O'Malley's
Alameda Itu 1529
http://www.omalleysbar.net/
The strangest thing...Cristina, Janhavi and I went to watch the Michigan State vs. Louisville game here today. I thought for sure that it would be crowded with Americans wanting to watch the Elite Eight. Guess what? We were the only ones there for the game! I was in shock...are there no American college basketball fans in SP?
Well, besides that fact that I had a financial interest in who won the game (I've got money in the March Madness pool at work), it's the Chicken Tikka Masala that got me back to O'Malley's. A few months ago, we went there for Mary's birthday and discovered the R$23 HUGE plate of flavorful goodness and yellow rice. Clearly, O'Malley's is not an Indian restaurant, but they do a decent job with it...and the fact is, it's nice just to taste some FLAVOR in your food once in a while...Brasilian food just doesn't have that kick that a good curry can give you.
Cristina ordered a veggie wrap...her big question was "Where are the veggies?". Janhavi and I also ordered a Blue Bull wrap...steak strips with bleu cheese, lettuce, and some kind of sweet chutney. It was good, despite the fact that the cook thinks it necessary to put mayonnaise on the tortilla to "glue" it together. Or for some other reason, of which we're not quite sure.
Don't miss: The homemade potato chips. Reminiscent of Terra Chips from the States. Delicious.
Oh, and as far of the rest of the bar...pretty waitresses who really aren't that smart. They don't serve beer in the right beer glass, and not all of the beers that are on the menu are actually ON the menu. I think it's a strange place, but it has served its purpose when we've needed it.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
Tadashii (Morumbi)
Tadashii
Rua Jamanari, 40 Panamby (Morumbi)
http://tadashii.com.br/
It's Japanese, it's sushi, it's a 40 Real Rodizio. In short, while it's not the BEST sushi place I've been to in SP, so far I've been there twice and it's been consistently good. A little more expensive than the typical all-you-can-eat, but worth it b/c the place is nice and the fish tastes just a little fresher. The menu is huge, and you even get dessert with the rodizio. There's a pretty patio, too.
Still not sure what the girls in the Japanese dresses DO exactly, but they're fun to watch. And there's a unnervingly high waiter:patron ration...odd.
In Janhavi's and my opinion, it's the best sushi you can get on this side of the river.
Opens at 7. Closed Mondays
Rua Jamanari, 40 Panamby (Morumbi)
http://tadashii.com.br/
It's Japanese, it's sushi, it's a 40 Real Rodizio. In short, while it's not the BEST sushi place I've been to in SP, so far I've been there twice and it's been consistently good. A little more expensive than the typical all-you-can-eat, but worth it b/c the place is nice and the fish tastes just a little fresher. The menu is huge, and you even get dessert with the rodizio. There's a pretty patio, too.
Still not sure what the girls in the Japanese dresses DO exactly, but they're fun to watch. And there's a unnervingly high waiter:patron ration...odd.
In Janhavi's and my opinion, it's the best sushi you can get on this side of the river.
Opens at 7. Closed Mondays
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Cafe Suplicy (Jardins)
Cafe Suplicy
Rua Alameda Lorena 1430 (+4 other locations)
http://www.suplicycafes.com.br/index-en.htm (cool website)
Very simply...the coffee shop for the cool kids. I've been here a few times, and each time I am impressed by the folks inside...ranging in age from young 20s to to late 60s...it's cool for everyone. Especially good place to hang out before shopping at Santa Luzia, which is right across the street. The tables are a bit small, but coffee is good (check their website, in English, for details about what makes their coffee so special), and the service is friendly. I had an empanada de carne the other night...not sure where they get them, but it was one of the most delicious empanadas I have ever had!
Only one cash register, so if there's a line, you're gonna wait a while. :(
Rua Alameda Lorena 1430 (+4 other locations)
http://www.suplicycafes.com.br/index-en.htm (cool website)
Very simply...the coffee shop for the cool kids. I've been here a few times, and each time I am impressed by the folks inside...ranging in age from young 20s to to late 60s...it's cool for everyone. Especially good place to hang out before shopping at Santa Luzia, which is right across the street. The tables are a bit small, but coffee is good (check their website, in English, for details about what makes their coffee so special), and the service is friendly. I had an empanada de carne the other night...not sure where they get them, but it was one of the most delicious empanadas I have ever had!
Only one cash register, so if there's a line, you're gonna wait a while. :(
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.
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.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
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.
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.
Padaria Benjamin Abrahão (Jardins)
Padaria Benjamin Abrahão
Rua Jose Maria Lisboa, 1397
Jardins
http://www.benjaminabrahao.com.br
Janhavi and I "discovered" this beautiful Padaria in Jardins one Sunday afternoon while looking for the perfect place to have some coffee and brunch. Once we got closer, I realized that this was the bakery that had been voted "best padaria" in SP. Within a few moments, we discovered why.
First of all, it's really pretty. There's a beautiful terrace upstairs and it's the perfect place to watch the world go by, feel the breeze in your hair, and sip on a capuccino. Maybe you'd like to enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, or just some delicious and fresh baked goods. It's all there, with friendly service, tasty cakes, and the feeling of being one of the "cool kids". Lots of couples gazing into each other's eyes, and babies sipping on bottles. If I lived in this neighborhood, this would be my place to hang.
Rua Jose Maria Lisboa, 1397
Jardins
http://www.benjaminabrahao.com.br
Janhavi and I "discovered" this beautiful Padaria in Jardins one Sunday afternoon while looking for the perfect place to have some coffee and brunch. Once we got closer, I realized that this was the bakery that had been voted "best padaria" in SP. Within a few moments, we discovered why.
First of all, it's really pretty. There's a beautiful terrace upstairs and it's the perfect place to watch the world go by, feel the breeze in your hair, and sip on a capuccino. Maybe you'd like to enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, or just some delicious and fresh baked goods. It's all there, with friendly service, tasty cakes, and the feeling of being one of the "cool kids". Lots of couples gazing into each other's eyes, and babies sipping on bottles. If I lived in this neighborhood, this would be my place to hang.
Yogurberry (Jardins)
Yogurberry
Alameda Lorena 1428
Jardins
http://www.yogurberry.com/
A few years ago, my friend, Tracy, took me to Pinkberry in LA. Pinkberry was calling itself "frozen yogurt", but there was some controversy over whether or not it WAS actually yogurt (live culture count, science talk, etc.). I don't remember the details, but just wikipedia-d it and found out that Pinkberry changed their recipe to meet the "yogurt standard" in April of 2008. That being said, I was excited to see the appearance of a similar franchise in my favorite neighborhood.
Not much on the menu...Original Yogurt or Green Tea...small, medium, large....and your choice of fresh fruit on top. The best words I can use to describe it? Healthy, delicious, refreshing. You can enjoy a frozen treat without all of the guilt that usually goes along with dessert at the end of the night.
The storefront itself is tiny, the lighting is bright, and the seating is limited. My suggestion: Get a large and take it to go...you'll be craving more by the time you get back to the Metro.
Pros: Zero fat, fresh fruit, "good bacteria", 100% natural
Alameda Lorena 1428
Jardins
http://www.yogurberry.com/
A few years ago, my friend, Tracy, took me to Pinkberry in LA. Pinkberry was calling itself "frozen yogurt", but there was some controversy over whether or not it WAS actually yogurt (live culture count, science talk, etc.). I don't remember the details, but just wikipedia-d it and found out that Pinkberry changed their recipe to meet the "yogurt standard" in April of 2008. That being said, I was excited to see the appearance of a similar franchise in my favorite neighborhood.
Not much on the menu...Original Yogurt or Green Tea...small, medium, large....and your choice of fresh fruit on top. The best words I can use to describe it? Healthy, delicious, refreshing. You can enjoy a frozen treat without all of the guilt that usually goes along with dessert at the end of the night.
The storefront itself is tiny, the lighting is bright, and the seating is limited. My suggestion: Get a large and take it to go...you'll be craving more by the time you get back to the Metro.
Pros: Zero fat, fresh fruit, "good bacteria", 100% natural
Marcel (Jardins)
Marcel
Rua da Consolação, 3555
Jardim Paulista
http://www.restaurantemarcel.com.br
Tried this restaurant this evening on account it was part of Restaurant Week. Very surprised to find that it was actually attached to a hotel (Quality Inn). Small menu, and expensive. Very formal dining room that reminded me of someplace I might go to meet my boyfriend's parents. In a nutshell, the food was just "okay", and the place was stuffy. Perfect if you're over the age of 45, I think. Otherwise, find something a little more hip to satisfy your craving for anything French. Passed Le Vin on my back to the car...the place was hopping and would love to check out why. :)
Rua da Consolação, 3555
Jardim Paulista
http://www.restaurantemarcel.com.br
Tried this restaurant this evening on account it was part of Restaurant Week. Very surprised to find that it was actually attached to a hotel (Quality Inn). Small menu, and expensive. Very formal dining room that reminded me of someplace I might go to meet my boyfriend's parents. In a nutshell, the food was just "okay", and the place was stuffy. Perfect if you're over the age of 45, I think. Otherwise, find something a little more hip to satisfy your craving for anything French. Passed Le Vin on my back to the car...the place was hopping and would love to check out why. :)
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Emporio Santa Maria (Pinheiros)
Emporio Santa Maria
Av. Cidade Jardim 790
Pinheiros
www.emporiosantamaria.com.br
If you have 450 Reals so spend on a Panettone, this is the place to shop. But here's a cool discovery: Santa Maria has a wine shop inside, and you can go and buy a bottle of wine and drink it right there in the little lounge/cafe area. A cheaper alternative to going out to a bar (although the wines ARE on the expensive side) before dinner. And, if you are like me, and like to go out to dinner on the early side, the restaurants and bars aren't EVEN OPEN yet, but this place is. Plus, if you don't finish the bottle, you just cork it up and take it home. :)
Av. Cidade Jardim 790
Pinheiros
www.emporiosantamaria.com.br
If you have 450 Reals so spend on a Panettone, this is the place to shop. But here's a cool discovery: Santa Maria has a wine shop inside, and you can go and buy a bottle of wine and drink it right there in the little lounge/cafe area. A cheaper alternative to going out to a bar (although the wines ARE on the expensive side) before dinner. And, if you are like me, and like to go out to dinner on the early side, the restaurants and bars aren't EVEN OPEN yet, but this place is. Plus, if you don't finish the bottle, you just cork it up and take it home. :)
Nam Thai (Itaim Bibi)
Nam Thai
Rua Manuel Guedes, 444
Itaim Bibi
http://www.namthai.com.br
As far as I know, there isn't a huge Thai population in SP. Which is unfortunate, b/c I love Thai food! The rich, intense, and explosive flavors of Thai food just don't exist in Brazilian cuisine, so I couldn't wait to experience different tastes for a change. I had heard from folks that Thai food in SP was expensive, but really, it's not that much more than you would spend in any other upscale restaurant...and until there is a dive-y Thai place in SP, the fancy place will have to do.
Again, another case of the restaurant itself being really modern and beautiful. There's a bar and a small seating area where you can wait for your table. There's a also a private-ish back room where we ended up sitting with our table of 8. We felt like we were having our own little dinner party, which was great, but it also might have been nice to feel the energy and buzz of the main room.
While we went during Restaurant Week, the menu was quite limited, and since it was a special occasion, we were ready to splurge a little and order off the actual menu. We started out with what they called "Dim Sum" on the menu, but were really just dumplings. No different than any gyoza dumplings you would get a sushi rodizio, and at 8 reals for 2 of them, not really worth it.
Janhavi and split 2 dishes...Pad Thai w/Shrimp (the dish by which I pretty much judge all Thai restaurants...if they can't do that, what CAN they do????), and Beef Massaman. I was shocked at how big the portions were! We could barely finish both dishes between the two of us, and I think we did so only because we felt so guilty leaving the food on the plate with all its glorious flavor! We did have to ask for lots of extra white rice (not a standard accompaniment in these parts, I guess) to soak up the sauce. The Massaman was extremely flavorful and rich, although I do wish it had more potatoes and carrots along with the beef. The Pad Thai was good with a little lime on top, and while it wasn't the BEST Pad Thai I have ever had, it totally passed the test. Again, it was a joy to have those flavors again!
Cristina had the Tom Kha Soup (again, a dish by which I judge an entire restaurant). Extremely flavorful, but did not appear to be strained in any way from all of the bits you DON'T eat in the soup. Probably something you would want to share rather than eat an entire bowl -- definitely big enough to do so!
All in all, Nam Thai gave me hope for non-Japanese Asian food in this city. I am anxious to try other places to compare and report back.
Rua Manuel Guedes, 444
Itaim Bibi
http://www.namthai.com.br
As far as I know, there isn't a huge Thai population in SP. Which is unfortunate, b/c I love Thai food! The rich, intense, and explosive flavors of Thai food just don't exist in Brazilian cuisine, so I couldn't wait to experience different tastes for a change. I had heard from folks that Thai food in SP was expensive, but really, it's not that much more than you would spend in any other upscale restaurant...and until there is a dive-y Thai place in SP, the fancy place will have to do.
Again, another case of the restaurant itself being really modern and beautiful. There's a bar and a small seating area where you can wait for your table. There's a also a private-ish back room where we ended up sitting with our table of 8. We felt like we were having our own little dinner party, which was great, but it also might have been nice to feel the energy and buzz of the main room.
While we went during Restaurant Week, the menu was quite limited, and since it was a special occasion, we were ready to splurge a little and order off the actual menu. We started out with what they called "Dim Sum" on the menu, but were really just dumplings. No different than any gyoza dumplings you would get a sushi rodizio, and at 8 reals for 2 of them, not really worth it.
Janhavi and split 2 dishes...Pad Thai w/Shrimp (the dish by which I pretty much judge all Thai restaurants...if they can't do that, what CAN they do????), and Beef Massaman. I was shocked at how big the portions were! We could barely finish both dishes between the two of us, and I think we did so only because we felt so guilty leaving the food on the plate with all its glorious flavor! We did have to ask for lots of extra white rice (not a standard accompaniment in these parts, I guess) to soak up the sauce. The Massaman was extremely flavorful and rich, although I do wish it had more potatoes and carrots along with the beef. The Pad Thai was good with a little lime on top, and while it wasn't the BEST Pad Thai I have ever had, it totally passed the test. Again, it was a joy to have those flavors again!
Cristina had the Tom Kha Soup (again, a dish by which I judge an entire restaurant). Extremely flavorful, but did not appear to be strained in any way from all of the bits you DON'T eat in the soup. Probably something you would want to share rather than eat an entire bowl -- definitely big enough to do so!
All in all, Nam Thai gave me hope for non-Japanese Asian food in this city. I am anxious to try other places to compare and report back.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Arabia (Jardins)
Arabia
Rua Haddock Lobo, 1397
Cerqueira Cesar (Jardins)
http://www.arabia.com.br
It's Restaurant Week in SP, and that means a few things. One, cheap eats. Well, it's SP, so it's not THAT cheap. But we're talking 40 Reals for a 3 course dinner where normally it would cost you maybe twice that. It also means trying some new restaurants out...and exploring some culinary paths less taken.
Some friends and I went to Arabia, on Haddock Lobo, on Wednesday night. Mary is a vegetarian, so I thought a Middle Eastern restaurant would be perfect. Also, it's been voted "Best Arabic Food" in Veja, so I thought it would be good to judge for myself.
Personally, I don't get why Middle Eastern food is so expensive here. It was good, but I am not sure that it is worth what it costs at some of these high-end restaurants. At Arabia, I think you are paying a lot for the location and decor. It's beautiful. The service is spectacular (although ours got off to a rocky start), and there are cloth napkins (my sign for a classy place).
There was a choice of 5 appetizers, 5 entrees, and 2 desserts for Restaurant Week.
Let's start with dessert. One of the choices was cardamom ice cream. I know, sounds gross. When I think of cardamom, I think of Turkish coffee. I don't like Turkish coffee. But let me tell you...this was fresh and delicious...like no other flavor of ice cream I have ever had. Janhavi, however, has visited India many times (her parents are from there), and she noted that it tasted just like ice cream that she has had in India...reminiscent of other flavors like rosewater. In fact, Arabia does have rosewater ice cream on the menu...and I bet it's phenomenal.
Pedro and I shared two small pastries..the pistachio filled one was a bit dry and chewy, despite the sugary-sweet syrup we poured all over it. The little ones (I don't know what they were, but there were 3 of them, looking like small cigars) were tasy and BUTTERY. Which, of course, made them all the more delicious.
Appetizers:
Kibe Cru - "The most famous dish in the restaurant"
Roughly translated as "raw beef". Sort of wish I had known that before we ordered it. Janhavi called it "the ceviche of meat". :) I don't believe I have had anything like it (although there is a raw meat dish served in Ethiopian restaurants) and probably won't be rushing to order it again. But it was tasty once you mixed it with the onions and chives. The bread basket is quite generous too...crisp flat breads and fresh pita (in plastic bags...why?). It's almost like having a bowlful of tortilla chips at the table.
Mhamara
Some kind of veggie puree with nuts, green peppers, and special spices. Probably the tastiest thing we had...so flavorful. A step up from hummus.
Falafel
Tasty, but tiny.
Main Dishes:
Kafta: 2 hot dog sized kabobs. I could have eaten a third one!
Grape Leaves: Small. Wouldn't rush to order them again. Would be good as an appetizer to share, though.
Cubed chicken on a stick: Succulent and flavorful. Only complaint? Not enough!
Trigo com lentilha (grains with fried onions and nuts): Best entree. But probably more like a side dish for everyone to share. Flavorful...of course, it has fried onions!
Sides: Lebanese potatoes were the big hit at the table. Again, my only complaint was that the portion was small. But the potatoes are whipped and buttery, then baked, I think. Scrumptious. The rice (arroz com Aletria) was nothing special.
Thank you, Restaurant Week, for letting me afford to try an otherwise pricey restaurant. I'm looking now for some cheap eats in the way of Middle Eastern food...I caught a glimpse of the REGULAR menu on my way out, and that meal would have cost us upwards of 75-90 Reals a person had it not been a promotion. In my opinion, not worth the cost...you can get a lot more for a lot less somewhere else. Stay tuned.
Rua Haddock Lobo, 1397
Cerqueira Cesar (Jardins)
http://www.arabia.com.br
It's Restaurant Week in SP, and that means a few things. One, cheap eats. Well, it's SP, so it's not THAT cheap. But we're talking 40 Reals for a 3 course dinner where normally it would cost you maybe twice that. It also means trying some new restaurants out...and exploring some culinary paths less taken.
Some friends and I went to Arabia, on Haddock Lobo, on Wednesday night. Mary is a vegetarian, so I thought a Middle Eastern restaurant would be perfect. Also, it's been voted "Best Arabic Food" in Veja, so I thought it would be good to judge for myself.
Personally, I don't get why Middle Eastern food is so expensive here. It was good, but I am not sure that it is worth what it costs at some of these high-end restaurants. At Arabia, I think you are paying a lot for the location and decor. It's beautiful. The service is spectacular (although ours got off to a rocky start), and there are cloth napkins (my sign for a classy place).
There was a choice of 5 appetizers, 5 entrees, and 2 desserts for Restaurant Week.
Let's start with dessert. One of the choices was cardamom ice cream. I know, sounds gross. When I think of cardamom, I think of Turkish coffee. I don't like Turkish coffee. But let me tell you...this was fresh and delicious...like no other flavor of ice cream I have ever had. Janhavi, however, has visited India many times (her parents are from there), and she noted that it tasted just like ice cream that she has had in India...reminiscent of other flavors like rosewater. In fact, Arabia does have rosewater ice cream on the menu...and I bet it's phenomenal.
Pedro and I shared two small pastries..the pistachio filled one was a bit dry and chewy, despite the sugary-sweet syrup we poured all over it. The little ones (I don't know what they were, but there were 3 of them, looking like small cigars) were tasy and BUTTERY. Which, of course, made them all the more delicious.
Appetizers:
Kibe Cru - "The most famous dish in the restaurant"
Roughly translated as "raw beef". Sort of wish I had known that before we ordered it. Janhavi called it "the ceviche of meat". :) I don't believe I have had anything like it (although there is a raw meat dish served in Ethiopian restaurants) and probably won't be rushing to order it again. But it was tasty once you mixed it with the onions and chives. The bread basket is quite generous too...crisp flat breads and fresh pita (in plastic bags...why?). It's almost like having a bowlful of tortilla chips at the table.
Mhamara
Some kind of veggie puree with nuts, green peppers, and special spices. Probably the tastiest thing we had...so flavorful. A step up from hummus.
Falafel
Tasty, but tiny.
Main Dishes:
Kafta: 2 hot dog sized kabobs. I could have eaten a third one!
Grape Leaves: Small. Wouldn't rush to order them again. Would be good as an appetizer to share, though.
Cubed chicken on a stick: Succulent and flavorful. Only complaint? Not enough!
Trigo com lentilha (grains with fried onions and nuts): Best entree. But probably more like a side dish for everyone to share. Flavorful...of course, it has fried onions!
Sides: Lebanese potatoes were the big hit at the table. Again, my only complaint was that the portion was small. But the potatoes are whipped and buttery, then baked, I think. Scrumptious. The rice (arroz com Aletria) was nothing special.
Thank you, Restaurant Week, for letting me afford to try an otherwise pricey restaurant. I'm looking now for some cheap eats in the way of Middle Eastern food...I caught a glimpse of the REGULAR menu on my way out, and that meal would have cost us upwards of 75-90 Reals a person had it not been a promotion. In my opinion, not worth the cost...you can get a lot more for a lot less somewhere else. Stay tuned.
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