By Michela DellaMonica, Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL — In the midst of the 2014 World Cup, the team behind New York restaurant The Fat Radish and creative event agency Silkstone moves to Rio de Janeiro to host a month of happenings at “The Mansion”, a sweeping neo-classical residence in the city’s bohemian district of Santa Teresa, housing a private clubhouse, restaurant and cocktail bar plus a packed schedule of parties, art shows, musical performances and fine dining.
By invitation only, members can enjoy on a complimentary basis a glittering art-deco pool, where aperitifs are served to postcard perfect views of Christ the Redeemer, massages, and organic grilled vegetables served with the freshest of fish grilled on the barbecue.
Open daily from 12PM – 6:30 PM the experience includes an open bar, fresh food, impromptu parties, live music shows, DJs (music by San Fransisco expatriate living in Rio, Tee Cardaci), live graffiti art and a big screening room to watch the World Cup games.
“The chance to experiment with our approach to hospitality in one of the world’s most inspirational cities during a truly iconic moment was too good an opportunity to miss,” said Phil Winser, co-owner of The Fat Radish and The Leadbelly and designer of Casa Fat Radish. “The pop-up culture is something very new to Brazil, and we are aiming to create an experience that will be like nothing the city has seen before.”
Sharing the values of locally sourced ingredients, craftsmanship and integrity, the partnership between Absolut Elyx and The Fat Radish is truly organic. Each day, leading and upcoming Brazilian mixologists will deliver cocktails with a local twist, to the clubhouse guests.
On select evenings of the month, guests will enjoy a pop-up dining experience with a set five-course tasting menu that riffs off seasonal produce and will star fresh fish, chicken and vegetables from the organic farms tucked away in the lush mountains that surround Rio.
The dining experience also includes wine pairings that showcase independent Brazilian producers, curated by Aprazivel owner Pedro Hermeto. Reservations must be made online via the website and secured by advance payment.
While The Mansion’s sun-drenched terraces and marble entrance hall conjure up the colonial magic of a bygone era, interiors will be designed by Philip Winser in partnership with concept store Via Manzoni, showcasing the creative vibrancy of contemporary Carioca culture with signature pieces from renowned designer Zanine de Zanini.
“The Mansion has six rooms that are available for rent after the World Cup,” says Andrew Harding, property manager for The Mansion. “For those looking to spend a few weeks in a luxury mansion with a pool at your disposal, this place is a beauty to check out.”
In Britain and Australia “pop-up” – or temporary – restaurants have been popular since the 2000s but they have also existed in the United States. Like the popular gourmet food truck culture in New York, they can be an effective way for young culinary teams to gain exposure and test a concept.