Peachy Picks Brasilina Sponsored by Cosmopolitan Dental, Official Dentist of Whom You Know
Executive Chef Mariana Bull, a prodigy in cuisine
The Best Dentist in Manhattan
&
Official Dentist of Whom You Know:
30 E. 40th Suite 105
212 683 1960
Dr. Garo Nazarian is a Mover and Shaker:
Though she would probably be modest and say her family and the food are the highlights, we think the clearcut star of the show at Brasilina is Executive Chef Mariana Bull, who is half the age of most chefs as talented as her that we have encountered. Anything that boys can do girls can do better we always say! She was taught by her grandmother at a young age how to cook, and it is crystal clear that Mariana paid attention to every last detail, and cares about every last detail and her english is perfect too. By the way, the name of her grandmother is Brasilina! You know we love paying homage to our grandmother-check out the Deegan girls on the right hand column! We completely are in love with the fact that this is a happy family affair. Brasilina is a jewel in the crown of Hell's Kitchen, and if you thought you were going to be going to a Brazilian spot with commotion, noise, obnoxious music and anything else we would not rave about in a review, you will be pleased to know that Brasilina is a bastion of gentility and the country club of anything Brazilian ever that we have been to, restaurant or otherwise. You are simply going to love it-so be in the know and keep reading. It has JUST opened.
They even have amazing chandeliers which is just a bonus on how they capitalize on the little touches that make the difference between a great and a truly excellent place:
Brasilina is truly excellent.
It was first featured in Tasty Tidbits:
and it now graduates to Peachy's Picks.
Peachy Deegan began with the Scallop Ceviche with bloody mary jelee and french bread toasts:
Beautifully presented, this starter was completely refreshing and all components were nicely cut and elegantly served in a martini glass! The toasts were crisp without being too dry and balanced out the scallops nicely.
And you know if a dish has lobster, Peachy is interested!
To that end, here is her new friend: Citric Shrimp and Lobster Risotto.
It was fluffy and light just as a risotto should be, and the spices combined with the lobster and the sauce made it absolutely to die for. This is a dish that will keep you warm all winter and a best-seller we predict.
Every person we met at Brasilina from proprietor Daniel Bull to his sister Mariana to their mom to the server Catherine was the consummate professional.
Their wine list was amazing as well and Peachy sipped on a 2009 Bordeaux. The final touch? A fantastic apple tart with cinnamon ice cream-desserts from the grandmother!
Just divine.
Our esteemed panel says:
Upon entering Brasilina NY I got the feel of being in good company. That in no small part must be from the fact that almost an entire family takes part in this restaurant! From the name all the way to the Chef! There is a beautifully relaxed atmosphere; steeped in simplicity done right. Decor-wise, I loved the chandeliers and the way they highlight the exposed wood beams which were reclaimed from a barn in Ohio. Candlelight was everywhere -- setting the stage for a beautiful evening! The music was also eclectic and excellent, a perfect compliment. I must mention that we had a petite fan of Peachy with us and I was happy that we were greeted with open arms from this family run restaurant. For drinks I enjoyed the 2008 Starry Night Sauvignon Blanc, while a fresh squeezed orange juice was delivered in person by the Chef herself for our littlest patron!
For appetizers, we sampled Tartar de Salmon. In a word it was amazing! The avocado
cream was a perfect balance to the fresh and light salmon. The wasabi chantilly cream added a rich flavor, while the crispy shallots added texture. The dish was so outstanding, I could have enjoyed this alone. My Petite was treated to a child's crostini -- a light take on a cheese pizza.
The crostini was lightly grilled with a delightful topping of tomato and mozzarella cheese. While, not on the menu I found the entire staff very willing to go the extra mile to ensure little ones can enjoy a great experience as well.
For main courses, the NY Steak was another fantastic study in simplicity done right. Perfectly cooked (mid-rare, thank you very much!), and seasoned simply so that the meat was able to speak for itself. It was paired with haricot vert and the "potato surprise" --a mashed potato with a fantastic crust of cheese atop a beautifully plated side dish.
We also sampled the Spaghetti. Again, willing to accommodate a child, we
were impressed with their understanding of even the littlest of customers who has quite discriminating taste for her age! Served with an understated and deliciously fresh tomato sauce. It is probably best highlighted by saying that once served, we had silence from the chair! For dessert we sampled the Cheesecake Romeo & Julieta, as well as the Sorvete do Dia (ice cream).
The cheesecake was served with raspberries and mint with a side sauce of guava. The cheesecake itself was fabulous. Just the right density, while the graham cracker crust was on the mark. The guava sauce made it decadent! It's rich color and texture was similar to a caramel but it's flavor was abundant in guava.
The ice cream was vanilla and strawberry. We found both flavors to be delectable! I would highly recommend Brasilina NY. The dedication that is put into the food and service has made this a necessary addition to my list!
***
It's a Fall Holiday weekend, the Empire State Building is aglow with red, orange and yellow, and what awaits this evening is a restaurant that holds the promise of continued festivities. Unobtrusively placed on 9th Avenue, a well known strip for foodies, Brasilina wows at first glance. With an impressive wooden door set into a wall of windows, the architectural setting reads modern. But the antique timbers in the ceiling, brought in from a salvaged Ohio barn, belie the new, and enforce a traditional approach to the menu.
Start with a Caipirinha, Brazil's answer to a mojito,made attentively with Silver Cachaca, fresh lime, lemon and molasses. The bar menu was concocted by South Americn mixologist Marco Silva, and will tempt you to return just to try more of these fun cocktails.
With this much attention paid to the set, and the cast, of Brasilina, the menu proves applause- worthy. Definitely set in the 21st Century, and created by the chef with her French, Brazilian, and holistic point of view, the menu offers from the simple to the gregarious. I started with the Salade de Inverno, a marriage of mache, greens, fennel, pear, and chevre topped with a truffled honey dressing.
Tempted by the Gnocchi de Mandioca, a gluten- free pasta dish made from yucca, I opted instead for a special: Pumpkin Shrimp. This turned out to be an tour de force Fall presentation: baked kombucha squash as container for a creamy shrimp casserole, set into an iron cauldron, atop a slab of freshly hewn wood. From the chef's own description: the recipe includes a tomato concasee and garlic oil, for aroma. The shrimp is flambeed in cognac and then prepared in a Brazilian cream cheese sauce. Delicious, tender, and a wonderful flavor combination, as you scoop out the squash onto a mound of rice and savour.
The wine cellar is inventive, as well, and I chose, at the recommendation of our waiter, the Brochard Sancerre, available by the glass, or by the bottle, for both courses. Chilled, and crisp, like the season, it is always a favorite.
Recommendation: go early, just to enjoy the great house music, the soft white lights, and the wrap-around bar. Just make sure there's a Valhrona molten cake waiting for you at the end of your wonderful meal.
Peachy Picks Brasilina!
Brasilina is Highly Recommended by Whom You Know!
