Bites Nearby: Taste of Brazil

You could stand on a corner and look around until a restaurant sign draws you in. But we've got a better idea. Each week, New Hyde Park Patch picks a great restaurant either in town or nearby that is worth checking out. Here's this week's choice:

Taste of Brazil

The aptly named Taste of Brazil restaurant is just that. Through the exciting flavors and heartiness of its cuisine, an ever-changing sampling of Brazilian culture is offered daily at this restaurant and all at an exceptionally affordable price range that will have you dancing the samba.

Serving the dishes of her native country, Owner Luciana Souza seeks to provide good value for her customers. With the many offices surrounding the busy Mineola location in mind as well as the workers that come in for lunch, she has priced most items between six to eight dollars.

Every day at Taste of Brazil there are three to four different marmitas, or specials, to choose from. The frequently-updated meals are as Souza describes, “all types of good stuff from Brazil.” For six dollars, each option includes a protein, for example, Bife á Cavalo or beefsteak topped with egg, along with rice, beans and vegetables.

On Saturdays, as it is done in Brazil, , a customary black bean stew with pork, is served.

“It’s very popular, a lot of people come here for that,” said Souza, “It is Brazil’s national dish.”

Made up of a hearty mix of black turtle beans stewed with a variety of salted beef and pork products, Feijoada is the definition of stick-to-your-ribs comfort food. It comes served the traditional way with white rice, collard greens, orange slices and toasted, seasoned manioc flour.

A few other favorites made include Churrasco Brazilian barbeque-style whole grilled chicken, shrimp stew with yucca, chicken stew with okra and cowboy beans. For quicker bites, salads and sandwiches are also available.

Juices and smoothies are prepared fresh to accompany your meal and if you’re looking for a true taste of Brazil to go with your Feijoada, try the caffeine-packed guaraná soda, a Brazilian favorite.

Don’t forget to leave room for dessert; truffles, passion fruit mousse, and pudim—Brazilian-style flan are among the tempting variety of homemade sweets showcased at the front of the shop.

Patrons can take out or dine in. The restaurant is small with only a few tables, but inviting nonetheless with a vibe that is casual and bright.

Taste of Brazil, 198 2nd Street, Mineola, (516) 307-1201. Monday-Saturday, 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.