World Cup, Brazil, and Technicolor dining

photo courtesy of the internet

I have been counting the months and days until the launch of the World Cup. International friends join me in the further fervor of discussion matches and players. U.S. based friends who have no interest in soccer (football) look at me in  puzzled amazement that I would enjoy the sport so much. I consider it the same as the same as the interest in U.S. football, but for a shorter period of time with a more global audience.  A date once complained that I paid more attention to a World Cup match and not enough attention to him. 

Today's post is strictly about the host country, Brazil. I had the pleasure of being in Brazil during  the '94 World Cup  and the match for the day was Brazil vs. United States. Businesses closed early, highways and roads were at a standstill in Rio de Janeiro as people attempted to get to their favorite venue before the match began.

Where can you try Brazilian food?



rodizio photo courtesy of the internet

There are chain restaurants: Fogo de Chão, Texas de Brazil, Chima and Boi na Braza do a good job of delivering the rodizio style meats and dishes native to Brazil. Many of the restaurants all you to eat as much as you would like of their delectable dishes. It can be an expensive evening, so check the restaurant's website before you arrive.



photo courtesy of the internet

In Washington DC area: the have heard good things about the Grill from Ipanema in Washington, DC and know that Ceiba, Boqueria and Toro Toro have Brazilian dishes on their respective menus. Several years ago I took my mother to Ceiba. She ordered the feijoada (the national dish of Brazil featuring black beans and tender, savory  chunks of meat) fell in love with the dish, and talks about it to this day. 


photo courtesy of the internet

Outside the Washington  DC area: If the area has a sizeable Brazilian community look for restaurants and ask people for recommendations. When I lived in Texas I discovered a fantastic family owned Brazilian restaurant because coworkers knew I spoke Brazilian Portuguese and enjoyed the food.
 

What about Brazilian beverages ?

• Brahma beer
• Palma Louca beer
• Guaraná - a carbonated soft drink (note: the guaraná plant has one of the highest concentrations of caffeine)
• Cachaça - a spirit distilled from sugarcane, also known as Aguardente, is one of the most popular drinks in Brazil with caipirinha and batidas (say ba- chee-das).  In Brazil commercial Cachaça and homemade  Cachaça is available.




photo by TEP



Do you know which country  hosted the 1994 World Cup?  Did the host country's team win?

I wish all the teams good luck.

A final word: Gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaaaal!


A te logo,

Technicolor girl