Thank you, Muqueca, for warming me up…read more
Fish with Shrimp Moqueca: Made in the Capixaba recipe, this version replaced red palm oil and coconut milkthem with tomatoes--which happened to be my favorite. The broth was warm, flavorful, and refreshing. The initial notes are the sweetness of onions and bell peppers, followed by the delicate aroma of cilantro, leaving a clean taste impression. The whitefish fillets are tender and flavorful, yet still retain a subtle chewiness. The Pirão sauce, made with the fish broth and tapioca starch, was rich and thick, enhancing both the saltiness and umami, even reminiscent of Cantonese style abalone sauce. The two flavors were distinct yet complementary, a true delight with rice--though fresh, higher-quality Thai jasmine rice would be better. The earthenware pot, bearing the marks of time, kept the food warm; the portion was also very generous, perfect for sharing. I ended up taking some home for a second meal.
Flan: Although I was quite full, the deliciousness of the moqueca piqued my interest in trying dessert. The pudding had a smooth and delicate texture, unlike the often sticky flaky texture of supermarket flans. The egg flavor wasn't strong, while the caramel syrup was rich and smooth, with an irresistible initial bitterness followed by a delightful sweetness. Plus, the syrup was generous, making it wonderful to coat every slice of cake in it. No wonder it's their signature dessert.
Hot Sauce: The homemade hot sauce was highly recommended by my server. It didn't look very spicy, but it was far beyond my tolerance. However, I must admit it was incredibly delicious, with a refreshing citrus flavor and a smooth, emulsified texture alongside the spiciness, creating a very rich flavor profile. Being unable to handle spice is a real shame in its presence.
The server's movements were elegant, the service attentive, the pace comfortable, and he satisfied some of my curiosity as a cuisine lover.