Guia Cultural da Costa Verde

Paraty • Paraty

BARCO BAR

On the sea, delicacies for sophisticated palates

The idea of converting his boat into a bar and restaurant by anchoring it in a seaside paradise, was the solution encountered by the affable caiçara inhabitant Jorge Miguel after having given up fishing, to still make a living from the sea. He inaugurated his graceful Barco Bar in January 2013 at one end of the small Cotia beach on the island of the same name, and is the only person in Paraty with this kind of business.

Miguel is the boat’s welcoming host with an impeccable service that very soon won over the preference of the many customers, who moor their boats in order to admire the gorgeous scenery and, of course, enjoy a quality service. Many habitués place their orders by radio (channel 68) or mobile phone, as they are assured of the fresh ready-made fare.

The Barco Bar delights carefully prepared by talented cook Janete include crab patties in their shell, fish sticks, shrimp snacks, fish moqueca (stew), bobó de camarão (shrimp, manioc and coconut) and the well known ceviche – a Peruvian dish that uses raw fresh fish marinated in citric juices and other seasonings – that pleases sophisticated palates. Another favorite order is the Cantinho da Cotia dish, consisting of squid, shrimp, fish, rice, potatoes and farofa with shrimp, enough for three persons. To top this, desserts such as pavê and açaí are available.

The menu also includes outsized pastries stuffed with meat, cheese, shrimps or jerked beef. Everything is served with soft drinks, water, coconut, beer and caipirinhas, among which the famous Jorge Amado with a secret recipe that includes the local cachaça or vodka.

Having completed an order, Miguel arranges everything on a tray and rows to the customer’s boat with the delivery.

He is a typical caiçara community member, relaxed and good natured and who loves to be involved in nature, away from urban bustle. Under rain or shine, he and Janete work with pleasure and manage on their own with a feeling of accomplishment, in particular when complimented by their habitués. Not satisfied with their success, they plan to extend their menu and serve pizzas at night until 10 pm, on Fridays and Saturdays.

There is no doubt that a visit to the Barco Bar on the island of Cotia is a culinary, visual and sensorial experience that is very much worthwhile!

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