What we’ve been up to… Made in Brasil Boteco

The Cultural Exposé — Mon, 11 May 2015 10:30:27 +0000

A balmy Friday night in Brazil would probably lead you to the nearest “boteco” – a bar where good drinks and snacks are ready and waiting for your custom. On these shores, it’s not too hard find that sort of thing in Camden, but this London tribute – which is the sister to the nearby Made in Brasil – does an excellent job in honouring the culture. If we didn’t know any better, we’d be convinced we were hanging out in Rio de Janeiro judging by the great music, lovely service, delicious “pestiscos” (tapas) and beautiful, masterly cocktails. There’s plenty to choose from and if deciding between 12 varieties of cairpirinhas at £4.50 a pop doesn’t put you in a happy mood, the food certainly will.

On a recent visit, we worked our way through a beautiful, generous selection of dishes, fragrant with mouth-watering spices. Our favourites were the “camarao alho e oleo”, a delicious serving of garlic chilli prawns; the “frango a passarinho”, crunchy, moreish chicken pieces served with a lime mayo; and the vegetarian “Abobrinha recheada” a delicately-flavoured dish of courgette stuffed with artichoke and mushrooms.

The desserts were just as impressive. A chocolate truffle (or “Brigadeiro”) was sticky and rich, packing a lot of flavour for such a modest serving. At two quid each, we’d recommend going for a couple. And the passionfruit cheesecake (Cheesecake de maracuja) was tangy and lush, everything you’d expect of a worthwhile finale. So if you’re new to Brazilian food or wanted to get a taste of the culture, Made in Brasil Boteco should be on the hit-list. The great prices are a bonus!

For more information visit www.madeinbrasilboteco.co.uk

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What we’ve been up to… Cabana

The Cultural Exposé — Wed, 08 Jan 2014 11:00:34 +0000

The World Cup taking place in Brazil this year has naturally sparked a renewed interest in all things cultural about the country – including the food. So it was with delight that TCé got to try a hip kind of Brazilian food experience in town with an invite to Cabana – a rapidly-expanding chain which as of last month, opened its fifth branch on Islington’s Upper Street. It’d seem that its popularity comes down to the fact that while it attempts to stay as culinarily authentic as possible with the street food and barbecue (our food on the evening was easily two thumbs up), it doesn’t shy away from the trendy relishes, top-notch customer service and Western accessibility that have made Nandos and Wahaca widely successful in recent years, making this a choice destination for a fuss-free Friday night out with friends. To kick off, we recommend the crispy cheese pastels or pulled pork sliders, while anything from the spicey malagueta chicken skewers to a generous plate of ribs will have your tastebuds thanking you later. Oh, and the caipirinhas and Cachaça cocktails won’t disappoint – try a flaming kiwi version or the proud Dream Team 1970 (made with Cachaça, green chartreuse liqueur, fresh passionfruit, vanilla and citrus topped up with prosecco) if you’re feeling adventurous. Check out our pics from the night below, but for more info, visit: www.cabana-brasil.com

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Brazil – The Cultural Exposé

What we’ve been up to… Made in Brasil Boteco

What we’ve been up to… Cabana