Opinion – Marcelo Katsuki: Quentinhas

On the 23rd, Pie Day is celebrated, and with this heat going on, the tip is the Banoffee pie (R$89.90) made with banana ice cream and dulce de leche from Escola Sorvete, by glacier chef Francisco Sant’Ana. On the top, a layer of whipped cream completes the work. There is also the pistachio pie with berries (R$99.90), with pistachio, berries and vanilla ice cream topped with whipped cream and berry jam. Orders by WhatsApp (11) 98359-7753 and via Rappi.

Grupo Fasano has just opened the Hotel Fasano Trancoso on Itapororoca Beach, south of Bahia. The complex has 40 bungalows spread over an area of ​​300 hectares and also has a spa and a restaurant, also open to non-guests upon reservation. Chef Zé Branco, who has years of experience in the group, is responsible for the hotel’s gastronomy. The menu emphasizes seafood in dishes such as moquecas and shrimp bobó, but the Italian classics, a DNA of the brand, are also present. Hotel Fasano Trancoso is located at Estrada de Itaquena, 3925, in Trancoso (BA). Email: [email protected]

The new Terraço Jardins restaurant, at the Renaissance São Paulo hotel, has high ceilings and a wide space formed by fluid environments and interconnected by a lot of vegetation. Nothing more providential for these pandemic times. And the menu created by chef Ícaro Rizzo, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients from small producers, has a very nice proposal: to present recipes and the culture of the São Paulo family. There are suggestions such as Creamy Mushroom Rice (R$69.00), Galinhada (R$69.00) and Brigadeiro Pie (R$25.00). The drinks menu signed by bartender Diogo Sevilio features creations such as Jabuticaba Highball (R$45.00) and Clericot de Melão (R$45.00). The Renaissance São Paulo Hotel is located at Al. Santos, 2233, Jardins. Reservations by tel. (11) 3069-2233.

Last week I participated in a tasting of Spanish wines 99 Rosas, from Dominio de Punctum. They are young, fruity and fresh wines, perfect for the season. And above all, they are organic and at a very attractive price (between 70 and 100 reais). Casa Flora imports three labels: a Chardonnay marked by floral notes, thanks to the presence of the Viognier grape; a Rosé that mixes Garnacha and Bobal grapes, and a Tempranillo that takes shape with the presence of Cabernet Sauvignon. The bottles, which already have a beautiful label, are also available in a special edition. It’s hard to know which one is prettier. More info here.

Now you can make Moscow Mule with ginger foam without having to buy a siphon. Mixologist Marcelo Serrano launched a kit that includes two Mix Mules and a spray of ginger foam at the price of R$ 87.70 and which yields up to seven drinks. But the foam yields 12 drinks, so you can even create other cocktails and add to the product. I made a simple mixture of cachaça, sugarcane juice and lemon that turned into a super drink when I finished with the foam. Try it, it’s amazing. Click here for more info.

Mais1 Café promotes the second edition of the National Coffee Festival from January 27th to 29th. The chain, present in 17 states, will offer a menu of iced coffees with special prices of up to R$7. Caramel, made with milk and caramel; o Sensação, with milk, strawberry puree and chocolate; and Cold Mocha, with macadamia nuts, cinnamon, chocolate, coffee, milk and finished with whipped cream. To cool off in this heat with a dose of caffeine! Click here to find the nearest unit.

Hello, Rio! Aperol opened the Aperol Spritz Sunset Bar, an outdoor kiosk next to the Sugar Loaf Cable Car, in Morro da Urca. But the service will only be available until the 25th of February, from 11 am to 8 pm, so don’t waste time. Imagine how delicious to cool off with a Spritz contemplating that incredible view! For more information click here. Want to learn how to prepare an Aperol Spritz? Come with me!