Stitch and Bear

A long-running Irish blog with reviews of the best restaurants in Dublin and throughout Ireland. Some wine and cocktails thrown in for good measure!

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Sabor Brazil - Dublin 2


Ireland has welcomed many Brazilians to our shores in recent years. Many settled in Galway, eventually making up one-third of the 3,500-strong population of Gort. But what about our fair capital? Brazilian restaurants haven't worked here in the past but Sabor Brazil, located on a quiet street off Camden Street, aims to buck that trend. Camden Street appears to be undergoing a bit of a facelift and regenesis lately. The absolutely fantastic Green Nineteen has been heaving at the seams ever since it opened, while Hell Pizza has recently started selling its funky pizza combinations. Can Sabor Brazil add to the scene?

Myself and himself went there last night to have a recession-friendly, celebratory meal. Plenty of options had been thrown around during one of our usual day-long email conversations. The usual favourites got mentioned, but to be honest, eating chinese food 24x7 is prbably not the best idea. So Brazilian got the vote instead.

When we arrived, we were immediately impressed by the nice decor inside the restaurant and we were shown upstairs by our extremely friendly waiter. Some walls are papered in smart designs while paintings adorn other walls. Menus are already present on the tables and the selection is short and simple.

He went for Pastel, little Brazilian pastries, which were filled with cheese. These came served with a house vinaigrette while my air-dried beef Bolinhas (beef mixed with breadcrumbs, wraped in pastry and deep-fried) came with a 'citrus mayonnaise' (but bore of a resemblance to tartare sauce). Both starters were nice, but due to their fried nature, felt a little stodgy. The bolinhas were declared the unaminous favourite.

I had chosen the famous traditional dish of feijoada, which is essentially a black bean stew containing brazilian sausage, pork and bacon. It came served with rice, orange slices (?) and delicious garlicky green cabbage. I found the stew to be hale and hearty and ideally suited to a winter meal. It was definitely a bit much for one person on a summer's evening. He had chosen the Bife a Role which consisted of sirloin strips wrapped around some smoky bacon and carrots. Again it was served with rice, as well as little bowls containing chillis, more of the house vinaigrette and farofa (toasted manioc flour).

Total cost for the meal, including two large bottles of sparkling water came to E55. Sabor Brazil don't currently have an alcohol license, but you can pop to the nearest off-license to purchase alcohol is you want. No corkage will be charged.

What did I think overall? All the food was good, hearty and filling. Service was very friendly and helpful, but I just wasn't excited by the food. I don't know if this is general of Brazilian cuisine so maybe another visit to another restaurant is required. I won't give up on Brazil just yet. In the meantime, Sabor Brazil also do lunch and coffee, so give them a whirl.

Sabor Brazil, 50 Pleasant Street, (Off Camden Street), Dublin 2. (01) 475 0304
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1 comment

Anonymous said...

Hi ,
the venue has been completely restyled as an intimate Brazilian restaurant.
I went last night ( Thursday 13-05-10) and it was excellent. Mid range prices (eur55 excl service for two - starters, mains and 2 glasses of wine) but service and quality far beyond expectation. The decor is baroque which adds an extra element of interest.

{I wouldn't usually write to blogs but I was very surprised and impressed with the place }

Regards
Derrick

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