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| - This lovely cafe is across the street from the famed Olive and Gourmando. While their name is on their window, it can be hard to spot. Well, it was for me because I'm so hypnotized by the beauty and charm of Old Port, I've walked passed them a zillion times. I wanted to try the octopus salad some Yelpers raved about, but as fate would have it, they were out. I wasn't in a sandwich mood so none of their amazing looking sandwiches appealed to me. I asked about other food items. The cashier cheerfully began to rattle off suggestions but she had me at feijoada.
I instantly thought of Anthony Bourdain and his coverage of Sao Paolo on The Layover. I recalled him saying he would eat feijoada over ANYTHING. Any thing? ANYTHING. Never having tried it myself and still in mourning of his death, it was a no brainer. Being in Old Port was a far cry from the hole in the wall AB visited but it was so good, I will be exploring more Brazilian food. Especially this flavor bomb called feijoada.
The feijoada was beautifully served in a small cast iron pan which looked intimidating but perfectly portioned so not to give you a food coma. Or maybe I just have a really big appetite. Don't get me wrong, it's a hardy meal. It's just compared to the other ladies in the restaurant with their dainty salads, I felt like a complete glutton. If that wasn't enough, I actually wish I had a pile of rice with this. Because I think AB had his with rice. Ugh...rice would have been good but would put you way over the top full. If you're ever in this predicament, think of AB. In the words of the late and great Anthony Bourdain, "Your body is not a temple. It's an amusement park. Enjoy the ride." Definitely try the feijoada here. It's so good and the staff loves to serve it because it smells and tastes delicious.
They also had amazing looking desserts. I will be back to try the octopus salad but will probably have to order the feijoada, too, because it's that good! If you do leave this place in a food coma, walk half a block to Flyjin for a latte. That should get you sorted and back to sight-seeing normal.
Here's to you, AB. Thank you for broadening our horizons and our bellies. RIP.
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