. - After you plan your culinary travels for the year, don't put your Atlas away. Get ready to put those frequent flier miles to good use and get excited to see what the New York Times has decided are essential spots to visit in 2011.

I was most excited by Budapest, Gdansk (Poland), the Republic of Georgia, and Hyderabad (India).

10 Restaurants Worth a Plane Ride

I spend more time than I should admit perusing the Times' travel section, and yesterday was no different. With the new year, new travel tips, recommendations, and hotspots are the order of the day, my favorite being the feature on 10 Restaurants Worth a Plane Ride . Any excuse to indulge my wanderlust (and constant appetite) is ok by me.

Here is the list, although I recommend you check out the full article for more delectable details.

1. Aponiente - El Puerto de Santa María, Spain

2. Benu - San Francisco (of course something or someone related to Thomas Keller would be featured!)

3. Dinner by Heston Blumenthal - London (I still want to try Fat Duck, so make this 2 reasons to visit my sister in London)

4. M. Wells - Long Island City, NY

5. Mirazur - Menton, France (I love that the chef, Mauro Colagreco, is Argie and amazing!)

6. Momofuku - Sydney (of course.)

7. Restaurant André - Singapore (After just having finished Tanamera, "the" novel on Singapore, my interest has definitely been piqued)

8. Restaurante Garzón - Garzón, Uruguay (This deserves special mention as we were just in José Ignacio. Please, drop everything and go there. Now. You will thank me later.)

9. Tickets - Barcelona. (*José take note. We're going here on our honeymoon. El Bullí lives on!)

10. Willows Inn - Lummi Island, Washington (Head Chef is my age. Depressing)

A couple of design reasons to visit BA ...

I was so happy the day I stumbled upon Paul - the newest little project by Pablo Chiappori (http://www.pablochiappori.com/) tucked away in Palermo Viejo and brimming with some of the most amazing finds. I've been a fan of La Corte since I first moved here in 2007, and my dream is to one day redecorate our apartment relying heavily on Pablo's expert eye. One day, perhaps!

If you're in the mood for some eye candy this Monday morning, be sure to check out his website and feel free to swoon!


Once you're done with Pablo, why don't you book a ticket to come visit us and I promise we'll take you to Cocina Garden for a wonderfully intimate dinner at one of BA's most fabulous closed door restaurants? Fun fact: I was introduced to the space when my dear friend Kelly was living in BA for a short time after graduating from NYU. She was working with Isabel Anchorena, owner of a charming little gallery in the Rue de Artisans, and always had gobs of invites to incredible events. Pamela Murphy, the woman behind Cocina Garden, had just opened up her to die for home in San Telmo has a B&B called Garden Buenos Aires and we were lucky enough to be invited to celebrate! I had a very difficult time lifting my jaw up off the floor each time I turned a corner. It's definitely a spot to get to know if you make it to Buenos Aires!

That little part of the city is one of my favorites. It's not necessarily off the general radar, but given that it's just beyond the far reaches of San Telmo, I think you might stumble upon it only if you've been tipped off. Av. Caseros is a little slice of heaven. Wedged in between Parque Lezama and the Constitución train station, it feels like a step back in time. I'm not sure if I could ever live there permanently, but each time I'm in the area I find myself reconsidering!

Monday

Here is a fun photo from our trip to Punta. Mere's "vanity project" (determination to have interesting and attractive photos taken of herself for her future progeny and/or admirers) can be kind of annoying but I do have to admit that I am happy with some of the pictures that have resulted from such a project! I think I might be the only person who swims underwater with my sunglasses on ...

Tell me something I don't know ...

Sorry, but why do I live in a vortex of coin shortages?

Yet again, the news is running a big piece on the lack of coins in the city - the ticket windows at the train stations are just closing since apparently no one has any money (coins or otherwise) to help passengers buy their tickets to get home. No big deal or anything. Yeah, just go on home, buddy. I will stand here and try to melt down my bobby pins into coins to buy a ticket.

As usual, the coins that are hardest to come by are of 5 and 10 cents. I just don't get it.

I have devised this list to help get things in order for 2011.

New Year's Resolutions for Argentina & her peeps:
1. Stop robbing people for their sneakers and/or cell phones.
2. Get it together with the coins, guys.
3. While you're at it, please stop thinking that I will care more about your cause if you block traffic for several hours at a time. It actually works in reverse.
4. No more inflation, please? Seriously this time.
5. More Mexican/Indian/Vietnamese restaurants.
6. Stop trying to make those weird two-toe Nike sandals happen.

A New Year .. Same Bloglet

Happy 2011 everyone ! After a much needed (and much enjoyed) hiatus I have resurfaced, albeit slowly. After an incredible Christmas and beach holiday in Punta del Este, I am back in Buenos Aires and slowly accepting that I must get back into the swing of things!

I have so many photos to share of our trip to Uruguay - it was definitely just what I needed. Seven days of pure sunshine, clear water and perfect relaxation. It felt good to leave the Blackberry upstairs while we swam in the ocean and drank clerico on the beach. Why did we come back again?

The New Year always takes me by surprise and it's quite fitting that I'm just getting around to writing again ... I'll be in DC in two months, the wedding is in five ... And on top of that I need to worry about renewing my residency visa here, looking for jobs or at least contemplating the next step. As usual, I am overwhelmed and I haven't even stepped outside yet. (Don't judge, I've been sick in bed for the past 3 days. Otherwise I would never let this sunny day to go waste!)

I hope you and yours had a splendid New Year full of champagne and merrymaking. Photos, inspiration and hopefully something new will be here in the days and weeks to come.