I have a secret desire to be Brazilian. With a culture full of sexy and beautiful things, Brazilians dance samba all night long, drink regularly, speak in gorgeous Portuguese that makes anything sound delightful, and eat everything with black beans, rice and plantains....they know how to live!
After moving to Culver City, I got a taste of my wish by visiting Café Brasil. This Venice Boulevard (near Overland) restaurant has an open-air patio during summer, and plastic cover with heat lamps in winter provide an outdoor seating feel year-round. Three televisions almost always have soccer playing, but you can barely hear it thanks to the festive music. Nighttime candlelight only adds to the mismatched tables and chairs that typically rock back and forth on an unleveled floor. They take no reservations and have no table service. Some of these potential shortcomings shift to adoration the second you take a bite of the food.
Order from the counter and friendly faces will guide you through their simple menu. Try the grilled chicken in Brazilian spices that offer more flavor than heat, savory Brazilian croquettes filled with meat and potatoes, or their traditional feijoada stew, cooked overnight with black beans, pork and beef. They serve no alcohol, but encourage store bought bottles of wine and beer. They'll provide the glasses with no corkage fee.
I can’t get enough of the grilled fish with traditional side orders. It’s one of the healthiest things you could ask for, but I opt out of the plantains for the collard greens and savor every bite of the black bean soup. Most of the menu offers healthy options. Brazilian diets are full of proteins and vegetables, and Café Brasil offers the best of grilled, lean meats, steamed vegetables and their Venice Beach salad is full of the kind of nutrients that a body needs.
On my last visit, another customer asked if I was Brazilian. Looks like I got my wish after all.
Café Brasil
Culver City
10831 Venice Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90034
Washington Blvd Location:
11736 West Washington Blvd.
www.cafe-brasil.com
$15 per person
