Suzanne Reports: South to Argentina and Chile for The Gables!

In search of new markets and colorful inspirations, I spent January traveling way down to the southern hemisphere, where it’s warm and summery this time of year.

Santiago, Chile, has beautiful old European architecture juxtaposed with towering, modern skyscrapers–all upon the backdrop of the Andes mountains.

I found a surprising number of flea markets with antiques from the 19th and 20th centuries.

I also enjoyed perusing through old silver, paintings and tortoise, along with indigenous crafts in curious colors and shapes.

Not to be missed spots in and around Santiago:

Best area for eating and drinking – Bellavista. Try Azul Profundo for seafood
Best steak house – Happenings
Favorite shopping street for art galleries, design shops, clothes and jewelry – Alsonso de Cordova in the Vitacura neighborhood
Favorite hotel – Ritz-Carlton with its fabulous rooftop pool under a stunning glass dome
Favorite Bar – the new W Hotel’s Whiskey Blue on the top floor overlooking the city
Favorite Park – Parque Forestal
Super lunch in an outdoor setting in the Las Americas Park – Mestizo, where everyone was drinking a beautiful blueberry cocktail. Of course, I had to try it and even got the recipe!

It is called “The Emiliano”. Below, my husband, George is enjoying one!

“The Emiliano” recipe: Blueberries, Sugar, Basil, Lemon, Absolut Kurrant plus a dash of Cassis

A short drive from Santiago, I headed towards the Casablanca Valley and its stunning organic vineyard, Matetic. It was designed according to Feng Shui with architecture in the style of Frank Lloyd Wright being built into the landscape.

They used the Valdes chair in all the tasting rooms…so chic and comfortable.

Crossing the border into Argentina, I made my way to Buenos Aires, a city of vibrant colors, Tango, fabulous steaks, antiques and exquisitely handmade rugs and crafts.

My very favorite areas for antiques, crafts and markets are: San Telmo, Palermo Soho and La Boca

Most interesting antique store is Gabriel del Campo which was full of unusual chests, gears, rugs and hangings.

Artepampa has creatively reinterpreted indigenous Argentinean designs for contemporary tastes. I selected unique boxes, frames, sculptures and hangings to pack in a newly acquired suitcase to bring back to The Gables. I was excited to see how well they blend with our antiques and our new line of painted furniture, Painted Edge.

I also was intrigued by some simply beautiful hand woven rugs from the northwest of Argentina. They take 6 months to make as the craftsmen own the sheep, shear them, wash the wool, dye it with natural elements and then hand weave the rugs. I purchased a few for The Gables (below).

Other Buenos Aires favorites:

Hotel – The Park Hyatt

Steak restaurant – La Cabrera north
Shop for leather – Silvia y Mario
Lunch – Sorrento has delicious Italian cuisine
Local Empanadas bistro – el Sanjuanino (Argentinean “fast food”, but this is no McDonalds)
Best Tango Dinner Show – Esquina Carlos Gardel (great cuisine and gorgeous Art Nouveau décor)
Most sophisticated area in BA – Recoleta
Most colorful area – La Boca
Best historic coffee house – Café Tortoni

I can’t wait to go back! If you’d like more reservations, check out the New York Times Travel article by Finn-Olaf Jones, entitled “Santiago, Chile, is hardly sleepy anymore.” Bon Voyage!