About the time you begin the final descent to your home tarmac, the one thing you will be craving will not be the churrasco (BBQ) that everyone raves on and on about, but rather the sweet (salty) little chicken dish served at several local eateries around here.
I’m talking about restaurants that advertise “galeto” as their main, if not excusive thing. Don’t mess with those that happen to have roasted chicken on the menu – you want just those places that are dedicated to it.
Some of them look a little dicey but don’t be shy – walk right up and take a seat at the counter where the action is – the best seats have a view of the TV. Order up a plate of galeto (a small whole or half chicken) with arroz (rice), and beans (what else). Sometimes a “salad” will be included, but that’s just some iceberg with various junk on top, so forget that and just order “arroz com brocoli” (rice mixed with broccoli) instead of plain white rice to get some green into your daily meal.
The chicken is flame-roasted slowly on a spit in a brick oven usually within eyesight. The result is a crispy-on –the-outside, tender-on-the-inside meal. Some of these places are very small and have only a lethargic ceiling fan to move the air around so do not sit too close to the oven. Oh, and don’t forget the chopp!
Our favorites in Copacabana are:
- Galeto Viva Flôr : Rua Paula Freitas 66B
- Braseiro : Domingos Ferreira 214A
- O Crack dos Galetos : Prado Junior 63C
But there are many more, so explore.
And for the DIY crowd, here’s a great option: Retreat to your apartment with one of these spring chicken to-go! These can be found at most any neighborhood padaria (bakery), or neighborhood market. They will be happy to cut it up for you (do not forget this!). These places often will sell you a side of beans and rice as well. Just pick up tomatoes and salad makings at the market.
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