Professional Documents
Culture Documents
AmSoc Forum November 2011
AmSoc Forum November 2011
AmSoc Forum November 2011
Brunch
Page 7: Yes, you can have brunch in So Paulo! Find out where you can load up on your favorites.
Thanksgiving event
Page 12: A festive buffet at the Hyatt you should not miss!
Our Mission
The American Society of So Paulo promotes friendship by organizing social, cultural and athletic events for its diverse membership; encourages integration with the Brazilian society; and supports the American traditions of education, philanthropy and volunteerism.
Board Bio
Jacques L. Vaney, American Society Treasurer Living in Brazil since 2002, for the past 4 years I have served on the AMSOC board as Treasurer. In terms of background I am basically a New Yorker. I was born in Switzerland to British and Swiss parents and moved to New York as a small child, when my father took a career position at the United Nations. Growing up on Long Island I was very active in sports but never seemed to warm up to soccer, which was the one sport my father truly liked. At that time soccer wasnt so popular, and to the local youngsters it seemed strange how foreign soccer players in exceedingly tight shorts kissed and hugged each other after each goal, and consistently fell down on the ground almost crying whenever they got hit or bumped into. Traditional American sports seemed more appealing. After completing an undergraduate degree in Economics and French, then a masters of International Affairs, I went into international banking. Travel has always been a passion for me, first visiting family in Europe, then exploring many parts of the world on vacations and professionally. Brazil, however, was a place I never visited nor knew much about. That changed when I met and married a Brazilian. The country, the culture, the food and the people are all truly special. I am very pleased to live and work in So Paulo, despite its challenges as a complex, large, traffic congested city. Now, as a foreigner with two children in Brazil I face, ironically, a similar situation to that of my father when I was growing up. This time, my son loves soccer, and I am challenged to learn and play a new sport. Being in Brazil, however, it is impossible not to like and respect soccer. A wonderful benefit of living in other countries is exploring new ideas and the cross cultural learning process, which is at the core of the mission of the American Society. Amsoc has a long history in So Paulo of not just hosting traditional American cultural and holiday events, but also supporting a variety of charities and helping improve the lives of underprivileged children. This mix of cultural and sporting events, coupled with solid community service makes AMSOC a very special organization. While we are almost fully volunteer based, we do have costs to maintain our organization and serve the community. In this regard, and from my perspective as Treasurer, we are always looking ways and sources to fund our organization and charity requirements. So please dont be surprised if you may hear from me looking to renew memberships or more likely, trying to coax a truly needed corporate donation to fund our excellent events and programs.
Presidents Corner
I really enjoyed the Vida Jovem event, a nice way to celebrate my birthday. This was a major organizing effort, By Joe Sherman, AmSoc president congratulations to the Vida Jovem team. There were 870 guests, 60 volunteers at the event, 22 items in the live auction, 219 in the silent auction, and 118 items in the dream bags (caixa dos sonhos). We have received very positive feedback, especially on Toquinhos performance. The event was a financial success, a win/win for guests and Vida Jovem. Again a fantastic fun filled evening, and we need to have more of these types of events! Next on the calendar is the Angel Party organized by our Community Action Committee. There will be over 200 children participating, which means that we have over 200 sponsors for the children contributing with the gift bag for each child. There are normally 120 volunteers helping out during the event which is on November 5 at the Chapel School. Another good example of how we can help the community we live in. Our social committee is busy organizing a Christmas party. We will not be having a Thanksgiving event this year and will focus on the Christmas party, so stay tuned for the date and venue. Switching to sports, the golf Challenge Cup will be on November 18 at the Guarapiranga Golf and Country Club. This is traditional competition between the St. Andrews Society and the American Society. John Kennedy is busy organizing the final details and we are expecting a large turnout, call the office to sign up. Frank Pierce is our newest Board member. Frank is an executive at Lear Corporation. Welcome Frank! Abrao, Joe
About Forum
Lynn Cordeiro, editor and layout Ernest White II, staff writer Forum is printed by EGB. (http://www.egb.com.br) Views expressed in Forum do not necessarily reflect those of the American Society board of governors, members, or staff. Forum reserves the right to edit content for brevity and/or clarity.
The American Society of So Paulo Rua da Paz, 1431 04713-001 So Paulo, SP Tel: (11) 5182-2074 Fax: (11) 5182-9155 forum@AmSoc.com.br
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Argentine Steak
LaCabrera, Buenos Aires, Argentina www.parrillalacabrera.com.ar *Touristy but fun; one meal serves two plus! Mozzarello Pizza, Ilhabela, So Paulo *Open air restaurant that makes great thin crust pizza
Pizza
Pasta
Pousada Santa Clara, Boipeba Island, Bahia http://santaclaraboipeba.com *Well-known for its food and charm not to be missed Chila, Buenos Aires, Argentina www.chilaweb.com.ar *Sophisticated atmosphere and elegant dishes Zaza Bistro, Rio de Janeiro www.zazabistro.com.br *They serve a variety of dishes but their ceviche is a stand out Sirop, Buenos Aires, Argentina http://siroprestaurant.com *Start with shrimp on warm brioche then try the braised beef ribs with sage and walnut mashed potatoes unforgettable! Manaca, Camburi, So Sebastio www.restaurantemanaca.com.br Aprazivel, Rio de Janeiro www.aprazivel.com.br *If you like catching glimpses of monkeys and birds while dining, dont miss these two spots. Cruzeiro do Pescador, Praia da Pipa, Rio Grande do Norte www.cruzeirodopescador.com.br *Watch the chef prepare your meal in his own kitchen, and dont miss the Seleo do Mar, a slow-grilled seafood feast!
Ceviche
La Mar (Itaim Bibi) www.lamarcebicheria.com *Cool atmosphere, fun dishes Ruella (Vila Olimpia) www.ruella.com.br *Charming French fusion bistro Praa So Lourenco (Vila Olimpia) www.pracasaolourenco.com.br *Great spot for families
Tropical Atmosphere
Top Rated
Mani (Pinheiros) www.manimanioca.com.br *Unique and delicious dishes fish of the day, beet risotto and acai dessert
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In the fast-paced world that is So Paulo, its easy to get so caught up in the daily grind that your health and wallet take a beating when it comes to eating. The lucky ones have tasty, healthy home-cooked meals prepared for them. Most of us, however, feel like we only have expensive, inadequate fast food or hefty food-coma-enducing meals to choose from while out in the city. The expense of eating out in So Paulo is one of the things that catches most expatriates off-guard. This is often attributed to the increase in the average Brazilian salary, which in turn allows more people to eat at restaurants than had done so in the past. Unfortunately, the opening of new restaurants has failed to keep pace, thus there is more demand than supply when it comes to the food service sector, and the prices at area restaurants reflect that. Meanwhile, the prevalence of fast food outlets and the high salt content in traditional Brazilian dishes entice the unsuspecting diner into making unhealthy food choices. Pasta laden with oily or creamy sauces, fried and fatty meats, and double doses of carbohydrates and sugars at a late night dinner are all foods that pose a threat to heart and waistline. These foods may taste good to you, but they arent good for you. In fact, even in a country known for lithe beach bodies, silhouettes in So Paulo are steadily getting pudgier and pudgier.
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www.kaarestaurante.com.br Name and address: Cantaloup Rua Manuel Guedes 474 Itaim Tel. 3078-3445 Cuisine: Contemporary International Price range dinner for 2 without wine: R$250 Why go: Always interesting food and tables spaced so you can have a conversation.
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With So Paulo being such a nightlife-oriented place, finding breakfast food after breakfast time can be a challenge. The Brazilian Brunch, on the other hand, gets going all over town after about 11am and can often last the whole day, es pecially when that Saturday-afternoon Brazilian feast of stewed meats, beans, and cachaa feijoada is involved. A few places in town serve up this hearty phalanx of flavors along with good old-fashioned bacon and eggs. St-Etienne, at the corner of Alameda Lorena and Rua Jos Eugnio de Lima in Jardins, offers a stomachfilling all-you-can-eat spread for just R$33, featuring a barrage of breakfast pastries and breads to go with your feijoada. The place is a favorite with foreigners and Brazilians alike, and can get packed once the previous nights partiers have roused themselves. Other French-flavored breakfast spots include Itaims St-Honor, with its sophisticated atmosphere and line up of tasty pastries and breads, and Le Vin boulangerie in Jardins, with moist quiches and other Gallic delectables. Do expect to wait for a table though after 10am or head to the other branch in Itaim which is far less crowded. If youve got a hankering for pancakes, two spots ought to fix that flapjack fever in a flash: PJ Clarkes and 210 Diner. In Itaim Bibi, PJ Clarkes the So Paulo offshoot of the New York classic serves up scores of
Members Tip
By Monica Freyre My tip for those who want to eat well and cheap is to enroll in Diskcook on their website www.diskcook.com.br or by the phone. You will receive the Diskcook magazine with all the restaurants that they work with, including PJ Clarkes, Buca La Romana, Antiquarius, Almanara, and many more. On the website, you will not only have access to each restaurants menu but also to various forms of payment and tracking of your order. You can schedule delivery by both phone or online. There is even a section for special offers! Whenever I am too busy, I have no time, or I am too lazy to cook, I always use Diskcook and it works exceptionally well.
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There is not a single reason for visiting So Paulo, but rather there are many. This city offers endless attractions of different kinds. So Paulo is included among the international capital cities offering luxury, entertainment, and cuisine. Visiting this city means immersing oneself in a world of cultures, religions, and tastes. Undoubtedly, So Paulo is a high-quality tourist attraction. This city combines glamour, refinement, excitement, and a lot of attractions satisfying even the most demanding person. So Paulo means urban tourism. Culture and vanguard constitute the sun and beach of this city. Having all this in mind plus the fact that this months issue is about food, I could not suggest any other place for you to visit but our own hectic So Paulo. Our incredibly fast paced city is
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and seafood of all kinds, pasta, sweets and top of the line spices from different parts of the world. Not to mention its Gourmet Lounge, which offers the opportunity to try tasty dishes while enjoying the architectural beauty of Mercado. Designed by architect Francisco Ramos de Azevedo in 1926, Mercado was opened on January 25, 1933. The stained glass windows were created by the Russian artist Sorgenicht Conrad Filho, famous for his works at S Cathedral in So Paulo and other 300 Brazilian churches. In all, 32 panels are subdivided into 72 beautiful stained glass windows. The building which occupies an area of 12,600 square meters of built area, on Tamanduate Rivers bank - employs more than 1,500 people, which together handle about 450 tons of food per day in its more than 290 boxes. Hours of operation: Monday through Saturday
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Fish, Anyone?
By Marlene Rubeiz, AmSoc board member Spending most of my life in coastal cities (Los Angeles and Salvador, Bahia), I have had a lot of good and fresh sea food. Living in So Paulo was then a challenge but I have discovered that even here you can find good fish: If you are looking for the freshest fish then you should visit CEASP on Saturday or Sunday from early morning until noon. Since there is very little traffic on these days it becomes an easy drive from most places. The top fish you will find are Garoupa, Pescada Amarelo, Robalo, Vermelho, Badejo and many others. I dont buy filets because I like to see the fish before it is filleted. I pick a large fish (47kg), notice that its body is firm, scales glossy, eyes not sunken and gills red. Then I ask them to filet it and ask for the head and spine which can be used to make fish stock. Calculate that about 60% of the fish is filet. You can find fresh shrimp, mussels, octopus, crab meat, and sometimes lobster (make sure it is alive). While you are having your fish cleaned, buy your fruits and vegetables. You can get a supermarket cart to use while you are doing your shopping. This is the best and cheapest to buy quality seafood in the city. You can also buy quite good fish at Hortifrutti (Natural da Terra) but is considerably more expensive. The markets have seafood counters too but think how far the fish needs to travel to get to the market so it would be my last choice. In general, if the seafood counter smells then the seafood is not fresh!! choose the way it is to be prepared for you, grilled, baked or in salt crust. Their octopus and shrimp prepared Hungarian style is memorable. Their prices are fair considering the quality although not inexpensive. Right now however, my very favorite seafood restaurant is the new Porto Rubaiyat on Rua Amauri in Itaim. Elegant but cozy ambiance, you feel you really went someplace special for lunch or dinner. Try the excellent grilled fish and the box (caixa) which is a selection of grilled shrimp, octopus, lobster and whatever other seafood in season is available. Portions are large so bring your appetite. No need to order a first course. The couvert is spectacular, dont miss it. There is a live lobster tank from which to choose yours to be grilled or prepared as you wish. Both places are in the same price range. All in all you wont be disappointed with either restaurant. Enjoy!!! Porto Rubaiyat Rua Amauri, 225, Itaim Tel. 3077-1111 www.restauranteportorubaiyat.com.br Rufinos Rua Dr. Mrio Ferraz, 377, Itaim Tel. 11 3078-6301 www.rufinositaim.com.br
What about having fish and seafood in restaurants? Many restaurants buy frozen which is ok and cover with sauces so the taste is in the sauce. I have tried many seafood specialty restaurants in So Paulo (of course, not all) and would like to recommend the two that I like best for delicious fresh seafood. Rufinos which is located on Mario Ferraz but originally in Guaruja has decades of success. Pleasant ambiance, although sometimes a little noisy and hectic especially on Saturday and Sunday lunch. You can choose your fish by size according to how many people will be eating, then
Sundays
Conveniently located on Rua Carlos Sampaio, 107 Bela Vista Just a block and a half from the Brigadeiro Metro station on the Avenida Paulista
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Missouri, families choose military schools for many different reasons, including a desire to develop leadership skills and improve self-esteem. I have seen many students gain selfcontrol and mature in ways that often times exceed the expectations of their parents and even themselves, says Starke. The military approach places a larger emphasis on teamwork which gives them the foundation necessary to excel in any field they might pursue. For those students with a genuine desire to pursue a military career, these schools can certainly serve as an appropriate stepping stone towards that goal. There is certainly no obligation, nor any suggestion for that matter, that graduates enlist in military service upon graduation from our school, says Brooks. However, a military school background can serve graduates with additional opportunities and benefits for those interested in a military career. In addition to the college preparatory curriculum offered by these schools, many offer a significant amount of extracurricular activities and leadership opportunities for their students. Since most military schools feature a
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ClASSifiedS
H ousing
Furnished apartment for rent Vila Nova Conceio. So Paulos Best place to live. Near Ibirapuera Park. Modern building with sports facilities, heated swimming pool, three bedrooms (one suite), a living room with terrace, complete kitchen, maids bedroom and bathroom, big service area, two parking spaces. Fully furnished with all appliances. Call Alex or Eliane at (11) 3849-7085 or (11) 8635-7788, or send an e-mail to alex@caboverde.com.br. Looking for apartments Looking for furnished, fully equipped apartments in So Paulo. Offer management, promotion, purchasing, remodeling and decoration services for your property. We will rent your flat to foreign tourists & executives visiting the city looking for alternative accommodations. Highly experienced specialized international group. Contact: Paola B. de Estrada 9210-2201, paola@apartmentssp.com or www.apartmentssp.com Luxury house on the beach in Juquehy SP For Sale- Located at 100 m of the sea. 3rd floor :office and Space Zen - view of the mountains. 2nd floor: 2 suites and 2 rooms, large bathroom. Ground floor: TV room, dining room, kitchen, restroom, service area. Recreation area: heated pool, balcony and lounge gourmet (barbecue and wood stove). House decorated and furnished by an architect. Contact-11 75474211 or 11 50529730 r213 Adriana Apartment for rent near Graded Apartment for rent/sale: Lovely duplex for family moving to So Paulo. 2 blocks from Graded School, hardwood floors, designer kitchen, plenty of natural light, ready to move in. Please contact Jessica at 11-6076-3263. Also have other apartments in the Morumbi/ Panamby region. English and Spanish spoken. Imoveis no Panamby.
S ervices
Personal Trainer I will come to your home, office, or workout facility and create an exercise/fitness program tailored to your health concerns, fitness goals, and schedule. For adults and children, individuals or groups. Sessions in English, Spanish, or Portuguese. For more information please contact Daniela Franco at (11) 9739-6191 or dsf29@ hotmail.com. Argos Dog Kennel Traveling? What about your dog? Argos Kennel Hotel could be his second home in the country. Food, water, and shelter with lots of love and personal care. No lonely kennel for him, but our home and the freedom of a spacious garden. Fetch and carry service. English and French spoken. Call Jean or Christiane at (11) 4661-1430 or (11) 7143-0837 or send an e-mail to jean.chris@uol.com.br. Embu Guau, SP. Math and Science Tutor Former Graded and Chapel teacher, with 25years experience, tutors Math, Physics, Chemistry, and Science for all levels, including but not limited to the IB, IGCSE, SAT-I & II, AP and Brazilian vestibular. Elementary and middle school students are also welcome (all subjects). Call Fernando Knijnik at (11) 9134-6700. American-Licensed Expat Psychologist Richard Morhaime, Psy.D., offers skilled psychotherapy for children and adults. He also provides complete diagnostic evaluations in English for children with academic or behavioral difficulties, featuring individualized recommendations for school and home. For more information, contact Dr. Morhaime at 5538-0099 or 9669-8057 or visit www.expatpsychologist.com.br American-Licensed Psychotherapist In this busy and ever-changing world, people often feel stressed and overwhelmed with no place to turn. Psychotherapy/counseling can provide a safe place to receive professional guidance and support. Brief or longer-term therapy offered depending on your needs, goals and expectations. Services: individual, couples, child/adolescent. Certified to conduct Adoption Home Study for American Citizens. Contact: Pamela Wax, MSW/LCSW at 5051-5988 or 9656-2106 or send an e-mail to pamwax@gmail.com. Located in Moema. For Sale 2008 GM ZAFIRA EXPRESSION 2.0 Flex engine automatic (mint condition), ABS, airbag, alarm, on board computer, cruise control, digital air conditioner, power steering, antivandalism insulfilm protection. 7 seats, 78.000 KM, single owner, all maintenance done at dealer, new brakes, tires, oil change with filter, kept in covered garage. Price R$ 41.000,00. Please contact Eileen Tasso 11-5644 5482 (h) Airline ticket from USA to Brazil and from Brazil to USA Wholesaler, lowest price, lower than internet. Travel agents welcome. 24 years in business. Call Discover Brazil Tours , tel: So Paulo (011) 3042-7400, USA 1 (800) 524-3666 or 1 (305)-382 9443, or visit www.discoverbraziltours.com or e-mail: Eliane@discoverbraziltours.com Qualified Housework HIGHWAY intermediates services of: Babysitter Cooker Driver Nanny Maid Housekeeper Aged-Attendant (Portuguese, English and Spanish speaking) For more information call us: (11) 3311-6971 or contact us: contato@highwaymaodeobra.com.br American-Licensed Clinical Psychologist Heloisa Garman, Psy.D. U.S.-licensed Clinical Psychologist (covered by U.S. health insurance). Bilingual, with extensive private practice in Chicago and former therapist at the Family Institute at Northwestern Uni. Treats individuals, couples, and families. Specialized in anxiety, depression, cultural issues, and adjustment disorders. Call Dr. Garman at (11)7179-9723 or 3898-2330 or send an e-mail to hcbgarman@aol.com.
Forum does not check all of the advertisers appearing in this newsletter. We urge you to use these services; however, thoroughly check prices and services prior to finalizing any service or purchase agreement.
A classified of up to 350 characters costs R$55 for AmSoc members and R$80 for non-members. To place a classified please call (11) 5182-2074 from 8:30 a.m. until 1 p.m., or send an e-mail to AmSoc1@ americansociety.com.br.
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04, 05, 06 05 Friday, Saturday, Sunday Saturday
Drama with one actor, two sopranos and an orchestra, with John Malkovich, Laura Akin, Aleksandra Zamojska and Orchester Wiener Akademie. Dir. Martin Haselbock. Written and directed by Michael Sturminger. At Theatro Municipal, 9, 8 or 5 pm. Espao Rosa Rosarum R. Francisco Leito, 416 (Pinheiros) For more information visit www.standrews.com.br Mini-Tournament to be held at CT Yakult in Ibiuna, from 9 am to 5 pm. Please contact John Kennedy at john@kennedy-partners.com or visit www.amsoc.com.br for more details. Mini-Tournament at Graded School, from noon to 4 pm. Please contact John Kennedy at john@kennedy-partners.com or visit www.amsoc.com.br for more details. American Society vs St. Andrew Society At Guarapiranga Golf Cup (Estrada do Jaceguava, s/n - Parelheiros). So hurry and RSVP to amsoc1@amsoc.com.br or call 5182-2074. We need your name, phone, e-mail, handicap index and the team that youll play at. Time and price will be defined! At Graded School, from 11 am to 4 pm. There will be activities for children, vendors selling a variety of goods, and of course Thanksgiving Dinner. Visit to the Pinacoteca, So Paulos best museum! Some will meet for lunch at noon before the visit, but it is optional. From 2 pm for the museum visit. At CT Yakult, in Ibiuna, from 9 am to 5 pm. Please contact John Kennedy at john@ kennedy-partners.com or visit www.amsoc.com.br for more details.
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For more than 60 years The American Society of So Paulo has worked to establish a strong network for expats living and working in So Paulo. Join Today!!! Visit our website at www.amsoc.com.br and fill in our on-line form or call the AmSoc office at 5182-2074
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Thanksgiving is hands down my favorite American holiday. Its all the hoopla of Christmas family, friends, food, good wine without all the headache of holiday shopping and crowds. Although its a day when were supposed to give thanks, I have to admit, that has never really been high on my agenda except for maybe right before Thanksgiving dinner, when my father always insists that we go around the table and say at least one thing that were thankful for. But this year, for some reason Ive been giving extra thought to the thankful part. Maybe because Ive really come to believe that the thoughts we think have as much effect on our health as the food we put in our bodies. And lately, Ive been indulging in some not-so-goodfor-me mental junk food. Most of these thoughts, to be honest, have been about adjusting to life in So Paulo. Sure, no matter where you are, you have good days and bad days an adage that is especially true when you are living in a foreign country. In fact, a Portuguese teacher once told me adjusting to life abroad looks like the letter M, meaning lots of ups and downs. But what I noticed is that, at times, its easier for me to focus on the down part here, whether I am stuck in a traffic jam on Faria Lima, breathing in car fumes while walking to the park, or trying to get a handle on my Portuguese. Since I know Im not leaving So Paulo any time soon, I thought about