Brasil, Ó Pátria amada!

Criciuma Skyline

During a recent visit to the old mining town of Criciuma in South Brazil, I was introduced to the delicious world of churrascaria and the mystery of the gauchos.

Not to be mistaken for the culinary zeitgeist that is Gaucho restaurant, the way of the Gaucho is Brazil's very own cross between America's Cowboy and the British Shepherd. A quiet, tranquil, nomad existence meets the men who travel on horseback, up and down the Southernmost tip of Brazil in Rio Grande do Sul state in search of better grazing and finer chimarrão. (Chimarrão is a potent tea-like drink, actually made from infused yerba mate leaves, the real theatre comes in the specially designed gourd from which it is consumer and the traditionally preparation rituals).

Modern Day Gaucho

Chimarrão

If in Brazil one thing that simply cannot be missed is the local churrasco rodizio. Imagine a never ending supply of tender spit roasted prime steak, of a quality quite unlike anything you have tried before. This is brought to your table at a rate that is impossible to keep up with and all washed down with a cold crisp skol beer or sweet and refreshing caipirinha....oh I should add this is not for vegetarians, strictly meat lovers.

Churrasco Rodizio

    

Rio de Janeiro Skyline

As well as visiting one of the most naturally beautiful cities in the world, Rio de Janeiro, I feel it is my duty as a temporary Catarinense to inform you of the beauty and spirit of Brazil's wealthier south. The Santa Catarina state capital, Florianopolis, is already well known to world superstars Beyonce and Sir Paul McCartney, as well as the high earning Brazilian elite, but luckily still remains a secluded haven free from Western influence.


The city of 420,000 inhabitants is an island, connected to the mainland by the magnificent Hercílio Luz which although no longer used still maintains its title of one of the most recognised landmarks throughout Brazil and the symbol of the island. It boasts some of the best beaches in the country attracting surfers from all over the world, even attracting swathes of Argentine and Uruguayan tourists in the summer months.

Hercilio Luz Bridge

Box 32 Restaurant inside Mercado Publico

   Mercado Publico, at the heart of the old town is located near the port and boasts an unchartered maze of seafood restaurants all positioned within an open plan two storey market that showcases wonderful Portuguese architecture. If, by any chance, you find yourself there one day you simply must order a whole tilapia and a fish stew, both the food and cheap price will blow your mind.

Mercado Publico, Florianopolis