Guia Cultural da Costa Verde

Paraty • Paraty

BODEGA DO POETA

Culinary alchemy in a welcoming environment

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Far from the hubbub of the Historical Town Center’s busy streets, the Bodega do Poeta bar and restaurant has a legion of faithful customers, and is also a meeting spot for Paraty’s various artists in addition to the town’s visitors.

Husband and wife Rosana and Danilo, the owners, form the welcoming committee. Originally from Minas Gerais, he loves to chat and to put everybody at ease. Rosana is from Mato Grosso do Sul and a wizard in the kitchen! Her love of cooking serves as a magic seasoning that captivates even the most demanding of palates, and this culinary alchemy may be viewed through the plate glass that separates the main dining area from the kitchen.

Since the restaurant was opened in 2010, it has acquired numerous fans and a faithful customer base. The premises’ return rate is impressive: “Those persons who stay in Paraty for five days come here during the five days,” asserts Rosana. At times of major events such as the Flip literary festival, catering involves the same persons, who always return.

The cooking is simple and well prepared; it seeks to please every palate and to win over customers also through their eyes, owing to the good taste in presenting the dishes. Among the delicacies served are the moqueca or stewed palm hearts with plantain farofa (toasted manioc meal), having vegetarians in mind. Fish and seafood dishes are the most requested and red snapper is served whole without bones, delicious! The menu also lists meat dishes, home-made pasta, salads and starters.

Episodes abound on the food’s quality, such as that of a customer who wished to greet Rosana and thank her “for having been served a divine seafood moqueca (stew)!” On another occasion a child tapped on the plate glass overlooking the kitchen and said: “Auntie, my pasta was delicious!”, and the mother explained that she had never seen him finish off a dish!” These small gestures are the greatest motivations for Rosana and Danilo.

Good background music at an ideal volume that will not disturb conversation, is also another of the restaurant’s points in favor. During several evenings there are live music shows. The menus have covers with photo mosaics of famous names from the arts. Each one is dedicated to a different topic: writers, musicians, painters… You can pass time away and test your overall culture by recognizing artists with this exercise.

With regard to beverages, there are a number of drinks in addition to beer, the most popular being the Sergeant Pepper, made of tangerine, ginger, fresh cayenne pepper and aged cachaça (distilled sugar-cane). The spicy taste is surprising and this drink was awarded first place in the 2001 Festival da Cachaça.

During a starry night, try sitting outside in candlelight and view the pitanga (eugenia uniflora) trees over the walls, creating an extremely rustic scenario. The Bodega do Poeta restaurant with its cooking, environment and charm will certainly play upon your feelings!

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