Jill Brazil's Profile
New Year's Eve restaurants in Rio de Janeiro that serve lucky lentils?
According to a website in Portuguese: (Google translation)
Legend has it that those who want money and affluence in the new year should include a dish of lentils on New Year's Eve supper. The old tradition of eating the delicious meal of beans on December 31 was brought to Brazil by European immigrants. Cooked only to a very special point that can not have too much liquid, as a soup, nor too dry, is served with lentil Cotechino, originating in Emilia-Romagna but had a much appreciated change in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia. The lentils must be tempered with a bay leaf, which brings good cheer and food is for the welfare and never allows us to stay poor. "It is believed that the combination of lentils and money has been made because of the shape is round and flat like that of a coin.
You might find lentils on the buffet meal at the Sofitel. I have found that the Sofitel on Copacabana Beach is a great place to use as your base if you want to enjoy the fireworks on Copacabana Beach. The Horse's Neck Bar has the least expensive option there - but you must reserve months in advance.
Rio Trip Report
For a Santa Teresa elegant choice - check out Tereze in the Teresa Boutique Hotel.
http://www.tereze.com.br/
"Farm" to Bistro to Restaurant Depot, Nutley, NJ
I have been to Market Restaurant in Montclair a few times - and it is pretty good and sometimes very good. They have a special market plate - you can choose up to 4 different veg dishes for about $17.00. Most of the dishes were creative and well seasoned with a good use of fresh herbs. Fish dishes were quite good as well.
Looking for a venue for a group meal in Rio
At the famous Churrascaria Porcao in Ipanema - you can arrange the "Sala Vip" (VIP Room) that can be private for your group.
http://www.porcao.com.br/porcaoSite/eventos/infraestrutura_porcao_ipanema.php
Churrascarias are enjoyable for groups. Lots of options on the enormous salad bar - lots of sides that come with the never ending parade of meats and chicken.
Pickled Burdock Sushi - Why Is It Orange?
Here you can see a Japanese Company that describes the pickled gobo as being dyed orange:
https://ssl1.lon.gb.securedata.net/japanesekitchen.co.uk/merchantmanager/product_info.php?products_id=793
Pickled Burdock Sushi - Why Is It Orange?
Here's a picture of Gobo Pickles that my friend Nelson Yip prepares at Aozora Restaurant in Montclair, NJ. Delicious!
Sao Paulo, Brazil Restaurant Reviews by ALEDM
Actually the dollar rate is quite favorable for those with US Dollars in Brazil right now.
The rate is 1 USD = R$2.39. That is quite good.
www.SouthAmericanEscapes.com/blog
La Granja Azul - outside Lima - any recent reports ?
Yes, La Granja Azul is still in operation outside of Lima. It still gets good reviews for the atmosphere and great buffet that features chicken.
Carretera Central Km. 11.5
Lima Peru
+51 1 35 0082
www.SouthAmericanEscapes.com/blog
Student budget: how buy small amounts of spices, etc?
There is a shop here in Montclair, NJ called Spice It Up. You can order from them online and you can buy as little as 1 oz. Most of the 1 oz spices are only $1.50 more or less. Here is the URL: http://www.spiceituponline.com/
www.SouthAmericanEscapes.com/blog
Low carb baking - banana bread, clafoutis, etc
I have used CarbQuick mixed with nut and whole wheat flours in my baking. Carbquick has 90% less carbs than regular flour. Results have been quite good.
You can find Carbquick here:
http://www.tovaindustries.com/carbalose/carbquik-faq.html
www.SouthAmericanEscapes.com/blog
First Time in Boston MUST EATs Local Favs
Yes - definitely Pizzeria Regina in the North End. Don't miss it!
www.SouthAmericanEscapes.com/blog
Help! Saving Salsa Verde
Have some sour cream on the side. That way you can dip into the salsa and then the sour cream -- yes it gets messy but it's delicious. The sour cream cools down the heat!
www.SouthAmericanEscapes.com/blog
Help Design Chow Tour of SoHo and West Village
Hummus Place!
http://www.hummusplace.com/
Best Hummus in the world! So fresh -- and the pita tastes home made!
www.SouthAmericanEscapes.com/blog
Poll: Best coffee at the grocery store?
I pay about $11.00 a can at Whole Foods for the ILLY. But it is worth every penny. I get the Espresso Roast - ground. I have used the whole bean to make and amazing espresso ice cream. Of course, I grind it at home before infusing the cream with the coffee. It was the best coffee ice cream I've ever had. (My guests said the same thing!)
www.SouthAmericanEscapes.com/blog
Poll: Best coffee at the grocery store?
Your market may carry Illy Coffee.
You can see what the packaging looks like here:
http://www.illyusa.com/AB1666000/webpage.cfm?WebPage_ID=38
I find this coffee very smooth and rich. It's about all I drink now since returning from Brazil. After 6 years in Brazil it was hard to find any coffee that really came close to what I was used to in Rio de Janeiro.
www.SouthAmericanEscapes.com/blog
Best Chocolatiers for Valentine's Day Treats
I like Martine's at Bloomingdale's, although you can also order online at:
http://www.martineschocolates.com/
Even the sugar free selection is delicious!
www.SouthAmericanEscapes.com/blog
Eating in Sao Paulo, Brazil
For an authentic Sao Paulo experience, visit the Central Market.
http://www.travelistic.com/video/show/5820/Central-Market
Anthony Bourdain also featured the Central Market in "No Reservations" on the Travel Channel show on São Paulo.
www.SouthAmericanEscapes.com/blog
Best wine you've had under $15
Familia Mayol Malbec 2006 - $14.00 (Argentina)
"Intense red violet color. Blackberry, plums and boysenberry with sweet toast aromas. Spice and mineral notes with a long finish. Fresh acidity keeps it mouthwateringly fresh. Sweet tannins blended with oak provide complexity and a velvety and a long mouth final. Balanced, completely mature!" Amantivino.com
I love this wine. Always keep a couple of bottles around.
www.SouthAmericanEscapes.com/blog
Good Bread ..hard to find
Gina's Panificio in Montclair has amazing bread. Many of the Montclair Restaurants buy their bread from Gina's. They are also famous for their buttercream cakes, and pies. I particularly like their key lime pie. They also make fresh croissants that rival the ones I've had in Paris.
http://www.ginaspanificio.com/breads/index.htm
www.SouthAmericanEscapes.com/blog
Agave Syrup
I make Pears in Red Wine Syrup with Agave Syrup.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/68136049@N00/2138668853/
I pour Malbec over the pears, and then agave syrup over the pears and sprinkle with regular sugar for the effect. I put cinnamon and cardamon in the syrup before baking.
Really delicious. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour at 400 degrees.
www.SouthAmericanEscapes.com/blog
Low Carb Lunches
I use the Carbquick to make Pecan Crusted Oven Baked "Fried" Chicken.
Here's the recipe: http://www.chow.com/recipes/11259
Argentina Trip Report (long)
Hi egood! Yes, lunch is included when you visit other vineyards -- but the wine is not. Cavas Wine Lodge is an excellent choice. I have had clients stay there -- and they have said that it is an amazing experience.
www.SouthAmericanEscapes.com/blog
Main Street, South River, NJ
I don't know if he played with Wally and the Polka Dots. I'll ask him the next time I see him. Yes -- Bahia is wonderful. Especially the food! Moqueca de Peixe! Fantastic!
Yes - go to a Churrascaria in Austin - but to tell you the truth, I have never found any Churrascaria in the US to be anywhere close to the experience that you get in Brazil. If you ever go back to Rio - please go to Porcão or Mariu's Churrascaria.
If I'm ever in Sunnyside Queens - I will check out your recommendation for the Bolivian Restaurant. Interesting that you also work in tourism! Lot's of connections! best to you! Jill
www.SouthAmericanEscapes.com/blog
Main Street, South River, NJ
My parents grew up in South River. My Grandfather owned Siegel Brothers -- a woman's house coat factory on George St. I have many early childhood memories of the area.
My father used to play clarinet in Polka bands for the Polish weddings! Sometimes we would go to the weddings -- and yes - I agree with you, they were lively and fun! The area had a really strong family atmosphere filled with food and old world traditions. We often had pierogi and kielbasi in the house due to this influence -- and my grandparents always had seltzer (in those old fashioned bottles) and of course borscht! I too remember the Capital Theater (TE-AY-TOR as my grandfather used to say.) Here's a postcard of the place:
http://www.rootsweb.com/~njsrhps/postcards/capitoltheatrepostcard.jpg
Favorite fiction foodie books.
"Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands" by Jorge Amado
Was also made into a film in the 70s with Sonia Braga as Dona Flor. Great scenes of her preparing the famous dishes of Bahia, Brazil including Moqueca de Peixe.
www.SouthAmericanEscapes.com/Blog
Salvador, Bahia and around
You might check this article from the NY Times. Gives some good tips for the areas that you will be visiting.
http://travel.nytimes.com/2007/11/18/travel/tmagazine/14place-opener-8days.html?ref=tmagazine&pagewanted=all
www.SouthAmericanEscapes.com/blog
How/Why did you pick your screen name?
I am a Brazil Travel Specialist so a friend of mine used to call me Jill Brazil.
It was either that or Lynn Gweenie!
www.SouthAmericanEscapes.com/blog
Morro De Sao Paulo (Tinhare)
You might want to check out Patachocas Eco Resort. It is located on the fourth beach which is the most pristine. For a honeymoon -- this might be the perfect place as they have private bungalows.
http://www.patachocas.com.br/english/home.html
You might also consider Trancoso which is further South. A nice option is Villas de Trancoso:
http://www.mybrazilianbeach.com/en/boasvindas.html
www.SouthAmericanEscapes.com/blog
What and where are your fave meals ever? Any price - high or low.
Bacalhau à Brás eaten at midnight in Rio de Janeiro at Antiquarius - Leblon.
Feijoada on a Saturday afternoon at the Caesar Park Hotel - Ipanema, Rio.
Pasteis de Nata at Cipriani - afternoon tea - Lapa Palace - Lisbon, Portugal
www.SouthAmericanEscapes.com/blog
Best Coffee Houses in South America?
http://www.confeitariacolombo.com.br/
Confeitaria Colombo in Rio de Janeiro is not to be missed. The atmosphere is turn of the century Belle Epoque and has been popular among Rio's literary Intelligentsia since 1894.
Jill
www.SouthAmericanEscapes.com/blog
