Retired from PPG Industries (Pittsburgh Paints), Schoff is one of the world's leading authorities on all things related to paint. He travels frequently to Latin America to lecture on coating technology at conferences, consult with industry on paint problems and conduct short courses on rheology (flow measurements), among other topics. He and his wife Joan travel frequently in the region for their personal enjoyment as well.

What's your advice for interesting dining?

I like the Italian restaurants in Buenos Aires, and two of my favorites are Sorrento del Puerto in Puerto Madero and Annetta in Palermo. Both

Annetta

have excellent food and service. Sorrento is a big, fancy restaurant, whereas Annetta is a small neighborhood place. For steaks, I prefer restaurants in Bariloche (Argentina), particularly Alberto's and Restaurante Jauja. The former has bigger and juicier steaks while the latter has a more extensive menu and wine list. I've also had fine meals in Peru and the best ceviche ever at the Museo Larco in Lima.

Tell us about some of your best hotel experiences.

Feir's Park Hotel in Buenos Aires probably is my favorite. It is comfortable, quiet, has a friendly and helpful staff and just is a nice place to stay. I also like the Augusta Park Hotel in São Paulo, more for the location than anything else. I first stayed there 18 years ago when the lower Rua Augusta area was in the red light district, but was a lot safer than the old city center. There now are many nice restaurants, bars, clubs and good shopping in the area.

Do you have a favorite airport?

I don't have a favorite airport anywhere in the world! The older I get, the more that I wish that Star Trek's Scottie could beam me from one place to another.

In which country is it the easiest to process through immigration and customs?

Certainly not Argentina or Brazil! Peru and Colombia have been fairly easy.

Is there something special you shop for to take home?

I usually bring back coffee from Brazil, especially Café do Ponto. From Argentina, one or two bottles of Malbec that I don't see at home, and a box or two of alfajores.

What's your best advice for first-time visitors to this region?

Read up on where you are going ahead of time. ... Latin America is different from Europe, and you rarely have time to do much research once you get there. 

A BREAK FROM PAINT: 

Clifford Schoff's favorite getaway takes him to Brazil's Baroque cities of Minas Gerais

I like the colonial-era Baroque city of Ouro Preto, Brazil, and neighboring colonial towns in the inland state of Minas Gerais. Fly to Belo Horizonte from São Paulo or Rio, pick up a car and it's an easy drive. There are nice hotels and good restaurants in Ouro Preto, lots to see and, if desired, good exercise walking up and down the hills.

I love the food from Minas Gerais, even though it is not the healthiest of fare! Typical comida Mineira dishes make heavy use of pork, beans, manioc flour, greens and local spices.

Minas Gerais photos: Mark Holston

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