Spellbound

Buenos Aires has always been a mystery to me.  Imagining South American cities I have always pictured the moody atmosphere of Hitchcock's 1946 film, Notorious (which was actually set in Brazil).

Our holiday trip to BsAs last week was a revelation.  The city is elegant, bright, and edgy just like my Argentinian friend Eduardo who gave me all of his shopping tips! Edo's company, Alta Pampa, produces some of the most beautiful home accessories available today.

Our luxurious stay in the Palacio Duhau proved that the Parisians are not the only ones who know how to marry their national historic buildings to contemporary design.

I also loved Philippe Starck's new property the Faena which is filled with red stained glass in an antique red brick warehouse.

After BsAs we went to Patagonia to hike, but were surprised to find that we would have one of the finest dining experiences EVER.

Restaurant Cassis is perched on a rocky outcropping over Lake Gutierrez, near Bariloche. The owner's austro-hungarian ancestry provides influence over the service and the style of cuisine which they define as 'Modern European'  but is also clearly inspired by the rustic products of the Andean Patagonian region.

I am spellbound