@bardafrente quickly became one of my favorite botecos in Rio. It’s also pretty close to the Maracanã stadium, making it the perfect destination for a pre-game ritual if you are a soccer fan like myself.

So that’s where I decided to start the day before last year’s Copa do Brasil finals. And what a meal I had! We started things off with a few great fried snacks, including their famous Bolovo and the “porquinho de quimono”, which is a local creation that basically consists of fried harumaki dough filled with a mix of pork ribs and a creamy cheese.

After a long snack feast and a few beers, the main dishes did not disappoint either. Especially their gnocchi with roast meat and fried rice with sausage and eggs.

There is no better feeling than enjoying great food with my dad in such a special place. Well, other than flying back home with a 1x0 victory in the bag. That feeling is still unbeaten.

(Versão em Português nos comentários)