There are certain countries that I have never traveled . . . but my desire is so great that I will often go to my favorite NYC restaurant of that country to soak up some of its essence. Brazil is one such country. And, when I need my "Brazilian fix" I head for Via Brasil. Via Brasil for 36 years, has continued to turn out the savory Brazilian classics, and with an atmosphere that oozzes with the country's rich colorful varied culture; from the live music of the cool sounds of Bossa Nova, and the fast happy rhythms of Chorinho, to the handsome decor, and the wait-staff with their natural fun loving ways. Via Brasil is located on West 46th Street known as "Little Brazil" as the heart of the Brazilian commercial center in the city. The "Little Brazil" street is not as significant as it was in the 1980's, however, today you will still find "Little Brazil" has four restaurants, as well as some specialty food stores, Brazilian travel agency, and magazine outlet. The annual Brazilian Parade is held here. There are approximately 100,000 Brazilians living in NYC area with majority is Astoria (Queens) and Newark.
Immediately on entering Via Brasil the floor you walk on is a replica of the famous swirling pattern of the boardwalk of Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro. Off to the left is the little bar where the bartender makes the most refreshing Caipirnha (National Drink of Brazil) I have ever had. Even before you get to your seat Brazil is in the air!
The restaurant has a wide variety of tasty appetizers, one of my very favorites is called Linguica Frita c/Manioc (Fried Brazilian sausage served with cassava) The Manioc or "cassava" looks like small potatoes but have a delicate taste and texture. The dish is served with this spicy sauce with small red floating peppers. I found the taste addictive and could not get enough of it, actually slurping it up by itself. This spice brings the appetize to a more intense flavorful taste.
Brazilian cuisine merges the tastes of Africa and Europe, especially Portugal, and they have equally wonderfully delicious meat and fish dishes. The above dish is Bobode Camarao (Sauteed Shrimp in a light Manioc Puree, with Coconut Milk and herbs). The flavor is full, complex, and the coconut is more subtle than overpowering.
Well here it is . . . Feijoada, the National Dish of Brazil. This dish is for the true carnivore to say the least, containing a massive mix of salted pork and beef products and black beans and served in a heavy cauldron. The meats include: bacon, smoked pork ribs, at least two types of smoked sausages, jerked beef (loin and tongue) pork trimmings, such as ears, tail, feet. Feijoada's origins some say, though contested stems from slavery where this hearty dish was crafted as the slaves would throw together "leftovers" of portions of pork that the master of estate found unfit to eat. Today Feijoda is the most famous dish in Brazil and it is a family tradition to be served on Saturday for a midday meal.
Via Brasil has a handsome, tasteful decor, that bespeaks "Brazil." A variation of rural themed paintings adorn the walls, one wall in a vivid yellow, the other in red brick, including this work of Ouro Preto (translated as "Black Gold") the hill-top village being famous for gold exploration in the 19th Century and an amazing number of churches most enriched in gold.
One of the true pleasures of dining at Via Brasil is the quality of the service. More than just being professional and knowing the cuisine, is how they add to the "personality" of the restaurant. Brazilians are well-known for their easy-going, fun-loving ways, and at Via Brasil this exudes and makes the dining experience more fun. Photo above - waiters Rodrigo on left, Gaspar on right. In the center is head-chef Ailto. This is a restaurant that because of the staff you come away learning so much more about the country (if you allow yourself) as the staff includes people from all parts of Brazil; from Rio, known as "Cariocas," to Sao Paulo, known as "Paulitos," to the Bahia the northeast, and Goias in the central part of the country. There is lots of "regional pride" and it is fun to be involved in these conversations. The restaurant is managed by Dante, a handsome man for thirteen years has run Via Brasil and does an outstanding job at overseeing and will be extremely helpful for any concern you have. Please note that the "Live Music" is performed Wednesday-Saturday evenings, however, in the Winter months, only Friday and Saturday.
Portuguese (Brazil) language lesson - "How are you" (Tu do Bom) "Thank you" (Obrigado) "Delicious" (Saborosa)
Interesting fact about Brazil - About 1.6 million people who live in Brazil are of Japanese decent.. Most Japanese emigrating from Japan in the early 19th century to work on the coffee plantations.
Address - 34 West 46th Street (212) 997-1158