Updated on September 9, 2009
If you're in Rio de Janeiro on a Saturday, check with Livraria Folha Seca if it's the day for the samba get-together held in front of the bookstore on the first and third Saturdays of each month.
The spontaneity of this roda de samba is ideal for travelers looking for a break from mega productions and interested in spending some time with locals, listening to the best samba as interpreted by a group of young musicians with a passion for rhythm. Samba da Ouvidor is all about classics - no feathers and glitter.
While you're at it, enjoy one of the most traditional streets in historic Central Rio. Famous for selling lots of books about samba and soccer, Livraria Folha Seca (site under construction), one of several bookshops in the area, is worth a visit in itself.
Nearby eateries include neighbors the Antigamente restaurant (at #43) and Toca do Baiacu, a bar where cariocas like to drink Serramalte beer.
Rio Minho (at Ouvidor 10), one of Rio's best seafood restaurants, is the birthplace of Sopa Leão Veloso, Brazil's version of bouillabaisse; check out the awesome sweets at Confeitaria Manon (opened in 1942, at Ouvidor 187/189 ).
Walk a little further and you'll find Casual Retrô (Rua do Rosário 24), which, like Antigamente, has good cooking by chef Santos in a vintage setting.
If you speak Portuguese, take the opportunity to enjoy the great soccer, Brazilian music and Rio de Janeiro history titles available at Folha Seca (a few biingual editions might be available).
When:
Second and fourth Saturdays of each month at 3 p.m. (check with Livraria Folhas Secas first)
Note: Samba da Ouvidor used to be on the first and third Saturdays of the month. That changed in September 2009. Start counting every fifteen days from September 12, 2009. The schedule might change in February 2010, since January 2010 will have five Saturdays.
Location:
Livraria Folha Seca
Rua d0o Ouvidor 37
Centro
Phone: 55-21-2507-7175
Samba da Ouvidor Blog: sambadaouvidor.blogspot.com
