Ecully

I still can’t get over how affordable the wine is here. If I’m not mistaken, the prices on the wine list are the importer’s prices, with no mark-​up at all. The food was also very reasonably priced, and what you get is absolutely delicious food. The only negative point I could find is that the service can get a little tumultuous during peak hours, so a little patience comes in handy. The place seems to consistently get packed (not surprisingly), so make sure to make a reservation. Before you leave, be sure to check out the wine shop.

Com certeza meu restaurante preferido. O ambiente é ótimo, com um jardim aconchegante mas devidamente coberto e climatizado. A comida é um caso à parte. O nhoque de parmesão com ragú de costela é delicioso. E o tiramussú fecha a experiência com chave de ouro. Para quem gosta de vinhos, o restaurante possui uma loja em frente com um acervo muito bom, permitindo degustar na hora ou comprar para experiente em casa, com preços justos.

I’ve been watching renovations on a wonderful old house in Pompeia for the last few weeks. I think that the renovation will be sensitive, preserving the old building and enhancing its character. There is a «Grand Cru» wine store in front and, though its not well marked (yet?), Ecully is in the back. It’s a hidden gem. I even had to add it to Unilocal.
A neighbor told us dogs are welcome and, as we were both hungry and walking our dog, we decided to check it out. Wow! There’s a huge hidden garden behind. We ate a fine meal under a huge mangueira (for a whole lot less than it costs to eat under a huge figueira) For $R65 I ate three wonderful courses plus starters, coffee, and a nice glass of Argentinian wine.
A huge selling point is that the wine list is extensive and reasonably priced, relying on the wine shop in front to supply bottles without a markup. It wasn’t a drinking kind of day, so I settled for a single glass and took a bottle home to enjoy later.
Since I moved to Sampa a few months back, I’ve been enjoying drinks and food presented simply. But it was a real pleasure to have a real napkin, a proper wine glass, and the kind of service & presentation I’d expect in New York — if I paid 3 times the price.
I’m giving bonus points because this place is close to home, but it may be a trip for a lot of folks. But I’d say its worth it. More bonus points, they brought our dog water in a pretty bowl.
Next time, I’ll go in the evening, meet friends for a bottle or two of wine.
If I leave the dog at home, maybe I’ll sit inside. I noticed a bottle of Laphroaig on the bar as well…