It’s almost Summer Olympics season – that magical time every two years when your friends suddenly get way into synchronized swimming. This year’s festivities / feats of strength will be held in Rio de Janeiro, and Brazilian eatery Mata Petisco Bar (1690 Queen West, at Roncesvalles, 647-691-0234, matabar.ca), in tandem with food pop-up outfit U-Feast, is kicking things off with an opening ceremony of its own.
On June 2, they’ll be holding a one-night-only pop-up dinner, the fabulously titled Keeping It Rio, meant to spotlight some of the country’s best and most quintessential eats. Chefs Felipe Faccioli and Tulio Lessa have put their heads together to create a seven-course dinner that incorporates a number of Spanish and Portuguese twists (how international).
Among the Brazilian-inspired delights on offer: feijoada, a dish of beef, beans and pork, reimagined as croquettes Portuguese salt cod-stuffed shrimp and chayote gourds with mashed cassava (a favourite starch at Mata, who incorporate it into their frites poutine) and French toast with acai sorbet. (Forca Brazil!) Tickets ($60 with food, drinks and tip) are available at U-Feast.
food@nowtoronto.com | @nataliamanzocco
