A Missed Romance for Brazil
Bossa London, oh how I expected to be swept off my feet by the Brazilian fine dining flavors promised on social media and in all the marketing materials. “Brazilian fine dining in the heart of Central London from multi-award winning Chef Nilson Chavesn”
However, reality hit me hard. Do you know the meaning of ‘Bossa’? It’s a style of popular Brazilian music derived from samba but known for its melodic and harmonic complexity. Unfortunately, this ‘Bossa’ had neither of them.
Ambiance:
The ambiance was pleasant, with a minimalist, dark-toned decor that perfectly complemented the earthy wooden furniture.
I appreciated the variety of seating options, from private rooms to cozy dinner tables and an open kitchen counter. I feel that this place is an ideal place for a dinner with your business partner.
Service:
The attentive staff at Bossa London deserve commendation. They were knowledgeable about the menu, providing detailed descriptions of dishes and wines. The waiter was always at my disposal, ensuring a seamless dining experience.
Although a 15% service charge seemed excessive, don’t you agree?
Beverages:
The beverage menu at Bossa London offers a diverse selection of wines, cocktails, and mocktails. Thank you for serving an orange wine, cheers to that!
Price: £££
Hmm, I have my doubts about the price they’ve set for the dish considering the portion.
What I Ordered:
Crab Pastel & Açaí Dip
The presentation was both elegant and appetizing. The pastel, a Brazilian pastry, arrived golden brown and perfectly fried. The vibrant purple hue of the açaí dip and the spicy orange sauce contrasted beautifully with the pastel, creating an inviting visual appeal.
However, when I eagerly sank my teeth into the so-promising pastel, I couldn’t help but feel a little let down. The crunch was top-notch, I’ll give it that, but the filling left this seafood lover feeling disappointed. It was as if the crab had taken a vacation and left its flavor at home.
As for the açaí dip, who thought that would be a genius idea? It’s like trying to combine a Brazilian party with… well, nothing! I got the drift. They attempted a Brazilian-fusion combination, but it fell down.
Beef Tartare, Shiitake Confit, Dry Yeast, Summer Truffle
The plate was looking all fancy. But when it came to the taste, it fell flat. The seasoning was not sufficient, even though they had added a type of Caesar dressing.
And let’s talk about that so-called “summer truffle.” I suspect they must have used the bargain-bin version, because I couldn’t detect even a whiff of that mouthwatering, earthy aroma. Maybe I should check if I accidentally caught the COVID-19 virus along with my disappointing meal.
Remember their SMS is saying:
“
Brazilian fine dining from multi-award winning Chef
“
*King Oyster Mushroom Over the Embers, Roasted Leeks, Toasted Buckwheat, Tucupi Sauce
I actually liked the tucupi sauce, a Brazilian specialty made from manioc root. It brought out all those earthy and umami flavors that left me completely satisfied.
Grilled Pollock, Courgettes, Bean Vinaigrette, Brazil Nut Cream
The grilled pollock was cooked to perfection, with a flaky, tender texture and a mild, buttery flavor. However, the Brazil nut cream could have been better to provide a bolder, nuttier essence. It gave a little creaminess, sure, but I was expecting it to step up more. I’ve tasted the same dish at many other places.
But wait, the courgette… It wasn’t just a sidekick; it was the unexpected superhero. When I took a bite, it had that good ol’ vegetable sweetness. It added a dash of brightness to the plate for sure.
*Black Pork Loin Chop, Buttery Manioc, Toasted Okra, Pork Broth
This black pork loin chop was a revelation with a succulent, tender interior that exudes a deep, rich pork flavor.
And the buttery manioc was a heavenly accompaniment, offering a luxurious creaminess that complements the pork beautifully!
Finally, the pork broth was a masterpiece in itself. A symphony of umami and depth, I slurped it down faster than a kid with a melting ice cream cone. I even considered licking the plate – true story.
Conclusion:
Bossa London may have its charms, but it falls short of delivering the vibrant Brazilian experience it promises. The food was ordinary, failing to capture the essence of Brazilian cuisine. While the service and drinks were commendable, they couldn’t salvage the overall lackluster dining experience.
If you’re seeking a typical London-style meal with good drinks and service, or if you’re a vegetarian looking for a new experience, Bossa London might fit the bill.
Tips from Hanako: No need to overdress, but casual with a touch of class dress code
Website: https://www.bossa.co.uk/
Menu Sample: https://www.bossa.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Sample-Dinner-Menu.pdf
