Rua Joaquim Antunes, 210
Jardim Paulistano
http://www.restaurantemani.com.br
May 16, 2009
So cute. One of my student's mother's took Janhavi and me to this super-sweet restaurant just south of Jardims, where I am looking for a new apartment for next year. I've probably passed this street a million times, but I thought it was just a commercial area. Turns out there are restaurants there, too.
It's a very Brasilian restaurant...codfish appears on the menu (that's the "is it Brasilian?" test. Heart of palm, beets, risottos, gnocchi, and "mani"oc are all there. I had the beet risotto...I was chocked when out same this bright pink bowl/plate of mushy rice. BUT, it tasted delicious. It was like nothing I have ever eaten before. Sheyla and Janhavi had the Bacalhau a Braz. The presentation of the dish itself was absolutely stunning...and it tasted even better.
Dessert menu...you won't be able to choose. We tried the "espuma de nutella" (accompanied by ginger ice cream that HAD to have been homemade)...but will definitely try "o ovo" next time.
But really, you can't beat the atmosphere in this restaurant. Cozy, warm, bright.
Can't wait to go back for dinner.
UPDATE:
February 7, 2010
My friends and I finally made it to Mani after talking about it for ages. They are open for lunch on Sundays from 12-5 and we decided to meet there around 6. When I got there at 3, there were tons of people and we were told it would be over an hour. Considering that it took us so long to finally coordinate this outing, we were in for the long haul.
That wasn't so bad for us, actually, as it gave us the chance to do one of the things we do best...people-watch. And this is a great place to do it. It's VERY chic, and this is where you can find some of the most beautiful people in SP. It also gave us a chance to try some of their special caipirinhas. I tried the Caipriroska Mani, which tasted like a beach drink. Flavors like passionfruit, pineapple, mango, and starfruit with Absolut. I drank the whole thing, and usually I am not such a huge drinker. The other flavors were hit or miss...there's a pepper-red fruits caip that Janhavi said tasted like cough syrup and everyone pretty much agreed. But she traded it for a "special lemon-lime" caip and that was delicious.
It was really tough to decide what to get b/c everything looked so good. In the end, Cristina and I ordered the root vegetables in coconut milk, Janhavi ordered the lamb, Mary ordered the roast beef, and Andrea ordered the fish of the day (they were out of tuna...why is Sao Paulo always out of tuna? we lamented). Each dish was great...the roast beef and the lamb probably coming out on top. The potato crostada side that came with the fish was delicious. Our root vegetables, while tasty and hearty, paled in comparison to the other dishes on the table, especially the lamb, which CAME with root vegetables.
For dessert, we were so full that we couldn't bear to order one more thing. But we did anyway. We opted for what they called the "chocolate flan", but was really more like a mousse. It came in the cutest presentation (a small jar with a Mani sticker on it.).
I'm glad we went, but I definitely didn't appreciate the long wait. The service was friendly, but slow. That just might the case for all the tables all the time, but we were definitely ready to eat and feeling it. Next time, I would try to go with a reservation.
Showing posts with label jardins. Show all posts
Showing posts with label jardins. Show all posts
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Monday, November 9, 2009
Pao de Queijo (Jardins)
Pao de Queijo
Rua Haddock Lobo, 1408
Jardins (near Oscar Freire)
After reading all of the reviews of this tiny little bakery, I had to try the most famous pao de queijo in Sao Paulo. So, wandering around my neighborhood one day, I finally stopped in.
Short review: The pao de queijo really is delicious. It's very artsy in its shape...not the regular rolled-up-in-a-ball pao. It's free-form, huge, and cheesey. I got two, but could've managed with just one. Make sure to get them when they're fresh. :)
Rua Haddock Lobo, 1408
Jardins (near Oscar Freire)
After reading all of the reviews of this tiny little bakery, I had to try the most famous pao de queijo in Sao Paulo. So, wandering around my neighborhood one day, I finally stopped in.
Short review: The pao de queijo really is delicious. It's very artsy in its shape...not the regular rolled-up-in-a-ball pao. It's free-form, huge, and cheesey. I got two, but could've managed with just one. Make sure to get them when they're fresh. :)
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Frevo (Jardim Paulista)
Frevo
Rua Oscar Freire, 603
Jardim Paulista
Multiple Locations
http://www.frevinho.com.br/
This fancy lanchonete is famous for its roast beef beirute sandwich...and sandwich in a pita. I went for the classic, the first thing on the menu. Simple...just pita bread, roast beef, melted cheese, tomato and oregano. The whole sandwich is toasted in the oven. In my opinion, and could've been just the night we were there, it was nothing special. In fact, it was really dry and I needed to put hot sauce and ketchup on it to give it some taste. It was disappointing.
However, the burger...specifically the cheeseburger with grilled onion that I split with Janhavi...was one of the best burgers I have had in Sao Paulo. The bread is soft and fresh, and the meat is tasty...the onions were grilled just right, and the burger seemed to literally melt in my mouth.
We also ordered fries for the table..fresh and just right blend of soft and crisp. And everyone ordered fresh juices, which were sweet and cold and really hit the spot. Strange thing, though...only Coke and Guarana on the soft drink menu.
I will dreaming about the burger tonight...and I think I will try to find a better beirute somewhere else.
Rua Oscar Freire, 603
Jardim Paulista
Multiple Locations
http://www.frevinho.com.br/
This fancy lanchonete is famous for its roast beef beirute sandwich...and sandwich in a pita. I went for the classic, the first thing on the menu. Simple...just pita bread, roast beef, melted cheese, tomato and oregano. The whole sandwich is toasted in the oven. In my opinion, and could've been just the night we were there, it was nothing special. In fact, it was really dry and I needed to put hot sauce and ketchup on it to give it some taste. It was disappointing.
However, the burger...specifically the cheeseburger with grilled onion that I split with Janhavi...was one of the best burgers I have had in Sao Paulo. The bread is soft and fresh, and the meat is tasty...the onions were grilled just right, and the burger seemed to literally melt in my mouth.
We also ordered fries for the table..fresh and just right blend of soft and crisp. And everyone ordered fresh juices, which were sweet and cold and really hit the spot. Strange thing, though...only Coke and Guarana on the soft drink menu.
I will dreaming about the burger tonight...and I think I will try to find a better beirute somewhere else.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Black Dog (Jardins)
Black Dog
Alameda Joaquim Eugenio Lima, 612
Various Locations
http://www.blackdog.com.br/
Quite possibly the most interesting hot dog I have ever had. Still trying to decide it if it was delicious or disgusting. In my defense, I really only ate at Black Dog because it is situated on Eugenio Lima, where I really wanted to scope out some buses that pass by there. I was specifically looking out for the 669A, which goes straight down Santo Amaro from there. Unfortunately, there wasn't a parada (stop) there like I thought, but it was still a thrill to see the bus go by, knowing that I don't have to walk all the way to Brigadeiro Luiz Antonio to catch a bus to Moema. But back to the dog.
Here is what comes on the dog:
Two hot dogs (your choice of regular, spicy, soy, or chicken), sliced open. Vinaigrette. Cheddar cheese. Corn. Mayonnaise. Requeijao. Crispy potatoes. Parmesan encrusted mashed potatoes. Chopped tomatoes. Oregano.
The best part? The bread. And the parmesan-encrusted mashed potatoes. Surprisingly gourmet and delicious. Not disgusting! All of the other stuff...well, I admit I fore-went the mayonnaise and requeijao...it just seemed that it would be tooooo creamy....and gross. I only got a mini, and I didn't eat the whole thing. And I just don't get it...who thought of of putting it all together like that???? I know who. Drunk people.
Black Dog is open 24 hours for a reason...and the "praia" of bars across the street are probably what keeps this particular location in business. I'll definitely take my drunk friends here. And they will love it. And they will be soooo Sao Paulo. :)
Alameda Joaquim Eugenio Lima, 612
Various Locations
http://www.blackdog.com.br/
Quite possibly the most interesting hot dog I have ever had. Still trying to decide it if it was delicious or disgusting. In my defense, I really only ate at Black Dog because it is situated on Eugenio Lima, where I really wanted to scope out some buses that pass by there. I was specifically looking out for the 669A, which goes straight down Santo Amaro from there. Unfortunately, there wasn't a parada (stop) there like I thought, but it was still a thrill to see the bus go by, knowing that I don't have to walk all the way to Brigadeiro Luiz Antonio to catch a bus to Moema. But back to the dog.
Here is what comes on the dog:
Two hot dogs (your choice of regular, spicy, soy, or chicken), sliced open. Vinaigrette. Cheddar cheese. Corn. Mayonnaise. Requeijao. Crispy potatoes. Parmesan encrusted mashed potatoes. Chopped tomatoes. Oregano.
The best part? The bread. And the parmesan-encrusted mashed potatoes. Surprisingly gourmet and delicious. Not disgusting! All of the other stuff...well, I admit I fore-went the mayonnaise and requeijao...it just seemed that it would be tooooo creamy....and gross. I only got a mini, and I didn't eat the whole thing. And I just don't get it...who thought of of putting it all together like that???? I know who. Drunk people.
Black Dog is open 24 hours for a reason...and the "praia" of bars across the street are probably what keeps this particular location in business. I'll definitely take my drunk friends here. And they will love it. And they will be soooo Sao Paulo. :)
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Lanchonete da Cidade (Jardins)
Al Tietê, 104
Multiple Locations
http://www.lanchonetedacidade.com.br/
I don't LOVE this place, but I like it a lot. It's fun. It's spacious. There are always romantic couples, groups of business men, families with young kids, and tables of teenagers out on the town hanging out at this throwback 50s diner-type restaurant. The burgers are okay...I tend to get the Bom Bom every time I go. It's a tasty burger on a nice French bun. But really, the best reason to go to LdC are the fries and onion rings. Specifically, the Rustic Potatoes (Batatas Rusticas on the menu) are crispy fried rounds surrounded by rosemary and roasted garlic. I could (and have) eaten an entire portion all by myself. The onion rings are also really special...little and crispy. Save some to put on your burger, if you can...although it might be not be possible b/c they are so delicious. I am pretty sure that there are better burgers in town, but for a big group of people (and even vegetarians!), this is a fun place to head out for dinner.
Multiple Locations
http://www.lanchonetedacidade.com.br/
I don't LOVE this place, but I like it a lot. It's fun. It's spacious. There are always romantic couples, groups of business men, families with young kids, and tables of teenagers out on the town hanging out at this throwback 50s diner-type restaurant. The burgers are okay...I tend to get the Bom Bom every time I go. It's a tasty burger on a nice French bun. But really, the best reason to go to LdC are the fries and onion rings. Specifically, the Rustic Potatoes (Batatas Rusticas on the menu) are crispy fried rounds surrounded by rosemary and roasted garlic. I could (and have) eaten an entire portion all by myself. The onion rings are also really special...little and crispy. Save some to put on your burger, if you can...although it might be not be possible b/c they are so delicious. I am pretty sure that there are better burgers in town, but for a big group of people (and even vegetarians!), this is a fun place to head out for dinner.
Sottozero (Jardins)
Multiple Locations
http://www.sottozero.com.br/
I admit, I was a skeptic. I am an ice cream snob and I really hate BAD, artificial-tasting fake ice cream. So when Sottozero was suggested over my fave place to get something cold for dessert, I went kicking and screaming. I'm glad we took the long walk down Augusta. :)
First, Sottozero isn't ice cream. It's Italian Gelato. In Austin, Texas, I was loyal to Teo, the local gelataria that I believe has the best gelato in the city. Sottozero, although a chain, and not quite as quaint or homey, has 5x as many flavors. I didn't taste all of them, but there wan't a bad one that I did taste.
Mostly, I was interested in the "natural yogurt" flavor, because that's the Yogurberry taste I am into these days. While the texture was different, the taste was quite similar. And for 9 Reais, you can get a lot more for your money. I'm not exactly sure how natural it is, but it tasted pretty fresh. I would definitely get it again. I complemented it with mango, which was, literally, like eating a mango. It was a perfect dessert.
There is a location in Shopping Ibirapuera among other places around the city, and I will definitely head back.
http://www.sottozero.com.br/
I admit, I was a skeptic. I am an ice cream snob and I really hate BAD, artificial-tasting fake ice cream. So when Sottozero was suggested over my fave place to get something cold for dessert, I went kicking and screaming. I'm glad we took the long walk down Augusta. :)
First, Sottozero isn't ice cream. It's Italian Gelato. In Austin, Texas, I was loyal to Teo, the local gelataria that I believe has the best gelato in the city. Sottozero, although a chain, and not quite as quaint or homey, has 5x as many flavors. I didn't taste all of them, but there wan't a bad one that I did taste.
Mostly, I was interested in the "natural yogurt" flavor, because that's the Yogurberry taste I am into these days. While the texture was different, the taste was quite similar. And for 9 Reais, you can get a lot more for your money. I'm not exactly sure how natural it is, but it tasted pretty fresh. I would definitely get it again. I complemented it with mango, which was, literally, like eating a mango. It was a perfect dessert.
There is a location in Shopping Ibirapuera among other places around the city, and I will definitely head back.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
O'Malley's (Jardins)
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.
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 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. :(
Sunday, March 15, 2009
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. :)
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.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Pão: Padaria Artesenal Organica (Jardins)
Pão
Rua Bela Cintra, 1618
http://www.padariaartesanal.org/
Janhavi and I stumbled across this small organic bakery one Saturday on our search for a place to just "sit and have a cup of coffee". Unfortunately, the first time we went, all three TINY tables were taken, and it was just way too hot to wait or to sit outside. One woman said to us "it's the worth the wait." A few months later, we finally made it back, and it was totally was.
What's striking about this place is that it is SO small, yet it packs a really big punch. It's really as if you are in someone's kitchen, only it's a restaurant! When we went the second time, all three tables were free (they were full and people were hovering by the time we left), so we could enjoy our lunch at an actual table. I think that people probably take "to go" from Pao...and my guess is, because it's so small, that's exactly what they want you to do. (Side note: Challah available on Fridays!)
I had the sanduich queijo de cabra com tapenade de figo (goat cheese and fig spread sandwich) and Janhavi had the sanduich mozzarela de búfala, tomate assado e manjericão (buffalo mozzarella, tomato, and basil sandwich). When our orders came (both came warm, on buttered whole wheat bread), we were so jealous of each other's sandwich that we immediately went halvsies. Both were delicious, although I think Janhavi's simple sandwich outshined mine. There was something about the basil that was so fresh and different.
Janhavi took a slice of lemon cake to-go. It made for a delicious dessert a few hours later, when we needed something sweet. All of the baked goods looked divine, and there were even some little samples on the counter.
Rua Bela Cintra, 1618
http://www.padariaartesanal.org/
Janhavi and I stumbled across this small organic bakery one Saturday on our search for a place to just "sit and have a cup of coffee". Unfortunately, the first time we went, all three TINY tables were taken, and it was just way too hot to wait or to sit outside. One woman said to us "it's the worth the wait." A few months later, we finally made it back, and it was totally was.
What's striking about this place is that it is SO small, yet it packs a really big punch. It's really as if you are in someone's kitchen, only it's a restaurant! When we went the second time, all three tables were free (they were full and people were hovering by the time we left), so we could enjoy our lunch at an actual table. I think that people probably take "to go" from Pao...and my guess is, because it's so small, that's exactly what they want you to do. (Side note: Challah available on Fridays!)
I had the sanduich queijo de cabra com tapenade de figo (goat cheese and fig spread sandwich) and Janhavi had the sanduich mozzarela de búfala, tomate assado e manjericão (buffalo mozzarella, tomato, and basil sandwich). When our orders came (both came warm, on buttered whole wheat bread), we were so jealous of each other's sandwich that we immediately went halvsies. Both were delicious, although I think Janhavi's simple sandwich outshined mine. There was something about the basil that was so fresh and different.
Janhavi took a slice of lemon cake to-go. It made for a delicious dessert a few hours later, when we needed something sweet. All of the baked goods looked divine, and there were even some little samples on the counter.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
