Concrete Playground

Brazil is a nation better known for controversial hair removal methods than having a particularly inspirational cuisine. With fears of the sawdust textured manioc flour that is sprinkled over most dishes in the country, it was only fair that I be a little wary about my visit to Boteco.

A little out of place amongst Bollywood posters, the dimly lit bar de ‘petiscos’ (the Brazilian tapas equivalent) sits on the Indian stretch of Cleveland Street. The specials of the day are scrawled in colours on the blackboard walls whilst cheer-inducing Brazilian beats supply the soundtrack.

As with Brazil itself, Boteco’s speciality is their Caipirinhas and Caipifrutas, the Cachaca concoctions coming in any imaginable flavour combination. The recommended blueberry and mint is exactly what a Caipirinha-drinker is after; refreshing and potent.

Our friendly Brazilian waitress helps us order a perfectly balanced and ample meal. The bacalao balls are crispy on the outer and creamy on the inner. The Lula Frita combines lightly battered calamari with a potato and jamon salad. We are perplexed as to why it is named after the ex-president of Brazil; a fried ex-president to be exact. Our stomachs are not concerned about such matters as they move on to the ‘Brazilian fry’ which uses cassava instead of potato, generously but nicely seasoned by the South American masters of salt.

We leave very ‘contentes’ and having seen no hint of manioc flour we wonder…perhaps Brazilian tapas will take over the Spanish epidemic in Sydney. Combined with friendly service, potent cocktails and a relaxed atmosphere, they ought to be worried.