Inside Argentina's Sexiest Hotel

Source: RareDaily.com

Inside Argentina's Sexiest Hotel

Faena Hotel + Universe in Buenos Aires

The beaches. The steaks. The exchange rate.

When it comes to sexy, Argentina has always had its finger on the pulse.

The latest proof that everything is hotter in Buenos Aires… meet The Faena Hotel + Universe. Primely located in the heart of the burgeoning Faena Art District, the Faena Hotel is a playground for the fabulous. Its luscious interiors, designed by Philippe Starck, are meant to evoke the glory of the early 1900’s Belle Époque era when the building was originally erected. For you, that means deep red velvet curtains, eighteen-carat gold leaf swan chairs, and great views from every room.

In between hitting the pool and the city’s nightlife, you’ll also want to check out El Mercardo, the hotel’s signature restaurant cheffed by Mariano Cid de la Paz, a former protégé of Chef Ferran Adria (El Bulli).

Or you can sit back and take in one of their critically-acclaimed, nightly tango shows that begins with a three-course dinner paired with regional wines, and ends with a masterful dance performance.

See it twice.

Faena Hotel + Universe

445 Martha Salotti Street

Buenos Aires 1107BDA, Argentina

Tel: 0054 11 4010 9000

faenahotelanduniverse.com

Three Ways to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo

Source: TheStrongBuzz.com

Three Ways to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo

So enough about New York not having authentic Mexican food. While true to someone from California, this doesn’t mean we don’t know how to properly celebrate Cinco de Mayo in the way that it deserves. But first, a little clarification on exactly what it is we’re drinking all these margaritas for.
Cinco de Mayo, May 5th, is NOT Mexican Independence Day (that would be September 16th). It’s the day the Mexican Army defeated the French at the Battle of Puebla, symbolizing their ability to fight for sovereignty against foreign intervention. Now that that's clear, we’ve put together a little round-up of restaurants for you, from small plates to prix-fixe menus and plenty of delicious booze to go around—you know, the way New Yorkers love to celebrate best. —Grace Nguyen

Free Tequila with Dinner at Crema Restaurant, 111 West 17th Street (at 6th Ave), (212) 691-4477, http://www.cremarestaurant.com./

From May 2nd through May 9th, Crema Restaurant’s chef Julieta Ballesteros (originally from Monterrey, Mexico) will be creating an original five-course menu ($50 per person) incorporating French techniques into Mexican cuisine—a symbolic reconciliation through food, you could say. (If we’re going to learn anything from the French, it might as well be their cuisine.) So come join this culinary reunion where you’ll be feasting on chipotle-lime French onion soup, foie gras duck enchilada suiza, huitlacoche pomme frites, and crepes con cajeta y nuez. And the best part? Dinner comes with complimentary tequila pairings of all ages of Milagro tequila—Blanco, Reposado, and Anejo—some of which will be infused with lavender, pear, and cassis. All week long, classic Mexican cocktails will pay tribute to the French occupancy with Absinthe Margaritas with fleur de sel de guerande, a Cassis Margaritas, and White Rioja Sangria with Poire Williams.

Mariachis and Tequila at Toloache, 251 West 50th Street (between Broadway & 8th Aves), 212-581-1818, http://www.toloachenyc.com./

Chef Julian Medina of Toloache is getting the celebration started early, and with a live mariachi band, no less. His special menu begins Monday, April 28th and runs through May 5th. It includes spicy lobster tacos with chipotle salsa and avocado ($17), shrimp quesadillas with chihuahua cheese and pineapple chile ancho salsa ($14), brick oven roasted baby goat with chile de arbol salsa and an avocado salad, home made corn tortillas ($30), and an avocado cheesecake with a Meyer lemon strawberry salsa and kiwi sorbet ($10). Dinner would not be complete without one of Julian’s special margaritas. There’s a fiery one made from Sauza Commemorativo Hornitas tequila with lime, chambord, and jalapeno, the De la Calle, a savory cocktail of Siembra Azul blanco tequila with muddled cucumber, jicama, basil, fresh squeezed lime juice and a spicy salt rim, and the Toloache, Frida Kahlo blanco tequila mixed with hibiscus, muddled blueberries, and lime. It might be best to conduct your own tequila and cocktail tasting for this one.

Mexican Beer Bash at Rock Center Café, 20 West 50th Street (between 5th and 6th Ave), 212-332-7620. http://www.rapatina.com/rockCenterCafe/

We haven’t forgotten about you beer-drinkers out there. On Monday, May 5th, Rock Center Café will be hosting a fabulous five-course Mexican Beer Dinner. The dinner gets started with queso blanco fondue stocked with chorizo and chilies (served with a Negro Modello Especial), soft seafood tacos made with crispy snapper, garlic shrimp, cilantro-lime mayo and pineapple pasilla pepper salsa (served with our favorite, Corona), seared skirt steak with guajillo-roasted tomato sauce, poblano sweet corn tamale, and green chili rice (served with a Negro Modelo), and caramelized plantain banana split with Mexican cholate and dulce de leche (served with Pacifico). The Mexican Beer Dinner is $52 per person and begins at 6:30pm and runs until 8:30pm. Reservations are required.

'XXY' - coming soon!

Opening on Friday, May 2nd
Cinema Village
22 East 12th Street (between University Place and Fifth Ave.)
(212) 924-3363 / www.cinemavillage.com
Showtimes: 1pm, 3:05pm, 5:10pm, 7:15pm, 9:20pm

For just about everybody, adolescence means having to confront a number of choices and life decisions, but rarely any as monumental as the one facing 15 year-old Alex (Ines Efrón,) who was born an intersex child. As Alex begins to explore her sexuality, her mother invites friends from Buenos Aires to come for a visit at their house on the gorgeous Uruguayan shore, along with their 16-year-old son Álvaro (Martin Piroyanski.) Alex is immediately attracted to the young man, which adds yet another level of complexity to her personal search for identity, and forces both families to face their worst fears.

Mexican Art

Source: flavorpill.com

Mexican Art
Mexican-born Gabriel Orozco's aesthetic and that of kurimanzutto, the nomadic gallery he founded, have influenced Mexico's most noteworthy artists — a group that rarely settles on any one medium.

Plus... José León Cerrillo, Frida Kahlo & Ramis Barquet

Fly to Peru from NY, LA, or Miami from $399 RT

Source: ShermansTravel.com

Enjoy its beaches, explore its jungle or discover the magnificence of its pre-Colombian culture. LAN also offers flights to Cusco, where you'll be moments away from the ruins of Machu Picchu, Patrimony of Humanity, Modern Wonder and pride of Peru.

Fly to Peru from NY, LA, or Miami from $399 RT

Your Next Outdoor Drinking Spot

Source: UrbanDaddy.com

Raise The Roof
Your Next Outdoor Drinking Spot

The hunt is on.

Your yearly quest for a sun-touched, booze-friendly, patio/roof/esplanade/dock/sidewalk has begun. Consider this a head start: Elizabeth opens tomorrow in the heart of Nolita with a brand new patio.

Formerly Rialto, Elizabeth is a breezy neighborhood bar that you might find yourself drifting into on a regular basis this summer. The outdoor space in question, dubbed "The Garden," will have a small fountain in the center, its own service bar (this is key) and enough greenery to convince your date you've whisked her a bit farther than Elizabeth Street. Not to mention that it's rain-or-shine thanks to the retractable roof.

The two front rooms—The Salon and The Card Room—will prove useful on more indoor-oriented nights. The Salon, decked with gray marble tables and nickel-plated skull lamps, is a healthy mix of Milan and Bowery. The Card Room, on the other hand, is swathed from floor to ceiling in green felt and topped off with silk house-of-cards chandeliers. (No, there isn't a regular poker game here—as far as you know.)

All the rooms and the patio deliver the same food—small plates like Watermelon Salad with Feta, Olives, and Mache meant to support an aggressive drink list

Elizabeth,
265 Elizabeth St (between Houston and Prince)
212-334-2426

Spanish Invasion at Mercat

Source: UrbanDaddy.com

Spanish Invasion at Mercat

The NoHo tapas spot celebrates its first birthday by bringing in two of Spain's most respected chefs (including one from the legendary El Bulli) to put together extra menus for the week...assuming they can get that Ibérico Ham past customs.

45 Bond St (near Lafayette)

212-529-8600

2008 Central Park Summer Stage Season

Check out the complete 2008 season here !!!

Mark your calendar for the following events:

Victor Manuelle and Special Guests Sunday, June 15, 2008 From 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM Central Park SummerStage

La Lupe Queen of Latin Soul, directed by Ela Troyano
Wednesday, July 09, 2008 From 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM Central Park SummerStage

Julieta VenegasPlastilina Mosh
Saturday, July 12, 2008 From 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM Central Park SummerStage

Global Family Day!Big NazoBaby Loves Salsa, featuring Jose Conde Cinderella Samba
Sunday, July 13, 2008 From 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM Central Park SummerStage
Junot Diaz
Thursday, July 17, 2008 From 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM Central Park SummerStage

DanceBrazilMax Pollak and RumbaTap
Friday, August 01, 2008 From 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM Central Park SummerStage

Mexican Heritage Day
Saturday, August 09, 2008 From 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM Central Park SummerStage

CineFest BrasilThe House of Tom - Mundo, Monde, Mondo, directed by Ana JobinMaria Rita
Sunday, August 10, 2008 From 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM Central Park SummerStage

Latin Films at Tribeca Film Festival ( April 23- May 4)

Latin-themed films included in this year’s Tribeca Film Festival (Apr 23 – May 4)

El documental
Directed by Emilio Estefan
A fascinating look at Gloria Estefan as she records her latest album, 90 Millas, which pays tribute to the history of Latin music. With appearances ranging from legendary Latin musicians such as Arturo Sandoval, Chocolate Armenteros, and Israel Lopez Cachao to contemporaries Sheila E., Carlos Santana, and Pit Bull.
Public screenings: May 1 @ 6pm.

Celia The Queen
Directed by Jos Cardona and Mario de Varona
¡Azúcar! The voice of Celia Cruz, arguably the most influential woman in Cuban music, symbolized the soul of a nation and forced down barriers of racism and sexism. She radiates on screen as her legacy is revisited in this intimate and inspiring documentary.
Public screenings: Apr 26 @ 9:30pm; Apr 27 @ 2:30pm; May 1 @ 4:30pm; May 4 @ 4pm.

Chevolution
Directed by Trisha Ziff and Luis Lopez
How did the iconic image of Che Guevara end up on beer bottles and bikinis? This inquiry into the ethics and aesthetics of appropriation investigates how the enduring symbol of Cuba's revolution skyrocketed to fame and was ultimately devoured by its own worst enemy: capitalism.
Public screenings: Apr 25 @ 6:30pm; Apr 27 @ 1:30pm; Apr 28 @ 9:00pm; Apr 30 @ 12:45pm.

The Chicken, the Fish, and the King Crab
Directed by José Luis López-Linares
Famed Spanish chef Jesús Almagro permits cameras to follow his preparations for the "Bocuse d'Or" cooking contest, pitting him against 23 international contenders for the title of "World's Best Chef." Thrilling, captivating… and mouthwatering.
Public screenings: Apr 26 @ 5:30pm; Apr 27 @ 6:45pm; Apr 29 @ 1:30pm; May 1 @ 9:30pm; May 4 @ 4pm.

Days in Sintra
Directed by Paula Gaitán
Deftly interspersing home movies with contemporary images, director Paula Gaitán creates a compelling voyage of discovery in her return to Sintra, Portugal on a search for memories of her late husband (the Brazilian filmmaker Glauber Rocha).
Public screenings: Apr 27 @ 8:30pm; Apr 29 @ 3:30pm; Apr 30 @ 1:30pm; May 4 @ 7:45pm.

Elite Squad
Directed by José Padilha
Fresh from its Golden Bear win at Berlin, and one of Brazil's most controversial films, Elite Squad is a searing look at the corruption of the special police force in the volatile slums of Rio. As one cop desperately tries to get out, two naive recruits see if they have what it takes to get in.
Public screenings: Apr 24 @ 9:30pm; Apr 30 @ 10:00pm; May 4 @ 11am.

Fermat's Room
Directed by Luis Piedrahita and Rodrigo Sopeña
The walls are closing in-literally-on four brainiac mathematicians with shadowy pasts in this über tense debut. These strangers have all been brought together by the mysterious Fermat to solve their most profound equation yet: Why is someone trying to kill them?
Public screenings: Apr 25 @ 8:00pm; Apr 26 @ 12midnight; Apr 28 @ 6:00pm; Apr 30 @ 12noon; May 2 @ 11:15am

Love, Pain, and Vice Versa
Directed by Alfonso Pineda-Ulloa
This stirring and moody psychological thriller finds two strangers subconsciously linked when their recurring dreams begin to topple their reality. Featuring strong performances by the sizzling Bárbara Mori (La mujer di mi hermano) and Leonardo Sbaraglia (Intacto).
Public screenings: Apr 26 @ 6:00pm; Apr 29 @ 5:30pm; May 1 @ 6:45pm; May 2 @ 11:00pm; May 3 @ 2:15pm

My Life Inside
Directed by Lucía Gajá
At 17, mild-mannered Rosa Jiménez came to the United States to provide a better life for her family back in Mexico. This riveting, heartbreaking film examines how she comes to stand accused of murder in a Texas courtroom.
Public screenings: Apr 25 @ 4:00pm; Apr 27 @ 12:45pm; Apr 29 @ 8:30pm; May 2 @ 2:15pm; May 3 @ 5:15pm.

Paraiso Travel
Direct by Simon Brand
In this Colombian box office hit, a lovesick teen (Aldemar Correa) follows his seductive girlfriend as they illegally travel from Medellín to New York. When they are separated in Queens, he begins a desperate search to find her. Featuring John Leguizamo and Ana de la Reguera (Nacho Libre).
Public screenings: Apr 26 @ 9:00pm; Apr 27 @ 1:45pm; Apr 28 @ 3:45pm; May 1 @ 6:45pm; May 3 @ 2:15pm

Playing
Directed by Eduardo Coutinho
One of Brazil's most respected documentary filmmakers invited two dozen women to be filmed as they told their life stories. Months later, he filmed a group of actresses as they reenacted the same stories. The result couldn't be simpler-or more inexplicably magical!
Public screenings: Apr 29 @ 6:00pm; May 1 @ 1:30pm; May 3 @ 6:30pm; May 4 @ 5:00pm

A Portrait of Diego: The Revolutionary Gaze
Directed by Gabriel Figueroa Flores and Diego López
Fifty years ago, Diego Rivera, Gabriel Figueroa, and Manuel Alvarez Bravo collaborated on a documentary film about Rivera, but it was never finished until now, after Figueroa's son and Rivera's grandson decided to show how these three great artists shared a vision.
Public screenings: Apr 26 @ 3:30pm; Apr 28 @ 5:30pm; Apr 30 @ 8:00pm; May 3 @ 11:30am

Old Man Bebo
Directed by Carlos Carcas
Nearly 90, Bebo Valdés is one of the greatest living Cuban musicians. This joyful documentary celebrates the man who was a key figure in the development of mambo and whose life reflects the experiences of many Cubans since 1959.
Public screenings: Apr 25 @ 9:30pm; Apr 27 @ 12:30pm; Apr 29 @ 4:00pm; May 1 @ 1:30pm; May 3 @ 7:30pm

We are in love and their names are, Martin + Osa.

Why do fools fall in love? Although I cannot answer that musical question of days gone by, I do know that there must be love potion flowing though our veins. We are giddy and gushing; sure signs of love sickness. And our new loves are Martin+Osa.

Now before you get all hot and bothered by our little threesome, let me assure you that there is nothing but fabulous fashion love going on here. Martin + Osa, described by Stiletto Jungle as "J. Crew meeting Banana Republic, with a dash of Club Monaco" has launched an online store. To celebrate they are offering a coupon code that will score you a full 15% off your entire order, with Free Shipping and Free Returns.


If only all our love interests came with free returns!!!

15% Off Entire Order

Ends: April 24, 2008
COUPON CODE: 76401417

Tocca Lovers Rejoice!

Tocca lovers rejoice!!!
Dresses were $300, now $85
Tops were $150, now $40
Pants were $225, now $60
Jackets were $350, now $100
Luxury candles were $36, now $20

Save the date - Miguelina sample sale starts 4/17

Sale starts on Thur, 4/17 at Gilt Groupe

Save The Date - Miguelina Sample Sale

I dont know what we find more exciting, 70 degree weather or an upcoming Miguelina sample sale.

H.Stern's Pas de Deux

Source: JC Report

Brazil's premier ballet co. teams with the powerhouse jeweler

Brazilian jeweler H.Stern—whose dazzling accoutrements have long been favored by Hollywood starlets for red-carpet events—is performing a precious pas de deux with Grupo Corpo, Brazil's premier contemporary ballet company. Striving to create subtle and unusual forms that embody Grupo Corpo's kinetic esprit, H.Stern's team of designers developed 63 pieces catalogued in ten lines, with each line named after one of the dance company's signature performances. According to Roberto Stern, president and creative director of H.Stern, the partnership is based on a celebration of shared identities. "Grupo Corpo and H.Stern invest in an identity without flags or exoticism. We both explore our ginga , our intuitive and creative spirit," he says...

keep reading »

OCHO LOCO! 88-cent manicure (yes, really)

Yes, sounds loco we know but we could not not share.
Hey if you find yourself in the East Village today it is certainly worth a try.

Orchid Garden Spa
139 1st avenue (between 8th & 9th street)
Click on coupon below for more info.

Toledo Aries Splendor!

Source: Fashion Week Daily

It’s April, darlings, and that can only mean one thing–Isabel and Ruben Toledo are blowing out their birthday candles, today and tomorrow, respectively! We wish them a warm and happy Aries celebration.

Yo Amo America - Casa Naranja's New Chosen Charity

Yo Amo America - Casa Naranja's New Chosen Charity

The Inter-American Development Bank launched the Yo Amo America (I Love America) Campaign, an advocacy and social marketing initiative featuring artists as agents of change in strategic areas of development.

Watch Video Here

Ricky Martin, President of the Ricky Martin Foundation, will promote universal birth registration as a means of guaranteeing access to education, health and other public services.

Juanes, as President of Fundación Mi Sangre, will address the need for universal preschool education in the region as a key pillar of early childhood development.

Juan Luis Guerra, President of the Juan Luis Guerra Foundation, will advocate for greater access to financial services for the poor, as a means of developing a credit history and fostering microenterprise.

Bravo to Junot Diaz for receiveing the prestigious Pulitzer Prize

Bravo to Junot Diaz receiveing the prestigious Pulitzer Prize in the fiction category for his book "The Brief Wondrous Life Of Oscar Wao." !

Well done Junot, well done!!

Wine-ing Road

Source: Thrillist.com

Bring the Spain -- Wine-ing Road

Get a printable map of the free Rioja Wine Tour here.

For New Yorkers, springtime Saturdays mean throwing on your best whites, stepping out into the sunshine, and strolling the sidewalks hoping you'll somehow stumble across a source of free alcohol. This Saturday, your search will be easy: The Rioja Wine Tour.

As suggested by the rolling "r", Rioja represents one of the finest grape-growing regions in Spain, a picturesque valley known as "The Land of 1001 Wines". To introduce NYCers to their perfectly aged DOC, Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva, they've put together a free sampling tour, spread out amongst six Manhattan stores -- Your stops:

2:30: Bottlerocket: 5 West 19th St, between 5th and 6th (serving from 2-5)

3:30: Chelsea Wine Vault: 75 9th Ave, at 16th (serving from 2-5)

4:15: Sea Grape Wine: 512 Hudson St, btw Christopher and W 10th (serving from 4-8:30)

4:45: Le Du Wines: 600 Washington Street, at Leroy (serving from 3-5)

5:15: Golden Rule Wine and Liquor: 457 Hudson St, at Barrow (serving from 5-7)

6:30: Astor Wines and Astor Center: 399 Lafayette St, at E 4th (serving from 6:30-8:30)

For a quick video preview of your tour hosted by Adrian Murcia, the sommelier from Chanterelle, click below. You'll also find a printable map -- because the only thing more shameful than those white pants is getting lost while wearing them.

Even more free wine: Click here for a shot at a free case of Rioja.

HBO & THE NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL LATINO FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCE 5TH ANNUAL CALL FOR ENTRY FOR THE HBO/NYILFF SHORT FILM COMPETITION

Source: Republica Update

HBO and The New York International Latino Film Festival (NYILFF) today announced the 5th annual open call for entry for the HBO/NYILFF Short Film Competition. Jointly created in 2004, the competition seeks to foster films by Latino filmmakers and/or about the Latino experience.

One winner will be chosen from among applicants to receive $15,000 in funding from HBO to produce and direct a short film based on an original script entry. The completed short will be presented on screen this summer at the 2008 New York International Film Festival, July 22- 27, and considered for broadcast on any of HBO’s programming services.

The HBO/NYILFF Short Film Competition is open to U.S. and international entrants 18 years and older. Only original scripts will be accepted and must be written in English by a person of Latino descent or focus on the Latino experience, and entrant must hold all rights to material. The screenplay cannot be more than twelve (12) pages long and final film cannot exceed a maximum running time of five (5) minutes. Submitted screenplay or work produced from it must not have had previous cable, broadcast or internet exhibition, won awards at any other festival or been previously submitted to the HBO/NYILFF Short Film Competition under its current or any former title.

Each entry must be accompanied by one (1) completed submission form, $10.00 fee, filmmaker bio and photo, a director’s reel or last film produced (DVD NTSC only), and one (1) executed HBO/NYILFF Short Film Competition release form. There is no limit to the number of entries that can be submitted (see rules for more specifics). Entries must be postmarked by April 25, 2008 and mailed to HBO/NYILFF SHORT FILM COMPETITION, c/o The New York International Latino Film Festival, 419 Lafayette Street, 3rd Floor, New York, N.Y. 10003.

Applicants will be notified if their screenplay has been selected by May 19, 2008. For official rules, regulations and submission forms, log on to http://www.nylatinofilm.com/.

Tufi Duek Sample Sale

Tufi Duek Sample Sale

Brazilian dresses, were $395-$695, now $140-$200; tops, were $200, now $65; shoes, were $395, now $120; bags, were $650, now $240.

Apr. 8-10. Tues.-Thurs., 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m.

530 Broadway, at Spring St., 10th flr. (212-925-8277).

Buenos Aires in Bloom

Source: concierge.com

Buenos Aires in Bloom -- Where Old World Elegance meets New-World Latin Cool

Why Go?
Old-world elegance: magnificent architecture, fabulous wines, and tango halls where feisty tangueros strut their stuff
New-world Latin cool: boutique hotels, hip galleries, clubs that don't get hopping till 2 a.m.
Amazing bang for your buck

What To Skip?
Late December to February, Argentina's humid summer

Intro

Hotels

Eating

See + Do

Shop

Nightlife

Fact Sheet

Deals

Itineraries

Carolina Herrera sample sale hosted by the Gilt Groupe starts now!

On your mark, get set, go!!!

The Carolina Herrera sample sale hosted by the Gilt Groupe starts now!

The selection is FIERCE!!