Cachoeira Tropical (Itaim Bibi)

Cachoeira Tropical
Rua Joao Cachoeira 275
http://www.cachoeiratropical.com.br/restaurante.htm

Carol, Mary, and I ventured to Itaim to eat brunch in this all-you-can-eat vegetarian buffet restaurant on the recommendation of Carol's dentist, who works in the area. For a place that looks like it belongs in a hospital or high school cafeteria, this restaurant kind of surprised me. Most of all, I was psyched for Mary, who is a vegetarian...it was a great choice for her in this meat-centered city.

It really doesn't look like much from the outside OR inside. A little dingy, old furniture...something from the 80s. But head into the second room towards the back, and...there's the food (same furniture and bad lighting, unfortunately). Two full buffet counters of vegetarian food...one whole side of salad stuff (including veggie sushi), and one whole side of beans, rice, feijoada (carrots and brussel sprouts!), and various meat-substitute items. Plus, there's a "hot food" table with pastas, veggie kibe, pizza, and surprisingly good and spicy veggie sausage.

This place was CROWDED. And interestingly enough, thre were people pf ALL ages in the restaurant...a lot of OLD people, plus young hipsters, families, and lots of kids. (Kids under 8 eat for 1/2 price, by the way.)

My opinion:if you have 15 Reals, this is the place to spend it. All you can eat, HEALTHY, filling, hearty, and mostly tasty eats. Drinks (filtered water, natural juice, coffee, tea) are included, as is the entire dessert buffet (fresh fruit, cakes, puddings, and fresh ice cream). I don't know if I would be rushing back there anytime soon without a vegetarian friend to take...but if you have non-meater in your life AND/OR you are on a budget, this is the place to go.

Bistro da Sara (Bom Retiro)

Bistro da Sara
Rua da Graca 32
Bom Retiro
no website


Would a restaurant by any other name be as delicious? I have to admit, I might have a SLIGHT bias towards loving this little restaurant b/c of the name (spelled without an -h and everything!). Regardless, it's a little gem in a sketchy hood, and I love it.

Sarah and Bill first took Pedro and me to this small bistro (I am not sure what makes a bistro a bistro, but this is definitely a bistro) on a downtown weekend outing back in October. Since we live in Morumbi, it truly was an outing for us...considering that the nearest metro is Luz Station. I don't remember being particularly impressed the first time I was there...I mean, I remember it being good, but nothing spectacular. I think I just didn't know Brasilian food then, and I didn't have a concept of what "good value" in this city. And for 30 Reals/person, this is the best deal in the neighborhood.

The buffet itself is beautiful (as is the cute little restaurant...not a lot of space, but used creatively and brightly painted), with its beautiful bowls and multi-level presentation. It's the little things that make a difference, no? Especially when you are eating a buffet. There are cold and hot dishes...on my last visit, the most memorable taste was homemade root-vegetable chips, bean salad, and brisket on the bone. You can also order grilled meat, but, honestly, who needs it? There are about 15 different choices on the buffet already! Make sure you save room for the grilled pineapple and banana for dessert, though...served with cinammon and honey, it's the perfect ending to a delicious meal.

I can't wait to go back.

Notes: Last time I was there, only debit cards were accepted. Not sure, but I think you can bring your own wine.