Carême

Frommer's Review

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 cold salad of smoked salmon on a crisp galette of sweet potatoes and for a hot appetizer we ordered the potato and porcini soup with lentils and bacon. 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 one or two meat options such as the grilled rack of lamb served on a bed of polenta with a cocoa and pepper sauce. Those who just want to leave their menu choices in the hands of Flavia or one of her capable staff can order the five-course tasting menu and let themselves be surprised. The wine list is conservative with a small selection of well-chosen merlots, cabernet sauvignons, and Chilean 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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