Category Archives: Travel Tales

Gloves, You Say? Lisbon Gem

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Bespoke Gloves Lisbon

Wandering the cobblestone streets and sidewalks in Lisbon, I prowled each doorway looking for Lisbon’s fashionable Luvaria Ulisses on Rua do Carmo, the tiny gem of a shop with one specific purpose – the making of bespoke leather gloves. The most fashionable and smallest shop in Lisbon caters to gentlemen and women.

Luvaria Ulisses on Rua do Carmo. Lisbon Portugal

Founded in 1925 by Joaquim Rodrigues Simões, the tiny 4 sq. meter interior has a classic art deco interior, the neoclassic façade is fairly easy to locate. The location of Luvaria Ulisses hasn’t changed since 1925 when it opened, the name is taken from Greek Mythology.

An atelier nearby contains the work room where the custom gloves are cut and sewn by hand, the small three-person maximum fitting room has lines out the door. Patience is a necessity if you desire well made custom fit leather gloves. Choose from a myriad of options, dainty button edged gloves, sporty contrasting colors; soft skins: sheep, goat, nubuck calfskin, lined with cashmere or unlined..the choices are many.

Luvaria Ulisses bespoke gloves

You might inquire: and how do you try on a glove? Lean onto the glass display case, place your elbow on a cushion for measuring the hand, Helen will gently pull a glove over your hand to determine exact size. If they have a glove in stock, walk away with your purchase, otherwise return in 24 hours. I promise each time you slide on the beautiful gloves, you will remember your personal fitting in this charming bespoke shop.

Helen personally fitting gloves at Luvaria Ulisses Lisbon

Old world craftsmanship is challenging to find these days, Luvaria Ulisses is the finest for original and unique gloves, still made by highly skilled artisans, using traditional handcrafting techniques.

Luvaria Ulisses – Glove stretchers.

Luvaria Ulisses on Rua do Carmo..Patience required for bespoke gloves!

Obgigado Helen!

Travel Gems! Luvaria Ulisses on Rua do Carmo, 87-A, 1200-093 Lisbon  www.luvariaulisses.com

 

 

 

 

 

Temple Bar NY – Closing December 31

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From September 2013 Posting …Off the beaten track and worth the search, seek out the elegant Temple Bar on Lafayette Street in the Village, the green door marked only by a gecko drawing. You want the left Gecko, not the right Gecko.

Thank you Barbara Tanis and David Tanis for inviting me!

You will be reminded of bygone days, of novel and film scenes of the 1940’s in this elegant and handsome bar, the barmen are serious mixologists who take inordinate pleasure in their unique offerings. Traditional and creative drinks are presented with vigorous shakes and generous pours.

A stylish cocktail lounge, decorated with walls of mahogany, dim moody lighting, a long bar sweeps across the room, snuggle in the luxurious leather chairs or perch in the comfy bar stools.

Simple but well prepared bar bites: Deviled Eggs, Fresh Guacamole, Ginger Glazed Spare Ribs…I would suggest a Rye Manhattan on the rocks or as the bartender pointed out on the rock – singular. One large square ice cube the size of an orange – colossal cube is the new trend, doesn’t dissipate the drink. Who knew?

Loved the cheeky bartender who prepares Ginger Beer every few days, he said I could take the menu when he wasn’t looking! David, have you figured out the recipe yet?

332 Lafayette St, New York, NY

Sad News, Temple Bar is closing December 31, 2017