By Carla Fiorito
I like discovering places in São Paulo that make me feel almost like a tourist in my own city. I had already passed in front of the Le Repas Bistro, in Pinheiros, And it was a fun find, except that, for a change, the rush was greater than the curiosity to discover the interior of that corner. When I was invited to have lunch there, I didn’t doubt it: I felt the clock slow down and make room for the pleasures of good food and good conversation.
It’s not every day that those who run a restaurant (a task that for many people seems pure glamor when, in fact, it’s hard work) can sit at the table next to the customer to talk about life, their children, the rhythm of the neighborhood in which they live. who lives and works… That’s how I met the chef and restaurateur Fernanda Barrosformer partner of another bistro, the Come on!.
The meal it means “The Meal”, as simple as that, but with authenticity. The restaurant’s proposal is to reproduce the essence of true bistros, and in this one, the touch of the chef, who has the soul of a multi-artist, is everywhere, from the smallest details of the decoration to, obviously, the dishes on the menu.
Speaking then about the expected “Meal”, I started with Le Repas Apéritif. The assorted starter consists of caramelized onions, mushrooms in port wine, roquefort and brie cheeses, tapenade and fig jam which, in my opinion, is the star of the appetizer. I confess that I wanted to try the rice cake with roquefort too, but there will certainly be a next time.
As a main dish I chose sea bass with citron confit, cashew nuts and heart of palm roasted in boursin emulsion. Light and at the same time tasty dish.
I also tried one of the newest dishes on the menu and I can say: the black rice with Provençal squid is here to stay. Personality and flavor in a single recipe!
Among elaborate dishes, the menu also includes sandwiches that have won over a captive audience, such as Le Repas Burguer or Filet béarnaise with fries. And what fries!
To perfectly round off lunch, I thought I’d try a different dessert, like the plantain and Brazil nut gâteau with brown sugar caramel and coconut ice cream. But, time and time again, I find myself tied to traditions and, in this case, I couldn’t escape the obvious and the more than convincing propaganda from the friendly “waiter” who, sweetly, breathed “this will be the second best crème brûlée in the world.” your life”. I ordered, ate everything and now I can say: Paris is right here! Voila.
O The meal It is located at Rua Ferreira Araújo, 450. For more information, visit the website. And watch this video that Cris Berger made at Le Repas!
Photos: Carla Fiorito
Read too:
Celebrity Cruises: gastronomy on luxury cruises
Tivoli Mofarrej, luxury and comfort in São Paulo
A São Paulo restaurant with a NY look
Shigueru – a real Japanese restaurant in SP
São Paulo: a whole world in one place
