Cacilda Becker’s former home in SP is occupied by a new Italian restaurant, Marena

The house that was home to actress Cacilda Becker (1921-1969), considered the lady of Brazilian theater, has a new tenant. The Italian restaurant Marena Cucina opened its doors this month in the property located on the tiny street Pais de Araújo, in Itaim Bibi.

The space was previously the address of another restaurant, Atto, which closed its doors a few months ago. If before, chef Luiza Hoffman maintained references to the world of theater and actresses in the menu and decoration, Marena leaves that chapter behind.

After a renovation, the space gained elegant decor, with marble and wooden tables, upholstered armchairs and low lighting. A wall that divided the space was demolished and now there is a long room, which allows you to see a backyard in the back, with tables around a jabuticabeira tree.

On the mezzanine, which previously had just one bathroom, a private room was installed for events upon reservation, with glass windows overlooking the street. In the backyard, there is an open kitchen, which allows you to watch the preparation of artisanal pasta.

Classic pastas are prepared, such as spaghetti carbonara with guanciale (R$ 89), and options such as orecchiette (shaped like a small ear) with broccoli, sausage and stracciatella. Dishes with meat and fish complete the menu, inspired by the Puglia region, on the coast of Italy.

A section dedicated to burrata is another highlight. Produced in-house, it is served in five options, such as the creamy tre pomodori (R$75), accompanied by different types of tomatoes and arugula.

Next to the entrance is another star of the restaurant, the charcuterie section. Part of the items are imported and part is supplied by Brazilian artisanal producer Jais. A board for R$ 149 allows you to try a little of everything, such as ham, mortadella, copa, salami and cheeses such as gorgonzola dolce and parmigiano reggiano.

Next door is the bar, which now has stools at the counter, where you can try signature drinks, such as the di mare (R$44), made with lilet blanc, peach liqueur, vodka and pineapple (R$44). The menu also has sections dedicated to the negroni, the martini and the spritz. To drink, there are also 140 wines, displayed in a cellar in the center of the room.

Italian classics also appear in the desserts, such as tiramisu (R$45). Another sweet suggestion is the meringata (R$45), assembled like a meringue tower, filled with white chocolate cream and red fruit jelly.