Are you coming to the food festival in Carrasco today?

Just a reminder that the food festival in Carrasco is on today from 12-8pm.  If you don't want to miss out on events happening in and around Montevideo you can sign up to follow the events section on the Ask Annette Facebook page here - you can also find out more about today's food festival there.

Have you remembered that it is Labour Day on Sunday?

Labour Day/May Day (May 1st) is this Sunday so just a reminder that everything will be closed.  Unlike some countries when a lot of 'necessity' businesses remain open and pay their staff extra, from my experience in Uruguay everything closes! including supermarkets and gas stations.  And if you go to the supermarket the day before they are due to be closed it looks like the end of the world is about to occur and people are stocking up for it (i.e. it is the craziest place to be with people everywhere!!!).  So my suggestion would be to stay clear of the supermarkets tomorrow afternoon :)  Happy Labour Day!

What is the shopping like in Uruguay?

For those of you that live in Uruguay already, you will know all about the shopping (or lack there of) available here.  I was recently asked by a prospective newcomer to Uruguay about the shopping so I thought it would be helpful to post some website links for newcomers to explore the types of shops available in Uruguay.

Supermarkets:
Devoto
Disco
Frog
Geant
Kinko
MacroMercado
Ta Ta
Tienda Inglesa

Shopping Malls:
Costa Urbana Shopping
Nuevocentro Shopping
Portones Shopping
Punta Carretas Shopping
Shopping Montevideo
Tres Cruces Shopping

Stationery/Bookshop:
Mosca

Hardware Stores:
Kroser
Mr Bricolage
Sodimac

How do you order food online in Uruguay?

For many of us we have been using online food delivery sites for a long time in countries around the world but it seems that Uruguay moves a lot slower in some areas of technology.  PedidosYa started in Uruguay in 2010 and is an online website to order food for delivery from various restaurants.  I have been in Uruguay for 3 years and have finally got around to ordering food via PedodiosYa.  My lack of Spanish as well as lack of desire to eat dinner at 10pm has put me off using PedodiosYa.  I found the website was easy enough to use and the online help chat was good too.  Some improvements to the site for the future could be to allow creditcard purchases, to have the site in more languages than Spanish, to have a membership loyalty programme/discounts, and to have an online tracker system to track the progress of your order.  

A couple of user tips from me to you:

• check the time that the restaurant actually opens
• check the estimated delivery time
• check if the restaurant charges a delivery fee
• check if the restaurant actually delivers to your area

www.pedidosya.com.uy

Looking for a new brunch/lunch spot?

I love brunch and am always on the hunt for a new brunch spot in Montevideo!   I tried the brunch at Sucré Salé Café & Bistró on the weekend. I really enjoyed the atmosphere and the food; the poached eggs/homemade hashbrown/cherry tomato meal was yummy.  The toast was too dry though so avoid that part of the meal.  The pancake meal was also very yum with 3 large fluffy pancakes.  The juice is real but needs a lot of sugar.  Coffee could definitely do with some work so be aware when ordering coffee.  Service was friendly but the food does take a while to cook.  There is a small garden at the back of the cafe that is nice for kids to run around in.  I thought the cafe prices were very reasonable and I would be happy to give Sucré Salé another try.  A tip: don't use the link to the google map directions via the Sucré Salé Café Facebook page, it takes you to the completely wrong area on the street!

Sucré Salé Café & Bistró
Bvar. Artigas 1271
24027779 - 095699369
Facebook

Are you sick of eating the same old Uruguayan pizza?

I tried the most delicious Brazilian style pizza at a friends Birthday party and was keen to try it again.  The restaurant is called Pizzeria Pizzaiolo and the 2nd time around I was not disappointed! With flavours that vary from the basic Uruguayan-style pizzas, Pizzeria Pizzaiolo is a must try!   They don't provide the usual massive amounts of fake mozzarella and thick doughy bases, instead they have delicious sauces, flavours and toppings.  I love the BBQ chicken pizza and the buffalo wings are great too - they even make Hawaiian pizza! (ever seen that in Uruguay?!).  The pizzas are huge (40cm) and big enough for our family of 4.  You can order for delivery online at PedidosYa or dine in at their restaurant in Punta Gorda.  You must give Pizzeria Pizzaiolo a shot!

Pizzeria Pizzaiolo
María Espinola 1613 - Punta Gorda
2605 3819

Facebook

Did you miss out on seeing the Swan Lake Ballet?

I missed out on tickets for the latest national ballet show because the tickets sold out...but wait...Sodre have just published that they are holding an extra performance to fundraise for Dolores!  More information is available on the Sodre Facebook page or you can buy your tickets on http://tickantel.com.uy. See you at the show!

Looking for a sewing machine shop/repair service?

I was highly impressed with the service at Masian when I took my overlocker in for repairs.  Not only were the staff super knowledgeable, helpful and friendly, they also went the extra mile getting their daughter to phone my cell and speak to me in English.  My overlocker is working perfectly and the repairs are guaranteed for 3 months.   Alongside repairs, this store also sells a variety of sewing machines, overlockers, fabric cutters and other accessories.  I was never keen to buy a Chinese made sewing machine from a Uruguayan supermarket or appliance store so was pleased to see Masian selling Brother, Singer and other reputable brands right here in Uruguay!  This store is definitely worth a visit.

Masian
Cassinoni 1659 (where it crosses Colonia)
2401 4355

ventas@masian.com.uy
Monday-Friday 9am-6pm
Facebook

What is the next show by The Montevideo Players Society?

Looking for an event this coming week?

More information on their Facebook page.

Is there an event for Anzac Day in Uruguay?

On Sunday April 24th at 9am at Plaza Virgilio (Punta Gorda, Montevideo) there will be an Anzac Day ceremony.  Everyone is welcome to attend.  RSVP here.