Brasilis is bringing authentic Brazilian cuisine to Charleston. “The Charleston food scene has grown so fast that there’s room for everything,” owner Rafael Zielinksi says. The native Brazilian moved to the states only seven years ago and is a recent graduate of the Art Institute with a culinary degree.
His signature dish is a Feijoada (pronounced fay-jwa-da for those more interested in saying than eating it). But here’s what really matters, it’s a black bean stew full of pork, sausage, and bacon served with rice, collard greens, and fried plantains. ($8)
The truck also has a variety of pastels made of crispy, fried dough filled with beef, chicken, cheese, veggies, or any combination thereof (think empanadas). The chicken pastel has shredded chicken, roasted corn, tomatoes, and hearts of palm. Mmm. ($4 or two for $7).
Zielinksi is always experimenting. This week he’s trying a new sandwich. “People like sandwiches here,” he says, and I bet you’ll like this one. It is made with churrasco (a thin ribeye steak), caramelized onions, tomatoes, queso fresco (a light South American cheese), and garlic mayo on toasted French bread with a side of yucca chips. ($8) Hungry yet?
“I’m trying to introduce a little bit of Brazilian culture to Charleston,” Zielinski says. He has been pleasantly surprised with how many people have been to Brazil and are already familiar with the eclectic cuisine.
Brasilis is parked at the Charleston Scooter Company (844 Savannah Highway) on Mondays and Wednesdays and Tru Value (18 Society St.) on Fridays, always from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Catch him on your next lunch break and be sure to check the Facebook, website, and Twitter for new menu items and upcoming events.
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