 | Underspin (24)
03/22/2005 |  Admitedly, it's tough for me to be objective, as I am married to a Brazilian. With that said, I absolutely love Brazilian food! Although I've had decent Brazilian food in the U.S., of course it doesn't compare to the mainland. Here is a small sample of basic everyday Brazilian foods to try if you get the opportunity: pao de queijo (translated, cheese bread) small, cheesey yellow ball-shaped goodies, lightly browned and slightly toasted on the outside, soft and moist on the inside, typically served as a between-meal snack. Coxinha do frango (chichen croquette) also served as a typical snack; a tastey battered breaded chicken delight. A typical lunch a blue collar worker might eat; rice & beans with a fried egg on top of it and a slice of fresh bread on the side. Sound simple? It is, but ahh, what rice, what bread, what beans! Much different than the U.S. or Mexican variety. A heavier meal served on weekends is called feyjoada; essentially a hearty black bean stew with a large variety of ingredients (pork, beef jerky, spices, etc) that must be simmered all day on the stove to make, and is served over rice. Perhaps however, the most popular Brazilian meal of all is served in a restaurant called a churrascaria. Roughly translated, it means meat barbeque. Essentially it works like this: Waiters circle your table every other minute or so with yet another plate of the most delectablely cooked BBQ'd meats you'll ever likely see. For approx. $5.00 American, you can have your choice/combination of chicken, beef, pork, as well as other less common meats. If you esp like something, no problem, request for it again! All other food except dessert (vegitables, pasta, sushi, side dishes, etc)is available in a buffet area not far from your own table. As stated, the BBQ is brought to you on a constant basis, however, when you are finally full, you put a red tab upon your table which means you are finished eating. But they still don't leave you alone! They then wheel out outrageous looking desserts on carts that you quite likely don't have any room left for! As stated, this meal is obviously quite heavy and typically eaten on Sundays. Brazilians love desserts (bakeries abound throughout every town and city) but since I am not a big sweet eater I'll leave that for someone else to review. What do Brazilians drink you ask? Vitamina (fresh fruit, milk and sugar mixed in a blender) is one common drink that is served. Also their beer is quite good (try Bohemia or Anartic), as well as their soda which is particularly excellent. It is called guarana (for the guarana berry used to make it) and it tastes a little bit like a sweet ginger ale but far better. It is available in some Latino grocery stores, if you buy it, make sure you try the Anartic brand, not the Coca Cola company's, as IMO the Co. should stick to making Coke as they are far more successful at doing so.
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