Katia Barbosa , or just Katita for friends and fans, needs no introduction. One of the treasures of Rio’s gastronomic scene, the chef who created the Bean stew cookie – who conquered Brazil (and the world) – and was a judge on the three seasons of the reality show “Mestre do Sabor”, on TV Globo, is about to realize a new dream: will open a restaurant in honor of his mother in Rio de Janeiro.
O “Sofia “, which will bear the name of the 92-year-old matriarch, is scheduled to open at the end of the month and has the right address: it will be in Flag Square, North Zone very close to the “older brother” Cozy Carioca which has been successful for two decades in the Marvelous City.
It was there that Katia began to conquer palates and develop recipes that would be her trademarks until today, replicated in several taverns throughout Brazil.
In the new house, the chef points out that she will do everything she always wanted: make a affordable food and without labels in a restaurant that is 100% yours, as if it were an extension of your home.
“With the children already on the way, you understand that you can start taking the steps you’ve always dreamed of. I got to know, learn and experience a lot of cool things over the years and I want to gather all these experiences in one place. I always wanted to do something without clichés. I am a curious and defender of Brazilian food, knowledge and practices. The discoveries in Brazil enchant me and I wanted a space to explore all of this in my own way, having even more freedom at the age of 61”, she points out.
Sophia’s Proposal
Daughter of nine children from Paraíba, Katia extols that her mother has always been her inspiration in life. “She needed to make the food work. With hard work, a lot of strength, a lot of courage, she taught me a lot about financial and emotional independence, ”she emphasizes.
“I want to honor her in life. I’m a person that if I want to do it, I do it now, I can’t wait. Then one person leaves and there’s an avalanche of weird feelings that we didn’t do enough. This house will only exist this way, this way, because of my mother’s existence. There will be a lot of affective and inclusive food, for vegetarians, vegans or carnivores at an affordable price ”, she points out.
For Sofia, customers can expect a intimate environment , with a maximum of 24 seats. With a facade reminiscent of houses from the northeastern interior, with strong colors and charming little windows, the interior decoration will explore wooden furniture and Brazilian art.
The menu is not defined yet, but the chef says it will be built based on feedback and “scolding” from friends. “The feijoada cupcake was born like that, with lots of friends, beer and opinions”, she says with a laugh.
The idea is that during the week there are options for executive menu – in order of arrival – and at night one à la carte menu , with a maximum of five main course options, upon reservation. “I swear it won’t be expensive”, he makes a point of saying.
Your famous dumplings , of course, will gain space and new flavors, which have not yet been revealed. The options will be harmonized with cachaças, Brazilian drinks and natural wines. Customers who wish can bring their own bottle, with no corkage fee. “How am I going to charge for a corkage in my house? I want them to feel as if they were visiting me”, he emphasizes.
Being even closer to diners is one of the wishes that the chef will carry out with the new project. The idea is that she is a constant presence in the restaurant, unless a schedule commitment does not allow it.
“The pleasure of those who cook is to live with the customer. I didn’t know who they were anymore, I didn’t talk anymore. The project of my dreams was to actually open it when I was there, but my friends thought I was crazy, because I would have employees and taxes as a responsibility, but my goal is to meet everyone personally, “she emphasizes.
For her, wanting to make tasty and creative food right now is a stepping stone to her career.
One of the things I’m sure of is that I’m going to work until I die. I don’t want to be a slave to money. Affective food for me will never be cliché. She is connected to feelings that take you to comfort, full of smells and flavors. It is the greatest proof that someone loved and cared for us. That’s what customers will find there.
Katia jokes that she has two flags: the Brazilian food It’s from breakfast . The idea is that later on the restaurant will open at least two Sundays of the month for a brunch , which will be served on the roof of the establishment, in a buffet format. “We are going to set up a structure on the terrace and people are helping themselves. I like parties and messes”, he jokes.
There is still no official opening hours, but the chef already says that on Mondays and Tuesdays the place will be closed to customers, these days being dedicated to productions.
A Opening is scheduled for the end of June . While the doors do not open, customers can taste their delicacies in the Aconchego Carioca, Bar Kalango and Vendinha all in Rio de Janeiro.
Sofia Restaurant
Rua Barão de Iguatemi, 257 – Praça da Bandeira, Rio de Janeiro – RJ
Source: CNN Brasil
Johanna Foster is an expert opinion writer with over 7 years of experience. She has a reputation for delivering insightful and thought-provoking articles on a variety of subjects. Her work can be found on some of the top online news websites, and she is currently lending her voice to the world stock market.
