Ask The Concierge: Anderson Azevedo’s Rio
In our series Ask The Concierge, we ask our most knowledgeable staff to give their insider tips on cities around the world. Today, we’re in the city of Samba with Anderson Azevedo, Head Concierge at Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Rio de Janeiro.
As a local from Rio de Janeiro, Anderson Azevedo had always dreamed of working for his hometown’s most famous hotel before he became Head Concierge at the Copacabana Palace in 2022. “Rio is such a vibrant and beautiful city with a unique energy, from the deep green of our forest to the explosion of flowers at the Botanical Garden and the blue waves of the Atlantic Ocean, I love the city's many shades and nuances, it is difficult to not fall in love with it” he says. We sat down with Anderson to discover the best bits of his personal guide to the city he knows and loves so well.
The best local dish to order for breakfast?
You simply can’t come to Brazil and not try our Pão de Queijo. These puffed balls of cheese bread are a staple snack among Brazilians and they are best accompanied by an espresso in the morning – but at most meals, there will be cheese bread on the table. My favourite place to find them is NEMA.
The best walk to do to really experience Rio de Janeiro?
Once you leave the front doors of Copacabana Palace, there is nothing better than starting your morning with a pleasant walk to the Ipanema neighborhood along the beach. The beautiful boulevard here was designed by Brazilian landscaper Roberto Burle Marx and it’s the best way to take in the city. I suggest a gentle stroll along the first beach before cutting inland briefly. Then, hit the second beach Ipanema, famous of course, because of the song “The Girl from Ipanema”. Stop at the Classico Beach Club Ipanema for a cold glass of local coconut water or some traditional Açaí.
The best coffee shop to visit to feel like a local?
Away from the tourist spotlight, Da Casa da Táta is a refuge for comfort and simplicity located in a small house in the Gávea district. You will find authentic recipes that will guarantee good memories and an explosion of flavors.
The best place to visit to bring home something special that you can’t find anywhere else?
There are two unique places that are true treasures and not much explored – I’m sure they’ll surprise you. Crab, a gallery that exhibits and sells the best of Brazilian crafts. It hosts a selection of special works, crafts, and furniture that bring the country’s culture and encourage contact with national production. And la Fábrica Bhering : currently a complex of studios for photographers, visual artists and artisans, it’s located by the port. Brazilian art and design are everywhere at the Bhering: don’t miss the Abstrato studio with vibrant and creative sculptures and the Icon Gallery, whose photos reflect the Brazilian culture.
The best place to head to for a quick working lunch?
Toto is located in a beautiful mansion on Rua Joana Angélica, in Ipanema. The neighborhood is known as the gastronomic hub in Rio, and Toto is a casual contemporary bistro with an uncomplicated menu that I love.
The best place to book for a romantic dinner for two?
Grado. It’s housed in a small double-story house decorated with books and art objects, low lights in an intimate atmosphere where you’ll be sure to have a romantic and memorable evening in Rio.
Illustration by Damien Cuypers
You might also enjoy
JR on the Making of L’Observatoire
The renowned French artist JR challenges traditions and sparks dialogue with his monumental artistic creations. Turning his eye to the iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express where he's designed an entire carriage onboard, the L’Observatoire is an artwork in motion. Transforming every detail into an opportunity for introspection and adventure, read JR in his own words as he explores the deeper meaning behind his most ambitious project yet.
The Best Film Festivals – and Where to Stay
Ever wanted a sneak peek at the films everyone will be talking about next awards season? Film festivals offer a glamorous way to do just that, where you can spot stars, attend fascinating events and soak up the buzz at some of the world’s most beautiful destinations. We've put together a list of our favourites, along with the perfect Belmond property to pair it with following your movie marathon.
Luchino Visconti’s Tuscany
In the 1960s, Castello di Casole in Tuscany was a playground for one of the Italian film industry’s biggest disruptors. Film writer and historian Christina Newland, programmer of ‘Luchino Visconti: Decadence & Decay’ at the British Film Institute, explores the story of the Visconti brothers – their legendary parties, the glittering guestlists and the bar that honours them today.
Discover Belmond’s Photobooks
Inspired by Belmond’s one-of-a-kind hotels and destinations, ‘As Seen By’ is an collection of collectible photobooks with Parisian publisher RVB.
Ask The Concierge: Caterina Cucuzza’s Taormina
Our Ask the Concierge series returns – and this time, we’re heading to Villa Sant’Andrea in Taormina, Sicily. Today, we meet the hotel’s Head Concierge Caterina Cucuzza. She tells us where to find authentic artisanal ceramics, reveals Sicily’s best spots for a shaded gelato and guides us on where to book a romantic dinner for two.
Ask The Concierge: Toru Machida's London
Introducing our new series Ask The Concierge, we spoke to Toru Machida, Head Concierge at The Cadogan. With him, we dive in to find out more about the best spots in Chelsea and beyond.
Investigate London’s New Murder Mystery Experience
One train, five courses, ten suspects. A new immersive murder mystery experience on board the British Pullman train is setting off from London for a wildly entertaining whodunit.