Comedoria

This is a very nice restaurant in Leblon, the nicest part of town. This is the second restaurant for the owner, the other one has been established for several years, in the center of town, and is renowned for the feijoada (black beans with lots more) balls.
In the new restaurant, I found the feijoada balls not quite as tasty as the ones in Aconchego Carioca but the moqueca (fish/shrimp stew with coconut milk) balls are superb. They also have a big selection of beers though they are a bit expensive.
Brazilian food.

Rua Rainha Guilhermina, 48 – Leblon. Tel.: 2294-2913
Closed Mondays

Beach shower

Don't they look inviting, so cool? The people seem to be enjoying it all so much.

Well, be careful. A study, recently done by PUC, has determined that the water is extremely polluted. People urinate in the shower, the urine goes back into the water table and comes back as ammonia. You might get a disease, so resist the temptation.

 

Hans Stern Lookout

At the end of a beautiful night, do you ever look for a peaceful place, maybe with a view, maybe for a last nightcap? Enough of the noise, excitement, lazy waiters, long waits etc.?
Well, I have the spot for you, that is, as long as the weather is good.

Try the Mirante Hans Stern which is located on the Ave. Niemeyer, quite close to Leblon. It basically consists with a great view and a simple kiosk. Actually, it is not only a great place to relax at night, but really any time of the day as well. And what's more, you can walk there from the beach.

It used to be called Mirante Leblon but was renamed, in 2007, in honor of Hans Stern, the founder of our most famous jewelry store, H. Stern. There is even one of those on 5 th Ave. in NY and the prices are the same. Of course, there is such a little thing as NY taxes to consider. If you go and visit the store headquarters in Ipanema you will be amazed by the service. Be prepared to be offered anything from water to caipirinhas while they tempt you with the wares.

Have fun!!!!!!!!!

A small aside: I have to check until what time the kiosk is open and I don't suggest walking on the Avenida Niemeyer alone at night. Sorry.

Well, it continues to be a great spot and is open until the last customer leaves. 1/27/13

Academia da Cachaça

Have you tried yet our local fire water, cachaça or pinga? Made out of sugarcane, it is like undistilled rum and is drunk usually mixed with limes and sugar (caipirinha), or any other fruit in which case it would be called “caipirinha de” whatever fruit you choose like pineapple, strawberries and so on.

The ACADEMIA DA CACHAÇA is a very popular bar which threatens to spill over onto the street. It’s main claim to fame it the huge variety of pingas available, shots of which are consumed in large quantities. Make sure to eat something as well, while you’re at it, as caipirinhas are very drinkable but after three you might have trouble getting up. I warmly recommend the baked heart of palm (palmito do frade)

Result of too many shots

Parque Penhasco Dois Irmãos

Many places in Rio provide lovely vistas but are outside the usual tourist trek.
This park is located at the end of Leblon and provides a lovely view over the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, Ipanema and Leblon beaches, all the way to Copacabana.
Access it by car (or a long walk) up the Rua Igarapava, which in turn starts on Rua Visconde de Albuquerque, which runs along the canal