When you first step in, the rustic charm of this new locale is undeniable. Decorated in colorful, Brazilian woven tapestries and paintings, a long, narrow room faces an exposed brick wall adorned with candelabras. Continue onward, passing by antique adornments and beautiful flower arrangements, and you’ll find yourself on the outdoor patio, where you’ll want to stay all night, sipping your passion fruit caipirinha, feasting on yucca and calabresa, and enjoying the sounds of Brazil.
Opened not all that long ago by owner Mario Espindola and general manager and designer Sergio D'Larosa (seen below, at left, with Pedro and Monique), Berimbau can already boast celebrity guests like Lady Gaga, Queen Latifah, and Interpol. The former maitre'd at Bagatelle, Espindola knows what customers want, and with his new venture, he wanted to bring the authentic taste of Brazil to the West Village. When asked to describe his restaurant in three words, he said, "fresh, unique, and amazing quality." The menu is reasonably priced and offers a wide variety of delectable Brazilian dishes that will keep you coming back for more.
For starters, the succulent Salpicão is a traditional Brazilian salad made with shredded chicken and ham mixed with potatoes, carrots, and citrus mayo. Other favorite appetizers include the Calabreza, sausage with fried yucca and spicy cilantro mayo sauce, and the Acarajé, a fritter black-eyed peas cake with vatapá (a spicy cream of fish and shrimp).
For the main course, try the Lombo de Porco, pork tenderloin served with potatoe pureé, diced asparagus, and sun dried tomatoes. And the list goes on, with dishes like sea scallops, sea bass, salmon, duck, and prime steak, cooked a la plancha with traditional Madeira sauce.
Just walk by this Brazilian paradise, and you can’t help but be drawn in by the music, the savory smells of delicious food, and the laughter of diners having the most enjoyable night out in the city. Berimbau has a chic vibe and beautiful people abound, but most importantly, the food, service, and ambiance are top notch.
So next time you’re in town, definitely stop in for a taste of Brazil…and let them know VM sent you!
Berimbau, 43 Carmine Street (between Bedford and Bleecker), NY, NY 10014, 212.242.2606
Monica S. Navia is an attorney, former television writer/producer, and NYC dweller.