Brazilian wines introduced to the growing UK market

Posted on November 7, 2014 by Critical Divide

The Brazilian Embassy in London held a wine tasting on 6 November to introduce a number of Brazilian wines to around 100 UK buyers.

The tasting was conducted by world renowned expert, Charles Metcalfe, who also judges Cellars in the Sky, and among the wines he presented were:

Casa Valduga Arte Tradicional Brut
Campos de Cima Extra Brut
Sanjo Nubio Sauvignon Blanc
Don Guerino Varietal Mocato Giallo
Don Guerino Merlot Reserva
Aurora Varietal Merlot
Casa Valduga Raizes Cabarnet Franc
Monte Paschoal Virtus Tannat
Aurora Moscato Rosé Sparkling Wine
Monte Paschoal Moscatel Sparkling

Brazil is now the third largest wine producer in South America. Its six different wine producing regions include Serra Gaúcha, where Vale dos Vinhedos is located, Serra do Sudeste, the country’s newest winemaking area, and the São Francisco Valley, which has two harvests per year. The impressively wide range of Brazilian wines includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, together with other grapes such as Ancellota, Touriga Nacional, Malvasia Bianca and Prosecco.

Many of the wines presented on the night already have UK distributors that include Berkmann Wines Cellars, Casa Leal, Go Brazil Wines, Oakley Wine, and Stevens Garnier.

For more information contact the commercial section of the Brazilian Embassy in London.

During the evening, and also at the World Travel Market, Brazilian chocolate was also being promoted as the award winning Aquim chocolate becomes more readily available in the UK through outlets such as Selfridges, Fortnum & Mason, etc.

More athletes book their spot in Rio for 2016

Posted on October 29, 2014 by Critical Divide

In recent weeks the USA women’s basketball team has booked its place at the Rio Olympics alongside the USA men’s team. Both won their respective world championships.

Also through are the Colombia women’s football team who qualified by coming second to Brazil in the Copa America. The women’s football tournament at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games will be contested by 12 teams. In addition to Brazil and Colombia, there will be three European teams, two from Africa, two from Asia, two from North and Central America and one from Oceania. Places will be allocated according to the results of continental qualifying competitions.

The first two hockey teams have also won their places at the Rio Olympic Games, with India’s men and the Republic of Korea’s women confirming their berths by winning the gold medals at the recent Asian Games, in Incheon, the Republic of Korea.

The men’s and women’s hockey tournaments will each feature 12 teams. Five berths in each gender will be obtained through continental tournaments, such as the Asian Games, while six will be won through the 2014/2015 Hockey World League. The 12th spots are reserved for Brazil if the host nation’s teams achieve performance criteria set by the International Hockey Federation.

Five more countries have confirmed their places in the shooting competition following the world championships when 27 nations booked their spots. The Shooting Championship of the Americas, held in Guadalajara, México, has confirmed a further 11 places. Cuba claimed the largest number of berths by winning five events, while the USA took three spots. The Dominican Republic, El Salvador and Ecuador won one place each.

China was top of the shots at 51st International Shooting Sport Federation World Championship in September 2014, winning nine berths for the first Olympic Games in South America. Germany, the Republic of Korea, Italy and Russia each claimed five spots, while France and Slovakia secured three places.

The other nations to win places at Rio 2016 were Australia, Belarus, Spain, USA, Great Britain, Norway, Serbia, Ukraine and Vietnam (two each), Bulgaria, Chinese Taipei, People’s Democratic Republic of Korea, Croatia, Denmark, Egypt, Slovenia, Hungary, India, Czech Republic and Turkey.

Sailing has delivered the largest bulk of Rio 2016 Olympic Games qualifiers yet, as 138 places – more than half of the sport’s total for the event – were won at the ISAF Sailing World Championships in Santander, Spain.

New Zealand, Great Britain and France finished as the top-performing nations, all claiming berths in each of the 10 Olympic classes. A total of 39 countries won places in Brazil.

The other 36 nations that won Rio 2016 places were: Denmark (7), the Netherlands (7), Italy (7), Australia (6), Spain (5), the USA (5), Russia (5), Sweden (5), Austria (4), China (4), Croatia (4), Finland (4), Norway (4), Germany (3), Ireland (3), Japan (3), Poland (3), Portugal (2), Lithuania (2), Israel (2), Argentina (2), Cyprus (2), Belgium (2), Canada (2), Slovenia (2), Greece (2), Switzerland (2), Belarus, Estonia, Guatemala, Hungary, the Virgin Islands, Mexico, the Czech Republic, Singapore and Tunisia.

In total, 274 boats will compete in Guanabara Bay at the Olympic Games. In addition to the 138 that qualified in Santander, a further 47 will win their places at the 2015 world championships and 75 at continental qualifiers held in 2015 and 2016. Brazil will be allocated 10 places and the remaining four spots will be by invitation by the International Sailing Federation.

LATAM opens its new airport lounge in São Paulo

Posted on October 28, 2014 by Critical Divide

The LATAM Airline Group has opened its new VIP lounge at the new Terminal 3 in São Paulo International Airport in Guarulhos. The lounge is for passengers flying with TAM or LAN in business or first, as well as passengers flying on oneworld alliance members that include British Airways, American, and Iberia.

The lounge covers an area of 1.800 m², and can accommodate 450 passengers at any one time. It operates daily from 05.00 to midnight.

Rio’s best restaurants in 2014

Posted on October 26, 2014 by Critical Divide

Weekly news magazine, Veja, has published its annual list of the best restaurants and bars in Rio de Janiero. The choice is made both by a specially chosen jury of experts as well as the votes of the readers of Veja Rio.

Here is Veja’s selection with the official jury choice listed first, and the public’s choice second. You will note they do not always agree!

RESTAURANTS

Asian: Mee / Sawasdee Bistrô

Brazilian: Roberta Sudbrack / Aprazível (photo)

Buffet: Celeiro / Ráscal

Cheap and Cheerful: Botequim / Gutessen Café e Restaurante

Contemporary: Laguiole / Quadrucci

Dessert: Oro / Demi-glace

French: Olympe (photo) / CT Brasserie

Italian: Gero / CT Trattorie

Japanese: Sushi Leblon / Manekineko

Meat: Giuseppe Grill / Outback Steakhouse

Meat – Barbecue Rodízio: Fogo de Chão / Fogo de Chão

Pizza: Capricciosa / Bráz

Seadfood: Satyricon / Satyricon

Special set Menu: Irajá / Irajá

Also voted for were:

Chef of the Year: Pedro de Artagão (Irajá) / Claude Troisgros (Olympe, CT Boucherie, CT Trattorie, CT Brassserie)

Upcoming Chef: Rafael Costa e Silva, (Lasai) / Fred Barroso (Le Vin Bistrô)

Restaurateur of the Year: Marcelo Torres (Best Fork) / Claude Troisgros (Grupo Troisgros)

Cecília Aldaz, of Oro was voted sommelier of the year; Aprazível had the best wine list; Bazzar was elected best wine bar; and the best wine store was Mistral.

BARS

Balcony / Stand Up: Adega Pérola / Adega Pérola

Beer / Chope: Botto Bar / Botto Bar (photo)

Beer List: Delirium / Aconchego Carioca

“Bolinhos”: Aconchego Carioca / Aconchego Carioca

Boteco: Momo / Aconchego Carioca

Drinks List: Paris Bar / Complex Esquina 111

Food: Cachambeer / Adelos

Gastrobar: Pipo / Complex Esquina 111

For couples: Bar Veloso /Complex Esquina 111

Music: Godofredo Rio / Botto Bar

View: Bar do Alto / Bar Urca (photo)

FOOD

Bread: La Bicyclette / Boulangerie Guerin

Breakfast: Empório Jardim / Empório Jardim

“Brigadeiro” (sweets): Fabiana D’Angelo / Colher de Pau

Cake: Café Sorelle / The Bakers

Chocolate: Q / Kopenhagen

“Coxinha” (croquettes): Da Gema / Confeitaria Colombo (photo)

Éclair: Guerin / Kurt

Hamburger: Comuna / Reserva T.T. Burger

Ice Cream: Vero / Venchi

Juices: Jaeé / BB Lanches

Brazil picks “The Way He Looks” for the 87th Oscars

Posted on October 24, 2014 by Critical Divide

Daniel Ribeiro’s Hojé eu Quero Voltar Sozinho (The Way He Looks) has been chosen to represent Brazil in the Foreign Language Film category at the 87th Academy Award. The film, which won the Teddy Award and FIPRESCI prize at the 2014 Berlin Film Festival, tackles LGBT issues.

Set against the music of Belle and Sebastian, Ribeiro’s coming of age tale is a fun and tender story about friendship and the complications of young love. Leo is a blind teenager who is fed up with his overprotective mother and the bullies at school. Looking to assert his independence, he decides to study abroad to the dismay of his best friend, Giovana. When Gabriel, the new kid in town, teams with Leo on a school project, new feelings blossom in him that make him reconsider his plans. Meanwhile, Giovana, grows jealous of this new found companionship as tensions mount between her and Leo.

A record 83 countries have submitted films for consideration in the Foreign Language Film category for the 87th Academy Awards. The nominations will be announced 15 January 2015 in Los Angeles.The other Latin American submissions are:

Argentina, “Wild Tales,” Damián Szifrón, director;
Bolivia, “Forgotten,” Carlos Bolado, director;
Brazil, “The Way He Looks,” Daniel Ribeiro, director;
Chile, “To Kill a Man,” Alejandro Fernández Almendras, director;
Colombia, “Mateo,” María Gamboa, director;
Costa Rica, “Red Princesses,” Laura Astorga Carrera, director;
Cuba, “Conducta,” Ernesto Daranas Serrano, director;
Dominican Republic, “Cristo Rey,” Leticia Tonos, director;
Ecuador, “Silence in Dreamland,” Tito Molina, director;
Mexico, “Cantinflas,” Sebastián del Amo, director;
Panama, “Invasion,” Abner Benaim, director;
Peru, “The Gospel of the Flesh,” Eduardo Mendoza, director;
Uruguay, “Mr. Kaplan,” Álvaro Brechner, director;
Venezuela, “The Liberator,” Alberto Arvelo, director.

Two Years to opening of the Rio Paralympics

Posted on September 7, 2014 by Critical Divide

7 of September 2014 was both Brazil’s Independence Day, but also marked two years until the opening of the Rio Paralympics on 7 September 2016.

Top Latin American Restaurants 2014

Posted on September 5, 2014 by Critical Divide

Virgilio Martinez’s Central, in Lima, Peru, has taken the top spot amongst Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2014 with last year’s winner Astrid y Gaston moving into second place. Central, which earned the title of The S.Pellegrino Best Restaurant in Latin America, climbed three places from last year. Central, under the leadership of chef-owner Martinez, was also named The S.Pellegrino Best Restaurant in Peru.

Gaston Acurio, who recently opened La Mar in Miami and relocated his 20 year old flagship restaurant Astrid y Gaston to San Isidro, Lima was number two on the list. The 2013 winner was also ranked No.18 in this year’s S.Pellegrino World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards.

D.O.M. and Maní, both in Sao Paolo Brazil, were ranked in third and fourth place respectively. Chilean restaurant Boragó was placed fifth. Boragó and D.O.M. were presented with The S.Pellegrino Best Restaurant in Chile and The S.Pellegrino Best Restaurant in Brazil awards respectively.

Other Best Restaurant Awards by country were given to: Pujol in Mexico (No.6 in the list); Tegui in Argentina (No.9); Parador La Huella in Uruguay (No.17); Alto in Venezuela (No.18); Gustu in Bolivia (No.32); and Criterion in Colombia (No.39).

As well as the top restaurant awards, individual awards were also presented during the event. The One To Watch Award went to Ambrosía from Chile; the Veuve Clicquot Latin America’s Best Female Chef Award was presented to Elena Reygadas from Rosetta, Mexico; the Highest Climber Award, went to El Baqueano in Argentina; the Highest New Entry Award, sponsored went to Tarquino also in Argentina; The Diners Club Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Alex Atala from D.O.M., Brazil; and the Chefs’ Choice Award went to Peru’s Gastón Acurio. The 2014 awards introduced a new category: Latin America’s Best Pastry Chef, which was presented to Buenos Aires-based chef Osvaldo Gross.

Here’s are Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants according to the awards:

1. Central Lima, Peru
2. Astrid y Gastón Lima, Peru
3. D.O.M. São Paulo, Brazil
4. Maní São Paulo, Brazil
5. Boragó Santiago, Chile
6. Pujol Mexico City, Mexico
7. Maido Lima, Peru
8. Biko Mexico City, Mexico
9. Tegui Buenos Aires, Argentina
10. Quintonil Mexico City, Mexico
11. Malabar Lima, Peru
12. Mocoto São Paulo, Brazil
13. Roberta Sudbrack Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
14. Aramburu Buenos Aires, Argentina
15. La Mar Lima, Peru
16. Tarquino Buenos Aires, Argentina
17. Parador La Huella José Ignacio, Uruguay
18. El Baqueano Buenos Aires, Argentina
19. Pangea Monterrey, Mexico
20. Fiesta Lima, Peru
21. Chila Buenos Aires, Argentina
22. La Cabrera Buenos Aires, Argentina
23. Tomo 1 Buenos Aires, Argentina
24. Sud 777 Mexico City, Mexico
25. Manzanilla Ensenada, Mexico
26. MeroToro Mexico City, Mexico
27. Rafael Lima, Peru
28. Alto Caracas, Venezuela
29. Oviedo Buenos Aires, Argentina
30. Osaka Santiago, Chile
31. La Picanteria Lima, Peru
32. Gustu La Paz, Bolivia
33. Rosetta Mexico City, Mexico
34. Remanso Do Bosque Belém, Brazil
35. Olympe Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
36. Epice São Paulo, Brazil
37. Ambrosía Santiago, Chile
38. Attimo São Paulo, Brazil
39. Criterión Bogotá, Colombia
40. Francis Mallman 1884 Mendoza, Argentina
41. Amaranta Toluca, Mexico
42. Corazón de Tierra Ensenada, Mexico
43. Harry Sasson Bogotá, Colombia
44. Fasano São Paulo, Brazil
45. La Bourgogne Punta del Este, Uruguay
46. El Cielo Bogotá, Colombia
47. Sucre Buenos Aires, Argentina
48. Elena Buenos Aires, Argentina
49. Leo Cocina y Cava Bogotá, Colombia
50. Pura Tierra Buenos Aires, Argentina

More airlines move into Terminal 3 at São Paulo’s Guarulhos International Airport

Posted on August 20, 2014 by Critical Divide

Opened in May 2014, the new Terminal 3 at São Paulo’s Guarulhos International Airport continues to expand. During August 2014 four more airlines moved to the new terminal. These included Air France, British Airways, KLM, and Iberia. They join Air Canada, Alitalia, China Airlines, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Korean Air, Lufthansa, Qatar, Singapore Airlines, Swiss Airlines, TAP, Turkish and United, that have already moved their operations to the new terminal. The main Brazilian carrier, TAM, will move later in the year by which time 80% of the airport’s international flights will be using the terminal.

A number of new shops and restaurants have also opened including landside the first Brazilian branch of Red Lobster which is located in the hallway that links Terminal 3 and 2. Other food options include Garrets, Carl’s Jr., Jimmy’s Buffet Margaritaville Ráscal, Viena Snacks, Desfruti, Olive Garden, Piola Piola and Casa Bauduco.

Stores include the bookshop Saraiva, FNAC, and airside, along GRU Avenue, can be found Amsterdam Sauer, Kate Spade, Lacoste, Track & Field, Coach, Burberry, Emporio Armani and Victoria’s Secret.

Star Alliance has also opened its new Lounge. About 1,350 square meters in size, the lounge can accommodate up to 295 guests and is open daily from 12.00 noon to 03.00. Access is for passengers traveling on Star Alliance member airlines from Guarulhos in First or Business Class or holding Star Alliance Gold Status. The lounge is located on the mezzanine level, overlooking the atrium and the airport apron beyond, and can easily be reached by escalators or elevators.

In line with the new Star Alliance lounge concept, local touches and flavours have been combined with global branding elements. This has allowed for the creation of a very Brazilian look and feel, reflecting a strong artesian heritage. The use of wood, rope, natural fibers and typical ceramic finishing bring coziness to a sophisticated interior and provides a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere to customers.

The lounge was developed and is operated by In Flight Solutions Brasil on behalf of the Star Alliance. For those wishing to work, free Wi-Fi access is provided throughout the lounge, with convenient power and USB outlets available. A dedicated business center and free Wi-Fi printing is also provided.

Alex Atala awarded the Diners Club Lifetime Achievement Award

Posted on August 18, 2014 by Critical Divide

Brazil’s Alex Atala has been awarded the Diners Club Lifetime Achievement Award for Latin America for 2014. Atala will be presented with the award at the Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants ceremony, which takes place on 3 September 2014 in Lima, Peru.

With his ground-breaking D.O.M. restaurant in São Paulo, Alex Atala has helped put his country’s cuisine on the global gastronomic map and simultaneously changed the way food is served at establishments across Brazil.

Atala’s ultimate aim for the restaurant, which opened in 1999, was to change the history of modern Brazilian cuisine by embracing and refining traditional family dishes that were hitherto considered too homely for fine dining – and he has succeeded. As a result of a pioneering approach to the nation’s bounty, indigenous produce such as acai, pupunha and cupuaçu are now celebrated in high-reaching restaurants and are beginning to creep into the kitchens of the US, Europe and beyond. Moreover, the club-DJ-turned-chef has played an important role in discovering and championing forgotten and lost ingredients through expeditions into the Amazon, aided by scientists and anthropologists.

Atala is the epitome of the modern chef: his cooking embraces new techniques and creativity, while retaining a deep-rooted cultural identity. As a result he has become an inspiration for chefs not just in Latin America, but across the world.

Ronnie Biggs publishes his novel written in Brazil

Posted on August 8, 2014 by Critical Divide

One of Brazil’s most famous and infamous foreign residents was the Great Train Robber, Ronnie Biggs. Biggs landed in Rio de Janeiro on 11 March 1970 and departed on 6 May 2001. He was “discovered” and arrested in Rio on 1 February 1974, and subsequently kidnapped on 16 March 1981.

Biggs tells the full story of his time in Brazil and Rio de Janeiro in his autobiography Odd Man Out: The Last Straw. He wrote his autobiography while living in Rio de Janeiro and then updated it when he was released from prison in the UK on 6 August 2009.

During his time in Rio de Janeiro, Biggs also wrote his one and only novel, Keep on Running, a book which was originally published in 1995, and has now been published on Kindle for the first time.

Keep on Running is a novel that draws on the true events surrounding the Great Train Robbery. It gives a dramatic account of what may have happened to the three men at the track who were never caught or charged. It covers their lives before, during and in the years immediately after the robbery in August 1963. It also features the shadowy character known to people on both sides of the law as the Ulsterman, and provides a dramatic solution to the puzzle as to whether or not there was a shipment of jewels on board the train and, if there was, why the owner never came forward.

The book is Biggs’ only novel, although he was very active in writing both poetry and lyrics, most famously for the Sex Pistols and Die Toten Hosen. He had also been involved in writing the screenplay for the film Prisoner of Rio.

The Kindle version of Keep on Running: A Story from the Great Train Robbery is available globally direct from your local Amazon or Kindle store.

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