PERUA CHIC

Novo Hotel e SPA em Santa Teresa

October 22, 2008 - will be the opening of the Le SPA under the coordination of Rosiane Venâncio, well known for her unique terapeutical techiniques, located at the recently opened Hotel Santa Teresa, the first 5 star hotel of the historic neighborhood of Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro. The Hotel Santa Teresa is a boutique hotel with only 44 rooms uniquely decorated with a tropical design style. The Le SPAoffers to its clients an ambiance of equilibrium, peace, harmony and relax. Also, Le SPAcounted with Natura's partnership that developed an exclusive line of natural products and treatments for its spa. Where: Hotel Santa Teresa - Rua Almirante Alexandrino, 660 - Rio de Janeiro, RJ - Brazil Website: www.santateresahotel.com

Rio de Janeiro: New Hotel Boutiques

Hotel Fasano Rio - It was one of the most expected hotel project in the city and finally on July, 2007 the hotel opened its door for the most exclusive and exigent clientèle. The hotel project is signed by the famous architect Philippe Starck, who also was concerned to give a Brazilian touch to its decor, electing furniture pieces from the famous architect/designer Sergio Rodrigues. The hotel is located on Ipanema's beach and has amazing views of Ipanema's beach, Leblon's Beach and Morro Dois Irmões. Finally, the city of Rio has a true boutique design! Ps.: If  your  bank account permits, please  reserve  a ocean view room.  Where: Av. Vieira Souto, 80 - Ipanema Phone: + 55 21 3202-4000 E-mail: rio@fasano.com.br Website: www.fasano.com.br

Hotel Mamma Ruisa - It is a brand new boutique hotel located in Santa Teresa and owned by Jean Michel Ruis,  who perfectly blended his sophisticated French style with the exotic Brazilian style in order to give a special touch to the hotel. The hotel has only 7 rooms and all of them were uniquely decorated with art pieces, modern and luxurious furnitures. The hotel has amazing views of the city, particularly, of the Sugar Loaf and the Bay. Where: Rua Santa Teresa, 132 - Santa Teresa Phone: + 55 21 2242-1281 Email: resa@mammaruisa.com Website: www.mammaruisa.com

New Restaurants in Rio!!

Gula Gula -  Last week, the Gula Gula from Ipanema changed its address!!! Now, the Gula Gula Ipanema moved closer to the beach and into a very charming house with historical value, because of its 40's architecture. Each room of the house received a different decor, but we can't forget to mention the outside area, which keeps the casual atmosphere of the place and the bar located on the backyard of the house. For those of you, who doesn't know this traditional carioca restaurant, Gula Gula is a great restaurant for a light lunch or dinner, because of its famous salads and quiches. Location: Rua Henrique Dumont, 57  Neighborhood: Ipanema Phone: (55 21) 2259-3084 Hours: 12PM/12AM (Sun to Thur) & 12PM/1AM (Frid to Sat) Cc.:   Valet Parking

One Two Perdeneiras -  It is the new restaurant of Alexandre Accioly, also one of the owners of Gero and Forneria, both branches of Paulistas's restaurants. However, One Two Perdeneiras the first 100% carioca Accioly's investment on the restaurant market and in order to guarantee the success of this new restaurant, he invited the famous Brazilian chef Roberta and Laura Perdeneiras to elaborate the menu and to be in charge of the kitchen. One Two Perdeneiras is not only a restaurant, but also a lounge with a great bar one the second floor, very New York style, I must say!! The decor of the place is chic and impeccable. The Cariocas were really in need of a place like this!!! Location: Rua Barão da Torre, 368 Neighborhood: Ipanema Phone: (55 21) 2522-3730 Hours: Restaurant - 11:30AM/3:30PM & 7PM/1AM (Mon to Sat); 11:30AM/8PM (Sun) Lounge - 8PM/4AM (Mon to Sat) Cc.:   Valet Parking

Tips I - Restaurants in Rio

A lot of foreigners friends asks me for tips of Rio de Janeiro, so I decided to make some suggestions, which I will divide in several posts, the first one will be about restaurants. My tips are:

• Alessandro & Frederico - There are two Alessandro & Frederico restaurants, the first one is more about salads and paninis(lunch time), the second one is all about pizza and Pasta(great for Sunday pizza). Don't forget Brazilians loves pizza on Sundays, so the best bet to see people in Rio on a Sunday night is always a good pizza place. Location: Rua Garcia D'Avila, 134 Neighborhood: Ipanema  Phone: +55 21 2521-0828 9/1h (Mon To Thur & Sun) 9/2h (Frid & Sat) CC: ;
• Antiquarius - This is one of the most traditional restaurants in Rio, known for its Portuguese cuisine and for its celebrities and politicians clients. Great choice for dinner or lunch. Location: Rua Aristides Espínola, 19 Neighborhood: Leblon Phone: 2294-1049 (73 lugares). 12h/2h (Mon To. Sun). Cc.: . Valet Parking $$$$

• Aprazível - This restaurant is on one of the hidden jewels of Rio, located in Santa Teresa, is known for its great views of the city and for its Brazilian nouvelle cuisine. I recommend to make reservations in advance. Every thursday, they have the Choro Night (type of Samba) with live music. Location: Rua Aprazível, 62 Neighborhood: Leblon Phone: 2508-9174/ 2507-7334 12h/1h (Thur To Sat) 1pm/7pm (Sun & Holidays) Cc: www.aprazivel.com.br
• Bar d' Hotel - You will enjoy a beautiful view of the Leblon' s beach and a nice atmosphere plus good food and drinks. Locations: Hotel Marina All Suites, Avenida Delfim Moreira, 696, 2° andar Neighborhood: Leblon Phone: 2540-4990 . 7h/1h (Mon. To Fri.) e 7h/2h (Sat & Sun.). Cc.: ;
• BB Lanches - This is a low key place that serves the best fresh juices and sandwiches of the city. Besides that it is a great place for a late bite, because just closes at 5:00AM. Locations: Rua Aristides Espindola, 64 Neighborhood: Leblon Phone: 2294-1397 8/3h (Mon To Thur & Sun) 8h30/5h (Frid To Sat) Cc. ;
• Bistrô da Ponte - This is a hidden jewel of Rio, not many people knows it, but it is a great spot for lunch and coffee at the end of the afternoon. The food is fair, but the highest point of this place is its views of the Lagoa, Jardim Botânico, Corcovado and Ipanema's beach. Locations: Rua General Garzon, 22 Penthouse Neighborhood: Jardim Botânico Phone: 2529-2357 12/5PM (Mon To Sat) Cc. ;
• Braseiro - located at Gávea, more specifically Lower Gávea (known as "Baixo Gávea" or "BG"), this place is well known for its "picanha" (a special Brazilian steak cut) and was elected one of the best place to flirt, because usually on Thursday or Sunday night the young crowd gather in the middle of street drinking and mingle.. Do I need to say more??? Also, it is a great spot for lunch after the beach.. Ps: Be prepare for the long wait in order to get a table..Believe it or not is part of the charm of the place, relax and order a beer awhile you wait. Location: Praça Santos Dumont, 116 Neighborhood: Gávea Phone: 2239-7494 11h/1h (Sun To Thurs) and 11h/3h (Frid & Sat.) Cc.: ;
• Capricciosa - Considered one of the best Pizza place in Rio, definitely, is a great choice for a Sunday Pizza. This place is so popular among the cariocas that Capricciosa has already opened 5 restaurants in the city, but the main address is the one from Jardim Botânico. Location: Rua Maria Angélica, 37 Neighborhood: Jardim Botânico Phone: 2527-2656 6PM/1AM (Mon To Sun) Cc.: ; 
• Carlota - This restaurant is originally from São Paulo, but has proved to be a keeper, and the chef Carla Pernambuco is famous for its great combination and creativity. The place is cozy and yet chic, located in the heart of Dias Ferreira, Leblon, it is a great choice for a more quiet and intimate dinner. Location: Rua Dias Ferreira, 64 Neighborhood: Leblon Phone: 2540-6821 19h30/0h (Tue To Thur), 19h30/0h30 (Fri), 13h/17h e 19h30/0h30 (Sat) and 13h/23h (Sun). Cc: www.carlota.com.br ;
• Cipriani - This is one of the most sophisticated restaurant in Rio located at Copacabana Palace Hotel. The chef Francesco Carli former chef of Orient Express Hotel Cipriani and Palazzo Vendramin in Venice, follows the same recipes from the Hotel Cipriani's menu. Another plus is its views of Copacabana Palace Hotel swimming pool...Also, the restaurant opens for lunch and dinner. Location: Av. Atlântica, 1702 Neighborhood: Copacabana  Phone: +55 21 2545-8747 12h30/15h e 19h/0h (Mon to Thur & Sun). 12h30/15h30 e 19h/1h (Frid & Sat). CC: ;

• Copa Café - This is a sophisticated and stylish Burger Joint. Their specialty, of course, is burgers, but don't full yourself ordering the traditional burger, go crazy and order the lamb Burger, and let me know, what did you think...Another suggestions are the mini-burgers as appetizers, my favorites...The drinks are great, too!! Location: Av. Atlântica, 3056 Neighborhood: Copacabana Phone: 2235-2947 19h/ 2h (Tues To Sun) Cc. ;
• Esplanada Grill - This place was nominated the best steak house in Rio, but don't expect to arrive to all you can eat type of place, otherwise you will be disappointed. Here, you order your meat à la carte.... The cheese breads are amazing!!! The thin sliced picanha is a must!! Location: Rua Barão da Torre, 600 Neighborhood: Ipanema Phone: 2512-2970 12h/0h (Mon To Sun) Cc. ;
• Forneria - well know for its great sandwiches, but my favorite dishes are the Fasano Carpaccio and the Mozzarella Raviolis... The first Forneria was opened in São Paulo, and it is a great success since its opening. Location: Rua Anibal de Medonça, 112 Neighborhood: Ipanema Phone: 2540-8045 12h/3h (Mon To Frid), 12h/4h (Frid To Sat) e 12h/2h (Sun) Cc. ; 
• Garcia & Rodrigues - has a delicatessen in the front part, in the back a french restaurant and on the second floor more tables and a small stage for some occasional shows. Thumbs up for breakfast and brunch!! The french restaurant is great, too. Location: Av. Ataulfo de Paiva, 1251 Neighborhood: Leblon Phone: 3206-4100 8h/0h (Mon To Thur & Sun) e 8h/1h (Frid & Sat) Cc. ;
• Gero - it was elected the best italian restaurant of Rio, definitely, one of my favorites.. Try the carpaccios, risottos and the veal.. everything is a must!!! Hard to choose!!! Location: Rua Anibal de Mendonça, 157 Neighborhood: Ipanema Phone: 2239-8158 12h/16h e 19h/1h (Mon To Thur), 12h/16h30 e 19h/2h (Frid), 12h/2h (Sat) e 12h/0h (Sun) Cc.: ; 
• Gula Gula - very popular among the cariocas as a lunch place and well known for its salads selections. This a good fair choice if you are not a big expender. There are several locations in Ipanema, Leblon, Jardim Botânico, Gávea, Barra, São Conrado, Botafogo and Centro Location: Rua Anibal de Mendonça, 132 Neighborhood: Ipanema Phone: 2259-3084 12h/0h (Sun To Thur) & 12h/1h (Frid & Sat) Cc. ;
• Miss Tanaka - a traditional japanese restaurant with a great ambiance, a backyard patio that turns the night special. Location: Rua Pacheco Leão, 758 Neighborhood: Jardim Botânico Phone: 3205-7321 19h/0h30 (Mon To Frid) & 12h/0h30 (Sat & Sun). Cc. ;
• Mr. Lam - the newest restaurant in Rio, it is a joint adventure of Chef Sik Chung Lam and the businessman Eike Batista. The chef Lam is the former chef of Mr. Chow in New York, so it is not a coincidence to find in the menu many of the entrees of Mr. Chow. The must have, of course, is the duck. Location: Rua Maria Angélica, 21 Neighborhood: Jardim Botânico Phone: 2286-6661 19h/0h30 (Tue To Thur), 19h/1h30 (Frid & Sat) e 12h/18h (Sun) Cc. ;
• Pizzaria Guanabara - I need to be honest the only special thing about this place is because it is 24 hours open and everybody ends the night there, so at 5am is full of people... Definitely an after hours hangout place and great to kill that late hungry. Location: Av. Ataulfo de Paiva, 1228 Neighborhood: Leblon Phone: 2294-0797 9h/6h (Mon To Thur & Sun) e 9h/7h (Frid & Sat) Cc. ;

• Porcão Rio's - All you can eat Brazilian steak style and great views from the Sugar Loaf. Location: Avenida Infante Dom Henrique s/nº Neighborhood: Aterro do Flamengo Phone: 3461-9020 11h30/0h (Mon To Thurs & Sun) e 11h30/1h (Frid & Sat) Cc. www.porcao.com.br;
• Satyricon - If you are looking for a great seafood restaurant, this your choice. Location: Rua Barão da Torre, 192 Neighborhood: Ipanema Phone: 2521-0627 12h/1h (Mon To Frid) & 12h/0h (Sun) Cc. ;
• Sushi Leblon - If you want to see beautiful people go to this place at any day of the week and I will always find interesting people. One of favorite in Rio!!! Location: Rua Dias Ferreira, 256, Phone: 2512-7830 e 2274-1342 . 19h/1h30 (mon To sat.) e 13h30/0h (sun.). Cc.: A, D e V.
• Ten Kai - Traditional japanese restaurant with a brand new location. Location: Av. Prudente de Morais w/ R. Paul Redfern Neighborhood: Ipanema Phone: 2540-5100 19h/1h (Tues To Frid), 13h/1h (Sat) e 13h/0h (Sun) Cc. ;
• Togu - is a very small Japanese restaurant, very cozy and serves a nouvelle Japanese cuisine. I just love it!!! Location: Rua Dias Ferreira, 90 Neighborhood: Leblon Phone: 2294-2749 19h30/1h (Mon To Wed), 19h/1h (Thur), 12h/1h (Frid), 13h/1h (Sat) e 13h/0h (Sun) Cc. ;
• Zaza Bistrô - is a fusion food restaurant with a very romantic Moroccan style place. Location: Rua Joana Angélica, 40 Neighborhood: Ipanema Phone: 2247-9101 

Where to stay in Rio?

I always get this question from people, who are coming for the first time to Rio or just want an advice from a local person, because they just don't want to stay on those regular touristic spots, so I researched some different alternative hotels for those of you, who enjoy to stay on boutique hotels or more exclusive places. My tips are:

Marina All Suites - Top contemporary designers beautifully decorated it.The health club and pool on the roof top has fantastic views. Everything at this boutique hotel is aesthetically pleasing to the eye.
Location: Situated in front of the beach of Leblon south end of Ipanema.
Address: Marina All Suites - Av. Delfim Moreira, 696 Leblon - Rio de Janeiro 22441.000 Phone: 55 (21) 2172-1001

La Maison - is a boutique hotel located at Gavea neighborhood and has only 5 rooms, differently decorated, and the sensation is that you are in a friend house. The only thing to be advised is that they don't accept credicards.
Location: Situated in Gávea a very residential area. Address: Rua Sergio Porto, 58 - Gávea  - Rio de Janeiro Phones: 55 -21- 3205-3585 / fax: 55-21-2540-0554 / mobile: 55 -21-7812-5836 / 55 -21- 7812-5837

Casa 32 - If you crave somewhere different to stay in Rio, Casa 32 is really a cool choice. Located in a historical spot called Largo do Boticario, it lies beneath a steep backdrop of Atlantic rain forest not far from the station that leads you to the Christ. Kings Edward VIII and George VI once stayed there as did Le Corbusier, Niemeyer, Portinari and other key Brazilian figures.

Lucio and his family, the owners, recently renovated the house and put it back to its former splendor. Today it's a wonderful mix of modern and antique styles: There are just 2 suites both luxuriously decorated. Location: Cosme Velho Address: Largo do Boticário , 32 - Cosme Velho / 22241-120 - Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil Phone/Fax: +55 21 2265-0943

La Suite - is a sister hotel of La Maison, the owners are the same. La Suite is located in Joatinga has only 7 rooms very well decorated and the views are breath taking. If you are looking for a more secluded spot and with nice views, this is your place. Ps: Does not accept credicards.Location: Joatinga Address:
Rua Jackson de Figueiredo, 501, Joa, Rio de Janeiro Phone:
+55 (21) 24 84 19 62

Relais Solar - located at the hillside streets of Santa Teresa, offers 5 bedrooms, including one bungalow, all the rooms gives you the sensation that you are out of the city, because is surrounded of great vegetation plus the beautiful views of the city. Location: Santa Teresa Address: Ladeiro do Meirelles, 32 Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro 20241-340 Phone: +55 (21) 2221 2117

Casa Amarelo - located also at the hillside of Santa Teresa, this pousada was created by Laurent Gelis, and still keeps the nostalgic, old style elevator and original tiles, etc. Everything with a great taste...Location: Santa Teresa Address: Rua Joaquim Murtinho, 569 Phone: +55 21 8886-4314

www.casa-amarelo.com

Also, I found those two sites that gives great tips about those escaped places in Brazil, check www.i-escape.com and www.mrandmrssmith.com