With a graceful setting and tables that spread out on the sidewalk, the tiny and authentic Sardine Portuguese Tavern it opened in August, in Leblon, and in a few months it is already full. The reason is, of course, in the cold beer taken with a creamy collar, great snacks and dishes from the country, but also in the reception that is held there by the owner, Cecílio Araújo.
Former waiter Jobi, one of the most traditional bars in the same neighborhood and where he spent 21 years working, he teamed up with a group of investment partners to open this Portuguese tavern. It worked out.
One of the stars on the menu is the alheira bolinho (R$ 18.90 – 4 units), a kind of Portuguese sausage filled with various types of meat, bread crumbs and condiments. Other snacks that are worth every calorie are the codfish pie (R$9.90), curiously made with puff pastry, and (of course!) the baked sardines (R$28.90 – three units).
Maritime flavors dominate most of the menu. Those looking for well-executed classics will delight in shrimp à bulhão pato (R$ 49.90), which brings crustaceans pulled in a white wine, butter and garlic sauce; and the also classic cod à brás (R$ 53.90), in a generous portion and topped with canned egg yolk.
Among the dishes “to fill the mule”, as one of the sections of the menu is called, it is worth trying the lamb stinco with red wine (R$ 89.90), served in the roast’s own sauce with mashed potatoes and vegetables.
In addition to draft beer, the alcoholic selection includes 21 wine labels, all Portuguese, such as the Cascas green wine (R$ 129.80), produced using arinto, laurel and reverse from the Minho region, located in the very north of Portugal.
Sardine Portuguese Tavern
Rua Aristides Espínola, 101, Leblon (between Rua Dias Ferreira and Avenida Ataulfo de Paiva) / Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, from 12:00 to 00:00; Sunday, from 12:00 to 22:00; closed on Mondays.
A journalist from São Paulo who travels weekly between São Paulo and Rio, he has written about gastronomy for major vehicles, such as Veja São Paulo, O Estado de São Paulo and Época São Paulo. Over the past ten years, he has visited eighteen countries in search of good places to eat, drink, party and exercise bohemian life. Also share your findings on the website and Instagram Taste and Fly.
Reference: CNN Brasil
