Last weekend a colleague took us to the Tijuca National Park for a wonderful day in the lush Atlantic rain forest that once covered the whole area Rio is stretching today. The park has several waterfalls, caves, bicycle and hiking trails as well as beautiful picnic areas and two restaurants.
It is home to numerous birds and animals such as monkeys, snakes, iguanas and this quati we came across belonging to the raccoon family:
After a nice walk in the forest we had lunch at Os Equilos restaurant, a hidden gem in the middle of the park, in service since 1945 and with an old colonial charm transporting you back into former times. Food was good but not to rave about, but the beautiful setting made up for it. Definitely a place to come back to as well in winter with the large fireplace calling for a lazy sunday lunch with fondue in front of a crackling fire.
On our way back to Rio we stopped at the famous Vista Chinesa, offering breathtaking views over the Lagoa and Rio:
Friday night we went to a birthday party for two of my husbands colleagues. There I tried this delicious
Avocado pesto recipe from Lukas
- bunch of basil leaves
- 2-3 cloves of garlic
- 2tbs olive oil
- salt and pepper
- 2tbs roasted pine kernels
- 2tbs grated parmesan
- 1 chili optional
- 1 ripe avocado
- juice of one lime
Mix all ingredients except the avocado in food processor until smooth. Add avocado just before serving and mix. Season with salt, pepper and lime juice. Great as a dip for vegetable sticks, meatballs or as a pasta sauce.
makanandcomida 
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