Help guests get in the Olympic spirit this August by infusing your menu with a little Brazilian flavor. The 2016 Summer Olympics will take place in Rio de Janeiro starting this weekend. The games last for three weeks and garner a lot of international attention from people of all walks of life.
For those who can’t make it to the games in person the chance to watch with others and experience the Brazilian culture is priceless. You don’t have to be an authentic South American restaurant to explore the cuisine of the Olympic host country. There are a few staples of Brazilian cooking that anyone can incorporate into Olympic specials or everyday fare.
- Black beans
- Corn
- Brazilian cheeses
- Manioc flour
- Rice
These simple ingredients can add just the right amount of Rio flavor to any menu. You can substitute them into popular dishes with similar ingredients for a hint of Olympic flavor. If you are more adventurous it might be fun to introduce diners to authentic dishes from the host country.
- Arroz e feijao – classic beans and rice dish
- Feijoada – the national dish, a black bean stew with beef
- Frango com quiabo – a chicken with okra dish
- Farofa – a pork dish with eggs, veggies, and onions
- Cuscuz branco – a dessert made with coconut milk, tapioca, and sugar
- Pao de mel – a chocolate-covered honey cake
If you’re not quite willing or able to stray so far from your regular menu, consider getting in the Olympic spirit by promoting American cuisine or dressing up your chef coat. Part of the games, after all, is rooting on the athletes from your home country. If there is an athlete competing in the Summer Olympics who is from somewhere nearby, you could incorporate a dish inspired by him or her.
There are many ways to capitalize on the atmosphere created by an event as large as the Olympics. You could go for the obvious or get creative and come up with a unique take on Olympic spirit.