D.O.M. by Alex Atala - Sāo Paulo

Sāo Paulo is one of the biggest cities in the world, the biggest in Brazil, largest in South America and considered as a Alpha World City. It overwhelms not only by its size but also by the diversity of cultures and choices.

This modern and cosmopolitan city also known as “Sampa”or “Cidade da Garoa”(city of drizzle) has a lot to offer, culturally, artistically and off course perfect for gourmands with inspiring and outstanding’s cuisines.

Being in Sāo Paulo, I was dying to go to D.O.M., a Brazilian and contemporary cuisine Restaurant owned by Alex Atala who recently was awarded with the 4^th Best Restaurant in the world!

Fortunately a friend and me got a table for lunch…

Located in the Jardins, the most sophisticated neighborhood in town that allocates the best and most trendy restaurants and hotels in the city. One of the most famous street in this neighborhood is Oscar Freire, that is frequently compared to the Rodeo Drive in Berverly Hils, California.

Just next to Oscar Freire Street you find D.O.M. (Dominus Optimo Maximo), witch signifies the desire to have the “home” of the “best” “and greatest” cooking, the best restaurant in Brazil an one of the best in the world elected by The World's 50 Best Restaurants Award sponsored by San Pellegrino.

Arriving to the restaurant, the door suddenly opens and Alex Atala himself welcomes me and my friend….I have to admit I got a bit confused…even in doubt if it was really the Chef Alex Atala opening the door for me…

The Restaurant décor is very clean, elegant and spacious with dark wood creating an intimate environment. In the middle of the room you find a fabulous Philippe Starck chandelier hanging over a beautiful vintage table.

The chef Alex Atala is known for the use of native Brazilian ingredients, employing the most careful and innovative preparations in the execution of custom-designed contemporary dishes.

He’s cuisine is also inspired and influenced in dishes from all over the world but using mostly Brazilian ingredients like Tucupi juice, pirarucu, piraíba fishes, the herb jambu and the tapioca from manioc flour and many others. The result is absolutely majestic and divine.

We decided to try the tasting menu, and I have to say, from the bread, appetizers, main dishes to the desert...only one word comes to my mind...HEAVEN... I went to heaven all the way…and sadly had to come back when it ended…

After our stunning lunch he invited us also for a tour to his Kitchen, and what a cuisine…with many delicate and colorful food coming out, a true temptation for your palate… while showing us some of the dishes coming out.

If you plan to go, reserve it in advance, the restaurant has a small capacity and it is one of the most overbooked restaurants in town.

D.O.M. conquered my palate… I wish I could cook like this…

Photos: the blue chic

Earth Hour......

For a better planet.....join this cause....

Havaianas...

I guess everyone in the world knows the name Havaianas.  Though it is a cheap product it is most likely the Brazilian most Iconic fashion brand.

The worldwide famous Havaianas flip flops were created in 1962. Inspired from the traditional Japanese slippers made from rice straw called "Zori".

If you go to Sāo Paulo in Brazil, you have to go to the Havaianas Flagship Store and first store in Brazil to buy an authentic pair of these Iconic flip flops.

Located in one of the worlds most expensive streets in Rua Oscar Freire in Sāo Paulo the store was design by the architect  Isay Weinfield who filled the store with the freshness and casualness that the brand inspires.

The Store has a great and relaxed atmosphere, doesn't even look like a normal store since its a space fully opened onto the street like an extension of the side walk.

The space is just beautiful with great use of natural light just makes you feel so comfortable inside.

The open space store is divided by zones where you can find the traditional model, new and exclusive models, shoes and also some other new merchandise like towels, bags, socks etc...

Also you will find a lowered area for a customization of the flip flops, so you can have your own exclusive model.

A place to go, if you are in Sāo Paulo, Brazil....

Diane von Furstenberg for Roxy...

Summer is finally here...and the surfer chic brand Roxy in collaboration with the fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg just released a limited edition of beachwear for girls under the name 'DVF loves ROXY' and the mote 'follow your heart and dare'.

The concept behind is to motivate women to be more active and enjoy their time in summer on the beach and the sea.

The pieces are very fun! The 14 piece collection features Roxy's classic bikini styles also monokinis and board shorts, bags with the eye-catching graphic designs and prints of Diane von Furstenberg.

This limited edition will only be available in some Quiksilver and Roxy stores and also on Roxy's e-site.

Together with the campaign Roxy released a video for a first impression on the collection...take a look!

Photos: Roxy

Giolitti - Rome

The word Ice Cream always reminds me Italy... the best place on Earth to have an Ice Cream indulgence experience!

There is an Icon place in Rome for Ice cream lovers, with a huge variety of tastes, that place is called GIOLITTI!

Founded in 1890 by Giuseppe and Benardina Giolitti, this is probably the most famous for its Ice cream or gelato artigianale in Rome. Still owned by the same family, they received several times offers to sell the brand and recipes but they always refused.

Their gelato is produced according to secret recipes and come in dozen of different flavors, which include some unexpected ones like Champagne, Ricotta, Marsala custard, Rice and Cassata siciliana.

Well everyone goes to Giolitti for a reason....its a superb, delicious and authentic gelato experience!

Though the place is always crowded its worth the minutes you stay in the queue, the waiters and very friendly and the service great and efficient.

I just can't resist to a gelato in Italy, and this one is definitely amazing.... you should not loose the opportunity to try the pistachio flavor, famous in Italy and famous in Giolitti. 
Mine pistachio and...well... can't resist to chocolate too....

Photos: the blue chic

Hermés ATMOS Clock by Jaeger-LeCoultre

The collaboration between Hermés and Jaeger-LeCoultre is not new, nearly a century back, Hermés timepieces were supplied with Jaeger movements for their first timepieces.

Now Jaeger-LeCoultre makes a new joint partnership with Hermés, the two houses with Les Cristalleries Saint Louis reedit the legendary "ATMOS" clock to celebrate its 85th anniversary. Saint Louis was acquired by Hermés in 1989, and now makes the premiere range of glassware products for Hermés, and after more than 3 decades for the fabulous Atmos clock.

The ATMOS clock is probably the most celebrated line of desk clocks ever created, this new edition shaped by the finest of craftsmen, and with the Cristalleries a Saint-Louis glassblowing specialists created an breathtaking air-blown, double-layer glass dome cut in order to create a dotted exterior, resembling a hollow golf ball. Inside the dome, a unique custom made movement that powers the clock.

The final result is absolutely stunning, the 276 x 276 x 272 mm clock weights over 10kg the air-blown dome is cut to reveal transparent pearl-like beads, and then polished to create subtle light effects and the dotted exterior allows for viewing the fabulous precise JLC caliber 560a Atmos movement.

In a limited edition of 176 pieces (one for each year Hermés has been around) the retro futurist model represents longevity and will be priced at 30,000 euro. I'm sure it will go quickly, just what collectors have been waiting for....

This Doha of Mine # 4

Photos: the blue chic