While in Brazil on business this week, our group had a outstanding dinner at this unique…read morecombination of a wine store and top-rated restaurant. Terra Madre is widely regarded as one of the best restaurants in this city which is known for its distinctly European feel. Since the early part of the 20th century and especially after WWII, loads of emigrants from Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal and even Japan came to this southern part of South America's largest country. About an hour and a half south of Sao Paulo, Curitiba is among the ten largest metropolitan areas in Brazil at about 1.7 million people and it is no slouch for sophisticated dining.
On a Wednesday night, our group of 5 arrived early for dinner by Brazilian standards at about 7:45 pm. At that early hour, we were only the second table filled. By the time our dinner was finished around 10:00 pm, the restaurant was booming and the patrons were buzzing in their native Portugese.
One of the most unique aspects of Terra Madre is the ability for diners to peruse the huge selection of wines covering the walls of a wine store directly attached to the restaurant. I think this concept would go over big in the States as it lets diners who know their wine inspect the labels of thousands of choices before choosing. Very unique and fun!
We chose a fine Chilean Cabernet Sauvingnon from the Cachapoal Valley south of Santiago. Described to have "delicate fruit behind the oak" and at 195 Reals ($85 USD) a bottle, this stuff will bring out the wine snob in anyone! It was fabulous and paired nicely with both beef and seafood.
Our group chose a wide variety of entrees including a few steaks, a tuna steak and even an order of fresh octopus. The food was fabulous but expensive even by U.S. standards. Overall, a great experience.
