Big Nectar

Description:

• One of Rio's best lanchonetes (dinner or lunch counter), Big Nectar is a bit like a magician's top hat. You glance into this hole-in-the-wall diner and think there's nothing there, then the guy behind the counter conjures up any kind of fruit juice you care to name, all of it made fresh and to order. Actually, the menu in this standing-room-only spot lists just over 25 different kinds of fruit juice. In addition to the standards such as passion fruit (maracujá), pineapple (abacaxi), or cashew fruit (caju), there's carambola (star fruit), goiaba (guava), jaca (jack fruit), and açerola (red juice from the tiny açerola fruit). This is where things get fun. You can mix anything with anything else. Try laranja com açerola (orange juice with açerola, a very popular combination); maracujá with mango; or pineapple and guava, cashew, and açerola. Some of these work, some don't. The magicians behind the counter are full of suggestions if you have any doubts. Or just throw caution to the wind and see what comes out of the hat. For a quick lunch or snack, Big Nectar also serves a selection of sandwiches and individual-size pizzas.

• © Frommer's 2013