Batuqui

2020 is winding down (aren't we all ready to put it in the rearview mirror?!) and so is my To Dine Challenge list. I scheduled an open-air evening with friends from the east side, and they picked up Batuqui Brazilian Restaurant for us all. We kicked off our dinner with a Caipirinha ($10). This traditional Brazilian cocktail is made with Cachaça, muddled lime, and sugar. Mr. H makes a pretty mean one too!

Mr. H and I shared the Moqueca Baiana ($29 with shrimp), which is a traditional Brazilian stew from Bahia with tomato, onions, cilantro, organic coconut milk and dende oil, served with Brazilian rice.

We also split the Costela do Norte ($29) with short ribs in a very rich homemade sauce with tomatoes, onions, and peppers and served with mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables.

Both dishes were excellent, but my favorite was the Moqueca Baiana.

Trying to sample more traditional Brazilian dishes, we also shared a side of Vatapá ($9). This dish from the North of Brazil is made from bread, shrimp, coconut milk, finely ground peanuts, and palm oil, then mashed into a creamy paste. It sounded too unusual to not try! While it was certainly fine, it didn't wow me in texture or flavor so I'd skip it next time.

Our friends also generously shared their Pao De Queijo ($9) appetizer. These little doughy nuggets of Brazilian cheese bread are definitely worth ordering!

This meal was a highlight from the 2020 To Dine Challenge list, and one we won't be caught sleeping on again. Stay tuned for the final stop at the 10 restaurants I was challenged to dine at this year!

Batuqui Brazilian Restaurant
12706 Larchmere Blvd.
Cleveland, Ohio 44120
(216) 801-0227