Today's Travel Meme: Brazil
Typical Rio scene:
Bare bodies and fresh fruit.
Photo: Lisa Limer, Condé Nast Traveler
Brazil seems to be on everyone's mind these days. Well, maybe not everyone's, but certainly mine--and a couple of my favorite bloggers'. Perhaps the chill has left some of us longing for warmer climes, perhaps the perennial winter black uniform makes me ache for a more vibrant wardrobe; either way, I'm thinking of those girls from Ipanema.
First up, the Sartorialist. Fashion guy Scott Schuman recently took his blog to Rio de Janeiro, where he's shooting some colorful clothes and even more colorful people. (Case in point: Valentino in crisp seersucker, beachside.)
Another of my favorites, as you all know, Anthony Bourdain, peruses the streets of Sao Paulo's Liberdade neighborhood on his Travel Channel show, "No Reservations." Brazil hosts the largest number of Japanese outside of Japan, and its food is all the more interesting because of it. (Okay, this episode was from last year, but I was perusing Bourdain's Web site this morning and this clip jumped out at me. Who watches TV anymore, anyway? The Internet killed the video star.)
Gourmet's "Diary of a Foodie" is also into Brazil's fusion cuisine. Watch Brazil: When Foods Collide.
Last month Zane Lamprey of the Food Network's "Have Fork Will Travel" enjoyed some feijoada, Brazil's signature dish. Here's a recipe chef Eric Ripert cooked up for Food & Wine magazine.
In Condé Nast Traveler's May issue, Anthony Chase felt the heat from Brazil's northeast coast. Here are some places to try. Boom Box man John Oseid wrote on the Daily Traveler about a legendary Brazilian singer/songwriter who just happens to moonlight as the country's Minister of Culture. And I showed some cachaça love. Twice.
I'm convinced I need a pre-holiday holiday in Brazil. All I need is a place to rest my feet--and my belly, after munching my way around town. Hotel Fasano, from our 2008 Hot List, is just the spot: Bedrooms face a private balcony with views across the street to Ipanema Beach and, courtesy of designer Philippe Starck, they have been outfitted in masculine leathers and lustrous tropical hardwoods.
Further reading:
* The Brazil Guide
* Catch of the Day: International noshables
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Nice to see Brazil featured today! Brazil is becoming much more accessable - Delta Airlines has new non-stop service beginning on 21 December from Atlanta to Recife and Fortaleza in the North East as well as flights from Atlanta non-stop to Manaus in the Amazon. There are also daily flights from Miami to Manaus on TAM Brazilian Airlines. Only a 5 hour trip, it is easy to take a quick weekend break in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest!
Value of the dollar has been increasing against the Brazilian Real which has made a trip down to Rio a great buy in today's economy!
Jill Siegel
http://www.SouthAmericanEscapes.com/blog
Posted by: jsananda | November 12, 2008 at 10:28 AM
Well, well,. You're right, Jill, things are looking up: http://finance.yahoo.com/currency/convert?amt=1&from=USD&to=BRL&submit=Convert
Posted by: juliabainbridge | November 12, 2008 at 01:14 PM
Yes Julia -- It's a good time to bring an empty suitcase to Rio. You can find great bargains on the trendiest Brazilian styles. A great place to do a little holiday shopping too!
Jill
http://www.SouthAmericanEscapes.com/blog
Posted by: jsananda | November 12, 2008 at 02:09 PM
Brazil is definitely regaining it's status as one of the most desirable destinations in the world! We're getting ready to film Jet Set Life in Rio de Janeiro for New Year's. We're actually staying the new Fasano Hotel. Our video and hotel review should be up mid-January for anyone who wants to see what why people always fall in love with Brazil.
www.JetSetLife.tv
Posted by: kmurgatroyd | November 13, 2008 at 01:49 PM
We'll be sure to check it out!
Posted by: juliabainbridge | November 13, 2008 at 03:53 PM