New Brazilian Joint to Spice Up South Williamsburg

It’s now trendy for tourists visiting Rio de Janeiro to eschew the nice hotels in favor of a full immersion in the city’s sprawling shantytowns, or “favelas”. But for those who can’t make the trip to Brazil, a new restaurant will soon bring a taste of that scene to Williamsburg. Called Favela, the establishment is described as a "Brazilian Botequim", a simple place for the neighborhood to gather for drinks, food and watching soccer. (Favela’s business card has Pelé on the back.)

Owner Jeremie Carrier, a manager at Soho’s French bistro Felix, hopes to open as soon as next month, though it’s clear from the photo here there’s still a lot of work to do. (Um, is that ceiling going to hold those fans?) He tells us Favela will be as much a bar as a restaurant, with all South American spirits, DJs, live music and a chef from Brazil. Located in a former thrift shop, the place seems like it could be a nice complement to Bembe, the sometimes packed Brazilian hotspot around the corner.

Favela, 57 South Fifth Street @ Wythe, Brooklyn. (718) 230-4040. Coming soonish.

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By John Del Signore in Food on January 7, 2008 1:02 PM

Comments [rss]

shovel

yes, but I want the version that's not so high falutin...plus they purposefully don't serve pho.

John Del Signore

@ Shovel: Have you tried Silent H? (www.silenthbrooklyn.com)

shovel

rodney, don't knock it until you try it. any new cuisine in the neighborhood is worth a try. I for one still dream of the day we get a nice Vietnamese place in the area...especially with pho.

rodney

Is this related to the restaurant Favela in Astoria?

p.s. Those seeking authentic Brasilian food should check out Malagueta on 36th ave, and eschew this trendy hipster spot located nowhere near actual Brasilians.

freshyill

Some competition for Pies N Thighs? Strange place for either restaurant. I never really thought that many people lived there. Hell, the only time I get Pies N Thighs is when I have a car-owning friend visiting town.