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Emma

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English, Spanish, French e Portuguese.

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Hi, I am Emma Platais

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About me

Oi, hey! I’m Emma, I have dual citizenship for Brazil and the USA, and I have been living in Rio since 2011 (with a brief pause in 2012 to study in Scotland for 9 months). I am in love with this city. I really feel as if I have found myself here, and I have already lived in a handful of other countries so I guess I’ve tried out a few places :) I was alphabetized in Spanish, spoke English growing up, learned some basic French in school, and learned to write in Portuguese when I was 18. I’ll be sharing bits and pieces of my world right here. I am in love with Brazilian culture, dance, music, and art. I started a blog for fun a couple of years ago, so if you want to check out my photography and tips on Rio click on the link below!
https://simbora.co/

friend presentation

Interests

Culture & Local Events
Art, Photography & Writing
Gastronomy
Local Shopping
Music & Nightlife
Sports & Outdoor
Wellness & Nature

City's Tips & Traps

Tucum
One of my favorite stores in Rio! Tucum is filled with jewelry and goods made by different indigenous tribes from Brasil. A portion of the proceeds goes back directly to the tribes to help support their craft and art.
ZaZa Bistro
This place has a funky interior design and a wrap around porch where you can sip caipirinhas and people watch as locals return from the beach. My favorite area is the second floor, where you take off your shoes and sit cross legged on big cushions surrounded by dangling fairies hanging from the ceiling. It has an eclectic mix on the menu and has been inspired by Mediterranean and French cuisine.
Pedra do Sal
Located at the foot of the city’s oldest favela, Providência, Pedra do Sal is a historic landmark. The “salt rock“ marks the place where slaves would bring salt off the ships to dry on the smooth surface. Today, that same surface, provides samba lovers a chance to relax and listen to the roda de samba, or “samba circle”. Come ready to enjoy the local scene and hear some great music!
Parque das Ruinas
If you love stunning views as much as I do, then Parque das Ruínas is a great stop! There are no lines, few tourists, and it is located on a quiet street in the beautiful neighborhood of Santa Teresa. The historic mansion was once an important meeting place for renowned artists of the early 20th century. Its structure has been preserved and it now serves as a cultural center for the city.
Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil (CCBB)
The CCBB is one of Rio’s classic museums, and is located in Banco do Brasil’s ex-headquarters down in the center of the city. Past exhibits have included Dalí and Picasso as well as prominent Brazilian artists, in a gorgeous classic historical building.
Feira de São Cristóvão
When I think of the famous Feira de São Cristóvão, nothing else comes to my mind other than florescent lighting, minishorts and high heels, family dinners, dangling dried fish, cachaça, accordions and musical triangles, pink strobe lights, and half of Rio de Janeiro all getting cozy under one tent. Go on a weekend night, get lost in the maze of small tents and shops, and belt out some karaoke.
Pedra da Gávea
Known for its breathtaking views and steep hike to the top, Pedra da Gavea is a must see if you are up for the adventure. It is the highest point in the whole city, and the hike is about two hours, if going at a steady pace. There are boulders, tree trunks, and an inclined rock wall along the trail. Once there, you will be able to see across the bay to Niterói and the whole surrounding area.
Praia da Joatinga
My favorite (not so secret) beach, tucked away in the neighborhood of Joá. If you go on a weekday, the beach will almost surely be just yours! Watch out for the tides though, because com high tide the beach disappears and you have to stay on the rocks! Take a cab to the gated community and just say you are going to the beach.
La Carioca
La Carioca specialty is the traditional Peruvian classic, ceviche, or raw fish marinated and cooked in lime juice - but there are plenty of other options available too. I recommend ordering the Ceviche Mix, and the Pulpo Andino. If you are feeling adventurous try the Leche de Tigre! The pisco sours are highly recommended, or the sangria jars. The desserts are also delicious, you can’t go wrong!
JoJo
Located at the back of the Botanical Gardens - I recommend spending the afternoon there, and leave through the other exit onto Rua Pacheco Leão to enjoy an early dinner or drinks. Make your way up the street about 10 minutes and you will see the restaurants on the right hand side. JoJo has great food and a cozy outdoor seating area!
Naturalie Bistro
Naturalie Bistro is located on a sleepy street in Botafogo. The inside is spacious and lined with dark wooden tables and chairs, a chalkboard with the day’s specials, and the shelves are filled with an assortment of glass containers full of different grains. The menu has a variety of vegetarian options including Brazilian feijoada, Indian curry served in coconut shells, salads, and small entries.
Comuna
A multifunctional place where art, great food, and music come together, Comuna is one of the most happening places in Botafogo. The food is of the best quality, and everyone I know raves about their burgers. If you prefer the non-meat options like I do, I recommend the veggie burger, spring rolls, sweet potato fries, and fried pastries with cheese or veggies. They have fun cocktails too!
Ferro e Farinha
Ferro e Farinha has become one of the most popular pizza spots in the city, and for a good reason: the pizza dough and ingredients are of the highest quality and baked to crispy perfection. I love the different combinations, and highly recommend the white pizza served with spicy honey and goat cheese. The place is small and there is almost always a line, but it is totally worth the wait.
Espirito Santa
Inspired by Amazonian cuisine, Espirito Santa’s menu is an eclectic mix of Brazilian fusion food. This is a good place to go if you want to nibble on appetizers or order a larger meal to share. There are so many options that it is good to share with the table to try different things and choose your favorite!
Bar do Mineiro
Established in 1992, this bar serves classic Brazilian food and is always bustling. The interior is of white tiles and decorated with lots of quirky knick-knacks. Order their renowned Feijoada that comes with couve, rice, farofa, and oranges. I recommend arriving there early to get a table, since it fills up quickly!
Cultivar
The small, hole-in-the-wall café serves the best pão de queijo in all of Rio! And their heaping servings of açai can be blended with banana or granola, or both! You can also buy organic products such as honey, tea, snacks, and other goodies. Always packed with families, locals, and tourists grabbing some pre-dinner snacks.
Bar do Gomez
This classic bar is a great place to spend some time while visiting Santa Teresa. It was once an old groceries shop and is decorated by original antique pieces throughout the place. Order a draft beer, or try some cachaça and snack on classic Brazilian appetizers such as bolinhos de bacalhau (fried codfish balls), cooked aipim (cassava root), or delicious pasteis.
Confeteria Colombo
One of Rio’s oldest cafés, Confeitaria Colombo was founded by two Portuguese immigrants in 1894. Since then, it has created a lasting name for itself by producing top quality pastries and gourmet specialties. I would recommend waiting for a table in order to enjoy the antique splendor of the floor-to-ceiling mirrors. It’s a great place to stop by and escape back in time to a bygone era.
Feiras
I love the bright colors, the smell of fresh cut flowers and fruits, and the overlapping sounds of vendors calling our prices at the open-air markets, or feiras (fey-rahs). They can be spotted all over city on designated days by their striped stands, known as "barracas" (bah-ha-kas); that are put together in the early morning hours and usually are taken away after lunchtime.