Latin Faves

BRAZILIAN CARNAVAL – FEB 13, 20 & 25

latinfaves — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 09:59:49 +0000

BRAZILIAN CARNAVAL (International, World)

Swing Brasileiro, Tropicalia Dance Group, Gingarte Capoeira

Mambo Cafe
3336 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Saturday, February 13th 2010 @ 10pm

$20 Adv. | $25 at the Door

Tickets available now at http://www.SoundCultureChicago.com

In conjunction with Swing Brasileiro and Mateo Productions

Swing Brasileiro combines Chicago’s best Brazilian musicians to play the music of this special celebration that is cherished dearly in Brazil. Tropicalia Dance Group Samba dancers add a visual element to the festivities by performing in authentic Brazilian carnival costumes. And Gingarte Capoeira demonstrates the Afro Brazilian martial art through dance unique to Brazil. http://www.swingbrasileiro.net.

FLAMENCO PERSPECTIVES (International, World, Flamenco)

As part of Flamenco Festival 2010 in conjunction with Instituto Cervantes

Feat. Las Guitarras de España with Wendy Clinard, Idilio, El Payo,

And special internationally renowned guests Timo Lozano, and Alfonso Cid

$25 Adv. | $30 at the Door

Logan Square Auditorium
2539 N. Kedzie Blvd.
Saturday, February 20th 2010 @ 9pm

Tickets available now at http://www.SoundCultureChicago.com

This program explores a few perspectives on Flamenco, from the traditional to how it continues to draw on other culture influences today. Three Chicago based groups perform their unique take on the art form: Idilio’s traditional style in the form of a trio, The Cuban influenced Rumba Flamenca of El Payo, and a whole new world fusion Flamenco of Las Guitarras de Espana. Special guests include internationally renowned dancer and Maestro de Bularias Timo Lozano, and the phenomenal Andalucian born flautist and singer Alfonso Cid.

CHUCHITO VALDES QUINTET (Jazz, Latin) Latin Grammy Nominated Artist

$15 Advanced | $20 at the Door

Rumba 351
W. Hubbard St
Thursday, February 25th 2010 @ 9pm

Tickets available now at http://www.SoundCultureChicago.com

In conjunction with Ratio Nation

Chuchito Valdés, following in the footsteps of his famed father Chucho Valdés and grandfather Bebo Valdés, continues the legacy of great piano players form Cuba.

With influences of Caribbean rhythms and jazz, Chuchito creates an exciting and energetic blend of spicy music that drives audiences wild. This piano master captivates with his sensitivity and drives excitement with his dynamic band.

Chuchito has recorded and performed piano with the world renown Cuban band, Irakere, which he led for 2 years. He is recognized as a master of Cuban music including Son, Danzon, Cuban Timba and Guaguanco

Entry Credit: http://e-hispanics.com/brazilian-carnaval-feb-13-20-25/

How to Plan a Date for Valentine’s Day Celebration

latinfaves — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 10:02:47 +0000

Valentine’s Day is celebrated by most couples anywhere in the world every February 14th of each year. In order to avoid the same old Latin Valentine’s Day routine, plan a date ahead of time. Your partner will surely appreciate the effort you put in to make it more memorable.

Here are the steps on how to plan a date for Valentine’s Day celebration.

1. Plan a date at least a month before Valentine’s Day to give you enough time to arrange everything. This is especially true if the date falls on weekdays that you both might need to take a day off depending on what you want to do. Remember that failure to plan is planning to fail.

2. Make a budget on what you want to do on Valentine’s Day and try to stick to it. If you are not one of those who don’t care about the amount to spend for a date, then you better make a budget plan. Keep in mind that you do not need to spend much just to have a memorable Valentine’s Day.

3. Decide on the location for your Valentine’s Day celebration. Are you going to have dinner outside or have it in your place? If the day falls on weekend, are you going for a weekend getaway? It is very important to make this decision ahead of time so you can make a reservation if necessary.

4. Do your homework and research for great ideas for Valentine’s Day that you will both enjoy. Again, it doesn’t have to be expensive but make it memorable. There are a lot of things that you can do different from traditional Valentine’s Day celebration. For instance, you can make a reservation for a couple’s massage or spa, arrange your place for a romantic mood and ask her for a romantic dance.

Your significant other will surely appreciate a well-planned date for Valentine’s Day. It’s only once a year so make it happen.

Entry Credit: Ehow.com

The Puerto Rican Cuisine

latinfaves — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 10:32:17 +0000

As with most of Puerto Rico’s culture, the country’s cuisine reflects strong Taino, Spanish, African and American influences. Locally known as Cocina Criolla or Creole Cooking, Puerto Rican traditional cuisine can be traced back to the original inhabitants of the land who feasted on fruit, corn and freshly caught seafood. Later, when Columbus arrived on the scene in 1493, other meat, rice, wheat and oil products were thrown into the mix. These mingled flavors can be tasted in various forms in traditional Puerto Rican cuisine.

A full meal in Puerto Rico might include appetizers of cod fritters or cornmeal fingers. Many old-school Puerto Ricans love their soups which are thought to be the original meal of choice by the islands’ inhabitants. Frijoles negros or black bean soup is popular soup and a lovely start to your Puerto Rican meal.

For your main meal, you’ll no doubt be treated with a Puerto Rican-style roasted meat. A delicious basting called Adobo is rubbed into the meat before it gets the roasting treatment. Adobo is essentially crushed pepper corns, oregano, olive oil & salt and some lemon juice. This tangy, spicy mixture gives off a beautiful and mouth-watering aroma that’ll really get your stomach rumbling in anticipation.

Stews are greatly popular in Puerto Rico. Usually cooked in a large pot or kettle, large chunks of beef are marinated in a sauce of capers, pimento olives, cilantro, garlic, potatoes, onion, green and sweet chili peppers.

Deserts are usually light and often include coconut. Nisperos de batata is a very popular Puerto Rican dessert of sweet potato balls covered in custard and flavored with cinnamon.

Not to be forgotten, is the traditionally strong Puerto Rican coffee which has been perfected over the last 300 years.

Source: http://www.puertorico.com/culture/cuisine/

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latinfaves — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 10:15:18 +0000

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