Brazilian Carnival in NYC

My obsession with Brasil began in college when I interned for a Latin American art history professor at Princeton. I fell in love with the culture, music, film, art and of course; the food if Brasil. I’ve been to Brasil, but not to Carnaval. If you have never had Brazilian food, the time around Carnaval is a great excuse for it. Lots of restaurants will be crafting special menus. I promise you will fall in love with Brazilian food (and when you tell me you’re addicted to pão de queijo, don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Oficina Latina: This Nolita Pan-American bistro is all about Brazil from February 16 – Feb 21 (Mardi Gras) they will offer a pairing of its deconstructed Brazilian Feijoada with a classic Brazilian Caipiriña for $22. The Feijoada recipe comes from Consulting Chef Ilma Lopez, a veteran of bothelBulli and Café Boulud and includes pork leg, spinach, bacon, plantains as the main ingredients. Oficina Latina is located at 24 Prince St., call (646) 381-2555 for reservations.

Sushi Samba: Both SushiSamba locations will be hosting a special Carnaval fête.  In addition to menu specials and the regular a la carte items, revelers will enjoy live performances by samba dancers, and batucada drummers.  Both New York locations will broadcast a live feed of the celebration in Brazil. Sounds pretty exciting. On the menu are items such as king crab palmito salad $20,  Copacabana crispy red snapper $35, and ‘Quindim’ Coconut Flam $11. For SUSHISAMBA park reservations, call (212) 475-9377 and for SUSHISAMBA 7 call (212) 691-7885.