Bar do Camarão (Prawn's Bar) is an great value-for-money Restaurant. Check it out!

The Bar do Camarão (Prawn's Bar) has its specialty easily target by the name. Straight to the point: the highlight is the 'Festival do Camarão' (Prawn's Festival) which delivers as much prawn/seafood (coming 3 times a week by airplane from the Brazilian Northeast Territory) as you can eat for a unique price: R$ 25,99 from Tuesday to Sunday starting at 6pm.

Check out what is available on the Festival:

• Prawn and Garlic Oil
• Breaded Prawn 
• Steamed Prawn
• Prawn Dumpling
• Pastel* of Prawn
• Seafood with Vinaigrette
• Mashed Fish
• Grilled Fish with Capers and Champignon
• Cação (Brazilian Fish) and Tartar Sauce
• Manjubinha (other Brazilian Fish)
• Rice

Other great tip is the happy hour. From 6pm till 8h30pm, Caipirinhas, Bottle of Beer and some of the 'petiscos' (snacks) are available for a special price. Once a month, they organize the Festival da Paella (Paella's Festival) which costs R$ 35 per person. Check it out and try anyone of these delicious dishes. You won't regret!

(*) Prawn pastries, these look like Chinese food (I think they are of Chinese origin). The outside is like a wonton or those crunchy crackers you get with Chinese delivery in the US, and the inside is ground prawn.

Service
Where: Bar do Camarão, Rua João Cachoeira, 245 — Itaim Bibi — São Paulo

When: Monday to Saturday, from 7pm till 4am.
Phone: (11) 3079-7578
How much: R$ 25,99 for the Festival and special prices during happy hour.
Website: www.bardocamaraoitaim.com.br

Nice Video of the Project: Graffiti with Popcorn

Graffiti with Popcorn Project started in 2006 in the district of Jabaquara, offering to the community free workshops on graffiti, video and animation. Through the encouragement of artistic and cultural events, the Graffiti Popcorn Project bet on the social conscience awakens and prepared young people for a greater engagement in combating social exclusion. Graffiti gained moviment in the video, this is a new relationship established from the produces of graffiti willing to make a video animation. It's the case of the video we propose you today that talks about the friendship between an old man who used to perforate and kill balls and two children. Really nice!

Big Party at Avenida Paulista for New Year's. If you haven't decided where to go, it's an option!

The New Year's Eve celebrations in the Paulista Avenue, held by the Sao Paulo Government in partnership with SPTuris, will bring lots of Brazilian music concerts to the stage, such as: the singers Pitty, Maria Rita, Martinho da Vila, the composer Dudu Nobre, the country group Edson & Hudson, the group KLB and "Mocidade Alegre" the Samba School champion of the Carnival of 2009 in Sao Paulo.

The Festival aims to attract more than 2 million people this year and is scheduled to start at 8pm on December 31st and runs until 2h30am of January 1st. The concerts will be performed on a stage of 800 square meters, between the Frei Caneca Street and alameda Ministro Rocha Azevedo. Thirteen towers and large wide screens will support all the presentations, on the a 2 km structure on the Avenida Paulista, including 15 minutes fireworks after midnight.

Service
What's up: New Year's eve at Avenida Paulista
When: December 31st, from 20h to 2h30am.
How Much: For free

What to do in São Paulo straight after New Year's eve? Find out the best places to go!

If you haven't decided yet where to go and what to do after New Year's eve, insidesaopaulo prepared a quick guide introducing 4 parties around the city. It's important to remember that these places are pretty much requested for local people on this occasion. So, hurry up and buy your ticket before it ends! Happy New Year in advance and shake it up!!!

The History

What's up: Bateria of the Rosas de Ouro Samba School inside the night club and flashbacks of the DJs Iraí Campos, Vadão, Michel and Cadico. This one is a good advice for New Year's party and great value for money, so hurry up for your ticket!
Where: Rua Gomes de Carvalho, 820 — Vila Olímpia
When: December 31st at 9pm.
Phone: (11) 3846-4498
How much: R$ 35 (ground area) and R$ 40 to R$ 60 (VIP area) for women. R$ 50 (ground area) and R$ 65 to R$ 90 (VIP area) for men.

The Week
What's up: DJ Isaac Escalante (México), Morais, Paulo Pacheco, Vlad, Marcelo Charbel, Kiron and Grá Ferreira on the pick ups.
Where: Rua Guaicurus, 324 — Lapa
When: December 31st at 11pm.
Phone: (11) 3868-9944
How much: (in advance) R$ 45 men and R$ 65 women.

D-Edge
What's up: Techno Christmas and house by the DJs Marcelo Vor, Paula Chalup, Pil Marques, Rodrigo Moretti and Laurent F.
Where: Alameda Olga, 170 — Barra Funda
When: January 1st at 0h01am.
Phone: (11) 3667-8334
How much: R$ 30 women and R$ 60 men.

Vegas
What's up: Electronic, Disco and House by DJ Hero Zero.
Where: Rua Augusta, 765 — Consolação
When: January 1st at 1am.
Phone: (11) 3231-3705
How much: R$ 35

Fresh Fruit and Vegetables in the biggest Latin America food wholesaler

Ceagesp it the third-largest food wholesaler in the world and first in Latin America. Nearly 10 tons of fruit, vegetables, fish and flowers go through its gates. It is located in the west of the city and one of the attractions of the site is the retailer (varejao), similar to free markets. The first Varejao started in 1979 with the objective of making available to the public quality products at low prices. The event is held three times a week, on Saturdays and Sundays, from 6 am to 1 pm and on Wednesday, from 4 pm to 10 pm. The night Varejao is the most excited and became an obligatory stop for many people going back home from work, it became a kind of happy hour in the middle of the week.

In addition to the shopping, Varejao has a wide variety of stands with fast foods like cod cakes, grilled skewers, sugar cane juice, cakes, corn and typical oriental dishes. Another very interesting point is the Flower Fair, the largest of its kind in the country, which takes place every Tuesday and Friday from 5 am to 10:30 am, with a huge variety of flowers, plants and accessories. It is not part of usual tourist tour but it really worth a visit!

Service
Where: Avenida Dr. Gastao Vidigal 1946 - Zona Oeste- São Paulo
When: Saturdays and Sundays from 6 am to 1 pm and Wednesday from 4 pm to 10 pm
How much: For free
Website: www.ceagesp.gov.br

A Mulher do Padre Fashion. Nice shop in Sao Paulo

A.M.P produces their own fashion. Click here to other options.

At the A.M.P - A Mulher do Padre (Father's wife) is based on the consistently fresh cuts and minimalist style. The São Paulo-based label known for their own style of fashion designed to people between 20 and 30 years old who still hanging around.

Each season's campaign merges art, film and fashion so unique every time it comes up. The founders are responsible for the conceit. Paula Ferrali and Vinicius Campion hold the idea of an "anti-brand" fashion, where doesn't actually follow the endless fashion seasons.

All these products make up the ironic and entertaining universe of the young designer Vinicius Campion. His store is one of the most sought by people who love clubbing. It really worth a jump at the Rua Augusta, where the shop is located.

Service 
Where: A Mulher do Padre, Rua Augusta, 2729 — São Paulo
When: Monday to Saturday, from 10am to 6pm.
Phone: (11) 3062-8347
Website: http://www.amulherdopadre.com/

Sao Paulo will receive The Cats from Broadway on March 2010

The musical Cats, one of the greatest successes of Broadway, will season in March at the theater Abril. The play, which premiered in London in 1981, has been presented in 20 countries. "Memory", his most striking song was recorded more than 150 times.

Tickets for the Beyoncé Concert in Sao Paulo are available

The tickets will cost from R$ 70 to R$ 600 for the show Beyoncé (pictured) in Sao Paulo, February 6th. In opposite to what the singer said on her website, the show takes place at the Morumbi stadium.

The ticket sales has started on December 23th (yesterday), via www.livepass.com.br . Phone: (11) 4003-1527.

Related link: Beyoncé will be in Brazil next Carnival. Concert in Sao Paulo

Villa Tavola, a 24 hours Italian Culinary Centre

Villa Tavola is much more than a restaurant. It is a unique place, where yo will find 22 different environments, options for all the tastes and programs: from breakfast the happy hour, from soup of the late night to lunchtime on Sunday, from an ice cream with your girlfriend to the formal business lunch. It is set in the heart of Bixiga, in the Rua Treze de Maio (Thirteen of May Street), right in front of Don Orione Square, where on Sundays the busy Handicraft Antiques Market takes place.

Villa Tavola is a real center of Italian Cuisine and Culture, 24 hours available to São Paulo inhabitants and tourists. One of the biggest houses of Sao Paulo, with 2000 square meters, it occupies 5 ancient mansions of the early 20th century that have been fully refurbished and whose original facades have been restored and preserved, keeping the typical architecture of the Italian immigrants who settled the neighborhood. Along the front, we have independent entrances to the Restaurant, the Cafeteria, the Emporium - Rotisserie and the Bakery- Gelateria.

Inside you will find several different environments, from the most relaxed to the most formal. At the entrance, the Italian Bar dominates, besides it, three lounges - the Noble and the Trattoria, serving a la carte, and the Terrazza, with buffet service, with some smaller rooms for private lunches and dinners, and a Cyber Café. The upper floor is reserved for Sunday lunches and big events, supporting up to 400 people seated and 1000 standing. Be sure to check also the underground cellar with a glass roof, which houses more than 100 labels of especially selected wines.

Service
Where: Villa Tavola, Rua Treze de Maio 848, Bela Vista — São Paulo
When: Whenever you want, it is 24 hours open.
Phone: (11) 2842-9620
Website: www.villatavola.com.br/

What to do in São Paulo straight after Christmas? Find out the Best places to go!

Vegas is one of the clubs that give the 'Baixo Augusta' neighborhood its special flair.

If you haven't decided yet where to go after Christmas, insidesaopaulo prepared a quick guide to introduce some parties around the city. Some are expensive and some and quite cheap. It's up to you. It's important to remember that these places are pretty much requested for local on this occasion. So, hurry up and buy your ticket before it ends! Merry Christmas in advance and have plenty of fun!!!

Pink Elephant
What's up: French DJ Mitch Lj and circus presentation
Where: Rua Gumercindo Saraiva, 289 — Itaim Bibi
When: December 24th at 11h45pm.
Phone: (11) 2769-2003
How much: R$ 100 women and R$ 250 men.

D-Edge
What's up: Techno Christmas and house by the DJs Vic Flacksbaun, Adriana Recchi, Davis, Gabo, TechJun, Oscar Bueno e Glaucia ++.
Where: Alameda Olga, 170 — Barra Funda
When: December 25th at 0h01am.
Phone: (11) 3667-8334
How much: R$ 30 women and R$ 60 men.

Teatro Mars
What's up: Samba-Rock (pretty cool) by Sambasonics, Os Opalas, Clube do Balanço, Sambasoul and Saga.
Where: Rua João Passaláqua, 80 — Bela Vista
When: December 25th at 0h01am.
Phone: (11) 3105-8950
How much: R$ 20 women and R$ 25 men.

Buddha Bar
What's up: The American DJ sandy Rivera will be playing house and the singer Fran will be on the stage for a pocket show with Lucky leading the pick ups (house).
Where: Avenida Chedid Jafet, 131 — Vila Olímpia
When: December 25th at 0h30am.
Phone: (11) 3044-6181
How much: R$ 100 women and R$ 250 men.

The Week
What's up: DJ João Neto, Renato Cecin and Paulo Pacheco on the pick ups.
Where: Rua Guaicurus, 324 — Lapa
When: December 25th at 1am.
Phone: (11) 3868-9944
How much: (in advance) R$ 45 men and R$ 65 women.

Vegas
What's up: Rock and electronic Christmas by DJ Teko, Thiago Salvioni, Pil Marques, Rodrigo Moretti, Julião, Nilsão, Carol e Isadora.
Where: Rua Augusta, 765 — Consolação
When: December 25th at 1am.
Phone: (11) 3231-3705
How much: R$ 35

Asia 70
What's up: Open Bar party including Vodka, Japanese Sake, Whisk and Beer. Dj Ronaldo Gasparian (house and flashbacks) and VJ Fukuda.
Where: Praça Procópio Ferreira — Brooklin.
When: December 25th at 1h30am.
Phone: (11) 5506-4903.
How much: R$ 90 women and R$ 180 men.

Tour of Sao Paulo by an Helicopter!

Getting around the city of Sao Paulo by helicopter is a privilege but it now getting increasingly accessible thanks to the company Helimarte Panoramic Flight. The tour lasts 30 minutes and you can choose between three options of aircraft: the R44, for three passengers, Jet Ranger, for four people and Esquilo (Squirrel) for groups of up to 5 people. The time is enough to know more than 10 districts and more than 20 city sights, like the Anhembi, the Sambadrome, Parque da Luz, Luz Station, Mercadão, Praça da Se, Prefeitura (City Council), Viaduto do Cha, Teatro Municipal, Edificio Italia, Copan, Praça da Republica, Praça Roosevelt, Liberdade, Avenida Paulista, MASP, Trianon, Higienópolis, Pacaembu Stadium, Ibirapuera, Congonhas Airport. Payment can be divided into 3 times, for people who have some fear of flying, the company will show you the maintenance of the aircrafts, which are performed by approved company and supervised by ANAC (National Agency of Civil Aviation).

Service
Where: Passeio de Helicoptero, Avenida Santos Dumon 1979, Santana — São Paulo
How much: from R$ 900 to R$ 1500
Phone: 11- 2221 3200
Website: http://www.helimarte.com.br/

Bus Fare rises to R$ 2.70 in January 2010

The increasing of 17.4% was calculated based on the inflation, according to the Mayor Gilberto Kassab.

The Mayor Gilberto Kassab has confirmed yesterday that the bus fare in the city will rise to R$ 2.70 next January 4th. Since November2006, the fare has been R$ 2.30. The increase hits 17.4% and according to the Mayor Kassab, the adjustment is equivalent to the inflation over the past 3 years.

During his political campaign of 2008, when he was trying to be reelected, Kassab promised that would not increase the fare in 2009. To fulfill his promise, the city spent about R$ 776 million to subsidize the fare on 2009.

Integration Ticket
The state government intends to implement in the second half of 2010 an Integration Ticket . The card will include the actual "Bilhete Único" (Single Ticket) - valid for bus, subway and CPTM on the capital - and will also be accepted by the intercity bus EMTU.

Project of art, inspired by a Russian style, brings the best of some Brazilian artists. Check it out

Kit de Matrioskas "Sangue de Peixe" (R$ 900)

  

Since early December, the public could get close to the variety of features, colors and techniques of some of the most important Brazilian illustrators working in the advertising and editorial segment. Called Magioska, the exhibition shows some illustrations and objects inspired by Matrioshkas (traditional Russian dolls).

This is the first exhibition with the participation of artists from the online gallery Magenta, created and ruled by the artist Fernanda Guedes. The intention of the Magenta is to promote the work of a select group of representatives of the contemporary art scenery, all with a different style, such as: Fernanda Guedes, Hiro Kawahara, Carlo Giovani, Leo Gibran, Samuel Casal, Zé Otávio e Fernando Chamarelli.

On the exhibition it's possible to buy original art works, prints, serigraphs, digital prints, Giclees and a mix of products with options for all pockets.

Service
Where: Livraria POP, Rua Dr. Virgílio de Carvalho Pinto, 297 — Pinheiros — São Paulo
When: Monday to Friday, from 11am till 8pm; Saturday, from 11am till 6pm. Ends on January 9th.
Website: www.galeriamagenta.com.br/loja/ (there is an English version).

Esquina do Espeto is perfect for Cachaça and BBQ

The specialty of the Esquina do Espeto (Stick's Corner) is the Brazilian specialty: Churrasco. Espeto means few pieces of meat stuck in a stick. This restaurant offers about 50 different options for the visitors. It ranges from all sort of meat, cheese and sea food.

The advice is the espeto called Espetinho de Costela com Tempero Agridoce (Boneless rib roast on the grill mounted on skewers). The place is pretty relax and public seeks for beer and also an authentic Cachaça. Esquina do Espeto offers about 40 different brands. Try out!

Service
Where: Esquina do Espeto, R. Bráz Cubas, 379 — Aclimação — São Paulo 
When: Monday to Friday, from 5pm till 1am. Saturday and holidays, from midday till midnight
Phone: (11) 5083-2986
How much: About R$ 30 per person.
Website: http://www.esquinadoespeto.com.br/

The Carnival Court of Sao Paulo introduces the King and the Queen for 2010

The Queen Déborah Caetano and the King, Marco Antonio Rodrigues. [photo: Raul Zito/G1]

The election of the royal court of the Carnaval Paulista 2010 already has its representatives. The election was held at the International Convention Hall of Anhembi on the evening of the last Friday (December 18th) and were elected: the King, the Queen and two Princesses to the real position.

The Rei Momo (name of the King of the Carnival) holds the position for the fifth time, Marco Antonio Rodrigues de Sales, 45, is a veteran on samba in São Paulo. He won the title in the years 2000, 2002, 2005, 2006 and now in 2010. With 1.91 meters and 172 kilograms, Rodrigues says that Carnival is "everything" to him. "Samba for me is religion and carnival, passion," he said.

The Queen of the next year was elected for the first time. Deborah Caetano Xavier, 23 is a student of journalism and won the title of Queen. Deborah says she did not expect to win the title. She representes the Samba School "Nene de Vila Matilde". Next year will be the first year that she will parade. Ten women applied for the post, but one finally gave up and just nine was on the great final.

With 1.74 meters and 67 kilograms, Deborah says that made a liposuction and put silicone breast in June, while was preparing for the carnival of 2010. During the weeks before the contest, she says that intensified workout and took care of the diet.

[source: G1]

Related link: Queen of the SP Carnival 2010 will be announced next weekend

The First Luxury Hotel of Sao Paulo closes its doors on Sunday, December 20th

The Hotel Ca'd'Oro, recently indicated by insidesaopaulo will close its doors for inability to remain profitable during last years.

Founded in 1956, the Hotel will be open only until the 20th of December. It's famous and classic restaurant closed yesterday December 18th. The reason for the closure was a long decline that the Rua Augusta's region (address of the Hotel) has crossed. Frequented by prostitutes and subject to urban violence during the last decades, the region of the 'baixo Augusta' (down Augusta) became synonymous of preconcept to the luxury hotel goers.

Over the past decades, new shopping areas, construction of flats and economic centers have been organized in other areas of the city and it took the Rua Augusta off the plot.

Currently the region has changed and become promising. Projects promising revitalization in the city center are already taking place and changing the whole region, as well as new investors have bet their chips on site. However, the first 5-star hotel of the city did not resist and will close completely.

Despite the news, Fabrízio Guzzoni (general manager and grandson of the Hotel founder) states that this is not the end of the project. He will go after new investors to reopen the doors again for the 2014 World Cup.

Related link: Grand Hotel Ca' d'Oro - the first five stars hotel of Sao Paulo

79 new taxi points will be delivered to the program of 30% discount during the night on weekends. Find out the closest to you!

The city council will deliver 79 new taxi points by the program "Táxi Amigão" (Taxi Buddy). It will be all permanent and work throughout the day starting before Christmas eve. Recently, 810 drivers (inscribed on the program) have participated in the raffle of ten places for each of these points. In total, already 119 points that have 30% discount on Fridays, Saturdays and holidays.

The Taxicabs subscribed on this program is marked with special sign and a green light.
Have a look on the list below, where there are few of them, and try to find the closest to you:

Vila Mariana
Rua Diogo de Faria, close to the nº 1201.
Rua Sena Madureira, close to the nº 1355.
Rua Dona Julia, close to the Metrô Vila Mariana.

Brooklin
Rua Cristóvão Pereira, close to the Rua Ibituruna.
Avenida Vereador José Diniz, close to the Rua Joaquim Nabuco.

Brooklin Novo
Rua Fernandes Moreira, between Ruas Fernandes Moreira and Joaquim de Andrade.
Rua Quintana, between Avenida Eng. Luis Carlos Berrini and Rua Sansão Alves dos Santos.


Moema
Rua Demóstenes, between Ruas Constantino de Sousa and Barão de Jaceguai.
Avenida Moaci, close to the nº 570.
Alameda dos Anapurus, close to the nº 1071.
Alameda dos Pamaris, close to the nº 42.
Rua Lavandisca, close to the nº 551.
Alameda dos Arapanés, close to the Avenida Sabiá.
Rua Capitão Guedes Portilho, close to the nº 80.


Mooca
Rua Aparaju, close to the Praça Visconde de Souza Fontes.
Rua Guaimbé, close to the Rua Madre de Deus.
Rua Juventus, close to the Rua Conde Prates.


Tatuapé
Rua Isidoro Tinoco, close to the Rua Tijuco Preto.
Rua Cantagalo, close to the Rua Coelho Lisboa.
Rua Serra de Bragança close to the Rua Serra do Japi.
Rua Itapura, close to the Rua Cantagalo.
Rua Coelho Lisboa, close to the Rua Euclide Pacheco.
Rua Platina, close to the Rua Tuiuti.
 
Freguesia do Ó
Largo da Matriz de Nossa Senhora do Ó, close to the Rua José de Siqueira.


Pinheiros
Rua Francisco Leitão, between Ruas Artur de Azevedo and Dos Pinheiros.
Rua Ferreira de Araújo, between Ruas Tucambira and Conde Silvio de A. Penteado.
Rua Dr. Virgílio de Carvalho Pinto, between Ruas Artur de Azevedo and dos Pinheiros.

Santana
Avenida Engenheiro Caetano Álvares corner to Rua Nabuco de Araújo.
Avenida Engenheiro Caetano Álvares corner to Rua Pelegrino.
Rua Brás Leme corner to Rua Eudoro Lemos de Oliveira.
Rua Salete corner to Avenida Brás Leme.
Avenida Santos Dumont corner to Av. Gil Guilherme.

Itaim Bibi
Rua Julio Diniz, close to the Rua Dr. Cardoso de Melo.
Rua Jesuíno Arruda, close to the Rua João Cachoeira.
Rua Campos Bicudo, between Ruas Amauri and Jerônimo da Veiga.
Rua Joaquim Floriano, close to the nº 533

Brás
Rua Prudente de Morais, close to the Rua Domingos Paiva.

Artur Alvim
Rua Dr. Campos Moura, close to the Metrô Artur Alvim.

Vila Guilherme
Avenida Luis Dumont Villares corner to Rua Padre José Rebouças.
Avenida Luis Dumont Villares corner to Rua Eduardo Espíndola Filho.
Avenida Luis Dumont Villares corner to Rua São Leôncio.

Barra Funda
Rua Prof. Wilfrides corner to Rua Auro Soares de Moura Andrade, close to the Metrô Barra Funda.

Centro
Rua Sete de Abril, close to the Metrô República.

Cerqueira César
Rua Itapeva, close to the Metrô Trianon-MASP.

Paraíso
Rua Dr. Eduardo Amaro, close to the Metrô Paraíso.

Bela Vista
Praça Dom Orione.

Consolação
Rua Fernando Albuquerque, close to the Rua Bela Cintra.

Jardins
Rua Haddock Lobo, between Ruas Antônio Carlos and Matias Aires.
Rua Barão de Capanema, close to the Rua Pe. João Manuel.
Alameda Itu, between Ruas Augusta and Pe. João Manuel.
Rua Dr. Melo Alves, close to the Alameda Lorena.
Rua Oscar Freire, between Ruas Peixoto Gomide and Ministro Rocha Azevedo.
Rua Bela Cintra, close to the Rua Oscar Freire.
Rua Haddock Lobo, between Alamedas Franca and Tietê.

Vila Madalena
Rua Fidalga corner to Rua Inácio Pereira da Rocha.
Rua Mourato Coelho corner to Rua Wisard.
Rua Mourato Coelho corner to Rua Aspicuelta.
Rua Fradique Coutinho corner to Rua Aspicuelta.
Rua Wisard corner to Rua Harmonia.

Related links: 
The City Council released a voluntary campaing offering 30% discount on taxi fare during the weekend
Taxi Cab discount on weekend starts this Friday (December 4th) and already have 600 cars subscribed

This year, the Samba School Rosas de Ouro has two more warming up for the Carnival 2010. Don't miss it!

 Recording Video Clip at Globo Channel for the Carnival 2010

The Samba School Rosas de Ouro is organizing warming ups every weekend to keep the Samba on the foot's tip and full of swing. "Cacau é show!" (check it out on the video bellow) is the their theme for the next year and the auditions on the School's headquarter is the stage for the presentation.

It's possible to get in and be part of the auditions 'Ensaio de Escola de Samba' as it's called, inside the Samba School. The last presentations on this year will be on December 18th (Friday) and December 23th (Wednesday). The entrance costs R$ 10 and can only be purchased at the front office. Don't buy it on anywhere else.

Basically, the Samba School open it's doors at 8h30pm and they start to play at 10pm. They play the song of 2010 School's theme and everyone inside can dance and sing all together. It's also possible to have BBQ and beers for all night long. It's a really huge party, full of local people, tourists and overseas. It's definitely a worth visit.

Service
Where: Rosas de Ouro, Rua Coronel Euclides Machado, 1066 — Limão — São Paulo
Phone: (11) 3931-4555
Website: www.sociedaderosasdeouro.com.br/

Easy and fast slice of Pizza on Rua Augusta

Sao Paulo is famous for its pizzerias and Italian restaurants but in case you are in a hurry and hungry for a fast slice, we have an option for you. This is very common in Italy, bakeries selling slices of pizza of different flavors, the one in Sao Paulo is called Pedaço de Pizza (A piece of Pizza) and it is mixing the Italian tradition with the Brazilian taste in many options, including sweet slices too. The location is as always one of our favorites since it is located in the Rua Augusta.

Service  
Where:  O Pedaço de Pizza, Rua Augusta 2931 — São Paulo
How much: About R$ 5 per slice.
Website: http://www.opedacodapizza.com.br/

Brazilian survey elects Sao Paulo as best Capital City to receive tourists

A research organized by the Ministry of Tourism and the FGV (Getulio Vargas Foundation) shows that Sao Paulo is the best capital city to receive tourists in Brazil.

The survey observed 13 issues, such as: infrastructure, social, cultural and environmental policies and tourist attractions, etc.

Altogether, between July and September 2008, 65 cities were evaluated, of which 38 are not capital cities. The best result of all was Foz do Iguacu, Parana.

In the case of Sao Paulo, the city won on the other capital cities thanks to four items: services and tourist facilities, economy, entrepreneurship and easy access.

The first item includes tourist signs, event spaces, restaurants and hotel capacity. The second evaluates aspects such as the ease of doing business.

If on one side the entrepreneurship markers consider factors such as the presence of large companies, on the side of access the ease to get in and out of the city is evaluated as an important topic.

Last days of the Little Prince at Ibirapuera Park

For those who love the Little Prince, there the opportunity to visit a special exposition set in the Oca, in the Ibirapuera Park. The aim of the organizers is to provide family leisure, contemplation, reflection and especially the message of love for the environment, through ethical, ecological and social work contained in The Little Prince. Saint-Exupéry was a man of action, and also a visionary writer, who already argued in the 1930s and 40s, the themes of sustainability and biodiversity.

The Little Prince exposition will give visitors the opportunity to discover the beauty of the world and will be a transforming and positive experience, showing that we can enjoy ourselves, consume and move in a conscious manner, without losing the respect for people and the planet. Very interesting, not to miss but hurry up, it will be in Sao Paulo just untill December the 20th!

Service
Where: Oca, Avenida Pedro Alvares Cabral — Parque do Ibirapuera — São Paulo
When: Every day untill December the 20th
How much: R$ 18 and R$ 9 (students)

ZZ Top has finally scheduled Concerts in South America. Two of them will be in Sao Paulo!

ZZ Top, that would have come to Brazil in December, has finally defined their first visit to the country and also South America. They have actually announced three confirmed shows. It will be in May; two of them in Sao Paulo (at Via Funchal), on 20th and 21st and other one in Santiago (Chile). It's already scheduled on the Band's official website. The leader, Billy Gibbons, says on the website that he will adapt the lyric of one song for these concerts during this tour: "We've been singing a song called 'I'm Bad, I'm Nationwide' for quite a few years. We might have to adjust the lyrics to reflect the larger world view that these upcoming dates in Chile and Brazil reflect."

Related link: ZZ Top will have a Concert in Brasil on December

Queen of the SP Carnival 2010 will be announced next weekend

Find out about the candidates running for the title of Queen of the São Paulo Carnival.
Beauty, warmth and a lot of samba in the foot. These are some of the requirements that the ten candidates for the Queen of the Sao Paulo Carnival 2010 must have to achieve the qualifications to the post. Some of the girls are preparing themselves since the beginning of the year for the contest, which takes place next Friday (December 18th), during an event at Anhembi.

Below is the list of competitors:
1 - Beatriz Santos da Costa, 25 years old (Águia de Ouro)
2 - Cinthia Viana dos Anjos, 25 years old (Unidos do Peruche)
3 - Dayane Macedo, 24 years old (Morro da Casa Verde)
4 - Deborah Xavier Caetano, 23 years old (Nenê de Vila Matilde)
5 - Elena Aparecida Gomes Francisco, 20 years old (Dragões da Real)
6 - Gabriela Celine da Silva, 23 years old (X-9 Paulistana)
7 - Gabriela Viana dos Santos, 24 years old (Acadêmicos do Tucuruvi)
8 - Sheila Cristiane da Silva, 30 years old (Gaviões da Fiel)
9 - Valéria de Paula, 28 years old (Ateliê Benassi)
10 - Vanessa Dias da Silva, 24 years old (Camisa Verde e Branco)

Exhibition about Ernesto Neto brings huge and very creative art structures to Sao Paulo

Our Mist into the Mith, 2008 is exposed in Sao Paulo and have already been in London

At the forefront of the great Brazilian artists working nowadays, composed by Cildo Meirelles, Adriana Varejão, Vik Muniz and Beatriz Milhazes, the Carioca Ernesto Neto rocks! First of all, by his research, and then by his ability to work with hard and heavy materials in a smooth way by fitting it in a perfect solution. Ernesto is inspired by the Brazilian "neo-concrete" movement and at the Galpão Fortes Vilaça, a giant sculpture in stainless steel (photo) is his proposal of challenging gravity's principles. Come to see it!

[jp siqueira by B-Coolt]

Service
Where: Galpão Fortes Vilaça, Rua James Holland, 71 — Barra Funda — São Paulo
When: Tuesday to Friday, from 10am till 7pm; Saturday, from 10am till 5pm. The exhibition ends on February 2nd.
How much: For free
Website: www.fortesvilaca.com.br

Sao Paulo Indy Race 2010 will be at Sambodromo and Marginal do Tiete on March 2010. Have a look on the map!

The Marginal Tiete should be the venue for the opening race of the Indy 2010. The race in Sao Paulo is scheduled for March 14th. The Indy Racing League and the Municipality of Sao Paulo decided that the runway will be 3.7 kilometers, passing through sambódromo Anhembi, by avenida Olavo Fontoura and the Marginal Tietê. The main straight is the track located at Marginal Tietê.

The region will need to go through works to receive the race. In addition to reinforcing the asphalt, the city will have to build chicanes on the track. There are no anticipated costs to turn the site into a street circuit, but the budget should receive an extra investment to build mechanisms to prevent rain interference in the race. The venue for the Formula Indy track was flooded with heavy rains last Tuesday (December 8th) and brought chaos to the city. The period of March usually receive heavy rains every year.

Map made for the Sao Paulo race track Indy 2010 [art: andré marcondes]

Related link: Indy Racing League open 2010 season in Sao Paulo

The Soccer Museum of Sao Paulo is hosting a temporary exhibition that features 51 photos taken in 24 countries

Children playing football before the Women's World Cup Game in China (2007), at Wuhan Sports Center. [photo: feng li/getty images]

The Museu do Futebol (Soccer Museum) is hosting a temporary exhibition titled “Ora, Bolas! O Futebol pelo Mundo” ("Oh, Damn! Soccer in the World") that features 51 photos taken in 24 countries (5 continents plus Antarctica) and they all show that even the most beautiful landscapes in the world can turn into a football field at the feet of any football lover. Among the landscapes, is possible to find: Pamplona Square (Spain), Chinese Great Wall; neighborhood of Soweto in Johannesburg (South Africa), the Galapagos Islands (Pacific Ocean), and many others.

All the Nations of these photos represent about 2.2 billion people nowadays. On the soccer field everyone speaks the same language. It is the language of the sport, of the dance, swings and desire for score. Everything together, connecting different people around the world.

Somali refugee camp in Djibouti (2008)

Among the pictures, 37 images were made by Caio Vilela and 14 are from the collection of the Getty Images Brazil. The exhibition also features 2 videos and an animation. There is also a special soundtrack prepared for the exhibition, written by Renato Lemos, where native children from 9 different countries sing various expressions used in their countries during a soccer game. The artist Regina Silveira exposes one of her pieces together with 11 official balls used in World Cups Games from 1970 to 2010.

Service
Where: Museu do Futebol
When: December 5th to 2010, March 14th, from 10am till 5pm.
How much: R$ 6 and R$ 3 for students and retired people. For free every Thursday.
Website: http://www.museudofutebol.org.br/

Metallica announces extra concert in São Paulo on January 31st

The huge demand for tickets to the Metallica Concert at Morumbi Stadium on January 30th brought the idea of open another day on the agenda. Metallica will now play also on January 31st. The tickets sales are scheduled to start next Monday (December 14th). The prices will range from R$ 150 to R$ 500 at http://www.ticketmaster.com.br/

Related links:
Metallica: show in Sao Paulo on 2010
Today begins the sale of tickets for Metallica concert

Sao Paulo receives a photo exhibition that celebrates 75 years of Brigitte Bardot

This is one of photos available on the exhibition

The exhibition of Brigitte Bardot, presented in other countries to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the French actress (September 28th) arrives in Sao Paulo. The exhibition was opened yesterday (December 9th) at galeria Lourdina Jean Rabieh and is totally free of charge.

Scheduled until December 23rd, the exhibition brings 15 photos of the diva made in the 1960s by an Italian photographer called Marcello Geppetti, one of the first names associated with the term paparazzo. The images are for sale, with prices ranging from R$ 8 to R$ 14 thousand each.

The second half of the 1950s to the early 1970s, Brigitte was the major symbol of sensuality in the film industry. She first came up with the film "Et Dieu... créa la femme" (1956), and got married with the director Roger Vadim. Also movie star of filmmakers like Jean-Luc Godard and Jean Louis Malle, nowadays Brigitte is now engaged to the fight against the mistreatment of animals.

Service
Where: Galeria Lourdinas Rabieh, Al Gabriel Monteiro da Silva, 147.
When: December 9th to 23rd.
Phone: 3062-7173

Jacaré Grill is a perfect bar for flirting

Jacaré Grill is a bar/restaurant that is addressed on two different buildings divided by a street. For this reason, it seems like a big party every weekend, when the place gets crowed of people. The reason Brazilians flock over there, particularly on weekend afternoons, is to see and be seen, flirt, talk, and meet friends. One of the best Jacaré's features is the Caipirinha. On their website there is a video showing the preparation and it is something to try. That is the right place to have an authentic Brazilian most known drink. Among the Cachaças, I wold suggest a shot of "Espírito de Minas" or "Ypióca Ouro".

The variety of food included on the menu is quite big (there is an English version). The features are the curry empanadas, salads, grilled meats (that's why the name grill), chicken skewers with ginger and soya marinade, and pork tenderloins with a mango chutney. By the way, the advice is the 'petisco' called Rolê do Jacaré ("Picanha" of pork stuffed with cheese and baked in the coal with honey sauce). Definitely it's not a place for models or people under restricted diet!

Service  
Where: Jacaré Grill, R. Harmonia, 305/321 - Vila Madalena — São Paulo
When: Tuesday to Friday, from midday till 2am. Saturday, from midday till midnight and Sunday, from midday till 8pm.

Phone: (11) 3031-5586

How much: About R$ 30 per person.
Website: www.jacaregrill.com.br/

Tickets for the 2010 Sao Paulo Carnival will be available on November 14th

Sheila Melo dancing for the Academicos de Tucuruvi during Sao Paulo Carnival 2009 [photo: Patrasso]

Next December 14th is the day when will start the ticket selling for the São Paulo Carnival 2010. The novelty is that beyond the nine points of sale, there is also the possibility of buying via internet.

The ticket price for the bleachers ranges from R$ 45 and R$ 150. The VIP cabinet (25 people), which includes meal, costs R$ 37.800 (R$ 1.512 each).

The CDs and DVDs containing the Carnival 2010 Samba-theme of Sao Paulo Escolas de Samba (School of Samba is the way that qualified teams are called in Portuguese) will be released next Monday (December 14th).

Glenn Hughes, ex-Deep Purple and Black Sabbath, will be in Sao Paulo next week for two concerts

The British singer Glenn Hughes, who played in bands like Deep Purple, Black Sabbath and Trapeze is back to Brazil in December.

His first presentation in Sao Paulo is gonna be at the Rhino Pub on December 14th. Tickets bought in advance are 50% off. The Carioca Club receives Glenn Hughes in December 16th.

Glenn is in Sao Paulo to promote his CD called "First Underground Nuclear Kitchen".

Hughes recorded the albuns "Burn" and "Stormbringer" with Deep Purple during 70s. In the following decade, he participated in the album The "Seventh Star" of Black Sabbath.

Service
Where: Rhino Pub
When: December 14th.
Website: http://www.rhinopub.com.br/

Where: Carioca Club, Cardeal Arcoverde, 2899 - Pinheiros - São Paulo
When: December 16th
Website: http://www.cariocaclub.com.br/

MyNY is perfect for a drink and a little bit of Jazz.

The Bar MyNY is among the range of destinations from Sao Paulo where is possible to enjoy a good drink and chat as much as you want. This is the "Speakeasy" concept imported from New York by members of the bar. The cool décor — brick wall, photographs, leather sofas — sets a noir atmosphere, and indirect lighting helps set the tone of the conversation.

From Thursday to Sunday, the MyNY Jazz Trio delivers a wonderful swing to the visitors, followed by a DJ who compiles Jazz, Bossa Nova and MPB. The uncomfortable issue is the price: too high for a drink!

[jp siqueira lopes by B-Coolt]

Service
Where: MyNY, Rua Pedroso Alvarenga, 1.285 — Itaim — São Paulo
When: Monday and Tuesday, from 6pm till 2am; Wednesday and Thursday, from 6pm till 3am; Friday and Saturday, from 6m till 4am.
Phone: (11) 3071-1166
How much: The drink's prices are average R$ 20.
Website: www.mynybar.com.br/

Akon will be in Sao Paulo next year for a Concert at Via Funchal (January 26th)

The American singer has a Concert next year in Sao Paulo on January 26th at Via Funchal, phone: (11) 2144-5444. The price of the ticket ranges from R$ 170 to R$ 300. On January 28th, Akon will be in Rio at Vivo Rio, phone: (21) 4003-1212. The price of the ticket ranges from R$ 190 to R$ 380.

Akon is back to promote the CD titled 'Freedom' and also sings at the Summer Festival in Salvador.

Santa Claus will be arriving on Vila Madalena Suburb this Sunday

The 8th Noel na Vila (Santa Claus in the Village [Vila Madalena]) will take to the streets of Vila Madalena, on Sunday, a handcraft fair and attractions such as Christmas choirs and a special program for children. Even Santa Claus will arrive over there. Santa Claus in the Village will be available on the corner of Rua Wisard and Rua Fradique Coutinho, from 8am to 7pm.

Several Christmas events are scheduled for this weekend. One of those aims to get in on Guinness Book

Christmas Tree in front of Ibirapuera Park [photos: Thiago Fenolio/ Futura Press]

 

The scheduled events include premiere of the Christmas illuminations of the Ponte Estaiada (Cable-Stayed Bridge) and the main streets; Ibirapuera tree will be lit on Sunday (December 6th).

Starting today (December 4th), São Paulo will receive decorations on the main sights of the city to get into the Christmas mood. Among the highlights is the the Ponte Estaiada on the south region, which at night turns into a huge 'pine tree', up to a hundred meters high. The effect will be obtained by 35 thousand points of light. Tomorrow (December 5th), several routes will receive decoration. The Radial Leste will receive 1.5 thousand bright comets.

On Sunday (December 6th), the Ibirapuera's Christmas Tree will be lit, at 7pm. Reaching 75 meters, the structure is five meters higher than last year. There will be 15 minutes of fireworks on the event and a popular choir that will count with everyone present at that moment. The main goal is to enter the Guinness Book as the world's largest.

Also on Sunday, 38 poles on the Avenida Paulista will be lit helped by an allusive decoration party.

Tomorrow (Saturday), night rides will be set by buses driving tourists to the main attractions. Tickets can be purchased at the Tourist Information Center, on Avenida São João, 473.

Check out the program and organize yourself to be part of it:

December 4th
7h30pm: Coral in the lobby of the Hospital São Paulo, Avenida Paulista, 200
8pm: Inaugurating of the Ponte Estaiada (Cable-Stayed Bridge) decoration

December 5th
Nightfall: Inaugurating of the Vale do Anhangabaú decorations, on the Center
8pm: Opening of the tree floating tree at the Represa Guarapiranga (Guarapiranga's dam) — A bit far from the metropolitan region...
8h30pm: Christmas exhibitions at the Ipiranga Museum (from Thursday to Sunday)

December 6th
7pm: Lighting the Christmas tree in Ibirapuera Park, including fireworks
Nightfall: Premiere of the decorations of 38 posts in Paulista Avenue, which includes 3 giant Santa Claus and seven elves.

[source: destak]

Hot Hot is the best advice for those looking for a dance floor in Sao Paulo

At the entrance, a 20 meters tunnel separates the real world (the one where you are coming from), to the Hot Hot mood. A charming building abandoned two decades ago in the center of Sao Paulo, this night, inspires the new sensation of the city. Upstairs is the lounge, a large bar and bathrooms. A 70's style inspires the lounge, where a smooth sound invites to the warming-up.

At the underground, a spacious dance floor equipped with colored LEDs and a powerful sound system will not let anyone lack on enthusiasm. This night club is the right place for the I-feel-like-dancing people.

Service
Where: Hot Hot, Rua Santo Antônio, 570 — Bela Vista — São Paulo
When: Check out the program browsing the website link down here.
Phone: (11) 2985-8685
How much: The price ranges from R$ 20 to R$ 60, depending on where and when you buy. At the door is always more expensive.
Website: www.hothotsite.com.br/

Festival introduces delicious dishes from Thailand in Sao Paulo

Until next Sunday (November 6th) the Obá Restaurant brings typical smells, colors and flavors of the Thai Cuisine. The festival Kid Teung Muang Baht (missing in Thailand, in local language) is the traditional at Obá Restaurant and its current issue is open since August 26.

There are a wide variety of salads, snacks, sweets, baked and grilled dishes on the menu of the festival, prepared by Chef Hugo Delgado. The novelties are in some recipes using Noodles.

The new recipes
The Noodles are used in salad (R$ 24 if you prefer as appetizer and R$ 34 as main dish), and also used on the:

• Mee Krob (thin rice noodles with typical sweet and sour sauce, pork and shrimp, R$ 38); 
• Nar Gai Raat (rice noodles with chicken, broccoli and sauce consistent, R$ 35); 
• Kao Soi Neua Soup (Chiang Mai Curry soup of egg noodles with meat and coconut cream, R$ 36).

Besides the new recipes, the menu has other options, among them the traditional Pah Baht (fried rice noodles with shrimp, tofu and peanuts, R$ 37,50). For dessert, golden banana with coconut ice cream, rice pudding and sago pudding of tapioca.

Service  
Where: Obá Retaurant, Rua Dr. Melo Alves, 205 — Jardins — São Paulo 
When: November 26th to December 6th, for lunch and dinner. 
Phone: (11) 3086-4774 
How Much: about R$ 45 per person. 
Website: www.obarestaurante.com.br/

The Ibirapuera's Christmas decoration is getting ready

The 10 meters Star of the Ibirapuera's Christmas Tree was already installed. The tree, which is 75 meters high and 1 million micro bulbs, will be inaugurated this Sunday (November 6th) at 7pm.

Further the Tree, the Fountain inside the Park already had its first presentation last Tuesday night. Other decorated trees around the park were also lit. There are about 1.5 million lights adorning 220 trees.

[photo: luisa santosa]