By Shalina Chatlani, Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The city of Petrópolis, also known as the Imperial City of Brazil, is considered by many as one of the top culinary centers in the country. From November 13th until November 29th, festival Petrópolis Gourmet, will be welcoming food lovers to its fifteen-year anniversary celebration.
Nearly sixty restaurants will be participants in the Circuito Gastronômico (Gastronomic Circuit), which will offer menus with a base entrance fee that will include a main course and dessert. All of the food will be made with typical ingredients from local kitchens, including beer, edible flowers, snails, cheese, and other organic foods.
During Petrópolis Gourmet, several workshops will also be offered at the Crystal Palace in the Historical Center. “We expect that the number of visitors in restaurants and commerce in general will increase by forty percent during the event,” said Secretary of Tourism, Nilo Sergio Felix.
Adding, “Events of this kind add value and visibility to the culinary attractions of the Serra Verde Imperial. The proposal meets our Rio +3 program, which supports and promotes cities with an average distance of three hours from the capital.”
In addition to the wonderful food that will be offered, there are many other attractions planned. There will be street markets in the city parks with free outdoor workshops, and meetings with chefs that will prepare dishes and tastings in public spaces. Waiters will also race with officials from the participating restaurants, an event geared for children.
Tucked in the hills of the Serra dos Órgãos, the quaint city of Petrópolis can be found just an hour’s drive from downtown Rio. Founded in 1843 by Emperor Dom Pedro II as he sought refuge from the summer heat, the city now is home to just over 300,000.
Buses from Rio’s Rodoviária Novo Rio (R$20) leave for Petrópolis bus station every 15 minutes, and it’s worth remembering that, on the way up, seats on the left hand side offer spectacular views. From the Petrópolis bus station, take the number 100 or 107 bus to the Center of Petrópolis (30 minutes) or treat yourself to a taxi (R$25).