Nike Soho: Zapatillas

Nike Soho

Honduras 4899, Palermo Soho

I think the Nike store here is just so much cooler than its US counterparts. They have the sweetest kicks and hip sporty attire, whereas the US stores are mega but are more oriented towards functional sports wear than street style. Def worth checking out.

Natural Deli: Coma Más Vegetales

Natural Deli
Laprida 1672, Barrio Norte
Gorostiaga 1776, Belgrano

Another spot on the healthy eating circuit is Natural Deli. The food here is oriented around fresh ingredients and vegetables but still very wholesome. Their salad dressing is divine, the Calabaza tarta is craveable, and they sport a no fail smoothie selection. Both locations have tons of natural light, and small markets stocked with natural products, imported spices, and food items you can't get at the grocery.

Palacio Duhau: Luis Felipe Noé

Palacio Duhau

Posadas 1086, Recoleta

Palacio Duhau is one of the most gorgeous spaces in Buenos Aires and the Oak Room bar is a great place to stop for a classy cocktail. I had the opportunity to tour the property and browse their impressive art collection, which currently features Luis Felipe Noé in the Paseo de Artes. The building, owned by the Park Hyatt, is beyond spectacular and Noé 's art was somewhat of a dream for me. It was an unexpected pleasure.

Niceto Club: Onda Vaga

Niceto Club
Niceto Vega 5510, Palermo
Last night I went to the Onda Vaga concert at Niceto. I did not know much about the group prior to attending, but was completely taken by the show. Such a chill concert and so much talent on stage. Their album Fuerte y Caliente was one of Rolling Stone's 50 most important records of '08 and rightfully so. I'll be listening and hoping to see them back in BA soon. Check them out on myspace: http://www.myspace.com/ondavaga.

Roho: Peluqueria & Soda Stereo

Roho
Malabia 1931, Palermo

Sweet website: http://www.roho.com.ar/

So, I decided it was about time I got my haircut and highlighted. After much consideration, I used my spanglish to book myself an appointment at Roho, a hip rock n roll style salon. The space is black with graffiti-style flair and they have music jamming, videos playing, and guitar hero in reception. I feared I'd walk out of here looking like a total hot mess, but they did a fantastic job. They also introduced me to an amazing Argentine rock band from the 80s: Soda Stereo. Can't stop listening to them. Zoom is a song to be downloaded immediately.

Epoca Bella: Belleza Natural

Epoca Bella
Gorriti 5037, Palermo
Upon arrival to Baires my beauty product purchases were limited to Dove and Nivea at the local farmacia. I thought I was safe and a reformed product junkie, until I crossed paths with Epoca Bella this week. The owner of the store makes luxurious natural body products, candles, herbal oils, and they have other bathroom items in stock. I love the Verdadura scented product line and the Tilo candle. Sorry local farmacia, but you won't be seeing Lau anymore.

Oui Oui: A little Taste of France in Baires

Oui Oui

Nicaragua 6068, Palermo Hollywood

Lunch spot du jour is Oui Oui, a cute little craveable french cafe. They are so popular that they have two spots on the same block, but I prefer the 6068 location for its larger menu and homey vibe. The corner spot is better for a coffee and a small bite. You can't order wrong here, but I suggest the ensalada of pollo tibio, espinaca, croutones, y panceta con vinagreta de miel y mostaza. Great limonada and the best medialunas (croissants) con dulce de leche I have had to this date.

De Olivas y Lustres: Naranja y Queso

De Olivas y Lustres
Gorriti 3972, Palermo
Anyone who has dined with me knows I love to share food. The prefix tapas at De Olivas y Lustres (vino y champagne included) satisfies that desire. Great for a large group, no need to concern yourself with choices, just let the innovative, perfectly portioned, and delicious tapas roll out as you enjoy the company of your family and friends, as I did. A special shout out to the fried olives. The only food choice I questioned was cheesy caramelized oranges for desert. But after the extensive dinner and multiple desert choices I was happy to just pose with the oranges and say adios.

Sobre Lau: Segun del Compañero del Depto

This is the take on Lau from the roommate, check out his blog.

http://zeshinds.blogspot.com/2009/03/rege-central-first-installation.html

Albahaca: Gift From The Streets of Baires

Albahaca (Basil) is by far my favorite herb and they love it here in Baires too. With the Italian influence in cuisine, the herb is incorporated in many dishes and has a superior flavor to the basil of the states. The other day my roommate and I acquired this basil plant by chance. It was sitting on the street waiting for a home. We debated if it was for the taking, should we take the plant and leave pesos in its place? But after 10 minutes we realized the basil plant was a gift from somebody and it now lives on our balcony.

Graffiti: Stencils 1

Stencils are everywhere in Baires and I love spotting new ones. Here is a sampling of a few I collected this week. If you want to see more this blog features the art form.

http://www.bairestencils.blogspot.com/

El Cuartito: 1930's Pizzeria

El Cuartito

Talcahuano 937, Recoleta

2:30 am Friday night: I attempted going out, but with the cold still in full swing, I needed late night comfort food and bed. Our cab driver directed us to El Cuartito. The pizza & empanadas were good, they definitely hit the spot. The ambiance was the catch, it was a time warp back to Baires 1930s. We debated sitting at a table, but when we saw the classy elderly men all lined up at the counter (photo), we knew that was were we had to be. The scene was classic and I loved the experience, but it is a bit off my late night path, so I won't be rushing back.

Papelera Palermo: Wreckless Spending

Papelera Palermo

Honduras 4945, Palermo

By chance I walked into this store the other day looking for customizable stamps. They did not have what I needed, however, something about it stuck in my mind and I knew I'd be back in a matter of time. So, today I returned and purchased a notebook to jot down my thoughts, organizational boxes for under my nightstand, and lots of wrapping paper. Now all I have to do is buy some gifts and put that paper to use. I highly recommend this store for all your papelera needs.

Pura Vida: Cuerpo y Alma

Pura Vida
Uriburu 1489, Recoleta

In an effort to combat a cold I headed to my favorite juice bar and health food spot today for an Anti-Resfrío Licuado (aka smoothie) and a Todo Verde Ensalada. Normally, I order the De La Casa wrap and a Strawberry Fields 4-Ever licuado, but today I mixed it up and as usual Pura Vida did not disappoint. Their mostaza dressing is to die for, they have wheatgrass, and a menu focused on fruits and veggies is welcomed in a country whose pride is carne.

Infinit Boutique: Abrí Los Ojos

Infinit Boutique
Thames 1602, Palermo
This sunglass store not only has some of the hippest sunglasses in town, but it also frequently changes its store front and it does not get any cooler than that. I have dragged many people here in the attempt to make a purchase and I was finally able to seal the deal. Check out my new purple shades and the winter/spring facades.

La Salamandra: Dulce De Leche

La Salamandra Dulce De Leche & Mozzerella Bar

El Salvador 4761, Palermo

I used to think Dulce De Leche was a bad flavor of Häagen-Dazs ice cream... but in Baires I learned that it is a delicious spreadable delicacy made of caramelized milk, vanilla, and sugar. Completely divine. La Salamandra is my favorite brand and they just happen to have a Dulce De Leche & Mozzerella Bar located right near all my favorite shops. Perfect for a post shopping coffee and a sweet treat.