blog
(
February 13, 2008)
The interior state of Minas Gerais is one of Brazil’s greatest travel regions. It is rich in history and culture and offers a glorious look at some of the most Brazilian festivals, foods, and fashions. The area is mountainous with plenty of rivers and waterfalls and many of the old, colonial towns still look like they did in the 1700s during Brazil’s great gold rush, known as the gold cycle. These colonial towns are the heart and soul of the region and any trip here requires a visit to one or two of them, at least.
But first things first. Let’s talk shopping! This is one of the best shopping regions in the country and I’ve provided an overview of some great shopping areas and items in this article: Shopping Highlights in Minas Gerais.
Since most people begin their visits to Minas in the capital city of Belo Horizonte, I’ve also posted some B.H. restaurant listings and reviews, including a great spot for lunch (see Family Focusing on Food) and an elegant dinner option (see Vecchio Sogno).
Check back for more interesting additions to this section. If you have ideas of your own, send them to me in an email.
Boa viagem!
minas-food
(
February 13, 2008)
Originality and diversity are the notable themes at Aromi, one of Belo Horizonte’s most diverse lunch spots. Using the traditional “a-quilo” buffet, Aromi is anything but typical with its recipes. Here you’ll find dishes from all culinary traditions, such as chicken and cheese crepes, pasta putanesca, or Mexican tortillas. You always get a choice of meats, plus specialty items like chicken pot pie or lasagna. There are always plenty of salad options and many special veggie dishes, like deviled eggs or salad with raisins and apples. Even the traditional Brazilian rice and beans are more spicy and savory than usual.
Lunch is reasonable at under R$15 per kilo (with some specialty items priced separately). You’ll probably get out of there for under R$15 per person and have a lunch you’ll remember for a long time. Located in one of the city´s older buildings (a colonial-style, three-story home) and easily accessible on Avenida Afonso Pena near Avenida do Cortorno, it has three floors of seating with plenty of space. However, some days it can get rather crowded and you’d do well to arrive a bit early. They offer a
discount for customers arriving before 11:30 a.m. The old building is quaint, but it lacks a bit of interior design. That’s probably because they’ve been focusing on the food. It’s a family owned and operated place and what they may lack in slick decorations, they make up for in sincerity and simplicity.
Compared to other lunch offerings around town at about the same price, Aromi is a clear winner.
Aromi
Avenida Alfonso Pena 3112
Open 11-4 weekdays and 12-4 on Sunday
Closed Saturday
Food Price Friendly Staff
barbecue, food
(
May 10, 2007)
Who wants to be seen eating at a place called “Big Piggy?” Well, when you get a glimpse of what’s on the menu at this high-end, rodízio-style buffet restaurant, you won’t care what it’s called. Porcão is without a doubt Belo Horizonte’s most outstanding and impressive dining experience. Located in the hills of the city’s upscale, south-center district, Porcão offers one of the city’s most majestic views. Open at 11:30 for lunch, you can look out over the city and the Serra do Corral Mountains. At night, the city is a sea of sparkling lights below you.
But you may have trouble taking your eyes off of the food. Porcão offers a banquet spread that would make any big piggy feel something like King Henry VIII. You’ll find every type of meat, chicken and fish you can imagine, in a buffet-style, all-you-can-eat splendor. Besides the buffet, there’s a sushi bar, fondue table and barbecue. The food continues non-stop from opening until the last customer leaves in the morning hours, with a buffet change for dinner at around 6 p.m.
Let’s talk about fish. Ironically, Porcão, famous for its barbecued meats, has some of the best sushi in the city, with Hamachi and Maguro served up in huge portions. Plus there are catches of the day, delicately cooked in a variety of ways; fish stew; and heaps of shellfish. If you’re particular, you can get any dish cooked to your specific orders. (Remember, this is all for one price—all you can eat.)
Should we talk about meat? Rodízio-style means the attentive waiters will be comin´ round to your table with various barbecued delights throughout the night. Just shake your head if you want a taste. You’ll get choice cuts of beef, pork, lamb, chicken and fish. To add even more color, the buffet offers various salads featuring pasta, greens, shellfish and more.
With its huge lunch and dinner buffets, off-the-menu dishes, scotch bar, wine cellar and views, you might want to just come in for lunch and stay all day. You probably won’t get around to sampling everything, even if you do. But you are welcome to try…and live up to the Porcão name.
One price buffet: R$39.90 lunch or dinner
Drinks and desserts charged separately
Scotch bar with dinner menu selections
Wine cellar
Playground for kids
Parking and valet
Av. Raja Gabaglia 2985
Open 11-midnight every day
Porcão also has four locations in Rio, and others in Brasilia, Recife, and Niterói.
