If you are looking for something to spice up your Monday nights then check out the funk and soul band Jam Suburbana at the Urbana club in Pinheiros. Usually playing to a packed house, the band, led by Bocato on the trombone, includes black music, soul, funk and jazz in its lively repertoire. The band has a strong link with the Urbana club and was formed there a number of years ago by a group of friends. The band has played with the likes of Jorge Ben Jor, Sandra de Sa, Ed Motta and other big artists. The group also includes Reginaldo 16 (trumpet), Jean Arnoult (sax), Jota Jota (base), C. Tchernev (drums), Marquinhos Aflalo (percussion), Jean Trad (guitar), Marcelo Lima (keyboard) and Lino Crizz (vocals). Every Monday night from 00h30 at Urbana (Rua Cardeal Arcoverde, 614). Admission R$15 - R$30.

Despite its name, Sujinho is one of the most traditional and best value meat restaurants in town. If you prefer a large steak, rather than the 'Rodizio' style churascarias, then Sujinho is the place for your. The house specialty is the Bisteca de Boi, which at 700 grams is enough to satisfy most appetites. The restaurant has been around since the 1960s and there are two addresss, one on Rua Consolacao (No. 2078) and the other in the center of town (Av. Ipiranga, 1058). Despite it's simple décor, the restaurant is popular among artists as it opens late into the night (5am). Very reasonably priced at around R$25 per person. Tel. (011) 3256 8026. Website www.sujinho.com.br

If you are feeling nostalgic for some snow and ice this Christmas then you might want to pay a visit to the temporary Ice Rink set up at Morumbi Shopping Center. The 400-square meter rink has been mounted specially for the Christmas period and will remain until Feb. 13. The rink holds 70 people at a time and the cost is R$20 per half hour (including skates). The skating rink was originally set up in the 1980s but closed in 1994. Six instructors are present for those who are a bit shaky on their skates, while for complete beginners there is course available (10 hours for R$300). The rink is located in the Atrium and children over 5 can participate. For those under 5 there is a special sleigh (R$5 for five rounds) available. Open from Mon - Sun from 10h to 22h. Shopping Morumbi (Avenida Roque Petroni Júnior, 1089)

Corcoran's, an authentic Irish Pub with room for up to 400 patrons, is located in the trendy Itaim district (Rua Tabapuã, 1439). The pub is decorated with fine wood and soft lighting, creating the ideal atmosphere. It sports a mezzanine and terrace with pub games, televised sports, and valet parking. Live music most nights, with local bands such as River Raid, Junkie Box and Taboo. Meals range from traditional Irish snacks, to pastas and a variety of sandwiches. Draft beers include Guinness, Beamish, Old Speckled Hen, Carlsberg and Brahma, as well as a host of imported drinks and whiskeys, including Jameson. Open from Tues - Sat. from 18h until the last customer. Website: www.corcorans.com.br

The Fábrica de Brinquedos Happy Place toy factory is every child's dream. Instead of smashing up toys they can get the chance to make their own. Under the watchful eye of trained monitors, children from the age of 3 can make their own cuddly toys, including monkeys, cats, elephants, bears etc, as well as robots, in any color and size they wish. There are 21 different options available, all pre-molded and easy to assemble. After they are mounted the toys are given a name and sent to a separate production area where they are stuffed and given a final touch. Once ready, toys are announced by name over a loud speaker, like at a maternity hospital, and your new toy is born. They even come with a birth certificate! The toy factory is located in Tatuape (Rua Itapura, 1243) and is open from Mon-Sat from 9h to 20h and Sundays from 10h to 16h. Price ranges from R$19.90 to R$39.90, depending on the toy chosen. Tel. (011) 295 7999