TasteCasting Austin’s event at Sampaio’s Brazilian Restaurant brought together a group of experienced tasters and writers, along with one food enthusiast attending her first “official” tasting event. What a delightful experience! Magna Sampaio, owner and proprietor of Sampaio’s, presented an array of tapas, blending the delightful flavors of Brazilian cuisine with samples of Brazilian drinks to complement each dish.
The Pao de Queijo (baked cheese bread), served with a delicate rosemary-tomato cream sauce, was amazing. Made of flour produced from the Yucca root, this dish is gluten-free. The textures just evolve one into another.
Sharing my experience with a Brazilian friend, he remarked that this bread is served in every household in Brazil. He also commented that he frequents Sampaio’s for the beloved cuisine he misses from Brazil.
If dinners have not tried Escargot, they really must sample them at Sampaio’s. Served on a tiny square of crispy pastry in an herb butter sauce, the escargot are tender and delicious. This was my first time to sample escargot; I have truly been missing a wonderful experience and will never turn them down again!
We sampled several other equally tasty tapas; Parmesan Rice Puffs, Baby-backed Ribs, and Pork Pastries, always beautifully presented and accompanied with a sauce perfectly complementing the dish. Sauces made from passion fruit or mango sauce were among my favorites. Brazilian cuisine tends to be a little more sweet than spicy; although you can turn up the heat with the hot pepper sauce made from the tiny red Malaquetta pepper grown in Brazil; spicy! It’s really yummy served with the incredible crab cakes at Sampaio’s.
When you visit Sampaio’s, ask to meet Magna. She is a warm and gracious hostess, with an inspiring story leading to her success with Sampaio’s Restaurant. Magna’s passion for sharing her beloved Brazil is apparent from the moment you enter her restaurant and see the Brazlian flag emulated in the glass tile center column and ceiling. Classy and tasteful; Sampaio’s is on our repeat list!
- Jenn Hunter