By Nathan M. Walters, Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – This Friday, May 4th, the Gringo Cafe in Ipanema continues their monthly Gringo Group Therapy Happy Hour, this time with the Democrats Abroad of Brazil. With the U.S. Presidential election quickly approaching, the event is well timed and certain to be a draw for those expatriates and Brazilians with an interest in American politics.
This happy hour is yet another in a series of events aimed at bringing together the community of expatriates in Rio with friends from Rio and across Brazil. Friday is the first of what Melissa Mello e Souza, Chairwoman of the Democratic Party in Brazil, hopes to be many events for Democrats Abroad of Brazil.
While politics can be divisive, the organizers are not looking to exclude anyone or make the event too serious. “Our goal is to make politics fun — registering to vote, and voting, can be fun. It’s a great way to meet and network with Americans living in Brazil, in a fun and interesting setting,” states Mello e Souza.
Although Mello e Souza does share “We have around 440 registered members of Democrats Abroad Brazil in our current database, [and] given the huge influx of Americans into Brazil in the past months alone, we are sure we can increase that number substantially.”
“[Our hope] is to identify as many Democratic supporters as we can among Americans living in Brazil. We need to register these Americans to vote, and make sure that they receive their ballots and send them out in time to be counted,” states Mello e Souza.
The Gringo Cafe’s American-styled menu, including burgers and mac and cheese, have been a compliment to several organizations looking to get together in Rio. In recent months the Expats and English Speakers Meetup Group have co-hosted events, as well as The American Society of Rio (AmSoc Rio), Casa do Caminho Language Center, the Rio Rugby Club, and the International Club of Rio (InC).
Despite political views, the Gringo Café remains a favorite for anyone with a taste for American home-style favorites. Most recently the restaurant has introduced an executive lunch, priced at R$24.90 (a value for Ipanema), including a choice of appetizer + entree, or entree + dessert.
The menu is also changing with the seasons in Rio, fall/winter dishes like Salisbury Steak and Turkey Potpie have recently been added. One thing that is the same is the Gringo Café’s Happy Hour Special: two-for-one drinks with a solid cocktail menu (including the ever-popular “Mate Palmer” [strawberry lemonade and vodka]).”
The Gringo Café also intends to host an event with the Republicans Abroad in the coming months, realizing that of course meatloaf and apple pie are American icons that reach across party lines.
Gringo Café
Friday, May 4th, 7-9PM
Rua Barao Da Torre 240
Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro
Tel: (21) 3813-3972
Read More from The Rio Times