Monday, August 10, 2009

Rio Market - Brazilian Specialty Foods

Rio Market - 32-15 36th Avenue, Astoria NY 11106
718.706.7272
N/W Train to 36th Avenue

I was both surprised and delighted when I saw that a new Brazilian specialty supermarket opened up on 36th Avenue and 32nd street. A bit confused at first, I couldn't figure out what it was, as the space also houses a Brazilian travel agency and a small eatery, offering various grilled meats and even desserts.

Exploring the supermarket portion, which is located in the middle of the two aforementioned businesses, I saw that that they carry a lot of interesting national foods such as breads (both sweet and savory), meat, sweets and inventive frozen foods such as croquettes. They offered a generous tasting of the latter and they were delicious--I really liked the chicken breast and cheese croquette the best and might have to buy it the next time I host a cocktail party.

Prices are inexpensive and judging by Saturday's traffic, it doesn't get crowded. I'd suggest checking it out and stopping at Arepas Cafe for an afternoon snack. Yum!

8 comments:

  1. Very cool - I will have to check this out!

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  2. Definitely try the cone pizza.

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  3. Ohhh, interesting suggestion, thank you!

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  4. So excited about this! Love the Arepas Cafe. :)

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  5. Me too - so cute and so inexpensive.

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  6. I saw them on Ch. 5's morning show on Friday (8/28) and stopped by that afternoon. I picked up a cup of coffee and a pastry (faboo) and trolled the aisles, bought about $20 worth of coffee and food. The prepared food at the counter did look fantastic.

    The food counter staff was offhand and non-welcoming, the floor staff and cashier distracted. You're right about low traffic; they may be having problems. It'll get worse if they don't learn to share some of that legendary Brazilian warmth and hospitality -- real quick.

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  7. I know what you mean Anon - when I was there, no one really said "hi, may I help you with anything? Do you have any questions?" I felt like an outsider but oh well, it's worth it for good and interesting food.

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