Matueté Blog

(a) Brasil

10 de July de 2015

:: (a) Brasil | *Urban @en | Gastronomy @en | Hospitality @en | Top 5 @en

A fairly widespread trend in places like New York, Berlin and Buenos Aires, starts to gain popularity in some Brazilian cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo.

We’re talking about irreverent and exclusive dining experiences that happens in the most unusual places such as an art gallery, or a bookstore or even a terrace in Morro do Vidigal, (a pacified favela between Leblon and Ipanema, in Rio) for example. And the best part is that, sometimes, you just find out about the location, the chef and the menu at the minute you arrive!

Quite risky huh? But we guarantee it’s fun, spontaneous and a great way to get in touch with a new culture. 🙂

So, we selected a few options for curious and audacious travelers, willing to live a unique unforgettable experience. Check this out:

1. Clandestino

A townhouse in the iconic Beco do Batman, in Vila Madalena, São Paulo, is home to exclusive dinners conducted by chef Bel Coelho. The tasting menu is dedicated exclusively to Brazilian ingredients.

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2. Secret Dinner

The secret is the key for this project of chef Gustavo Rigueiral and journalist Larissa Januário. The location of the dinner is only revealed during the day, by e-mail and it could happen in a residential dining room, or a studio, or even in an outdoor garden at some city park. The menu is also a surprise, exclusively created for each edition, according to the climate and the availability of seasonal ingredients. All you have to do is pic a date, write an email to [email protected] and receive all the details.

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3. Casa do Araujo

The cozy house located in a charming village in the middle of Vila Mariana in São Paulo, is the residence of the musician Gustavo Araujo. 4 years ago, mostly on Friday nights, Araujo gets into his home and cooks for about 20 people. In one word: Delicious!

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4. Fechado para Jantar

The project led by renowned chef Raphael Despirite, organizes dinners in unusual places. The events have happened in bookstores, theaters, in Morro do Vidigal, in a kitchenware store, a public library… and is so sucessful that already won a cub, the Knock Knock, with a bar atmosphere.

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5. Casa da Tia Léa

The cook Lea Silva, or Aunt Leah, as it is known in the Vidigal community, receives since 2008 up to 20 people for lunch or dinner on the slab of her home during weekends. Besides the famous feijoada, the view from the top of Vidigal mountain makes the meal extra special.

leah

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1 de July de 2015

:: (a) Brasil | Culture & History @en | Top 5 @en

We believe that a powerful soundtrack is a lovely way to get in touch with the culture, soul and vibe of a place, and Brazil is a sanctuary of musical treasures! It’s almost impossible to visit our country and not get touched by the strenght of the rhythm around here.

To get familiar with our bossa, all you have to do is click the links below to get inspired by our 11 selected jewels of Brazilian music.

It’s almost like being here… almost!

1. Aquele abraço – Gilberto Gil

Aquele Abraço is a samba written by Brazilian singer Gilberto Gil during a period of cultural censorship in Brazil. The lyric celebrate neighborhoods, landmarks, samba schools and popular culture figures of Rio de Janeiro. A beautiful classic!

2. Descobridor dos 7 mares – Tim Maia

This lively song written by Brazilian soul man Tim Maia is a contagious tribute to some of our famous beaches. Groovy 🙂

3. Aquarela do Brasil – Ary Barroso

One of the most popular Brazilian songs written by composer Ary Barroso in 1939. Due to the huge popularity achieved in the United States, the song received an English version composed by Bob Russell to Frank Sinatra in 1957. Since then, it has been interpreted by singers from almost all parts of the world. A hit!

4. Filhos de Gandhi – Gilberto Gil

Newly arrived from London in 1972, Gilberto Gil spent the Carnival in Bahia and found his favourite Carnival block – “Gandhi’s Son” – reduced to only 40 or 50 people, which inspired this beautiful song. The theme was also responsible to encourage people and rekindling the movement.

5. País Tropical – Jorge Ben

Composed by one of samba-rock legends Mr. Jorge Ben in 1969, quickly the song became a huge success just in time for the atmosphere of jingoism that the military regime was using in its advertising in the country. It simply says that Brazil is a tropical country, blessed by God and beautiful by nature… and we cannot disagree. 🙂

6. Querelas do brasil – Elis Regina

First performed by Elis Regina in April 1978, the song is a reference to “Aquarela do Brasil” and to Brazil’s economic elite that was attacking the popular culture of the country with an Americanized culture which can be perceived by verses as “Brazil does not know Brazil”.

7. Sandálias de prata – Ary Barroso

Also written by master Ary Barroso, this song from 1942 is a simple and gentle portrait of our culture: happy and fearless.

*performed by João Gilberto

8. Sampa – Caetano Veloso

Caetano Veloso wrote this song in 1965 about his first time in Sao Paulo. The way his heart felt when he crossed famous avenues, landmarks and how quickly people take in the city’s reality. <3

9. Canta Brasil – Gal Costa

This samba is considered one of the country hymns composed by Alcyr Pires and interpreted by singer Gal Costa. Talks about miscegenation and exalts the beauty of national culture. 🙂

10. Aquarela Brasileira – Martinho da Vila

And we could not miss a Carnival theme on our list, right? Aquarela Brasileira (or Brazilian watercolor) was composed by singer Martinho da Villa and was the representative song for the Imperio Serrano samba school in 1964. So powerful!

 11. Brasis – Seu Jorge

A fresh vision composed by singer Seu Jorge that explains the existence of several different and contrasting Brazils.

 

 

 

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29 de June de 2015

:: (a) Brasil | *Beach @en | Art & Architecture @en | Culture & History @en | Top 5 @en

As it’s widely known, UNESCO aims to promote the identification, protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage, which are considered especially valuable for humanity. It’s a beautiful mission, that we truly admire!  Brazil has several natural and cultural treasures considered world’s patrimony by UNESCO  and we are super proud of that, so we’ve  decided to share some of them with you.

Which one would you like to visit first?

1. Brasília

Brasilia was a landmark in the history of town planning. Urban planner Lucio Costa and celebrated architect Oscar Niemeyer intended that every element should be in harmony with the city’s overall design. Not to mention the beautiful sunlight and natural landscape from cerrado (or brazilian savanna, as you wish), contrasting with the concrete.

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2. Historic Centre of Salvador de Bahia

Brazil’s first capital, Salvador witnessed the blending of European, African and Amerindian cultures and it was also the first slave market in the new world. The city has managed to preserve many outstanding Renaissance buildings and a remarkable feature of the old town are the brightly coloured houses.

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 3. Historic Centre of São Luís

This historic town has preserved the original street plan in its entirety. An exceptional number of fine historic buildings have survived, making this an outstanding example of an Iberian colonial town. And not too far from São Luis, there’s Lençois Maranhenses National Park which Unesco should seriously consider including as a natural patrimony. 🙂

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4. Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea

The site consists of an exceptional urban setting encompassing the key natural elements that have shaped and inspired the development of the city: from the highest points of the Tijuca National Park’s mountains down to the sea. Rio de Janeiro is also recognized for the artistic inspiration it has provided to musicians, landscapers and uurbanites.

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5. Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves

These reserves represent a large proportion of the island surface of the South Atlantic and their rich waters are extremely important for the aquatic environment. The islands are home to the largest concentration of tropical seabirds in the Western Atlantic. The portrait of paradise…

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6. Central Amazon Conservation Complex

The Central Amazon makes up the largest protected area in the Amazon Basin and is one of the planet’s richest regions in terms of biodiversity. The site protects key threatened species including the black caiman and two species of river dolphins. 🙂

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7. Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks

One of the World’s oldest and most diverse tropical ecosystems. For thousands of years these sites have served as refuge for several species and will be vital for maintaining the biodiversity of the Cerrado region during future climate fluctuations. To include on your must see destinations!

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8. Iguaçu National Park

Iguaçu National Park has one of the world’s largest and most impressive waterfalls. It is home to many rare and endangered species, among them the giant otter and the giant anteater. The clouds of sprinkle jet produced by the waterfall are conducive to the growth of lush vegetation. Breathtaking!

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9. Pantanal Conservation Area

Located in Central Western Brazil, the site represents one of the world’s largest freshwater wetland ecosystems. The headwaters of the region’s two major river systems are located here and the abundance and diversity of its vegetation and animal life are spectacular. The best place in America to observe wildlife!

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10. Serra da Capivara National Park

Many of the numerous rock shelters in Serra da Capivara National Park are decorated with cave paintings, some more than 25,000 years old. They are an outstanding testimony to one of the oldest human communities of South America. Wow!

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22 de May de 2015

:: (a) Brasil | *Urban @en | Art & Architecture @en | Brazil - Southeast Region @en | Culture & History @en | Gastronomy @en | Top 5 @en

São Paulo has thousands of must-see attractions for all types of curious visitors. No matter if you’re in the mood for art, gastronomy, listen to good music or just a walk in the park, the city has it all! But we decided to select five absolutely classical highlights that cannot be missed the next time you decide to explore our city.

Take a peek:

1.Edifício Copan

Copan is a beast! A whole city in itself…  It swerves like a giant wave, defying your sense of scale and perspective and stamping its huge footprint in São Paulo’s downtown. The building was designed by celebrated architect Oscar Niemeyer and currently has 1.160 apartments, 2.038 residents, 20 elevators and 221 underground parking spaces. Due to the large number of residents, the Brazilian postal service assigned the building its own postal code. The ground floor is home to 72 establishments, including an evangelical church, a travel agency, a bookstore, and 4 restaurants. Once there, we suggest you stop for one of the best caipirinhas in town, at Dona Onça bar 🙂

SÌO PAULO

2. Liberdade, the biggest “japantown” in the world

A sprawling neighborhood centered around Rua Galvão Bueno, at Liberdade neighborhood, is home to 1.5 million Japaneses, the largest population outside of Japan. Liberdade is cherished by local people and tourists alike for its trendy shopping, top-quality oriental food, reasonably priced sushi and an unbeatable atmosphere. The area is also used for Japanese cultural events, including Buddhist festivals and a sumo wrestling championship, as well as a weekly craft market.

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3. Central Market

The best urban market in South America, nicknamed “Mercadão” (or “Big Market”), is a Belle Époque beauty of Russian-designed stained glass and vast domes opened in 1933. Inside, are aisles and aisles of mostly gourmet food-related products: fresh fruits, fish, meat and several worthwhile snack stalls, bars and restaurants. After your sightseeing, don’t miss the best mortadella sandwich in the planet, at the Hocca Bar – a real gastronomic heritage of the city!

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4. Afro-Brazilian Museum

Located in São Paulo’s most loved Park, the Ibirapuera, this hugely important and absolutely fascinating museum, features a permanent collection chronicling five centuries of African immigration (a nod to the 10 million African lives lost in the Brazil’s formation) and hosts a rotating array of contemporary Afro-centric exhibitions on its bottom two floors.

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5. Sala São Paulo

The headquarters of São Paulo Symphonic Orchestra and one of Brazil’s most important concert halls, this former railway station was designed by Christiano Stockler das Neves in 1925. Situated in the city centre, the venue quickly became a key institution in the region’s cultural revitalization. Listed as a Historical Patrimony and targeted to be maintained as an important cultural landmark in the city, Sala São Paulo was officially inaugurated on the 9th of July 1999 with a performance of the Resurrection Symphony by Gustav Mahler.

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P.S: Made by real SP Lovers 🙂

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8 de April de 2015

:: (a) Brasil | Adventure @en | Brazil - Central-west Region @en | Nature @en

Are you in the mood to reactivate your explorer side and spend more time in contact with nature? We bet so!

Since last week, when we received Cristalino’s Lodge staff in our office, to recycle what we already know about this natural sanctuary in the south of Brazilian Amazon, we cannot think of anything else… The result of this Amazon with a little taste of Pantanal? You got all the exuberance of the jungle, with a much better chance for sighting animals! More than 11,000 hectares of ecological reserve in a rich and balanced ecosystem throughout the year.

Aerial view

Canopy tower from above II

Access may sound complicated, but it is not! Just fly to Alta Floresta (MT) and upon arrival, a short car shuttle followed by 30 minute boat ride across the river, will take you there.

boat trip at cristalino river       CL-Floating deck II-Luis Gomes

Worth to mention: the Lodge was named one of the top 25 Eco Lodges in the world, by National Geographic Traveler. We know why: expert guides that give more sense to interaction with nature, a modern sophisticated (yet very cozy) architecture, and impeccable service.

bar and bonfire

The highlight? Charming accommodations, full of perks and possibilities, like relaxing in a bathtub having the Amazon rainforest and a huge starry sky as a backdrop

Special bungalow entrance       Bathtub at private garden IV

There is so much to do there, so it’s worth to stay as many nights as possible! Several types and levels of trails, canoeing and bird watching, monkeys, plants and even large mammals.

Blue-and-Gold Macaw

How about enjoying sunrise at a high 50 meters tower? Explore biodiversity, embrace an ancient chestnut and end the day chatting around the campfire?

Tufted capuchin       133234211431212_960_544_s_c1

If you need more inspiration, contact us and be sure to take a look through our website!

 

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2 de April de 2015

:: (a) Brasil

First images of Rio’s new Museum of Tomorrow!

This week, Martin Frankengberg, one of our associates, saw the first concrete glimpse of the long anticipated Museum of Tomorrow, one of the cornerstones of the Porto Maravilha project – a comprehensive urban renewal of the Port Region, promoted by the city of Rio de Janeiro.

Museu do Amanhã                                                                          – Museum of Tomorrow prototype –

Designed by the iconic Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, the site was conceived as a next generation science museum, with a special focus to interactive installations and audiovisual displays to examine the past, present and future of Humanity. The museum is due to open sometime later during the year of 2015.

“The pictures below were taken from my favourite museum um Rio, the MAR – Rio Art Museum – the first of the 3 major museums to have opened in the effort to revamp the city’s cultural offerings in time for the Olympics”.

       Museu do Amanhã 3      Museu do Amanhã 2                                 – view from Rio Art Museum –                                             –  Museum of Tomorrow preview –

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