Two weeks in Brazil - topic I - Food

A lot has been going on since I last posted. It’s been almost two weeks since we arrived here in Brazil and we are SLOWLY getting acclimated. Physically and mentally we have both adjusted pretty quickly. Well, Ana has moved to the US, back to Brazil, to the US again and now back to Brazil so I would have to say that she adjusts REALLY easy. Me, not so much, but it’s been pretty easy thus far. Because of all the things I want to write about, it would be quite a long blog so I’ve decided to break it down into sections or topics of interest starting with today’s posting… food!

Part I: Food typical for Brazilians from the southernmost states

The last few times I traveled to Brazil, I remember thinking that the food was different in some ways and maybe similar in others. Well, this time I am paying much closer attention and I have realized that practically nothing is the same. I mean, they have the same condiments and the same meats, etc. that we have but they have so much more of a selection and a MUCH different way of presenting it.

When Ana and I got here, on one of the first days we ate at a seafood restaurant next door to where we are staying (Ana’s Dad’s apt.). We ordered the fish of the day (some sort of delicious whitefish) which was cooked in a parmesan and spinach sauce and came with white rice, pirão (not sure what that is but it’s delicious!) and it cost us only $21 (R$40) for two people! Sorry but I don’t have any pictures of this one but I will be posting pics of the food in later posts. DELICIOUS! We also ordered a bottle of beer to share. Now I don’t mean a measly little beer that you can get in a six pack but a liter beer for $3. At this point I am realizing that I am really going to enjoy the food here and that I may end up really fat too. A gym membership must be forthcoming or I am in trouble.

The next day for breakfast we had coffee/tea with bread, honey, cream cheese, cheese, cookies, sweet bread, Romeo and Juliet (a thick guava jam with cheese) and crackers. We also had Pão de Queijo (bread filled with cheese) Can you tell it is a sweet breakfast? The thing is that Brazilians never eat anything salty for breakfast like an American may be accustomed to if they ever get eggs, hashbrowns, bacon, ham or toast at IHOP. So far I don’t miss these things but if I do, I can always make it at home you know?

For lunch, and MANY lunches before and after, we ate over and Ana’s Grandma’s house with a bunch of family members. Each time we head over there for lunch, there are always at least 6-7 people and they are usually always different. Cousins, aunts, more cousins and then some uncles. You get the idea. You see, most people here get from 1 ½ to a 2 hour lunch break so there is lots of time to drive somewhere to eat. The food there always changes but this is the meal where you have to EAT a lot because dinner is going to be light again and pretty much EXACTLY like breakfast was but just with less sweets and more cheeses. There are usually between 4 -5 dishes ranging from potatoes, roasted or broiled beef, stroganoff (very different that any stroganoff I’ve ever had in the US) etc. etc. etc. Usually its very good and I am completely stuffed!

Now comes the part that is hard to convince an American of the taste. Believe me I was SUPER skeptical when I was told what I am about to tell you but its actually VERY good. Imaging eating bread with pasta, its good right? How about bread with something sweet like honey? Good too? Now throw away your ideas of what a pizza is. Now imagine circular flat bread with NO tomato sauce, covered in cheese with meat and French fries or how about ham with egg and peas and hearts of palm? Still sound good? The best part is to imagine a different circular piece of bread covered in chocolate and strawberries? If you can imagine these things tasting good you are right! Now you have to eat it with a fork and knife because you can’t possibly keep all the ingredients on the bread if you pick it up. Pizza in Brazil is something that everyone has to try. Especially the all you can eat places where they serve you every flavor you want for only $10 a person.

I didn't even get the the selection of juices they have here! I have never heard of half of them but I have yet to find one that I don't like although its a little hard getting used to coconut juice but its growing on me. Anyway, rather than ramble on, take a look at the few pics I have of the food here. Ana’s job is to remind me to take pictures of the food more often. It’s a little embarrassing but I really don’t care. I get enough looks and stares when I speak English so taking pictures of food shouldn’t hurt me too much more. =) Oh and keep in mind I haven't even experienced a 50th of the selections of food here but I will save the special ones for another blog.

Half cheddar cheese, beef and shoestring fries; half ham cheese, egg, peas and hearts of palm

Ana and her dad during our cheese and bread-filled dinner

1/3 4-cheese pizza; 1/3 chocolate and strawberries; 1/3 cheese and sundried tomatoes

Brigadeiro - basically rich chocolate before its rolled into balls. You can also eat it with a spoon.

This is the chocolate (brigadeiro) and strawberry pizza... mmmmm

bread filled with cheese ham and potatoes - don't remember the name sorry.