Oasis was closed when I stopped by yesterday, so I drove a few more yards to Pao De Mel. It took about three tries to land a parking spot because there's probably seven spots max that is shared with a convenience store next door. The layout of this Brazilian bakery is simple–glass counter displays, large menu on the back wall, a hanging TV, and some tables; no frills.
Pamonha ($4.50/ea): Yes–$4.50 each. I've never tried this before, so I was pretty shocked to know I was paying quite a bit for what I thought was merely a mini-tamale. However, this was pretty darn good! It's a sweet corn-based paste/dough with a cheese filling that is steamed in corn husks. The texture is soft and definitely looks like a Mexican tamale, but it is sweet. The cheese was nothing special–chewy and overpowered by the sweetness.
Brigadeiro (Chocolate bonbon/truffles w/ Sprinkles): Chocolate overload–chocolate outside, chocolate inside, and chocolate topping. If you love sweets, then consider giving these a try. The fudge inside was thick and very sweet, a bit too much for me. However, I am not too fond of chocolate, so this may be just right for others.
Pao Segura Marido (Ham and Cheese Bun): Pretty standard and pretty good. Ask for the buns with the cheese that is a little burnt if you like the extra chewiness and saltiness! The bread is soft, so don't let the appearance fool you; it's not dry. The ham was nothing special, but with the cheese and the bread, it makes a good snack.
Pudim (Flan) (~$2.50/ea): Very creamy, soft, sweet, and rich! The way they make pudim here is exactly how I grew up eating it. I have no complaints–these were great.
The main thing that bums me out besides the parking is the lack of pricing displayed; don't quote me on the prices I listed. I'd probably come back for the Pamonha, pudim, and the X-Tudo sandwiches they make.
Oasis was closed when I stopped by yesterday, so I drove a few more yards to Pao De Mel. It took about three tries to land a parking spot because there's probably seven spots max that is shared with a convenience store next door. The layout of this Brazilian bakery is simple–glass counter displays, large menu on the back wall, a hanging TV, and some tables; no frills.
Pamonha ($4.50/ea): Yes–$4.50 each. I've never tried this before, so I was pretty shocked to know I was paying quite a bit for what I thought was merely a mini-tamale. However, this was pretty darn good! It's a sweet corn-based paste/dough with a cheese filling that is steamed in corn husks. The texture is soft and definitely looks like a Mexican tamale, but it is sweet. The cheese was nothing special–chewy and overpowered by the sweetness.
Brigadeiro (Chocolate bonbon/truffles w/ Sprinkles): Chocolate overload–chocolate outside, chocolate inside, and chocolate topping. If you love sweets, then consider giving these a try. The fudge inside was thick and very sweet, a bit too much for me. However, I am not too fond of chocolate, so this may be just right for others.
Pao Segura Marido (Ham and Cheese Bun): Pretty standard and pretty good. Ask for the buns with the cheese that is a little burnt if you like the extra chewiness and saltiness! The bread is soft, so don't let the appearance fool you; it's not dry. The ham was nothing special, but with the cheese and the bread, it makes a good snack.
Pudim (Flan) (~$2.50/ea): Very creamy, soft, sweet, and rich! The way they make pudim here is exactly how I grew up eating it. I have no complaints–these were great.
The main thing that bums me out besides the parking is the lack of pricing displayed; don't quote me on the prices I listed. I'd probably come back for the Pamonha, pudim, and the X-Tudo sandwiches they make.