O que estão falando por aí...

... de São Paulo. Matéria publicada no The Daily Telegraph em 17 de junho de 2008.



São Paulo: My kind of town
DJ Pete Tong

Why São Paulo?
São Paulo for me is the New York of South America. Flying in is one of the most precarious landings in the world – it seems as if you’re skimming the rooftops.
It’s a sprawling city, and from the air it looks more like Mexico City, with buildings as far as the eye can see. Like New York, it has an incredible buzz, but here it feels as if the inhabitants have cut themselves off from the rest of the world.

What do you miss most when you're away?
Definitely Maresias, a fantastic beach east of the city. It’s a 90-minute drive, but well worth it. It has a beautiful beach area and one of the most famous clubs in the world, The Sirrena. Eccentric resident DJ Carlo Dall’anese plays a mishmash of music. With amazing views of the sea and an exceptional sunset, it’s very much like Ibiza’s Space, but by the sea. Every top DJ has played there.

What's the first thing you do when you return?
Head straight to Crystal for coffee and cake. It’s a quaint little coffee shop in the heart of Jardins and serves exquisite cakes with custard and delicious coffee. Right in the fashion centre, it is brilliant for people-watching – and Brazil boasts some of the most beautiful people in the world.

Where's the best place to stay?
The Fasano Hotel (0055 11 3896 4000; www.fasano.com.br; doubles from around £250), for me, one of the best five-star boutique hotels in the world. The Fasano family have been hoteliers and restaurateurs for more than 100 years and they clearly know what they are doing. Designed by Isay Weinfeld and Marcio Kogan, the building is an audacious recreation of Thirties style – cool and understated. They even imported bricks from London to complete the hotel’s façade.
The Emiliano (3068 4399; www.emiliano.com.br; doubles from around £230) is the little brother hotel, and equally as impressive.

Where would you meet friends for a drink?
On the roof of the Unique Hotel (Ave Brigadeiro Luis Antonio, 4700, Jd Paulista; 3055 4700), which is where most of the international DJs stay when they play in the city. It has startling architecture and looks like a bat or a squashed letter N. For its part, the roof looks like a landing strip and boasts an unparalleled view of the city.

Where are your favourite places for lunch?
Go to Rodeio (Rua Haddock Lobo 1498; 3474 1333; www.churrascariarodeio.com.br) and try troseceroa, basically meat on skewers, but a very upmarket version. You cook it at little grills on the table. The restaurant has the feel of an old gentleman’s club. Having served the same menu for years, they have perfected every dish, and welcome a mix of families, wealthy guests and a young fashion crowd.

And for dinner?
I love Gero (Rua Haddock Lobo 1629; 3064 0005), a very cool and authentic Italian restaurant that could be straight out of Milan. It’s another great spot for people-watching, drinking wine and soaking up the atmosphere.

Where would you send a first-time visitor?
To the Bienal of Art (www.bienalsaopaulo.globo.com), an amazing presentation of modern art and a great place to lose yourself. With stunning parks and two spas it’s also a wonderful part of the city. This year’s Bienal begins on October 26.
What would you tell them to avoid?
The main advice I would give is don’t be ostentatious. It might sound obvious, but if you walk around dripping in gold you are asking for trouble.

Public transport or taxis?
Taxis – they’re cheap, and easier than buses.

Handbag or moneybelt?
Pockets are fine – but take the usual precautions you would in any big city.

What should I take home?
Nhá Benta chocolate marshmallow: the Latin version of marshmallow is huge in Brazil and delicious.

And if I've only time for one shop?
I love Osklen (Rua Oscar Freire 645; 3083 7977; www.osklen.com) which sells eco-friendly fashion; it’s not unlike Abercrombie and Fitch.