"Lovely Morretes: A good day trip from... " a Morretes Travel Page by VdV

A nice place to take a day trip from Curitiba, or even to spend a couple of days relaxing.

I've been twice now; the first time in January 2004 by myself. I took the train from Curitiba, which stopped in Morretes. Our tour group went to Antonina, then back to Morretes for lunch and to walk around the quaint shops along and near the river.

In November 2005, I had virtually the same itinerary but this time was with my Mom and a private guide who accompanied us to the train station in Curitiba, then picked us up in a private car when we arrived in Morretes.

Barreado is the official dish of Parana state in Brasil. It is a beef stew that is cooked in a sealed clay pot for 24 hours, spiced with such ingredients as cumin, smoked pork, tomato, onion and garlic.

Along with the beef stew, one must assemble the following items on the table ready to serve with the beef: manioc flour, plantains (sweet) and white rice.

The first step is to put three large spoonfuls of manioc flour into your bowl. Then ladle in some of the broth and a bit of meat into the flour, enough to make a paste-like substance (it should be so thick that it will not spill if you hold your bowl over your head! (**See photo of my Mom who did not know the owner was holding the bowl upside down over her head!)

After you have a very thick paste of the beef, broth and manioc flour (almost like the consistency of mashed potatoes), add the white rice, sliced plantains and if you like, a bit of pimentos for those who like it spicy.

Typically other dishes are served along with the barreado including: fried shrimp, shrimp/seafood stew, fried fish and salad. Oh yes, and don't forget to have banana whiskey and/or bananas foster for dessert!

Enjoy!

p.s. You will probably need a designated driver...besides the banana whiskey, the barreado is sure to put you into a protein coma shortly after your meal! :)