As I was walking down Main Street in Hanover on a sunny summer day, the selection of sweets in the window of My Brigadeiro caught my eye. For the past two years, I had heard nothing but rave reviews about the cafe but had never ventured inside. Somehow, the sunlight shining on the glistening croissants that day finally drew me in.
After a hearty lunch and dessert, I can’t help but agree with the shop’s tempting slogan: “Sweets you can’t resist. Really. Can’t.”
The whole cafe seems to warm the heart until it’s just warm enough to buy a sweet treat or two…or three. The interior of the shop is brilliantly designed. Although it’s devoid of frills and knick-knacks, My Brigadeiro feels like a grandmother’s kitchen. Wallpaper covers the shop with green and pink leaves. Displays of sweets everywhere greet you and the warm welcome from the staff feels like an open hug.
My Brigadeiro’s outdoor seating was my favorite. The quaint white chairs and surprisingly comfortable tables make you feel like you’re enjoying your meal on a cozy veranda. Flowers and vines decorate the window edges. While the street can sometimes seem busy, My Brigadeiro’s intimate atmosphere invites you to chat privately with friends over a cup of coffee.
My date and I ordered two sandwiches, a snack, an empanada and a coffee.
The Mediterranean sandwich included arugula, avocado slices, chickpea hummus, olive tapenade, and roasted red peppers with balsamic vinaigrette. It was the perfect appetizer before dessert. Although it’s expensive at $14.75, My Brigadeiro didn’t skimp on the portion size—the sandwich was the size of an entire baguette. The avocado and hummus balanced out the salty acidity of the balsamic vinaigrette and arugula. It was delicious and so filling that we could only manage half.
The bacon lettuce tomato with avocado and chipotle that we bought for $12.75 was also a great lunch. While I think they forgot my avocado, the chipotle sauce was perfectly seasoned, making it a wonderful addition to a classic sandwich.
The Salteña Empanada for $4.25 was my favorite part of the meal. While it could have had a crispier crust, it was delicious. According to the website My Brigadeiro, the owner was “inspired by (the customer) and (her) desire to share Brazil’s national sweets.” Her expertise in preparing Brazilian food was evident in this delicious empanada – and all the sweets in the shop.
The shop specializes in brigadeiros, a traditional Brazilian dessert. It’s made with chocolate and sweetened condensed milk, rolled into a ball, and covered in chocolate sprinkles – or any topping you like. My Brigadeiro puts one on the lid of every drink they serve. In addition to the chocolate variety, the shop also offers options like crunch crunch and salted caramel.
While I loved my little Brigadeiro for dessert, I also satisfied my love of pastries after eating their Vol-Au-Vent Croissant for $5.15. This pastry tasted like a classic done right. The sweet treat was crunchy in all the right places and soft in others. The frosting on top provided a sweet kick in every bite and the strawberries and Bavarian cream still felt fresh even after a morning on display.
Although it’s a bit pricey, My Brigadeiro offers dishes full of love and care. With the larger portions, this shop is the perfect place to share a sandwich and a snack with a friend or a date.
My Brigadeiro offers a cozy atmosphere, delicious sweets, great food and much more. I’m glad I finally tried the shop that some people call their favorite and I hope you will too.
Rating: ★★★★☆
