Sunday, March 22, 2009

Capoeira Festival

Capoeira, an Afro-Brazilian art form that incorporates dance, martial arts, music and acrobatics. Believed to have been developed by African slaves brought over from Angola as a guise for practicing the martial arts that their slave-masters forbade. Australian now has one of the largest Capoeira communities in the world and where there is Capoeira, there will surely be Brazilian food.

Guarana Antarctica. Brazil's version of Mountain Dew. Taste leans more towards a semi-deflated creaming soda, with apple and berry undertones which really works. Trying to avoid looks of confusion when I was ordering it in Brazil the best way I can describe its pronunciation is Gwa-la-na. Apparently it's only made in three countries Portugal, Brazil and Japan (thanks Wiki) so grab it if you ever have a chance.


















Next up is Feijoada (Fesh-wa-da) the national dish of Brazil. A black bean stew, traditionally made with the off cuts of meat like the ears, trotters, snouts etc the one I bought was somewhat lacking in these little delicacies. Replaced instead with pork belly, dried beef, and chorizo and topped with Farofa, it all adds up to one hearty meal. My preference is to have this as a side dish, it was extremely nice, but a little thick and dry in that quantity. Serve it up with a churrasco (charcoal bbq'd meats, try the chicken hearts!) and that'll make my day.

Finally for dessert a frozen berry product called Acai (a-sigh-ee). The flyer claims that this product makes Brazilian soccer players play better, and Brazilian bikini babes look hotter and sexier. It also reduces blood cholesterol, is high in antioxidants, high in fibre and fights infections. Unverified claims aside, it's an enjoyable ice treat that tastes like chocolate berries. I still have doubts about looking good in a pair of speedos but I did play better in soccer so you never know. If you want to find out for yourself check out amazonpower.com.au because whether it works or not, it tastes pretty good, and that's what it's all about.

3 comments:

  1. Great post, Sydney has such fascinating range of experiences foodwise!

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  2. This sounds fantastic. Where was it held? I love the sound of the Feijoada :)

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  3. NQN, festival was held in darling harbour just outside the harbourside shopping center. It was more of a performance by the students run by www.capoeira.com.au rather than a festival but they do it annually.

    As for feijoada, yes it's as good as it sounds. =) Planning to try www.braza.com.au soon for their feijoada and meat on swords but mainly want to go just for the Coração de Frango aka Chicken Hearts. I absolutely adored these in South America. A must try.

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