Aprazível Restaurante

Aprazível Restaurante Restaurant Review:

Tucked away atop a jungle-clad hillside in Rio's hipster neighborhood Santa Teresa, Aprazível Restaurante is the ideal spot for a uniquely romantic dining experience. A nondescript door leads to a narrow staircase that opens up on the airy space. Exotically arranged dining patios are set amid lush tropical gardens haunted by monkeys and toucans. Each dining nook has its own special charm. Admire the sweeping views of downtown Rio from a secluded, grass-roofed gazebo lit by candles. Chef Ana Castillho unites Brazilian flavors with culinary techniques she acquired at the French Culinary Institute in New York. Her menu highlights local produce, seafood and roasted and grilled meats. Enjoy a taste of traditional cooking with the "Moquequinha do Rio," featuring gurijuba (dogfish) cooked in coconut milk sauce, accompanied by a flavorful fish porridge, long grain rice and oil palm farina. "Retumbao," tapioca couscous cooked in rich shrimp stock with sliced squid, grated Brazil nuts shredded coconut and açaí sauce served with tapioca chips, will also delight the palate. End with a sweet delight called "Carimbo," composed of Brazil nut ice cream with jam of cupuaçu (a succulently sweet fruit popular in South America). Beverage options include beers brewed especially for Aprazível, as well as Brazilian wines and cachaça. The restaurant is a little far off the beaten track --- a 20-minute taxi ride from the Copacabana --- so call ahead. Have your cell phone map handy as not all drivers know the location.