Carême

These days you are more likely to see chef Flavia Quaresma on TV than at her own restaurant. Ever since she opened her cozy Botafogo bistro, Flavia has turned into a food sensation. What's behind the fuss? It may just be that macho Brazilian culture still finds a top female chef something of a novelty. But her food does genuinely impress. The menu is deliberately kept small in order to give dishes the attention they deserve. On our most recent visit we started off with a brie soup with pear and nuts and some oysters in a sauce of sparkling wine. The pastas and risottos can be ordered in a small version as an appetizer or in a larger version as an entree. The menu usually offers a fish of the day as well, and several meat options such as the rack of lamb with star anise and basmati rice, the ostrich steak with pasta stuffed with Gorgonzola and dried plums, or roasted duck served with Japanese pumpkin purée and lychee sweet-and-sour sauce. For dessert try the passion-fruit mousse with ginger, berries, and a raspberry coulis. The wine list is conservative with a small selection of well-chosen merlots, cabernet sauvignons, and chardonnays.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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