Published by A Life in Print Inc., Montclair, 2017
North Caldwell resident Mila Sabino (right), pictured with Gonçalves, has been a loyal patron of Samba Montclair ever since it opened in 2010.Ī graduate of Natural Gourmet Institute in New York City, Gonçalves has appeared in New Jersey Monthly, The Star-Ledger and The New York Times and on various TV programs. Samba Montclair’s interior features subdued earth tones, a high ceiling, rustic wood-framed mirrors and drawings, hardwood floors, and an artistic ensemble of wall hangings: wooden cutting boards along with brass pans, molds, colanders, and ladles. The restaurant has been embraced by Brazilian natives and descendants in northern New Jersey, craving a taste of home, as well as by patrons who appreciate freshly prepared dishes, many of which offer gluten-free ingredients. Encouraged by the support of patrons, the business evolved into a bistro. Gonçalves came to the United States at age 23 and opened Samba Montclair in December 2010 as a deli featuring Brazilian specialties. The restaurant’s interior features subdued earth tones, a high ceiling, rustic wood-framed mirrors and drawings, hardwood floors, and an artistic collection of wall hangings: an ensemble of wooden cutting boards and brass pans, molds, colanders, and ladles. Samba Montclair is an intimate space in downtown Montclair-an Essex County town that’s been a magnet for numerous restaurant entrepreneurs during the last 20 years. “Ilson and I have been friends ever since he opened Samba Montclair,” she said. One enthusiastic patron, North Caldwell resident Mila Sabino, expressed her joyful support for Gonçalves’ efforts on the northern NJ restaurant scene, and said she is a loyal patron. “If I craved my favorite dessert, Bolinho de Mandioca (a coconut yuca cake), my mother would send me out to pick the root vegetable, which grew wild in our backyard.”Īt the start of the recent reception, Gonçalves graciously thanked guests for turning out and then began autographing copies of his book. “It was common for me to pick wild fruits for snacking and spend the day surrounded by natural beauty,” Gonçalves said of his childhood in the Brazilian southern state of Santa Catarina, as quoted in the press statement.
From an early age, he dreamed of owning his own place, creating make-shift kitchens with friends in their tree houses.
This restaurant serves up a Brazilian-Peruvian-Japanese cuisine and is a uniquely delicious dining experience. SUSHISAMBA is a really unique sushi restaurant located in The Venetian in Las Vegas. Early Cooking DaysĪs described in a press statement prepared for the event, Gonçalves first learned to cook by watching his mother and helping her peel carrots and potatoes in the kitchen of her neighborhood restaurant. Artful projections move continuously throughout the space on scrims and walls featuring the spirit and cultures of Japan, Brazil, and Peru. Gonçalves provides readers with step-by-step instructions for preparing these and other meals, along with photos of appetizers, side dishes, entrees, desserts and juices. Recipe selections include Gonçalves’ take on Feijoada (Brazil’s national dish: a stew of beef, pork and beans), Camarão na moranga (creamy shrimp-filled winter squash), and Pão de queijo (gluten-free, homemade cheese bread). The book features 42 recipes for home cooks interested in learning about Brazil’s food culture, which draws upon European, African and indigenous influences. In his debut as an author, Gonçalves shares his favorite Brazilian recipes-dishes that are served at his restaurant, Samba Montclair. Skip the American coffee and order a press pot of strong black Brazilian or a shot of Cuban coffee.A throng of friends, patrons and well-wishers packed Samba Montclair restaurant during the evening hours of October 17 to celebrate the launch of The Samba Montclair Cookbook: Authentic Home-Style Brazilian Recipes and Reminiscences, written by Brazilian-born chef Ilson Gonçalves. Larger plates include paella, Florida grouper with lobster succotash and a grilled filet mignon with Cabernet butter. Tapas range from chicken lollipops with blue cheese fondue and guava barbecue sauce to lamb meatballs with tzatziki and truffled tater tots with rosemary aïoli. If you're there for the food, the menu offers an intense fusion of flavors. Samba Room, however, is not the place for meaningful conversation-the place is loud and fun. Behind gauzy curtains, a cigar lounge, outfitted with comfortable chairs and couches, is a fine place to linger after dinner. Tables spill out onto a small patio overlooking a lake, conjuring up moonlit island nights. A beautiful bar curves just inside the front door, the perfect place to flirt over a mojito or sangría. On busy “restaurant row” on Sand Lake Road, this eatery has a retro supper club ambience, a sort of Desi Arnaz-meets-South Beach appeal. THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Samba Room Restaurant Review: