Brasa, (which means "live coals" in Portuguese) is stylishly casual, not unlike its owners Bryan Hill and Tamara Murphy. Warm hues, pin-spot lighting and lush drapery give the dining room it's formal, but relaxed, appeal. The undulating tuck-and-roll bar (caramel-colored vinyl with gold-glitter) gives the lounge an entirely hip vibe.
Nightly, between five and seven o'clock, the friendly folks at Brasa offer every item on the remarkable bar menu at half-price (with beverage purchase). With something that will appeal to every palate, the bar menu--featuring pita and hummus, pizzas, steak frites, mussels, salads and empanadas--is dazzling. I feel such value dining at the bar, that I often order one treat (carpaccio with argula and white truffle oil) off the dinner menu.
Ask any one of the trustworthy bartenders or lounge hostesses for a wine or cocktail recommendation and you will not be lead astray. They know their stuff.
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