A representation of the shredded beef rump in dark beer sauce, mashed parsnip, white steamed rice, and caramelized onion. Dona Estrela restaurant.

Dona Estrela

What is your favorite restaurant?

So many options to choose from… it’s hard to pinpoint a single restaurant as my favorite. There was one though that I used to go many years ago, back in Brazil. I looked it up, I was sad to learn it doesn’t exist anymore. I don’t know what happened, I’m assuming probably one more victim of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dona Estrela was its name.

The food

The main reason you go to a restaurant is for the food. And the food there was delicious! They didn’t have a fixed menu. Every day, you could expect something different that they advertised on their Facebook page. However, the most popular main dishes always made a comeback.

I loved the shredded beef rump in dark beer sauce, mashed parsnip, white steamed rice, and caramelized onion. My mouth just watered right now! Another dish I loved was the chicken fillet marinated with lemon. It was served with sweet potato puree with ginger and biquinho pepper. The vegetable julienne was delightful.

For dessert I loved the chocolate delight. Another favorite of mine was vanilla ice cream with dulce de leche and sweet crumble.

The service

An important aspect of the restaurant business is the service. At Dona Estrela it was impeccable. They stayed open for nine years, and I visited it continuously for many of them. The staff was always courteous and respectful. The owner herself, Claudia Estrela, was there every day and always received you with a smile. I remember her asking me how I was when I was closing the bill. After many years, you build a relationship, a human touch. It’s so nice to have that.

The philanthropy

Now, more important than anything, they were always there and gave back to the community. In one occasion we asked them if they would contribute something for one of our Make-a-Wish projects. Claudia didn’t hesitate to give her answer, of course she would help. She donated the most delicious sliders for the birthday celebration of our child. These are things that warm the heart. I will never forget that.

One thing I learned is that restaurants come and go. Specially after the COVID-19 pandemic. I wish I could do more to support them. We need to be there for the local commerce, mainly the ones we love. Otherwise, when you least expect they are gone.