After almost two years with a ticket in hand, I was finally able to return to the Uruguay. I entered on the 3rd of November, as soon as the borders opened, and here is a warning: for now, to leave Brazil on the way to Uruguay by plane, it is necessary to present a PCR of up to 72 hours, a health declaration completed on the coronavirus website. uy, travel health insurance with coverage against Covid-19 and vaccination card with two doses. Documents are checked upon embarkation and disembarkation.
About the scenario I found there, as well as here in Brazil, many establishments could not resist. But, on the other hand, I also found a lot of expectation regarding the opening of borders, with unmissable news.
I begin my script remembering that east end it’s not the end point. THE coastal region of Maldonado expands significantly beyond Punta and this coastal region, which has several seasonal local businesses, has gained more structure. It begins to leave the air of a small town and brings good news in terms of gastronomy that we hope will last beyond the summer.
Nearby, in the small The Juanita, separated from José Ignacio only by the road, is the Rizoma. A space integrated with nature that houses a charming hotel with just 4 rooms, a bookstore, a cafe with delicious medialunas and a ceramics studio.
Strategic place to stay and enjoy the region’s restaurants such as The footprint, The Santana Café it’s the Wine Bar Solera – with lots of Uruguayan wine and tapas. But it is also close (20 minutes by car) to the charming The bar e Mantiales.
These small coastal regions that get crowded in the summer have new good options to eat as well as the Root Bar and Restaurant, which also has a good wine list with low intervention options.
Firewood sets the tone for many dishes, “asados”, pizzas, homemade pasta and the Uruguayan specialty: Fainá! A kind of baked bread without fermentation that basically takes chickpea flour, white pepper, water, salt and olive oil in its composition.
Another good news is the The Supply. A solidary trade warehouse that works with small producers in the region. There you can find artisanal cheeses and sausages, and wines from wineries little known to Brazilians, such as The Nobodys.
The kitchen comes out with portions inspired by traditional Uruguayan snacks such as Bolueños de alga, from Cabo Polonio and the delicious fish empanadas. Those who can stay longer can still enjoy the cultural workshops that take place there.
The region continues to have good stops, such as the Mataojo winery, a traditional bakery The cute, the new The Supply Bakery & Warehouse, the curious Zinc Coffee, the seasonal Borneo Coffee and the nice restaurant Hug.
It is also necessary to return to Montevideo, a stop that I will tell you more about in the next article because in the middle of the way we have another new corner to recharge our batteries and, of course, have a few glasses of wine.
The winery is not new, on the contrary, the Bracco Bosca it is already well known by Brazilians who are blown away by the charisma of its owner Fabiana Bracco (who speaks perfect Portuguese and produces increasingly special wines).
The site has now gained two splendid cabins strategically positioned in the middle of the vineyards. After a few kilometers of dirt road, it is idyllic to say the least, with views of both the sunset and the sunrise.
After visiting the winery, which is far from the urban hustle and bustle, you can choose between a late afternoon in the pool or in the heated hot tub. Or, why not, both. The noise of birds and crickets pack both a good night’s sleep and a good mood when waking up to a hearty breakfast. And if you’re lucky, come across a hare in the field or the lizard ‘Lacertilla’ sunbathing in front of the winery. Even luckier is bumping into Fabiana for some prose and wine stories. Before leaving for Montevideo, just an hour away.
Giuliana Nogueira
Giuliana Nogueira is a Brazilian psychologist, photographer and communications advisor. She is not an oenologist or sommelierè. But she is an oenophile, especially passionate about Uruguayan wines and Uruguay. He maintains Instagram @Instatannat, talking more about Uruguayan wines than Uruguayans themselves. Whenever he can, he travels to the land of our neighbors, who know how to receive very well.
Reference: CNN Brasil
