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New post: Montagü

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Wine of the Week #2

This is the time of the week that we've all been waiting for...

This week our featured wine is yet again a Mexican wine (that's right, we are Mexican) but trust us, Mexican wines are really killing it right now.

Ensamble Arenal, is a wine produced by one of the most iconic Mexican wine producers right now called "Casa de Piedra".

Arenal, is a blend of the Merlot and Cab with slight hints of Shiraz, Barbera and Zinfandel grapes.

As a result, when tasting Arenal you'll get a broad flavor, full of structure and a deep complex flavor, that will best suit game and strong-flavoured cheese.

To the eye, Arenal is a deep and intense red wine, with chocolate, toast almond, and red fruits bouquets and aromas.

Enjoy!

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Wine of the Week

Welcome to this new section called: "Wine of the Week". It's kind of obvious that we will be featuring this section once a week for your delight. This section will review wines from all around the world, and will provide our (humble) personal input on those wines.

This first week's featured wine is a Mexican wine called "Mogorcito". This wine is produced by a Mexican house that goes by the name of "Viñas de Garza", whose production is located at Ensenada, Baja California.

Mogorcito is a blend of the cabernet sauvignon and merlot varietals, aged for 12 months in French and American casks, which result in great profound taste and flavors.

Mogorcito is exquisite on the nose, delivering aromas such as tobacco, black berries, pepper and vanilla.

This wine is a powerful one, yet full of that complex flavors resulting from mixing of cab and merlot grapes. Flavors of deep berries and an ample aftertaste are main qualities of this wine.

Mogorcito's best wine-pairing is with game, and great steaks full of flavor.

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Fonda Argentina

Yesterday afternoon, after a hardcore shopping session and suddenly we realize its freak'n 6 o' clock in the afternoon and we haven't had anything to eat!!! (bad mood, anyone?)

So, driving through the southern part of Mexico City, it suddenly hit us! We remembered a small, cozy, Argentinean spot that we really love...

Located in the heart of Plaza San Jeronimo, hidden next to "La Europea" liquor store, you may find this steak paradise called "La Fonda Argentina".

As soon as you step foot in this small yet amazing place, everything will make sense, trust us on this one.

Start your meal with one of their fresh salads or those delightful "empanadas" (particularly meat or cheese), then order their beef broth, one of the best ones that we've tried in this City.

Then, and only then, are you ready to try some of the best steak you'll have in Mexico City (our personal favorite the Steak Sirloin).

As always, you indeed need to save room for desserts, 'cause what the hell, you only live once!

And remember always live with sprezzatura...

    Avenida San Jeronimo 630, Cp. 01090, Colonia Ciudad de La Otra Banda, Loreto y Campamento, Álvaro Obregón, Mexico City, 01 55 5652 0917

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The Palm at Playa

We're back from Christmas break and boy we've got a suggestion for you....

We've all heard how if you really wish to enjoy the best beaches in the world you need to head down to the Mayan Riviera, right?

And we bet you've heard a lot about Cancun's party scene (tequila shots running through your mind?).

Well if you really want to enjoy a different experience, while still traveling to one of the best beaches in the world, you must go to Playa del Carmen.

(www.playadelcarmen.com.mx)

But trust us, we are not just suggesting for you to go to Playa...

Whether you are there for the beaches and to chill, or you are visiting to try that famous, boisterous party scene Playa is the place for you.

And where should you stay? Well, actually this one's a no-brainer: The Palm at Playa.

This brand new, trendy, "lifestyle" hotel is conveniently located at Calle 8, between 5th and 10th Avenues. Right in the heart of Playa's nightlife and food scene.

Be sure to book one of the "Loft" suites, which you will definitely find to be big enough to fit you and your significant other with great deal of luxury. The rooms are really clean, modern and lush, and come equipped with everything that you expect or might need.

But the best part of this amazing hotel has got to be the rooftop. Fully equipped with an infinity pool with water beds in it, a complete bar ready to provide you with poolside drinks or warm-up cocktails at night, chill-out beats 24/7, and for the exercise junkies: the Gym and Spa.

And last but not least, you need to try the in-house restaurant: The Playa Grill, where fresh and top quality raw materials get skillfully transformed into amazing fare. Trust us, you wont regret it...

(Hotel Images: www.thepalmatplaya.com)

The Palm at Playa

Calle 8, between 5th and 10th Avenues Manzana 29, Lote 5 Centro Playa del Carmen, Q.Roo 77710 Tel [phone] Fax [phone] www.thepalmatplaya.com

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EL JAMIL

Looking for exotic food? Craving some Middle Eastern fare?

Search no more, go straight to colonia Condesa in Mexico City. To be more specific, go straight to the corner of Amsterdam and Celaya streets and you will find the most authentic and exceptionally prepared Lebanese cuisine available in this city.

It becomes really hard to stay objective when a place like "El Jamil" makes you feel right at home. Since the moment you step foot on this wonderful restaurant, both the waiters and the owner Mohamed Jamil will make you feel like one of their own.

Our suggestions are as follows:

For appetizers you must order and share the "labne" (similar to sour cream), the "baba ganoush" (roasted and mashed eggplants), "hummus" (roasted and mashed chickpeas), the stuffed squash, and of course, one of our personal favorites, "kibbe nayeh" (similar to beef tartar).

If you still saved some room for main course, we would definitely suggest the lamb kebabs, which are perfectly cooked and full of flavor for your delight.

We are not even gonna ask, OF COURSE you spared room for dessert! Feel free to indulge your palate with the traditional Lebanese desserts like "Ousmaliyeh".

Clear your afternoon schedule, and finish your meal with traditional Arab coffee and a hookah pipe. You're welcome.

And remember, always live with sprezzatura...

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Bistro 83

Deep in the heart of San Angel, One of Mexico's richest neighborhoods culturally, traditionally and gastronomically speaking, we found this amazing restaurant conceived by no other than Zaida Gonzalez from Les Croissants.

This great Bistro boasts fresh and honest fare, at competitive prices, and a beautiful and traditional "San Angel" scenery.

(Image: www.guiadeleite.com.mx)

Now, on to our personal experience, as appetizers, we had the grilled octopus and the tuna "tostadas", and let me begin by saying that the octopus was perfectly seasoned and roasted, and as a result it kept perfect flavor and consistency. Here we immediately noted the freshness of the raw materials, and the experience to transform them in a great finished product. The tostadas were also really good, and made a good balance for the octopus. They were rather small, yet full of flavor as a result of yet again the fresh raw tuna.

(Image: www.marcobeteta.com)

It was then time for the main courses, which we carefully selected. Grilled salmon with a rich and creamy mushroom sauce, and the "French Dip" sandwich were our choices. Both were nothing short from spectacular. Again the carefully selected raw materials and the skills emerging from the kitchen delivered great main courses.

Finally, as a dessert, we had the caramel fondant. OMSL!!! (Oh my sweet Lord) Best dessert in Mexico City. (Yes, period!)

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Wild Socks

Another boring Monday at the office, isn't it?

You wake up, take a shower, use your regular products -wchich you probably bought at your regular super market (there's nothing wrong with that, but c'mon, you could be doing a lot better. We'll discuss it some other time)- and then, you are confronted with the decision that challenges every guy who gives a crap about style, every day: What will you wear to the office? Let's assume for a second that you don't like to improvise, and that you have already planned your outfit the night before (kudos for that, by the way. And now, tell me, what is that you'll be sporting on this similar-to-hell Monday morning? Your wardrobe probably depends on the industry that you belong to.

Allow me to assume again. You work in a traditional office, and therefore your wardrobe must reflect serious business. Next thing you know you are wearing a light grey suit, plain white shirt and a deep navy tie. Kind'a boring, don't you think? But wait a second, all hope is not lost , all your wardrobe needs to become a salvageable army to face the day in style is a twist to free you from all that blah-ness.

I'm talking about your socks (duh!). It's as simple as that; that little detail that peeks -very shyly up until now- between your perfectly polished shoes and the hem of your suit pants. This is exactly where you can afford to get creative, in order to turn your otherwise "boring" outfit into a distinctive and unique one.

A few years back, tradition-guided companies like Thomas Pink, Gorgi, Happy Socks, Paul Smith and Pantherella, started manufacturing what we now know as wild socks or happy socks.

(Picture by: F. Ramin - Studio-D for Esquire Magazine) 

Nowadays, you can find such socks in any price range, color, material, length and even detailed with cartoons (yes, cartoons, hold your horses righ there, read ahead).

My advice would be: buy some in a more traditional yet stylish range of colors to begin your transformation, and work your way to complete irreverence (ta-dah, cartoons for the brave), one day at a time. Don't be afraid of staring colleagues, because in the end -Ican assure you- with time, you will be followed, and sooner than you know all your office co-workers will be wearing happy socks. And you thought this would be another boring Monday morning.

If you work in creative industries feel free to buy the cartoon ones whenever you please.

Remember that in order to break the rules, you must first master them.

And last but not least, always live with Sprezzatura...

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Belmondo

t's Friday afternoon, we are driving around the hectic yet delightful Mexico City wondering where to grab a bite. Suddenly as we go by the classic and bohemian Colonia Roma, one of Mexico City's most traditional neighborhoods, we find this European style cafe and bar located exactly on the corner of Tabasco and Mérida streets.

Belmondo only serves for 14 tables, with their fresh menu consisting on gourmet sandwiches and salads. If you are lucky enough to get a table without reservation, the kind staff will serve your needs in a timely fashion. As an appetizer we ordered the arugula salad, that to be fair, was decent. Now on to the good stuff, the gourmet sandwiches; we ordered the Texan Brisquet sandwich and my personal favorite, the French dip.

The Texan BBQ Brisquet was served in a soft, white bread bun, filled with tender, perfectly roasted meat in a dripping BBQ sauce. If you like sweet and sour flavors you will definitely enjoy this sandwich. The amazing french dip was filled with tasty roast beef and great quality cheese, and as a side dish a small bowl of delicious beef broth to dip your sandwich in. The french fries were a good side kick for these impressive sandwiches.

You must definetly visit this spot if you are looking for a non pretentious yet rewarding meal, in a really cool and retro scene.

Remember to Live with Sprezzatura!

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The GQ Guide to Watches

Because a wrist is a terrible thing to waste.

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Welcome...

Welcome, We won't offer more than our personal input on some of the best things that Life can give. Reviews on restaurants around the globe, travel, fashion and style, wine, cigars, golf and sports. we hope that you enjoy this blog, and remember always live with Sprezzatura...