Guido's Italian Dining Experience, Palermo Chico, Buenos Aires

By Roy Heale

There are some well kept secrets in Buenos Aires and Guido's Cafe-Bar is one of them. This authentic Italian restaurant is well-known to local residents, but is off the beaten track for most tourists. With a kitsch atmosphere this wonderful Italian restaurant offers an array of home-cooked Italian specialties served by smiling waiters. The walls, which are covered with movie posters and pictures featuring a variety of old school Italian actors, gives it a fun edge and a real---if not slightly over the top---Italian feel. It is a small cosy place with a few tables outdoors for patio dining. Reservations are a must if you don't want to be disappointed when the house is full!

Although there is a small menu available, most guests opt for the chef's set meals which differ daily. Dinner is a five course affair, including wines and soft drinks for around US$40 plus gratuity. To start there is an array of hot and cold antipasto---including a wonderful cherry tomato and bocconcini salad---with new and old Italian favorites to choose from. This is followed by two different pasta dishes with fresh home-made pasta combined with local ingredients. Then comes the carni---meat dish---and on this particular night it was a wonderful veal tenderloin in a light, creamy tarragon sauce accompanied by the best french fries I have had in Buenos Aires! If that is not enough for most appetites, then the dessert tray will top off the meal. A selection of home made treats included a unique Tiramisu, chocolate gelato, a pineapple cake, and a chocolate surprise. Throughout the meal there were bottomless bottles of excellent red and white wine offered, plus soft drinks and bottled water. The service is friendly plus unusually fast and efficient compared to other local establishments.

I can't believe I ate the whole thing---a testament to the excellent chef!

Guido's is located in the elegant Palermo Chico barrio at República de la India 2843 facing the Zoo grounds. It is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner but it is recommended to call ahead and check on the opening hours as they have a tendency to vary, phone:(005411) 4802.2391. Dinner begins at 8:30PM which is perfect for those who do not wish to eat late at night, but be sure to allow about three hours to enjoy the many different courses at a leisurely pace.

For Italian food lovers and gourmands this is an absolute must during a visit to Buenos Aires and now my personal favorite Italian restaurant in the city. 

2011 Queer Tango Festival of Buenos Aires

Queer Tango Dancers From 2010 Festival

By Roy Heale

The Fifth Annual International Queer Tango Festival of Buenos Aires will take place from November 14 – 20, 2011. Without a doubt this is one of the best events on the gay and lesbian calendar in South America. The Festival will take place in the city’s principal tango venues and studios. There will be milongas and practices every day of the week, plus shows, orchestras, performances, and classes with renowned Argentine tango experts. Copenhagen is this year’s Honorary Sister City.

During the Festival there will be a salute to Copenhagen, Europe’s pioneer city in the fight for human rights, as the Festival’s 2011 Honorary Sister City. Gunner Svendsen and Tina Solveig Koch, organizers of the International Queer Tango Festival of Copenhagen, will be among the honored participants in Buenos Aires.

The Festival goal is to build a truly open tango community, encouraging new forms of expression within a living tradition of music and dance. Because of her longstanding, unconditional support and counsel, renowned dancer and tango teacher Aurora Lúbiz has been recognized since 2010 as godmother of the Festival.

On Tuesday, November 15, the celebrated Lidia Borda will open the International Queer Tango Festival for the second consecutive year at Milonga Tango Queer (Perú 571). On this occasion Borda will perform with the talented Ariel Argañaraz on guitar and Daniel Godfrid on piano. Borda will sing from her beautiful repertoire of recorded works and unreleased tracks, including Manzi, caminos de barro y Pampa, from her latest album. She is famous for her emotional and profound interpretations of the greatest writers. Rolling Stone Magazine described Lidia Borda as “the best tango singer of the present”. Borda is highly regarded as the foremost female voice in the last few decades, and she has been widely acclaimed. Although inspired by the pioneer interpreters of tango, at the same time Borda is a modern and original interpreter with a classic and unconventional repertoire which rediscovers beautiful pages of the genre, inexplicably forgotten.

Lidia Borda

For the second time, the Buenos Aires Queer Tango Festival will present the Orquesta Típica Los Reyes del Tango on Thursday, November 17, 2011 at Milonga Confitería Ideal (Tango Ideal – Suipacha 380).

The Quinteto Negro de La Boca was born as a band in the neighbourhood of La Boca in 2008. It is their members' intention to rejuvenate the cultural heritage of the community through the music of tango, featuring authors such Pedro Laurenz and Juan de Dios Filiberto. Not in vain was La Boca, one of the most important sites in the creation and development of tango throughout the ages. They will perform on Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at Milonga La Marshall (Independencia 572).

Renowned Tango Artists Alejandro Andrián, Augusto Balizano and Claudio González will dance together for the first time in an unforgettable exhibition on Tuesday, November 15, 2011 at the Festival’s opening milonga at Milonga Tango Queer (Perú 571).

On Wednesday, November 16, 2011 there will be a presentation of experimental dance theater at the Centro Cultural de la Cooperación Floreal Gorini (Av. Corrientes 1543, CABA). Works to be performed are: Appears, directed by Miguel Elías; Dual, directed by Gustavo Soto; SinFilm A staged composition in dance-theater, directed by Maestra Arena Belén and Maestra Celeste Gadea.

Los Reyes del Tango

Whether you are a dancer, a student of tango, or just an observer who is fascinated by this artistic dance form, the place to be is Buenos Aires for the 2011 Queer Tango Festival.

Historic Tramway In Caballito, Buenos Aires

Caballito Tram

Inside The Tram

By Roy Heale

Historically, the Buenos Aires barrio of Caballito was where wealthy Porteños would go on the weekend to kick back at their colonial-style mansions. Some of these mansions are still standing today on Avenida Rivadavia---for example, the house of the wine baron Ambrosio Lezica. One of the most notable things about Caballito these days is the presence of a faculty of the University of Buenos Aires. The students of the Faculty of Philosophy and Letters help to add character to what is otherwise rather a patrician and well-to-do district.

Former Weekend Residences

The main commercial area of Caballito is on Avenida Rivadavia, which is one of the city’s main thoroughfares and also one of the borders of this barrio.

For people who like to stroll around neighbourhoods and enjoy the sights, Caballito has plenty of interesting attrcations. Parque Rivadavia features an every-day street market selling books and music including vinyl records, music scores, and more. The other park, Parque Centenario, is also beautiful, and was very recently refurbished after some years of neglect. For tram buffs and history enthusiasts there’s the Historical Tramway Museum of Buenos Aires, and for architecture admirers there’s the English District, which features buildings from the late 19th century British style. The Mercado del Progreso, a historic and still-functioning market, is also impressive.

Tram Sheds

Buenos Aires grew at the side of the streetcar tracks, like most Argentine cities. Many neighborhoods were formed thanks to its services, and although in 1962 all trams were removed from the streets of Buenos Aires, there are countless memories and stories that still linger from earlier days. On November 15, 1980 the "TRAMWAY HISTORY OF BUENOS AIRES" opened, with support from the Association of Friends of the Tram, which brings together those who share the enthusiasm for this mode of transportation. Several old trams have been restored and every day free fifteen minute rides are offered to anyone who would like to journey back through time. Trams leave every twenty minutes from the only stop on the line, located at Emilio Mitre 500 (E. Mitre between the Board and Jose Bonifacio Avenue) and travel a road circuit of 2 km along the streets Emilio Mitre, Av Rivadavia, and Avenue Directory Hortiguera. During each trip, the traditional "motorman" and conductor give an outline of historical data and technical information. Members of the Association volunteer their time to run this service, including restoration and maintenance of vehicles, actively working to make this a free service. The tramway is just three blocks from the Subte station Emilio Mitre on Line “ E ”. This is an interesting introduction to the historic Caballito barrio.

Spend a relaxing time with the tram ride and strolling through the neighbourhood parks.
For More Information Visit:
http://www.buenosaires.com/guia_turistica_argentina/index.php
http://www.tranvia.org.ar
http://www.gringoinbuenosaires.com/neighborhood-guides/caballito
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caballito,_Buenos_Aires

Beatles Museum in Buenos Aires

By Roy Heale

               It may not be the traditional Liverpool surroundings for the Fab Four, but the recently opened Beatles Museum in Buenos Aires boasts an amazing collection of memorabilia. Created by 53-year-old Rodolfo Vazquez the museum features thousands of items related to the famous foursome from England. The Beatlemania collecting obsession began for the Argentine accountant when he was just 10 years old.

"With the song 'In My Life,' on the Rubber Soul album I fell in love with the Beatles," Vazquez told The Associated Press. He holds the 2001 Guinness World Record for owning the world's largest collection of the legendary rock band's memorabilia. At that point, Guinness noted that he had 5,612 items in the attic of his home in Buenos Aires. His hoard has grown to more than 8,500 records, gadgets, puppets and games since then, more than 2,200 of which are on display in the Beatle Museum that just opened this year at Paseo La Plaza, Corrientes Avenue 1660, in an area of the capital city where tourists throng.

Museum visitors will be able to view items like a check signed by drummer Ringo Starr, a large collection of album covers, toys, figurines, and a brick from The Cavern Club, where the band was discovered in the 1960s.

There are Beatles museums in Liverpool, England, and Hamburg, Germany, that display memorabilia along with objects from the band members' lives, and other private collections as well. But this storefront museum stands out for the sheer quantity of pieces, carefully arranged in display cases and on the walls. There are objects for all tastes: a box of condoms with the name of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, a wig that says it adjusts to any head size, and signed pictures of the four musicians.

Vazquez also keeps accumulating objects, either buying or trading for them with other collectors around the world.

The Beatles broke up in 1970, but there's no letup in interest about the band: When their song list was added to iTunes last year, more than 2 million individual songs and 450,000 copies of Beatles albums were sold in the first week.

Although the Beatles never performed in Argentina, people here seem to have a soft spot for them, ensuring that cover bands have regular gigs. Many such bands play in Vazquez's "The Cavern Pub," a bar next to the museum named after the Liverpool nightclub.

Vazquez claims he doesn't know the total value of his private collection, which also includes record covers, autographs, toys, original pictures, concert programs, and cups and plates with Beatle images. Other rarities are four music boxes with figures of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. Vazquez even has certified copies of their birth certificates. Rarities include a hunk of the stage of Hamburg's Star Club, a strip club where the musicians worked as the house band, at that point with Pete Best as drummer. A pair of drumsticks signed by Best, who was replaced by Ringo Star in 1962, is in the Buenos Aires museum.

There's also a piece of the floor of Strawberry Fields, a Salvation Army orphanage near Lennon's boyhood home whose name inspired the 1967 psychedelic rock tune "Strawberry Fields Forever."

Getting the chance to show his treasures to fellow fans is immensely satisfying to Vazquez and thousands have already rushed to the museum to relive Beatlemania at its best!

http://www.thecavern.com.ar

Paseo La Plaza, 1660 Corrientes Avenue, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Clarifying Argentina's Same-Sex Marriage Act

By Roy Heale



Over six months have passed since the Argentina Federal Same-Sex Marriage and Adoption Act was signed into law on July 22nd., 2010. A predominantly Roman Catholic country, Argentina is now at the vanguard of gay rights in South America and is one of only a handful of countries globally which allow gay couples to wed. Although actual statistics are not available, estimates claim that already over 1000 same-sex couples have taken advantage of the new law and tied the not in Argentina last year.


However, there is some confusion and uncertainty as to whether LGBT tourists from other countries may also visit Argentina for their wedding and honeymoon. But there is no ambiguity when it comes to declaring Argentina as the most gay-friendly and gay-welcoming country in South America after taking this bold step forward towards equality for its gay and lesbian citizens.


Within the text of the new law it states that same-sex “residents” of Argentina may marry and this is where the double meaning of the new law has caused some misunderstandings. There are two ways to qualify for residency in Argentina. The first is to apply to the Immigration Department for permanent residency which is a lengthy, complicated process and, if you qualify, usually takes up to six months. Secondly one can obtain a domicile-certificate from the local police department which costs about US$8.00 and takes about forty-hours hours to complete. But only the official residency from the Immigration Department is currently acceptable for marriage in Argentina. It is possible for a non-resident to marry an Argentine citizen or official resident but this involves another complicated and lengthy application process.


On December 17th., 2010 Argentina's Minister of the Interior, Florencio Randazzo, agreed to issue a disposition soon clarifying that non-resident aliens will be allowed to get married in Argentina since most Civil Registries are not currently allowing this to happen. No indication was given as to when this clarification will be issued but the local LGBT community leaders are optimistic it will be sooner rather than later.


It should be noted that same-sex marriages are being treated in the same manner as heterosexual couples when it comes to the application process for a wedding license. According to immigration lawyer Hector Gabriel Celano, of Celano & Associates, the paperwork for any marriage license in Argentina can take about two weeks to process and in the cases involving foreigners several documents have to be officially translated into Spanish and notarized. A blood test is also required and must be conducted at a recognized clinic in Argentina. Approximately one week after the wedding ceremony a marriage certificate is issued. So even if two non-residents are allowed to marry in the future it will require a minimum three week stay in Argentina and may require assistance from a local expert to ensure that the application process goes smoothly without any delays.


So while Argentine citizens and official residents can take advantage of the new same-sex marriage act, foreigners and tourists will have to be a little bit more patient.


Having said that, an unconfirmed rumor claims that a same-sex couple of tourists were married in Mendoza. Must have been under the influence of the local Malbec wines!


But one thing is for sure---a very gay-friendly welcome is waiting for LGBT visitors to the South American gay mecca of Buenos Aires and throughout Argentina.


For More Information Visit: www.celano.com.ar
www.facebook.com/matrimonioigualitario
http://www.lgbt.org.ar/

Dining Out----Buzios, Brazil

Cafe Havana, Buzios, Brazil

By Roy Heale


With over twenty fabulous beaches, great nightlife, and the best gourmet dining in Brazil it is little wonder that Buzios has developed a reputation for fun, relaxing gay vacations. Located only 120 miles north east from Rio de Janeiro, the small peninsula of Armacao de Buzios is becoming renowned as the up and coming gay-friendly resort destination in Brazil. The gay-owned accommodations and resorts of Chez Wadi and Our House provide the perfect gay places to stay and after a hot day on the beaches the nightlife sizzles with gourmet dining plus great nightclubs.

An important part of every vacation is the question of where to dine and this is where Buzios really excels. Throughout the peninsula, in the central town, on the beaches, or amidst the small villages, are great dining options. Whether you enjoy dining right on the beach, or on the boardwalk with a view of the ocean, or a patio table in town for people watching, then Buzios can satisfy your needs. Of course, fresh seafood is a local specialty and readily available on almost every menu is the Catch of the Day.

Ocean View Dining, Buzios, Brazil

During my recent visit to Buzios I enjoyed several different restaurants around the peninsula and I have compiled a list of some of my personal favorites, each with different menu offerings. However, the most fun part of your vacation in Buzios will be discovering your own list of special places as you experience for yourself the vast selection of dining spots. Either way you won't be disappointed by the gourmet dining available here.

Located where all the action is and in the heart of Buzios Centro town are the following suggestions:

Boom
Rua Manoel Turibio de Farrias, 110 Tel: 2623 6254



Boom Restaurant


One of the great dining traditions in Brazil is the “Buffet por Kilo”where you pay for your meal by the weight of the food on your plate. This is an excellent way to satisfy your appetite without ordering too much food and Boom offers an upscale version of this popular concept. The buffet includes hot and cold selections of local specialities, salads, fruits, or vegetables. Plus there is a sushi option, a selection of pizzas, and a parilla for those who would like some grilled meats. Amazingly the hot dishes remain hot and the salads remain fresh---not always true of buffet meals--- due to careful planning by the chef and kitchen staff. The atmosphere is cool and relaxed with tables outdoors for those who want enjoy the bustle of the pedestrian street. Highly recommended for lunch or dinner to satisfy any sized appetite or culinary tastes at reasonable prices.

Chez Michou
Av. Jose Bento Ribeiro Dantas, 90 Tel: 2623 2169



Chez Michou


Here you will find the best crepes, either sweet or savory, that have been a Buzios success story for over fifteen years. This open air cafe is considered to be the soul of Buzios and is open all day and most of the night in a central location where the night-time party crowd loves to hang out. The menu offers the largest selection of crepes which I have ever seen and the prices are very affordable but the quality is first class. By night the brassy music, the open-air relaxed environment, and great food is conducive to a great party-time. There is always a large crowd here and it is renowned throughout the peninsula for a fun time and great crepes.

Patio Havana
Rua das Pedras, 101 Tel: 2623 2169

Built in 1998 with stunning ocean views, here you will find a taste of Cuba with amazing multi-level architecture and unique design features. With an emphasis on seafood, there is a wide menu selection including prime beef, Italian pastas, snacks, and pizzas. With five different settings, a cigar store, nightly entertainment, a vast wine cellar, and more, Patio Havana is one of the hottest spots in Buzio for dining and entertainment in a unequalled environment. Open every day from Noon until the last client leaves!

Estancia Don Juan
Rua das Pedras, 178 Tel: 2623 2169



Estancia Don Juan


An outstanding restaurant in a great location, the Estancia Don Juan has been a Buzios tradition since 1994 offering the best imported beef from Argentina and an outstanding wine cellar. With exotic architecture and charming decorations this is one of the coziest places in town for dining. The extensive menu also includes pasta dishes and exotic desserts. On selected nights Tango dancers and musicians will provide entertainment while you dine. Open every day from Noon until the last customer leaves!

Tartaruguina Fish House
Avenida Jose Bento Ribeiro Dantas, 440. Tel: 2623 6978

Located on the ocean boulevard with a great view of the bay. The daily feature here is obviously the local fish dishes exquisitely prepared and served with flair and style. It is also popular for Happy Hour drinks, light snacks, and simply relaxing by the ocean. With over twenty years of experience entertaining and satisfying their customers, the owners and staff know how to please. You're bound to return here.

The Fish Shack

Seafood Platter at the Fish Shack

Located on the Promenade at Armacao Beach

This is a simple outdoor cafe where the BBQ is outside and you can watch your fish dinner being cooked and served directly to you. It is a real local diner where the fish is direct from the ocean, to the BBQ, and to your table. The food is simple---fresh fish, salads, rice, and vegetables---but accompanied by a cold beer or glass of wine, it is an amazing feast of Fruits de Mer which will prove to be unforgettable. No fuss, no fancy place settings, just casual drinks and dining, but the prices are extremely affordable and the location is shaded by large trees with a great view of the sea and fishermen's boats. This is a must for seafood lovers!

The Aquarium
Avenida Jose Bento Ribeiro Dantas



The Aquarium Restaurant


This small, all glass restaurant---hence the name---is perched on the beach with spectacular ocean views. Specializing in seafood, the prices may be slightly higher than most places, but the excellent seafood and views make this a worthwhile investment for a special evening.

For a little sand between your toes and great seafood located right on the popular Ferradura beach are the Sarah Mar and Capricornio outdoor restaurants. The fresh seafood offerings vary daily but sandwiches, salads, and cold drinks are always available. The location is perfect for enjoying the beach and the ocean while dining whenever the appetite demands. At Capricornio I saw the biggest ever mouth-watering lobster tails on the grill! Along the expansive Ferradura beach are numerous options for enjoying a variety of different foods but mostly seafood served in numerous ways to suit every palate.

Sarah Mar Restaurant, Ferradura Beach

So enjoy the  amazing beaches and scenery by day and experience the international cuisine and culture at night on your gay-friendly vacation in Buzios.

For More Information Visit: www.visitebuzios.com

Gay Mendoza, Argentina

Mendoza Winery

By Roy Heale


Located in the Andes mountain range of Argentina, Mendoza is a year-round vacation destination. Renowned globally for being the capital of Argentina's wine making industry----especially the renowned Malbecs---Mendoza is also a center for skiing in the higher peaks during July, August, and September. The annual Vendimia wine festival in March is the highlight of the year with festivities for all ages and a special Gay Vendimia Festival.

With a population of approximately one million residents in the metro and surrounding areas, the gay businesses and nightlife are thriving. Mendoza has become the secondary vacation choice for LGBT travellers in Argentina after a visit to Buenos Aires.

The grape harvest is celebrated annually throughout the month of March with the famous Mendoza Wine Festival. Festivities officially commence the first Saturday in March and occur throughout the region at all of the vineyards with special events in the city of Mendoza. But there is also the Fiesta de la Vendimia Gay which is held each year in conjunction with the main Festival. This is perhaps the most significant gay event in Argentina outside of the annual Buenos Aires Pride celebrations. It is supported by many sponsors and the local government making it an official part of the grape harvest festival. The crowning of the “Queen”---drag of course---is a much anticipated local event and a major theatrical production enjoyed by all of Mendoza's LGBT community and other citizens of this gay-friendly city.

Mendoza is the perfect place to call home while taking short excursions, day trips, or even overnight journeys to explore the numerous different vacation activities in this diverse region. Filled with tree-lined avenues, beautiful plazas, historic architecture, and artisan markets, Mendoza offers a relaxed pace of life in a bustling urban environment. The heart of the city pulses in the main square called Plaza Independencia, while the Parque San Martin offers a multitude of relaxing outdoor activities in a lush green environment. The Area Fundacional is a trip back in time to the city's early roots of the settlement days.

In the heart of downtown is the gay-owned and operated DeptosMendoza apartment rentals of Modigliani Art & Design Suites and Dot Suites. Renting an apartment in Mendoza is the best way to enjoy the local scene. Theses suites are perfect for any vacation or business trip to Mendoza with a large variety of sizes and styles available. The English speaking staff are friendly and helpful with any travel needs or excursions. The apartments are large, spacious, luxuriously furnished, with designer appeal. The central location is very convenient for all activities in Mendoza with apartments priced to suit any travel budget.

The Staff at DeptosMendoza

The dry desert-like climate almost guarantees hot sunny days for enjoying outdoor activities coupled with warm nights where outdoor dining is the perfect end to a high-altitude day. Residents of Mendoza observe the very civilized custom of afternoon siestas and most businesses are closed from 1PM to 4PM with the exception of some restaurants.

After a hot sunny day the gay Alternative Spa can offer relaxation and stress relief. It is open from 3PM to 11PM offering whirlpool, sauna, lockers, solarium, relaxing areas and a bar to unwind and mingle. Situated in the downtown core, this is a very popular place for locals to hang out and mix with out-of- town visitors.

Two gay-friendly Resto-Bars---348 and Casa 3---are located on San Lorenzo Street and very popular with the gay community. But the Aristides Villanueva is the major street for dining out. Here you will find a festive atmosphere with patios full of revelers indulging themselves with every International culinary delight imaginable. Plus, of course, the renowned Argentine Parillas, where beef is a gourmet experience especially when accompanied by a local Mendoza vintage red wine. All at prices lower than almost any other major vacation destination in the world today!

Outdoor Patio Dining in Mendoza

Dining out is a major part of Mendoza's nightlife and be sure to try something unique in Mendoza and very gay at Los Chocos restaurant. It's a gay-owned and operated restaurant serving a gourmet six or eight course dinner in a private home, similar to the Paladares in Havana, Cuba. Special local Mendoza meats and produce are complemented with perfect Malbec wines. Dining with wonderful company and amazingly creative gourmet dishes is a holiday treat, and all for only US$60 per person. Incredible! This gourmet restaurant is in the home of Martin the Chef and his partner Martin who assists with the entire dinner. It's located in the heart of downtown, on the 5th floor of a classic residential apartment building. You can have the whole place to yourself, giving it a familiar and comfortable feel. Reservations are essential as each dinner can only accommodate up to eight guests.

After dinner is the perfect time for a visit to a local gay bar and conclude a fun-filled day. On Wednesdays La Reserva-Queen pub offers a fun Drag Show. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays Estacion Miro is the hot gay nightclub for partying until dawn. Both are located in the heart of downtown Mendoza just waiting to entertain you until dawn, or perhaps even later.

So whether it is during the Vendimia Festival or at any other time of the year, make sure you include gay-friendly Mendoza in your itinerary for a gay vacation in Argentina.

For More Information Visit: http://www.deptosmendoza.com.ar/           http://www.mendoza-gay.com.ar/