DOM PÉRIGNON SIDE BY SIDE

The “Side by Side” limited edition is a first in the history of wine: two bottles of the same vintage of Dom Pérignon, with two different levels of maturation. Never before has it been possible to discover and compare two moments in the life of one remarkable wine, side by side. Dom Pérignon Vintage 1996 was aged for seven years in the cellars and was disgorged in 2003, when the wine entered its first plenitude and the Dom Pérignon style had been reached.

Dom Pérignon Oenothèque 1996 was aged for thirteen years in the Dom Pérignon Oenothèque cellars, until the vintage acquired its optimal intensity and complexity. This second life entitled the wine to be re-released in 2009 as Dom Pérignon Oenothèque. Two hundred “Side by Side” editions have been created for the pleasure of collectors. This invitation to enjoy a new experience offers an unforgettable introduction to the parallel lives of a single wine and for the first time, a side by side tasting reveals their differences.

DOM PÉRIGNON TRIBUTE TO ANDY WARHOL

This exclusive bottle is a tribute to Andy Warhol by Dom Pérignon. Inspired by Warhol’s unconventional representation of icons, and the playful use of codes and color in his work, Dom Pérignon commissioned the Design Laboratory at Central Saint Martins School of Art & Design to reinterpret its timeless bottle. Each bottle is packed in a colorful sleeve, displaying the blue, yellow, and pink colors that adorn the Limited Edition Dom Pérignon metallic labels. Available in Vintage 2002 with each color sold separately in its individual gift box.

To quote Andy Warhol:

“Went to the gallery where they were having a little exhibition of the glittery shoes, and had to do interviews and pics for the German newspaper and then we had to go back to the hotel and be picked up by the “2,000” people – it’s a club of twenty guys who got together and they’re going to buy 2,000 bottles of Dom Pérignon which they will put in a sealed room until the year 2000 and then open it up and drink it and so the running joke is who will be around and who won’t…”

DOM PÉRIGNON VINTAGE 2002 TRANSPARENT GIFT BOX WITH TWO FLUTES

This sleek holiday package with an alluring transparent cover containing the iconic Dom Pérignon signature and shield has been created to enhance the Dom Pérignon experience. The eye catching and revealing design gives maximum visibility to the contents: one 750 ml. bottle of Dom Pérignon Vintage 2002 and two crystal champagne flutes which have been specially designed to allow the taster to fully enjoy its unique flavor.

KRUG HAT BOX

This beautiful hat-shaped box boasts a textured exterior with the Krug logo emblazoned in gold. Inside, the keepsake box is a dark purple with gold Krug branding and a choice of either two bottles of Krug Grand Cuvée in gift boxes or three bottles without gift boxes.

MOËT CHILL BOX

The Moët Chill Box is an elegant gold metallic piece that transforms itself into an isothermal bucket. The reusable chiller keeps a 750 ml. bottle of Moët Champagne chilled at an ideal drinking temperature for two hours.

VEUVE CLICQUOT “LE FRIDGE”

Inspired by the iconic SMEG™ refrigerator, “Le Fridge” is a stylish and retro-design tribute to Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label. A sleek fridge-like pack is made of durable and glossy plastic and is engraved with the Veuve Clicquot logo on the front. A side button opens the fridge to reveal a bottle holder inside.This highly functional and reusable gift keeps Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label cold for up to two hours.

RUINART: THE GOLDEN THREAD

In 1855 the use of twisted iron wire was introduced in Champagne, preceding the cork cage that would be perfected thirty years later. In 2010 Ruinart, founded in 1729 and the oldest of all Champagne houses, asked Patricia Urquiola to create a gold cork for the 2010 edition of the “Collection Prestige”, to transform each bottle of Ruinart Blanc de Blancs into an art object.

Drawing her inspiration from the time-honored cork-wiring technique, the Golden Thread spread their delicate arcs and curves over the entire neck of the bottle, creating a shining web that inspires admiration even before the bottle is opened. Comes beautifully packaged in a gold gift box with the Golden Thread motif.

GLENMORANGIE DISCOVERY PACK

The perfect introduction to single malts, this elegantly designed gift box is emblazoned with the gold and black Glenmorangie label, contains a magnetic door that opens to reveal a treasure trove from this renown Highlands distillery. One 750 ml. bottle of The Original, is flanked by three 50 ml. bottles of the 12 Year Old Extra Matured Range – Lasanta (Sherry finish), Quinta Ruben (Port finish), and Nectar d’Or (Sauternes finish). Easy to read product information is printed on the back of the door, providing pertinent information on all four single malts from Glenmorangie.

GLENMORANGIE EXTREMELY RARE (18 YEARS OLD)

In a spectacular gift box, Glenmorangie Extremely Rare (18 Years Old) is the perfect gifting for the most discerning of consumers who are ready to experience the finest in single malt Scotch whiskey. If perfection on the pallet exists, this may well be it.

GLENMORANGIE QUARTER CENTURY (25 YEARS OLD)

Only 600 bottles are available of this highly collectible and desirable single malt. Spectacularly presented in its own hand crafted lacquer display box, this gift is sure to make a statement. Perfect for that most discerning person on your holiday shopping list.

HENNESSY BEAUTÉ DU SIÈCLE

Hennessy Beauté du Siècle “Chest of Secrets” was created by renowned French artist Jean-Michel Othoniel. The chest is made of melted aluminum and mirrored glass created by master glass workers from the Verrerie de Saint-Just. The top of the chest is adorned with two amber-colored Murano glass knobs and opens with a key decorated with the Hennessy star. A concealed button activates a mechanism to reveal an extremely rare bottle of Hennessy set in gilded bronze lattice and surrounded by four unique cognac glasses, each adorned with gold leaf.

Hidden within the chest is the Beauté du Siècle book from the Talbot Collection, a treasure trove of portraits and fashion photographs from the 1900s featuring original images from this glamorous era. Each chest comes with one selected original print from the collection. The cognac is an exceptional blend of the 100 greatest eaux-de-vie of the past century, selected by Yann Follioux, Master Blender of the Hennessy family. Never intended to be sold, this 31 blend combines full-bodied and balanced eaux-de-vie resulting in a cognac of extraordinary range and nuance.

RICHARD HENNESSY THE MASTERPIECE

Named in honor of the founder of the House of Hennessy, Richard Hennessy is aged up to 200 years creating a masterpiece of perfectly balanced complexity and subtlety. This extremely rare cognac represents the Hennessy excellence that has spanned several generations.

HENNESSY X.O GIFT BOX WITH GLASSES

In 1870, Maurice Hennessy, great grandson of Hennessy’s founder, had the feeling that modernity would become synonymous with rarity. A visionary, he later created X.O, Extra Old cognac, a blend of over 100 rare and matured eaux-de-vie of quality. This was the world’s first X.O cognac. Masculine and powerful, this original cognac releases a full-bodied peppery warmth, spiced cloves, and hints of old leather. This strength becomes a roundness on the palate, sweetened by delicious notes of vanilla, cinnamon, and candied fruit.

For 140 years, the secrets of its preparation have remained unchanged. The same family of master blenders still combines over 100 rare eaux-devie, selecting the most exceptional flavors to create Hennessy X.O, the House’s emblematic cognac. This handsome limited edition tasting box includes one 750 ml. bottle of Hennessy X.O and two beautifully crafted glasses.

HENNESSY V.S AND HENNESSY PRIVILÉGE V.S.O.P HOLIDAY BOX

What a perfect way to introduce a friend to the world of Hennessy Cognac. A 750 ml. bottle of Hennessy V.S is handsomely packaged with a 50 ml. bottle of Hennessy Privilége V.S.O.P to provide a sampling of the two most popular offerings of Hennessy Cognac. The Bras Arme, symbol of the House of Hennessy and the famous vine motif emblazoned in gold, make this a most memorable way of gifting Hennessy.

BELVEDERE LIMITED EDITION SILVER BOTTLE

Back by popular demand, Belvedere is excited to add the Limited Edition Belvedere Silver Bottle to its luxury vodka portfolio for the 2010 holiday season. Limited Edition Silver is Belvedere’s super premium vodka, only delivered in supremely sleek and festive bottle for a limited time. Reflecting the spirit of the season, limited Edition Belvedere Silver is ideal for a host/hostess gift or any holiday party.

Available through December only, the unique packaging is both chic and daring, and cleverly incorporates signature Belvedere branding set against a mirrored background for a modern look. The must-have accessory for the season’s holiday celebrations, Belvedere Silver’s refreshing design offers an exciting entertaining option. Available in 750 ml., 1L and 1.75L

10 CANE HOLIDAY GIFT BOX

This holiday season, give the experience of bottled relaxed sophistication with 10 Cane Rum’s elegant Holiday Gift Box. A one liter bottle of 10 Cane Rum can be found inside the pristine white lacquered box, gently nestled upon a mirrored interior and surrounded by luxurious felt cloth in the brand’s signature orange color. The perfect addition to any bar, 10 Cane’s Holiday Gift Box will have recipients taking pleasure in the best of Trinidad. 10 Cane Rum elevates any cocktail, as it is made with first press cane juice, never molasses, for a light, smooth and better taste. Mojitos, martinis, frozen drinks, cola or grapefruit juice improve dramatically with 10 Cane.

THE ARDBEG DOUBLE BARREL EXPERIENCE

Enjoy an exhilarating taste of Scottish Country life with the Ardbeg Double Barrel and accompanying trip to its origin, the beautiful, remote island of Islay where VIP treatment and a personal Ardbeg distillery tour awaits. This limited edition release of only 250 pieces contains two single cask bottlings of 1974 Ardbeg Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Ardbeg Double Barrel is exquisitely presented in a luxurious hand-made bespoke leather gun case. The “ultimate Islay single malt” is accompanied by eight solid silver drinking cups which have been hand crafted by Hamilton and Inches, renowned silversmiths in Edinburgh, Scotland. The case also contains a beautiful, engraved Omas pen which has been crafted from oak barrels. Ardbeg 1974 has an amazing depth of peat which has soaked into the oak, combined with sumptuous sweetness, enticing spices and laced with seductively fruity-floral notes. Each pair of casks selected for Ardbeg Double Barrel is a feast for the senses combining the full and complex spectrum of rich, seductive and deep flavors in perfect harmony.

The journey continues. Included with every purchase of an Ardbeg Double Barrel case* is an unforgettable VIP trip to Ardbeg’s birthplace. Guests will be whisked across the Atlantic Ocean and transported to the magical land of Islay for a two night stay. This will include an exclusive Ardbeg distillery tour and a private tasting with a member of the whisky creation team. This is one experience not to be missed!

GRAND MARNIER 150TH ANNIVERSARY GIFT SET WITH RIEDEL SNIFTERS

Just in time for the holiday season, the House of Grand Marnier has released the 150th Anniversary Gift Set, sure to entice the lover of fine liqueur. Created to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of Grand Marnier, this rare ultra-premium liqueur combines the essence of orange with cognacs from the most prestigious vine-growing area of Grande Champagne, aged up to 50 years. Packaged in a handsome easy-to-carry case is one 750 ml. bottle of the luxurious Grand Marnier 150th Anniversary Liqueur and two uniquely crafted custom designed Riedel snifter glasses made in Bavaria. An informative booklet filled with tasting notes and pairing suggestions rounds out this very special holiday gift set.

LIMITED EDITION BOTTLE “LA VIE GRAND MARNIER”

Grand Marnier is offering this year its ultra Limited Edition bottle “La Vie Grand Marnier” – only 500 units will be available in the US. The bottle’s silhouette is adorned with vivid red lacquer and its packaging brings to life Grand Marnier’s exciting new campaign, designer by famous illustrator Jordi Labanda of Barcelona, Spain. The Limited Edition Bottle will be on sale through select retailers in the US, in November and December 2010.

ODYSSEY ICON WINE CHEST

This stunning and mysterious black chest is the ideal gift for that special man or woman who appreciates the best that life has to offer. This extraordinary collection of wines – one bottle of each estate’s “icon” wine – is a wonderful opportunity to savor the flavors and discover the tastes of such famous wines as Cloudy Bay, Lapostolle Clos Apalta, Terrazas de Los Andes, Cheval des Andes, Newton, and Numanthia. Called the Odyssey project, the name symbolizes a journey of discovery; a journey which takes wine lovers to lands and places they may not know and may never have visited. Mystery, new taste sensations, and adventure await the lucky recipient of this gift.

From the elegant, smooth flavors of Lapostolle’s Clos Apalta, grown in a single vineyard from 100-year old vines in Chile, to the rich chocolate and dark fruit flavors of Numanthia produced in Spain’s most exciting wine region, Toro, to the high peaks of the Andes where Cheval des Andes and Terrazas de los Andes are born, to Napa Valley where we savor the beauty of Spring Mountain grapes at Newton and finally, to Cloudy Bay where a glass of extraordinary Sauvignon Blanc aged for three years before release awaits the wine lover. This is truly a most exciting tasting voyage.

This is the first clear spirit from the House of Rémy Martin and will be launched this September. Pronounced “Vee” (derived from the French word “Vie” for “life”), Rémy Martin V is also the first product of its kind in this category.

Rémy Martin V blends the savoir-faire, rich flavor and aroma of the House of Rémy Martin with the smoothness and mixability of the premium vodkas, tequilas and gins, but unlike vodka it has a subtle flavor and sophisticated aroma. It is fresh, smooth, clean and easy to drink with subtle hints of pear and nuances of fresh mint. While enjoyable on its own, Rémy Martin V is meant to be mixed—it blends perfectly with any traditional mixer or prepared as a cocktail.

Rémy Martin has partnered with renown NYC mixologist Charles Hardwick who has developed a series of cocktails with the new clear spirit: “The Belmondo,” “The Femme Fatale,” “The Victor,” and a fizz cocktail named “The Verve” (you can access recipes at www.facebook.com/RemyMartinV ). Additionally, exclusively designed Rémy Martin V bartender kits are being produced to include precision Japanese cocktail mixing tools in a sleek modern silver carrying case.

View more images after the jump

ABSOLUT vodka will launch a super premium version ABSOLUT 100 for Father’s Day (in São Paulo). Within the concepts of high quality, luxury and uniqueness, which permeate ABSOLUT 100. An avant-garde symbol of masculinity and adored by the most demanding. Therefore the professionals and brands listed meet the expectations of this consumer profile.  The vodka has selected three visionaries fashionistas to develop, together with the brand, unique and modern gifts for young and modern men. Only 50 kits per store will be produced and marketed, from the 20th of July. To boost the launch, during the three Saturdays leading up to the Father’s Day, ABSOLUT vodka will provide bartenders, that will develop cocktails in partner stores to welcome customers. The curators of the project are stylists Felipe and Ricardo Bruno.

Stone Bonker, brand of designer João Henrique Correia, designed two options of skinny black ties,in italian silk. One with the square end and one conventional. Each accessory will accompany the black bottle of ABSOLUT 100 in a custom box.The kits will be sold at the Stone Bonker store, in São Paulo.

A few weeks ago I was invited to see the Moët Hennessy Holiday 2010 Preview and one of the many additions to stand out was the tribute collection to Andy Warhol by Dom Pérignon.

A fan of the champagne himself, Warhol along with 20 friends purchased 2,000 bottles to be stored and enjoyed on the arrival of the new millennium. Unfortunately Warhol didn’t live to see that day and the location as to where these bottles are remains unknown.

Excerpt from Andy Warhol’s Diary:

“Went to the gallery where they were having a little exhibition of the glittery Shoes, and had to do interviews and pics for the German newspaper and then we had to go back to the hotel and be picked up by the “2,000” people – it’s a club of twenty guys who got together and they’re going to buy 2,000 bottles of Dom Pérignon which they will put in a sealed room until the year 2,000 and then open it up and drink it and so the running joke is who will be around and who won’t…”

Inspired by Warhol’s unconventional representation of icons, and the playful use of codes and colour in his work, Dom Pérignon commissioned the Design Laboratory at Central Saint Martin’s School of Art & Design to reinterpret its timeless bottle. The result is a unique collection of three bottles, each with its distinct label in red, blue or yellow, paying homage to Warhol’s iconic colour games.

These limited addition bottles will be available to the public starting October 15th at a suggested retail price of $150 and can be found at fine wine purveyors nationwide.

Hashi
5009 Broadway
NYC 10034
646-837-6888

Nestled in the heart of Inwood, Upper Manhattan’s historical playgrounds for literature greats such as Edgar Allan Poe arrives the sushi spot, Hashi that residents in Inwood sing praises for. Hashi, which means chopsticks in Japanese pleases every taste bud that you can detect with their genius blend of herbs in their appetizers. I suggest these that I had during my visit: Mixed Sunomono (Cucumber salad with shrimp, kani, octopus and furikake sweet vinegar dressing and vegetable gyoza with ponzu sauce. I know you’re licking your lips and I haven’t begun to describe the entrees, but first let’s talk about the ambiance.

Taking a modern and minimalistic approach to their design gives Hashi a welcoming presence to customers. Unlike several restaurants in Inwood, Hashi doesn’t keep you crammed in with other diners where you have to drown each other out so you can enjoy your conversation. There’s a eye catching chandelier over the bar which I was told was custom made and I would say it was money well spent despite not knowing the cost. The bathroom gives you a cozy dark feeling with a faucet design which I rather you see for yourself and not have me spoil the surprise for you. My favorite overall decor item is their titled motif of a females back with a symbolic dragon tattoo down her backside.

Now it’s time to visually stuff your mouth and fall in love. After coming from the beach that afternoon and just needed to get some liquids in my soul, me and my friends order a pitcher of Sangria which always hit the spot. The first of my two rolls was the Black Jack Roll (Shrimp Tempura, Smoked Salmon, Spicy Tuna, Asparagus, Avocado and Tobiko with Plum Sauce) then the Thai Spicy Roll (Shrimp Tempura, Pickled Radish, Cucumber, Peanut Sauce and Fresh Cilantro Topped with Chopped Roasted Peanuts and Thai Chili Sauce). Only sex and a pay-increase can sound as good as that just did.

To end the meal, we each had their mango sorbet with strawberries which put the table at complete silence as Hashi stole our hearts as Inwood’s new go-to sushi restaurant and bar.

Lately (and I mean over the last few years), alcohol brands have been collaborating often with artist giving them their own bottles and letting them go crazy with designs. This time Absolut Vodka called in for the help of Stephen Powers (ESPO) and Chiho Aoshima for a new campaign, “The Absolut Art of Sharing”. Each artist contributed two designs to a series of four unique drink pitchers. The set been released in various sizes, in a select group of global markets (1L in US, 700ml in Europe/New Zealand, & 750ml in Mexico). More information can be found here, at Absolut collector’s forum.

View the artist individual pieces and video after the jump

Via the art collectors

The Peppermill Restaurant & Fireside Lounge gives new meaning to that Las Vegas slogan we know all too well. In this town where the newest and most novel reigns supreme, there really isn’t much that has stayed in Las Vegas. Compared to Aureole’s flying sommeliers and the Encore’s Switch Steak where the decor changes several times during dinner, the Peppermill is a retro-sexy breath fresh air that’s much the same as it was when it opened over 30 years ago.

Getting to the Peppermill on foot from the spectacular and nearby Wynn is decidedly unsexy. Located on the Strip between the stalwart and shabby Riviera and the Stardust, it’s in a pretty grim neighborhood of seedy tattoo parlors, medical clinics and cheap variety stores. Plod on, nonetheless, and the Peppermill’s colorful, kicky neon looms large. Like a bright little Oz, it beckons you into the big parking lot and suddenly it’s 1979.

The Peppermill is a hybrid between a drive-in, coffee shop, diner and cheesy cocktail lounge. The décor hasn’t changed since Qiana shirts were king. Swirling, rounded ultra suede banquettes sport rings of royal blue, peacock and hot purple. Fake Tiffany lamps out of the Brady Bunch’s kitchen light every table. Big dried trees are underlit for even more dramatic effect. With their copious cleavage, the waitresses are sexy. They also couldn’t be friendlier. If you want a drink (Grasshopper? Singapore Sling?), summon the dedicated cocktail waitress in a long, black low cut dress. She ferries the candy colored drinks (with their umbrellas, fruit slices and swizzle sticks) from the Fireside Lounge out back.

The food at the Peppermill is oversized. It also happens to be really good. You’ll find favorites from yesteryear like The French Dip and the Reuben, plus big gooey hot fudge sundaes and giant pieces of pie. And for Vegas, the prices are really low. Open round the clock, the Peppermill is best between 2 and 5 AM when the dealers and showgirls stop in for pancakes, bacon and eggs before calling it a night — along with the hookers, tyrannies and other denizens of The Strip.

While the Coffee Shop has sex appeal, the Fireside Lounge is sexier. Apart from the restaurant, it’s  a world unto itself where it’s Boogie Nights every night. Bright pink conversation pits ring cauldrons of fire that look like chafing dishes for the world’s largest casseroles. Colored lights create an otherworldly glow as the Mai Tais and Harvey Wallbangers go down like buttah.

Next time you find yourself in Vegas, check out the Peppermill. It could only have happened it Vegas. And lucky for us, it stayed.

Peppermill Coffee Shop and Lounge,
2985 Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV
702 735-4177

Appearance is an important part of what makes food so appetizing, especially their bright vivid colors. Photographer and food stylist Linda Lundgren organized her food by color to create a series of photos that showcase some of the most common food hues. The series covers yellow, red, blue, purple and green displayed against a black backdrop. The photos not only contain foods that are a specific color but also food packaging. While we typically see foods organized by type or taste, seeing them in groups of colors gives a completely different perspective.

View more photos after the jump

Being my first time traveling to South America by way of LAN Airlines, the start of my journey was off to a good one that will live in my mansion of memories forever. LAN is the leading international airline that caters to the South America region and they sure do know how to make you feel comfortable and assure you that with each trip you fly to Latin America, it will be with LAN. Not only was it my first time to South America but flying there in Business Class added to one of the many reasons why LAN gets my vote. From the great hospitality of its staff, 3-course meals with the finest wine of South America, to their impressive 40-plus movie selections to keep you entertained during your flight. Business Class aren’t the only guests who receive the many perks, guests in Economy receive the same treatment… minus the recliner seats. In a matter of a workday schedule, you’ll arrive in one of South America’s most beautiful cities, Buenos Aires.

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Places to Stay

Moreno Hotel

Moreno 376 (C1091AAH)
Buenos Aires, Argentina

Cradled in the heart of San Telmo in Buenos Aires lays the Moreno Hotel. Formerly a printing house designed by Hungarian architect Johannes Kronfuss and now a contemporary hotel that still holds dearly onto their old school self pull elevator. With spacious rooms with high ceilings, king size beds with Egyptian cotton sheets, your nights rest will be one to charge your battery after a 10 hour flight. If you attend the Moreno with a lover, be sure to visit the “Sky Jacuzzi” private area on the terrace that allows guest to enjoy a traditional Argentine “asado” and a remarkable view of the city and near by buildings such as “Basilica de San Francisco”, the “Casa Rosada”, the “Plaza de Mayo” and the “Cabildo”.

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Posado Puerto Bemberg Hotel

Fundadores Bemberg (CP 3374)
Puerto Bemberg,
Libertad – Misiones – Argentina

If you make your way to the Atlantic Jungle in Igazu, there’s no other place to stay other than the Posado Puerto Bemberg. A 400-acre estate that belongs to the Bemberg family lays a part of a conservatory for 5000 native plants and trees, organic vegetables and fruit trees. Our Host, Emilio who lived three years without any electricity took us on a trail walk through the jungle to scenes of waterfalls for the perfect mediation sessions and native bird and animal watching. Back in the hotel, you’ll be amazed with their library of over 2,500 books all about South American and Argentinean culture, dine on mouth watering meals like Pacu fish with herbs such as I had. To end the night, walk down to La Cave, their wine cellar that holds over 1,500 bottles. Posado Puerto Bemberg is a perfect getaway from the city’s hustle and bustle that allows you to be one with Mother Nature.

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Faena Hotel

Martha Saltti 445 (C1107CMB)
Buenos Aires, Argentina

From the creative minds of Alan Faena and Philippe Stark is the Faena Hotel, which wears the crown when it comes to hotel design and amenities in Puerto Madero, Buenos Aires. Walking through the front door alone will give you a sense of something special to come but with each further step in the hotel, you become astounded by beauty. Each room gives you a taste of mid-century classical and modern furniture, fully mirrored bathroom and red velvet curtains. Equipped with home entertainment centers. Trust me when I say this, TV will be one of the last resorts of entertainment when staying at the Faena. Take a trip down to the spa and sauna, which will melt away all your troubles and stress. Faena turns into a full resort with tango shows, live band performances in their lounge, fully equipped gym, beauty salon and business centers.

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Palermitano Hotel

Uriarte 1648,
Palermo Soho
Buenos Aires, Argentina

Located in the heart of one of my favorite neighborhoods, Palermo Soho of Buenos Aires is the cozy luxurious boutique hotel, the Palermitanto. Only a few steps from everything that you will need, from fashion boutiques, more-than-you-can-count cafes and restaurants and one of my favorite things to look for when traveling, amazing street art. Palermitanto features sixteen stylish rooms for the creative and distinguished travelers. Adorned with modern European and contemporary designs, you’ll rarely have to use the overhead lights with the abundance of natural light. I measure hotels by their bathrooms and Palermitanto makes my list as one of the best for hotels I’ve stayed at.

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Places to Eat

Caseros

Avenida Caseros, 486
San Telmo, Buenos Aires

As soon as I reached Argentina, Caseros was the first place for me to eat and it was a start to many delicious meals to come. Located in the beautiful and quiet area of San Telmo filled with elegant architecture on tree-lined streets, Caseros makes you fell as though you’ve taken a short break from the city and can now enjoy a filling meal. As soon as you walk in, you can get a feel of the ambiance that you will be in for a treat. Starting off with the ceviche and plantain chips appetizer, with an explosion of flavor that will make your mouth salivate each time you think about it. For my entrée, I ordered the chicken stuffed with herbs and slightly grilled potatoes, with a glass of their limeonade, which turns out to be a sought out drink after noticing more than half the restaurant was indulging in it as well. Caseros had many items on their menu that I wanted to try and would definitely visit on my next trip to Buenos Aires. With decent prices for their appetizers and entrée starting from 19 pesos to 39 pesos, you can’t go wrong with Caseros.

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Isabel

1664 Uriarte
Palermo Soho, Buenos Aires

The second restaurant I dined at wasn’t exactly a restaurant but more of a tapas bar for the “cool”. The food is decent. As a seafood lover, I was glad to taste their grilled shrimp, sashimi, octopus and the other delicacies for carnivores. The décor of Isabel is one of their strong points. Their ceilings are designed with black tip light bulbs and fully mirrored bathrooms. If you need to take a cigarette break or get some alone time with the cute Argentinean you’ve been making eye contact with across the restaurant, take your drink and visit their marble courtyard with a fireplace.

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L´Abeille

Arroyo 872
Buenos Aires, Argentina

One of the first swankiest places we dined while in Argentina. L´Abeille is more than just a restaurant, you can come in with a few friends and have a few cocktails from hand-chosen ingredients imported from all over the world. If you ever make it there, be sure to try their Chiwi (Jack Daniel’s, soda, sugar, fresh mint and fruit pulp). L´Abeille also offers a selection of quality cold-dishes such as Uruguayan caviar, crepes, blinis and fresh oysters. The atmosphere and décor with ebony paneling and uniquely lit bar makes it a great place to have a drink and unwind for the evening. As long as you don’t mind the view of beautiful Argentinean socialites to business executives putting final details on mergers, enjoy the evening at L´Abeille.

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Nuss

El Salvador 4916 (C1414BPP)
Buenos Aires, Argentina

Nestled in the heart of my favorite neighborhood, Palermo Soho lays the Nuss Hotel. Once a Spanish-style convent, Nuss has transformed into a boutique hotel. After our city tour of Buenos Aires, it was time to fill our stomachs with more delicacies. We started with a traditional Caesar salad, and waited for our bacon wrapped steak with boiled potatoes. Cooked well and eased the stomach growling, it was time for dessert. Cheesecake with blueberries and raspberries and a chocolate ice cream to end your meal after you’ve just held a conversation with local kids about their favorite rap artist, 50 Cent.

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Gardiner

Av. Rafael Oligado 6211 esq. La Pampa
Buenos Aires, Argentina

Our last dinner during our stay was at Gardiner. Decorated with finesse with dim lights and filled with the who’s who of the Argentine social life, there was no disappointment in our menu selections. You can have the choice of dining indoor or outdoor but during our stay, which was their winter, indoor was the best and only choice. Like many of the restaurants in Argentina, you will find a huge Italian French and Spanish influence. Red wine is almost a necessity with any meal you have, my choices would be Malbec to provide that blend with my salmon with Yamani rice and shrimp. Others at the table partaked in Argentine steak that will be some of the best you’ve tasted. Gardiner is definitely a place to bring your spouse, friends and family and bask in the moment of the Argentine good life.

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And just like that, it all comes to an end.

Mayweather’s Drop Shot

¾ oz. 1800® Silver Tequila

¼ oz. Triple Sec

Rim shot glass with salt, add tequila and triple sec

Chase with a lime wedge

Margarito’s Master

1 oz. 1800® Silver Tequila

1 oz. light beer

1 oz. lemon-lime soda

1 oz. frozen limeade concentrate

Shake well until limeade dissolves completely, add ice and garnish with a lime wedge