MANI IS A BRIGHT STAR WITHIN SAO PAULO’S EXCELLENT FOOD SCENE
The Cost - $47
The Atmosphere – Maní is elegant, yet not pretentious. A great place for a special occasion or even a gathering of friends or family.
São Paulo is one of the biggest and busiest cities in the world. Known primarily for its vibrant financial district. São Paulo also has a lot to offer when it comes to culture, diversity and food. Prior to my arrival in the city, I made reservations at Maní, a one-star Michelin restaurant which also holds a spot in 50 Best’s “Top 100 Restaurants in the World” list, where chef Helena Rizzo fuses Brazilian, Asian, and European ingredients to her diners’ delight.
The Order – Caipirinha Amiga to drink. Goat Cheese Bonbons, Slow-Cooked Egg, Moqueca de Pescado, and The Egg to eat. For the record, I definitely over-ordered on this one but I couldn’t help myself.
The Fantastic – The Goat Cheese Bonbons, six slightly gelatinous domes of goat cheese on dried fruit crisps served with cupuaçu fruit, were stunning little treats. The creaminess of the cupuaçu, a Brazilian fruit whose cream tastes a bit chocolatey, pairs well with the soft, earthy goat cheese. Each bonbon is topped with a pecan and an edible and vibrant tiny rose petal, making for a beautiful presentation. The Slow-Cooked Egg was next up. I was fearful that it was going to be too plain and simple, but my fears were allayed upon taking my first bite of this incredible dish. The egg, cooked in water at low temperature for an hour and a half, is served with endives, pancetta, a Tulha cheese emulsion, pecans, and croutons. The egg was cooked to perfection, and the Tulha cheese emulsion with the pancetta and well-prepared endives made this dish divine. Last, but certainly not least in this category, is the Moqueca de Pescado, a traditional Brazilian fish stew. Maní’s version is made with the fish of the day and served with rice terrine, pirão (Brazilian fish porridge), and farofa. The fish stew is absolutely amazing and the dish as a whole encompasses the spirit and flavors of Brazil. All three of these dishes are must-orders.
The Great – The Caipirinha Amiga with cachaça is a tasty cocktail, perfect for warmer weather but truly great year-round. While this drink is on the sweeter side it is still less sweet than the typical caipirinha and made with much higher quality ingredients. Made with caju, the fruit that the cashew nut grows on, the cocktail is smooth and very easy to drink (dangerously easy if you ask me). To wrap up my meal, I ordered the dessert called “O ovo” or “The Egg.” The non-dairy egg yolk ice cream was unique, fun and delicious and was served with coconut cream and crunchy slivers of Brazilian fruit. The coconut cream was nice, light and airy and was not too sweet, making this an excellent final course.
The Verdict – –Maní deserves every recognition it has received. Chef Rizzo takes you on an incredible journey through Brazil’s gastronomy, introducing you to a number of unique flavors and ingredients that leave you wanting more. Best of all, Maní allows you to experience exceptional fine dining for less than $50 per person, making it a fantastic value. This is definitely a restaurant that you will want to go with at least one other person so that you can share multiple dishes on the menu.
Mani
R. Joaquim Antunes, 210 - Jardim Paulistano, São Paulo - SP, 05415-010, Brazil