Destinations

Rio de Janeiro is hands down one of my favorite destinations. The scenery and music are among the best in the world  - and it is impossible not to get swept away by the wonderful Bossa Nova and Samba rhythm that IS Rio de Janeiro.

I’ve visited Rio several times over the last few years and always felt welcome and safe.  I won’t deny there are dangers - as with any big city - but if you use good common sense you can enjoy a safe trip, drinking in the incredible sights, sounds and delicacies of Rio.  My best travel tip is to pack light - leave behind any flashy clothes and jewelry - just bring the basics:  a pair of shorts, a tank top and good pair walking shoes -  and you’re ready to go!

For first time visitors I recommend staying in Ipanema. This is a safe, upscale neighborhood with many wonderful options for hotels and restaurants. My favorite is a Golden Tulip boutique hotel, THE IPANEMA PLAZA (http://www.ipanemaplaza.com.br/en-us/default.asp) , which caters mostly to European and South American tourists. The rooms are comfortable and immaculate and the staff are friendly and eager to help with an impressive ability to bounce effortlessly between 4 or 5 languages.  There is also a daily breakfast-buffet included with the cost of the room, which consists of three tables of hot and cold food - scrambled eggs, ham, bacon, sausages, ‘pão de quejo’ (a delicious local cheese-puff snack), various cheeses, meats, rolls, cereals, yogurt, and an array of fresh tropical fruit.

One of the best features about the Ipanema Plaza is the location.  Situated on Rua Farme de Amoedo, you are centrally located  - just one block from Ipanema Beach, and one block from GAROTA DE IPANEMA the corner Restaurant-Bar where the famous song ‘The Girl from Ipanema’ was written by Antonio Carlos Jobim and Vinicius de Moraes.  There is great shopping within two blocks on Visconde de Pirajá where you will find the latest fashions in Rio, with great buys for shoes, dresses, accessories, summer wear and
much more. Just three blocks away there is also a wonderful artisan open market known as the “Hippie Fair”, held Sundays 12 -5p in Praça General Osario.

My most recent trip was with a friend who owns a catering business, Diana’s Creative Catering of Malibu. Together we set out to learn about the culinary delights of Rio.  Her goal was to experience traditional Brazilian food, so our first stop was for Feijoada, the national dish of Brazil.  Feijoada is a thick black bean stew with pork, beef or sausage, served in clay pots. Typical side dishes are rice, manioc, or fried bananas - and there is always bowl of chili peppers close by for those truly serious about *spicy* food.  A traditional Brazilian drink to accompany is the national drink of Brazil - the Caipirinha - made of sugarcane alcohol, sugar and lime.  Since Feijoada can take hours, even days to prepare, some restaurants may only offer the dish on certain days of the week, however you can find Feijoada daily at the charming CASA DA FEIJOADA (Rua Prudente de Moraes 10) - just past the Praça General Osario.

If you want to experience an elegant buffet with authentic Brazilian dishes, don’t miss the Saturday afternoon brunch at the CAESAR PARK HOTEL’S GALANI RESTAURANT, on the 23rd floor of the Caesar Park Hotel.  You can enjoy the stunning birdseye views of Ipanema Beach with a buffet that will rival any offered by the finest hotels around the world. Executive Chef, Helbert Moura offers the best of Brazil’s traditional dishes with his personal touch combining the unique flavors of Brazil with an impressive first-class presentation.

For a really special dinner try one of Rio’s top restaurants, LE PRÉ CATALÁN (http://www.sofitel.com/gb/hotel-1988-sofitel-rio-de-janeiro/restaurant.shtml) , located in the 5 Star SOFITEL in Copacabana. This restaurant is super chic - and you can experience the incredible views of Copacabana Beach while enjoying the ultra modern interior and creations of Chef Roland Villard.  Mr. Villard offers an exquisite combination of Brazil’s ingredients in a French-style preparation.  I recommend their ‘Tasting Menu Amazonia’ which offers 8 small courses with Amazonian fruits, vegetables and fish, and Amazonian fruit granité to cleanse the palate in between. This is a meal you will never forget.  Chef Villard personally comes to every table to explain the preparation of each dish (brush up on your French for this!)  Each meal is served with incomparable beauty and paired with wines from around the world.  A ‘do not miss’ experience, and a very special meal. I highly recommend this for any ‘foodies’ visiting Rio.

Our next stop was APRAZÍVEL (http://www.aprazivel.com.br/)  located high atop a winding hill in Rio’s historic Santa Teresa district. The setting is tropical with open air breezes and non-stop vistas over downtown Rio and Guanabara Bay.  Aprazível serves contemporary Brazilian cuisine with delicious signature dishes, such as their Peixe Tropical, an Amazonian fish served in orange sauce with coconut rice and baked bananas. Aprazível is a wonderful stop if you want to incorporate a visit to the charming
hilltop district of Santa Teresa with a unique dining experience overlooking a panorama of Rio.

Another wonderful restaurant district for meandering is Rio’s very vogue Lebon neighborhood. Many great restaurants are situated on Rua Dias Ferreira, where you can enjoy reading menus posted for viewing on the sidewalk until you find one that strikes your fancy.  Any restaurant with sidewalk seating or a good window seat will give a perfect vantage point to watch the ‘beautiful people’ of Rio pass by.  Make note that some of Lebon’s more ‘in’ restaurants are extremely popular, such as the famous SUSHI
LEBLON, which is frequented by Brazil’s and Hollywood’s stars. (Tom and Katie Cruise were there the week we were in Rio) - For these ‘hot spots’ reservations are recommended.  

Rio has a near endless selection of food and restaurants to accommodate any budget or preference.  Glance through the options when you arrive by purchasing a copy of VEJA RIO (http://vejabrasil.abril.com.br/rio-de-janeiro) , a local magazine listing Rio’s restaurants. Also, ask the locals for suggestions! Cariocas (the name for Rio’s locals) are delighted to help and may know of a good restaurant that just opened.  

Regardless of whether the music, culture or sights initially brought you to Rio, the meals will certainly be a part of the memories you take home!

(Stay tuned for my next article in honor of Carnival on the *Sights and Sounds of Rio!)*