The bf and I came here for Sunday brunch and stuffed ourselves full of great Brazillian food. Jorgina and her staff were helpful and friendly, and the environment was casual and comfortable.
Pro tips:
1. Try one of each of the appetizers before the meal, but no more. You'll want to save room for the real food.
2. There was a group of ~16 women there for a baby shower. I thought Jorgina's house was a great place to host a group activity which would still have a feeling of "being at home."
3. Â Call to check you have a reservation. Although I made the reservation 2 weeks in advance, when I showed up Jorgina was uncertain that I had a reservation. Thankfully there were 2 seats available.
I LOVE Brazilian food. This is as good as you get! It's like top notch home cooked meal in her home, with a great live guitarist! We went on a groupon which I was so happy to see, but I had eaten her food at prior events way back ago when Hot House was open...If you like Brazilian food, and you don't go, you are definitely missing out!
Review Source:Just came back from there... I've been to Sinha last year and been willing to return since then... On the other side Jorgina visited the place where i work several times. So it was about time for me to return the favor!
The place is not your common restaurant, it is an experience... So go with an open mind and be ready to win yourself a new grandma!
Being from Brazil myself my bar is always set on high when i visit a Brazilian restaurant (forget about Brazilian Steakhouses!), so me and 2 other friends from Brazil went to have brunch there today....
As i recall food was spectacular and i really feel like i'm at home, someday i will even wash the dishes after i'm done!
I had the picanha with mango, potatoes, rice and beans and it was fabulous!! So good that i had to order a second one to go so i can give to my co-workers and they all agreed how amazing the food here is!!
So, what are you waiting for? Go try it for yourself!!
When the office folks decided this place as the venue for the end of year party, I was like, whatever.. But dude, seriously? This place was so damn good.
It was like going to a friends place, and his mom gives you the best dishes you've ever tasted, leaving you wonder if this is some recipe passed on over generations.
The shrimp and rest of sea food is the BEST I've tasted. You must know I'm from Kerala, India and fish is what we eat all the year. But this beats everything I've tasted till date.
After the dinner, we had a small competition among and I won. Guess what the prize was? Lunch for two at Sinha. Can't get a better prize!!
What a find!
Imagine having a Brazilian grandma, Georgina. You having a privilege of being invited to her home (yes, litterally).
She cooks tons of delicious Brazilian / soul food dishes for you and your party. Steak is done any way you like. There's delicious shrimp, fish, plantains, greens, rose, cheesy bread .... and much,much more I can't even remember.
All literally tastes like grandma's cooking. By far, the best culinary experience in Chicago.
Ps: BYOB
Elegant, excellent food & a chef who cooks with love! I've been here twice & will continue to come back. Chef Jorgina uses the best food she can find as well as listens to her customers. She does all she can to make sure her food is enjoyed to its fullest. I was with a choosey eater. Jorgina noticed that this person didn't care for rice, beans or salad but did over hear that onions were a favorite. Lo & behold, the side dish that appeared with the pulled pork (which is exquisite) was onions! The ambiance is beautiful, festive & quite welcoming. If you have a chance, go upstairs & see where she often holds events. Look outside the window to her garden & see her vineyard.
I love this place, Jorgina, the food, music & atmosphere. Whether a specal occasion or just the opportunity to chow on some excellent & healthy food, Sinha is a fabulous choice. If i lived closer, I think I'd be there several times a week!
Oh-one more thing-if one has dietary restrictions or concerns, please inform Jorgina. She'll definitely work with you. She's the best!
Went here for a birthday brunch. Â We arrived earlier than expected but they were very gracious and brought us in to wait inside. Â First floor is an eclectic mix of styles for decor with Brazilian music playing. Â Small snacks were already waiting and they immediately offered glasses for our wine. Â BYOB is great!
We waited as others arrived and some hot appetizers were brought around. Â At our reservation time we were ushered downstairs for brunch. Â Jorgina made every effort to make sure everyone was comfortable. Â My wife and I were sitting at a high top. Â Jorgina had her team bring out another table so we could be seated by ourselves on a low table for more comfort. Â She then explained the food in lovely detail. Â It was nice that she asked people to come back as often as they like and not waste food.
The food itself was an enticing mix of flavors. Â It is not high end in terms of presentation but it was exceptional in terms of taste and charm. Â I don't normally eat collard greens but her description and presentation won me over!
Lot of choice for everyone from carnivores to pescatarians to vegetarians. Â A great place and a small adventure.
came here for office holiday lunch, and, aside from the lengthier-than-expected wait to be seated (which was really no big deal with wine and hors d'oeuvres in hand), i can't fault a thing. other reviewers discuss the living room setup for waiting, so i won't get into that.
hors d'oeuvres--mango salsa w/chips and risoles, which are mini veggie empanadas. Â salsa had a lovely, delicate flavor, sweet w/a hint of onion and perhaps cilantro? risoles were tasty bites of warm cheese. yum. perfect palate-teasers.
downstairs for lunch--the Brazilian iteration of black beans was one of the best i've sampled. while my colleagues raved about the pulled pork--delicious, melt-in-your-mouth meatasticness, perfectly seasoned--i was a bigger fan of the chicken bobo: "chicken breast cooked with yucca, coconut milk, ginger & cilantro." i'm not a ginger or chicken lover, but somehow my tongue found the flavor combination not only delectable, but alluring. it was a moment of food synergy--the ingredients combined to establish a harmonious sum far greater than its parts. i kept wanting to put more into my mouth. so i did.
our set menu did not include a beef component, so it was a surprising treat to hear Jorgina announce the addition of steak with grilled pineapple. my non-vegetarian tablemates and i made a beeline for the cow, and i added a heaping portion of chimichurri on the side. my medium-rare portion was cooked to perfection, with a tenderness approaching the luxuriantly unctuous. more fun for my mouth.
our office brought a modest selection of wines and beers, and i felt the sauvignon blanc was a fine complement for the meal.
red velvet cake with flan was delightful. not a transcendent finale, but delicious in its own right. the cake had a moist, coarse crumb, and the custard had the firmer consistency of flan--as advertised--but smooth (no scrambled-egginess here.) on the side was a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream with a lime syrup drizzle.
all in all, one of the best meals i've had out in a while. this place was good enough to bring me out of pseudo-yelp-review-retirement. it does not disappoint. don't miss it.
Cozy restaurant in a home! Â Lunch was served in a hybrid buffet style. Â You had unlimited portions of rice and beans, veggies/fruit, chillies. Â Just a note- the veggies has bits of mango which are delicious!! Â For the lunch entree, I had the fish which was good. Â The steak was also delicious. Â I believe we paid no more than $15.00 per person. Oh and it's BYOB!!
The chef/owner was a sweetheart. Â She was so warm and friendly. Â It started to rain while we had dinner and we took a cab to the restaurant so she offered to take us back to work. Â WOW! Â
I will definitely return. Â The food was delicious and the service was great. Â You also don't find too many home cooked Brazilian restaurants in Chicago.
Wow, honestly, this was unique experience. Â I'm quite a fan of this little home establishment. Â I came here for a weekday lunch with a friend since I had the day off. Â Like others have mentioned, this is located in the "basement", more like the garden level of a tall 3 story residential home. Â It was a very well lit room that was more long in depth than wide. Â There were 4 different tables: Â (1) Long dining table that sat approx 12-14 ppl, (1) smaller table off the side that sat 4 people, (1) medium table that sat approx 5-6 people where one side of the table are indiviidual chairs and the other side is sofa like seating (kind cozy), and (1) cock-tail table for two with high enough chairs so it's not awkward.
So my friend came at around quarter to Noon to have lunch. Â We accidentally went up the first floor instead to knock on the door. Â We were supposed to go the garden level door. Â Mental note next time to go downstairs instead.
Very nice decor that make it home-y, reminds of very nice arranged dining room. Â There was use of cream color table cloth with bright, colorful cloth napkins. Â Colors that I would percieve as brazilian culture (I've never been to Brazil, but that's what I imagine). Â
Is it hot inside?  I was afraid it may be given it was 90 degrees at 11:30am  two  months ago,  but it was actually very comfortable because of 4 reasons:  1. we were there early in the day.  2. it was garden level.  3.  there were fans.  4.  enough natural lighting that didn't require use of lights that would only add heat.
We sat the large dinner table, but since were basically only there we just had the entire table to ourselves. Â perfectly fine and actually made me feel more at home.
Food was excellent. Â The buffet comprised of basmati rice and beans (with pork or vegetarian) and also salad. Â The rice was great probably because it was good quality or it was freshly cooked. Â The beans were a little to salty for me, but I didn't really mind it. Â (I know there a little salty for me personally because I'm pretty thirsty 2 hours after lunch). Â Lettuce is shredded romaine lettuce with fresh tomatoes and eggs and peppers and other condiments if you're interested.
The main entree were excellent.  Of course i can only speak to what I ordered which was Morqueca de Peixe which comprised of comprised of codfish with lemon juice and coriander seed.  So the dish itself was 2-3 small fillet of the cod (each filet was approximately my two thumbs to together in size.....or think about it as small buffalo wing, but all meat). There was  small piece of plaintain and some greens on the side and slice of mango. The mango was sliced up and inverted so the mango fruit much how Asians do it.  But the mango here was cut up pretty fance and it looked rhomboid shaped instead of cube shaped as how i would do it.  In fact, the mango was easy to eat, you could use the fork to pick at all the meat of the mango.
Anyway, i just spent 5 lines on the mango when I should spoke more about the fish. Â The fish seasoned very well and tasted great. Â It didnt' blow me out of the water, but certainly a solid dish. Â Fish was not too dry. Â I wonder if it was baked.
Overall, food is nothing to get terribly full on, but was it nonetheless a good and healthy meal and good experience with enough food to last you to the late afternooon.  If  you're want to get full meal, you should take your $12 to subway and can get 2 foot long subs.
Anyways, great place for weekday lunch if you're off work, but not sure if i would get back to work on time if I had work that day. Â I have time in the future I'd like to try there weekend brunch.
Another pleasant discovery thanks to a referral from a local. Â This small, intimate restaurant is located in an old house near the United Center and the Medical District. Â The menu is Brazilian, but very different from (and perhaps more authentic than) the Brazilian steakhouse concept which has come to prominence in the last decade. Â Instead, it features a small selection of plated entrees, accompanied by a sideboard selection of two kinds of black beans ( vegetarian and with pork), basmati rice, heart of palm salad, and relishes. Â We were also served small, fluffy cheese muffins accompanied with a chutney of coconut, mango, and ginger; the combination was oddly evocative of memories of Christmas cookies from my childhood.
Our entrees were uniformly excellent.:
Roupa velha, a mildly-spiced pulled pork dish with onions and collard greens.
Brazilian fish stew, cod flavored with coriander..
Brazilian top sirloin, thin strips of beef grilled with onions.
Dessert was a wonderful two-layered combination of flan and red velvet cake, accompanied by a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream drizzled with lime sauce.
Open only for breakfast, lunch, and Sunday brunch. Â No liquor service, but BYOB-friendly. Â They don't really have their own parking lot, but an adjacent lot belonging to the United Center is likely to be available when nothing is going on at the Center, which is to say most of the time.
Yet another remote eating experience from Fooda because they made arrangements with Sinha to setup in the lobby of our apt building to serve people as they came home from work one evening. Â Beef dish for me, chicken dish for my wife, add black beans, basmati rice, and heart of palm salad. Â How do you say yummy in Brazil? Â Maybe in Portuguese you would hear people say "saboroso!" and know they are eating at Sinha. Â Gotta find this place on Adams St and eat there soon. Â Love it, love it!
Review Source:It was really hot where we were served and I don't know if it's usually that warm, but despite the heat I still have to say this place is a solid 4!
Chef Jorgina (sp?) was very nice and personable showing me how she makes her spicy pepper sauce thing. Her food was just excellent. Loved the rice and beans, especially how she uses basmati because she likes the taste of it better. You can use Minute Rice for all I care because the beans were just so good. All of the food was really good.
I came with Alisa M so check out her food descriptions. I think her being bothered by the heat moreso affected some of the food rating from her as I loved it all (asides from the wings which was liked a lot.)
Definitely will be back, but maybe not until fall unless the heat was just when we ate.
Sinha is a special place. Â The brunch on Sunday is delicious and a wonderful spread of brazilian food. Â I am so glad to report that Sinha is open for lunch Tuesday through Friday! Â The owner is so kind and accommodating and the space is quant, interesting and beautiful. Â You gotta check this place out!
Review Source:We came here on a Sunday afternoon for their all you can eat brunch. Â Jorgina is very friendly and personable. She explained all the dishes that she prepared. The hibiscus tea is excellent. When you walk into the house, it's more like a house party type of feel. There were some chips with mango salsa and crackers with a variety of cheeses. You can arrive early and just hang out in her living room before your seating time. There is street parking, but there is also a parking lot next to her building.
At 2pm, Jorgina came up and started checking everyone in and then escorted you down to the basement where the meal will be served. For the brunch, it included:
1. Â Black beans- This was very good with lots of flavor.
2. Basmati Rice
3. Collard greens- lightly seasoned
4. Plantains- my absolute favorite dish anywhere!
5. Farofa- looks like quinoa. A little sweet. I liked it.
6. Orange Salad
7. Vinaigrette
8. Wings- Oriental style, these were ok. Nothing out of the ordinary
9. Beef Ribs- Excellent. They are very tender.
10. For dessert- it was a red velvet and flan cake.
It is BYOB, so feel free to bring your own drinks. The seating downstairs is pretty cramped and there is no air conditioning. She has a portable air conditioner, but it does not cool the room one bit. The doors were opened, which I don't think helped since it had just rained and the heat just added to the humidity. I was sweating in my seat because it was so hot. I would recommend going here in the fall when it's cooler out so you won't be so hot. It was a little hard to enjoy the food from the heat. There is plenty of food to go around so you don't have to worry about not having enough.
As one of Chicago's best kept secrets, and apparently the city's only Brazilian restaurant, Sinha is absolutely worth the trip and delivers a really unique experience.
My boyfriend and I took the CTA route 126 bus from downtown for the weekday lunch/brunch special, which is available weekdays from 11:30 AM to 2PM. Upon arriving to the house, we discovered that you have to ring the little buzzer on the outside gate to be let in. We were seated at one of the communal tables, where we proceeded to make friends with the people already sitting there. They showed us their plates and explained what all the dishes were, which definitely helped us decide what to order, although I'm sure that every single one of the lunch entrees is delicious!
So, here is the deal with the weekday lunch/brunch:
First, you give Jorgina your order for which entree you'd like (ranging from options like shrimp and fish stew to steak, and even a tofu dish). After ordering, you can get up and go to the buffet in the rear of the room, where you help yourself to your pre-meal delicious rice and beans, as is customary in Brazil. There are also beverages available to order, like mango juice and teas. At some point before entrees arrive, you will get a little appetizer (for instance, we got yucca/cheese balls with a pineapple salsa... to die for!) Finally, Jorgina comes with your entrees, and from there you can also order dessert afterwards.
My boyfriend ordered the steak and I got the fish stew. Each came with a fried plantain and perfectly sliced mango (to see what the plates look like, check out the pictures I've uploaded!). The fish was so fresh, and the steak was done perfectly- flavorful and authentic. Jorgina was such a sweetheart as we chatted with her about the food and Brazil.
Overall, we would come back to Sinha in a heartbeat. In the future, I would especially like to try the brunch, which is available on weekends with two seatings at both 2 and 4 PM. I would also assume that their catering is fantastic... something to keep in mind if you're having a wedding and want some really unique, reasonably priced and flavorful ethnic cuisine!
The best Brazilian restaurant in Chicago. Â The food is all naturally hand made daily. Â Freshness and herbs make the food very tasteful. Â The smell when you open the door is a welcome sign to Brazil. Â Service is excellent. Â Jorgina treats you as you are a family member. Â The best? it is a open buffet and you could have many round as you like!!!! If you want to ago to Brazil to taste the food, forget about it, go close to home right here in Chicago! Â Sinha is the best!
Review Source:I had heard excellent things about the cuisine since several friends had gone there for brunch or attended an event catered by our hostess, Jorgina. Â Her restaurant is located on west Adams, and is open for Sunday brunch by reservation/appointment only. Â Although no one checked up on us when we walked in. Â The restaurant is in her home. Â We entered on the first floor for hors d'oeuvres and beverages while we waited to be called to brunch. It was a warm summer day and although her home was comfortable, there is no air conditioning nor ceiling fans. Â It is also BYOB. Â Jorgina showed up about 20 minutes after we got there for a 2pm seating, ushering us to the lower level where there is seating for about 25 people on the same level as the kitchen. Â The food is served buffet style, but first she takes you on a culinary explanation of the dishes and their origin which is information. Â Jorgina is personable, charming and a gracious hostess.
The buffet had black beans cooked with pork, basmati rice, pulled pork and sausage, yucca, a sauteed chiffonade of collard greens which were not immediately recognizable. Â Entering the kitchen there is more food: grilled vegetables including peppers, eggplant, steamed broccoli, fresh fruit, mushrooms & peas, a chicken dish that I believe was called chicken bola, an eggplant pie (a la parmesan style) an assortment of chutneys, shrimp empanadas, grilled steak (to order) and forgive me if I missed a dish or two...there was a lot!
Overall the food was good, not stellar just good. Â Jorgina makes the event with her personality and outgoing demeanor. Â I heard from others that there are sometimes Brazilian dancers the liven things up, but we were not treated to such entertainment the day I went. Â
I found many of the dishes lacking in spice. Â The yucca was ground to a powder and was "sandy" in texture, I didn't get it nor did I get the addition of hard boiled eggs. Â The pulled pork was dry and chewy. Â The grilled vegetables were puny and very thinly sliced, while the chicken bola was lacking in spice, although well prepared. Â The steak cooked to order was good, just ordinary sirloin. Â I enjoyed the shrimp empanadas encased in a cornmeal based crust. Â The combination of mushrooms and peas was delicious, while the assortment of chutneys didn't deliver on the promised "punch." Â
It was hot in the room and I was glad I didn't drink any alcohol. Â They served some sort of flavored tea which was refreshing and iced water. Â The service was pleasant and overall it was a nice experience. Â I believe she is open for lunch during the week. Â There is a 2pm and 4pm seating for brunch. The complete brunch is $30 and is probably worth it, but as pleasant as it was the food didn't bowl me over. Â If you haven't had Caribbean/African/Brazilian food and want to experience this type of cuisine, definitely go. Â It was a good experience but doubt if I will return.
I never understood or accepted the need for stretchy pants till now...
For my first attempt at Brazilian cuisine I thought I would skip the normal "go to a restaurant and figure out what to eat on the menu". Nope, I went for the "come to my home, listen to live music, and eat some home cooked Brazilian"!!! No seriously, I went to this lady's house and she made me dinner. But then again, this is EXACTLY what she does.
Tickets might be a little bit pricy for some people but I can say just with the live music and the food alone, it is worth it. I won't even go into the decor and set up (mainly because others have explained it so well) because it is something that should take you by surprise plus it adds to the overall experience. I'll admit in the beginning I was taken back, didn't have a clue what I was supposed to be doing or where I should go, but what got me through it all was the staff. They wait on you like you're family (a nice family). Joking and laughing through out the whole dinner but of course left you alone to eat. Then there is the lady of the house or "Sinha". She is extremely warm and inviting. She explained what each food item was and a bit about Brazilian history and their cuisine. She has one of those infectious smiles and likes to joke around. She seems to be one of those women that is all smiles till you cross her and then look out.
Ok, so the food. Ah, the food. I couldn't stop eating, I'm sure I went for thirds maybe fourths. Something about the spices and flavors, the chicken, the vegetables... I'm drooling as I write this. I'm actually having a hard explaining it because I can't stop my mind from thinking about eating it again. Basically it comes down to this, do you want to know what food tastes like when it's made with hard work, love, and a whole country's history behind it... go to Sinha! Â
God, I'm going to be fat! Also, it's BYOB.
AMAZING FOOD!!!!! Even though lunch started an hour later than it was supposed to, I was still a happy camper! Sinha did bring out homemade hummus to make up for the late start AND offered us her own oxtail dinner to try (SOO GOOD! Please add it to the menu! I will definitely come back if that's offered!!!!!)
So many different meat and veggie dishes, and steak made to order. DELICIOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
p.s. she's got free parking on the side of the house!! what's not to love?!??!
Finally a restaurant experience that compels me to hit them with a 5 star! I won't bore you with the simplicity of mundane technicalities, so lets begin...
My partner and I were so exited upon entering this place, but first rewind....
I got buzzed in the front door but quickly noticed that we walked into the garden apartment (this is where you actually dine), oh the looks everyone gave when we walked in since it was a different party. But that's okay, the usher took us up the stairs where we we smack dab in the middle of Georgina's (owner and cook) living room. With its fireplace and majestic yet simple look. This is actually her home as you have read from other reviews but Georgina is a beautiful hostess.
We were given a few appetizers and while we waited for other guest on this 2 PM lunch crew to arrive, we munched and chit chatted. She (Georgina) came up and just was as pleasant as can be. Â She explained what our dining experience would be, and the various foods we were about to taste.
Our lunch started a bit later but she came up to ask if everyone was okay with that. We were of course. Â So the Buffet portion of this was beyond expectations. The usher offered to mix up our BYOB of Champagne and Orange juice and we of course tipped him well because he didn't have to do that.
Brazilian Top Sirloin (Pinanha) was amazing, as she came personally to the table and of course she explained all the local foods of her country and how some may contain peanuts just in case anyone is allergic, that only made me smile because of her caring. Then there was the Black beans cooked Brazilian style with shreds of pork. WOW! She also served up some plantains in a little butter. Yucca Croquettes (Blinho de aipim) some cassava cake for dessert and flan which of course was to die for!
Oh did I mention that this is an all you can eat buffet? Yes, with salads of the Brazilian culture, some drinks, and you are off. Absolutely a must try, and at $30 per person on Sunday Brunch, you can't pass this one up! I couldn't possibly mention everything I ate, but wow, I am still thinking of it. Call for reservations since you only can get in this way.
As we parked, I was in awe that we were across the street from United Center. Â I have gone to many concerts and games over the past few decades and never new this amazing, hidden gem existed!!
As we walked into the foyer of a three-flat, we were welcomed by the singer and were told there were appetizers at various stations around the room. Â Pretzel thins with a white spread and caviar and fresh made and fried chips with a spicy salsa. Â Both were fantastic! Â I had to make myself stop because I was afraid I would not be able to eat. the brunch.
When we got escorted downstairs, a waiter opened our cider bottle (You got that right, byob!!) and told us that he would pour some and bring down the bottle and full glasses. Â As we sat by a couple we didn't know (Thank goodness, I love talking to people!), the owner/chef told us what was on the menu: Â fried plantains, collard greens, pork, chicken (amazing spicy sauce, with a hint of ginger), fish, olives, eggplant, cheese mini-rolls, and dessert. Â This woman is amazing when it comes to Brazilian food. Â I polished two plates. Â Holy belly buster!
While we ate, a female singer crooned the entire time and added to the ambiance and experience. Â
What a creative idea!! Â Invite small groups over to your three-flat and have them experience your culture. Â This is not your normal Sunday outing!!
Let me start by saying that I don't like sitting with people I don't know and a "family" atmosphere. Â I like to go out to eat with my friends and just stick to our own convo. Â So I didn't enjoy Sinha and the feeling that I was in the cook's home. Â It was awkward and my friends and I were uncomfortable. Â The eating area is the basement of the home and it is small and crowded. Â The cook will talk to the group as a whole and it was just awkward.
Regarding the food, it was good. Â I didn't think it was particularly awesome like some of the other reviews say. Â This is a good restaurant for you if you like mingling with strangers and want to get to know people. Â Not for me. Â I will not be back.
-Unique. A+
-Fun. Funny. A+
-Entertaining. A+
-Great food. All you can eat. Buffet style. A+
-Cheaper than Fogo de Chao or Texas de Brazil. A+
-Get reservations early.
-Bring your dancing shoes.
Are you ready to try something extraordinary and completely different dining experience? Don't come here unless you're ready to get out of your comfort zone.
I came here with my brother, girlfriend, and friend. It was my brother's idea and when we got to the restaurant, I was really skeptical. Umm... It was in a house?! We were seated in their living room for appetizers? Interesting. There was some entertainment, which was totally unexpected! The cook was unbelievably friendly. She mothered us. (Reminded me of my mom or grandmother). Don't have a family in Chicago? Come here.
The main course was ready and we were escorted down to their basement? Even more interesting! It was like a Thanksgiving dinner, but we were sharing a meal with strangers! It's not a big basement, so talk about being cozy with everyone! After dinner, we went back upstairs to dance. Although they made me enter in a booty-shaking contest in front of everyone (which was VERY embarrassing), I had so much fun. My girlfriend better not post that video you youtube!!! LOL.
This is like the Blue Man Group, you gotta try it at least once.
A couple of friends and I made reservations for a late Sunday brunch a few years ago at Sinha Elegant Cuisine. Â Jorgina was a great host. She explained the dishes and ingredients used before we served ourselves. Â Then, she mingled with all of the guests during dinner and asked for our feedback on the food.
I love the homeliness about the place. It feels as if you're visiting a relative for a meal. Â The home is inviting, the seating is arranged in a manner that makes it easy to converse with those around you, and it's BYOB! Â There is a lot to park in next door as mentioned in other reviews.
There are two parts to this review: the food and the catering.
Let's start with the food service. We went there for her legendary Sunday brunches, which has two seatings for the day. You are greeted up the main stairs (almost a story up from the street level) with delicious, freshly-squeezed juice and a huge series dippable treats and great live music. You're surrounded by a bright, happy room with many plants, mirrors and natural light.
When it's time for you to eat, downstairs to the grade level you go and enjoy a large selection of fruits, cooked veggies and meats in the kitchen. The food is reminiscent of my travels to Brazil but a little more limited. The waitstaff is attentive and helpful, just after you're introduced to the cuisine du jour by Chef Jorgina herself. It's though you're sitting in someone's dining room. And there's not a ton of people here, but it still feels a little cramped. Still the food more than makes up for it.
After brunch, you are treated to the outdoor patio that is decorated by brightly-colored tableclothes and walls with growing grapes she uses to make her own wine. Enjoy coffee and Jorgina's storytelling out back, then you head out to the parking lot.
Now... The second part. Our idea of the brunch was a taste-testing (at Jorgina's request) to get a taste for her food for our wedding in a few months. We enjoyed the experience so much we met with Jorgina a few months later to discuss our options. She was very eager to work with us, even meeting us at 8p to accommodate our schedule. But after the initial meeting, and after e-mailing and calling a couple times, we never heard back from her. We were very excited to work with her. I hope nothing happened.
In all, it's DEFINITELY worth visiting for brunch. Definitely. And it would've been four-stars if not for the bad taste in my mouth for the catering. But it definitely doesn't affect her ability to make mouth-watering food. Enjoy!
What a blast!!!
I felt like I was a guest at a family gathering. My ex husband is Haitian American and I really miss the family get togethers with the awesome Haitian food and music. Â Sinha so reminded me of those days that I called my ex the next day and told him all about it.
We started out with some wine that we brought and appetizers. Then we hit the buffet and finished the afternoon off with a Samba show and lesson. Â Yes, I danced. Â I had to do something with all those calories I had just consumed.
You are guaranteed a good time here.
My friend had her birthday party there tonight, and I loved every minute of it. I had no idea what to expect, and was a little surprised to find that I was entering someone's house...
...But a few minutes later there was a couple dancing tango. And then a cute guy and a girl came shimmying down the steps to dance in head dress and spangles - carnival style. They made a nice speech in honor of MLK Jr. (tomorrow is MLK Jr Day).
And then we were ushered downstairs for the buffet-style dinner, which was excellent. Really - a great, and highly unique, little establishment, run by people who really seem to have passion for creating a great experience for you and your friends.
The Atmosphere at Sinhas is fun. It provides an opportunity to come together on a Sunday afternoon for Brunch. It's very similar to going to a relatives' house for a Sunday meal. The food is authentic Brazilian cuisine, and provides an opportunity to experience something different and cultural in Chicago, with that being said. Please make sure you a lot at least 3 hours for this brunch/event.
We went there as a group of four for Sunday brunch and there was about 40 people there total. Here are some things to be aware of. This all takes places at someone's private residence not a restaurant. During the winter the house is cold, which some might find acceptable. There will be at least 90 minutes between getting there, and eating the meal. The food is plentiful and served buffet style, so you can go for seconds if you wish.
I personally thought the food was OK, nothing mind blowing and slightly heavy. Â However, due to the vibrant atmosphere, and presentation, music, dancing its certainly worth visiting at least once and experiencing. I am not sure I would go back for seconds. I definitely enjoyed my visit and meal there.
WhoooOOoooooooohhhhhhhhh....was I surprised! This is a culinary true delight! I've been craving to make feijoada (Brazil's black bean stew) after visiting Rio last summer. Yesterday my husband surprised me with Sinha for my graduation party. It didn't click when I met Jorgina.
You see I yelped Brazilian food in Chicago--sure the churrascharias such as Fogo de Chao and Texas de Brasil popped up---but I wanted just simply brazilian food besides their barbeque. Sinha came up and I've been dying for months to get the group of friends we traveled with to go. Jorgina  is the owner to Sinha and the one who took care of this wonderful, mouthwatering experience for my family and close friends.
She catered the party at my parents' beautiful home. There was a bartender who served caipirinhas (just like I remembered sitting by the beach at Ipanema) and we had for an appetizer hearts of palm croquettes...our dinner buffet was churrasco (steak filet cooked perfectly) with chimmichurri sauce, Â oh----and the feijoada which is accompanied with different platters of meats served with black beans, onion, and garlic. It is served with malgueta peppers (HOT!) and sliced sweet oranges, arroz brasileiro (sauteed white rice), couve (kale), and farofa (finely ground manioc root (cassava)----it reminds me of cornmeal---this goodness is what you sprinkle on the feijoada or on your meats...it has also carrots, raisins, slices of egg, nuts added in...this buffet was just crazy silly!!!! I loved it all!
I have friends and family who went back for seconds and thirds. My mom gave winning points to my husband for finding this gem. For the discreet palates they were in awe, too.
I highly recommend Jorgina's Sinha if you want a cook's tour to Brazil. You will not regret it!!!
So much fun I didn't even protest Ellen taking photos of me shaking my booty. Â Ask her, that says a lot! We were greeted at the door and our coat was taken, and the party began. Â The bottle of cahaca was taken and pitchers of drinks were mixed for us, caiphirinas. Â Too bad I was driving, because I could have easily downed a few pitchers myself of this sweet limey goodness. Â There were some appetizers: cheese en croute (not sure if it was brie but it was yummy), breaded olives, breaded chicken, and what I think she said was some kind of breaded plums (?). Â Then a male and female dancer in Carnivale regalia danced for us and led us in dancing as well. Â Now anyone who knows me well knows dancing is my first and truest love, so I was very happy to have a chance to strut my stuff. Â Next time I know to wear a lighter shirt though, I b/c I was working up a sweat! Â We were then seated and the owner, Jorgina, a lovely Brazilian lady, acknowledged China and our group, which was nice. Â She explained the dishes on the buffet to us, then let us at it, table by table. Â The dishes were: rice, black beans (so tasty), collard greens, some different meats (I don't remember exactly), cassava flour, carrot salad, eggplant, other veggies, carne asada, battered cod, arugula salad with apples and pomegranate seeds, turkey with peas, and this mini-sandwich type thing of chickpeas with a shrimp tucked in it. Â Dessert was a flan, and this amazing cashew candy-like thing (and I don't even like cashews usually). Â I so want the recipe for that. Â She also showed us the fruit that cashews come from, which was very interesting. Â After the food I could barely move, but it was back upstairs for a tango performance which was so sexy. Â Tango is foreplay with the feet, I swear. Â Then the 2 carnivale dancers came back out for some more group dancing with all the guests and to take pictures with those who wanted them.
I am eagerly awaiting my next visit, and will wear my dancing shoes!
This is the most unique meal I have ever had. Â I had no idea what to expect upon entering this place. Â It's located in a neighborhood that used to be the heart of the ghetto, but has recently been on the upswing. Â The place is a three flat with no markings on the outside to let you know that you are outside of a restaurant (know the address). Â You have to ring the doorbell at the front gate in order to get in. Â
Once you enter you'll think you've entered your grandmothers house with a Brazilian twang. Â The first floor is where you'll have your cocktails and appetizers. Â Jorgina, the owner, lives upstairs. Â After finishing the unique appetizers you will be asked to go downstairs to the dining room. Â The bottom floor consists of a dining room and a large kitchen. Â There is a spread of food in between the kitchen and the dining room. Â Jorgina will greet you and tell you about what she has prepared then you go to town. Â
I had two plates and I had never felt so uncomfortably stuffed in my life. Â Everything was cooked to perfection. Â There was every kind of meat imaginable, but my favorite was the Brazilian rice and black beans. Â I'm going to need about six months to digest, but once I do I'll be back. Â This place is a MUST if you're looking for something delicious and unique.
Did I ever think in a million years that I'd have to shake my booty in front of 25 strangers before being allowed to eat brunch early one Sunday afternoon at Sinha's? Or that my dining companion would have to shake his caboose, too?
Well, that's the price of admission (that and $25) at Sinha's, one of the most unusual and amazing brunch destinations I've been to since moving to Chicago in '04.
We were completely unprepared for the what awaited us at Sinha's but loved every minute of it. From the time we were buzzed into the front door and greeted by the lovely Anna, to the group dancing and the booty showdown (all done in the name of winning an instructional DVD), to the gorgeous and warm garden-level dining area and amazing buffet, we were wide-eyed and thrilled by both the spectacle and the quality of the experience.
If you do want to enjoy a Caipiroiska or Caipirinha during your brunch, don't forget to bring your vodka or your cachaca as SInha's is BYOB. You will have to make your drinks yourself, but Sinha's will supply the limes and sugar, and any advice you need to put together a tasty drink.
To be clear, the food is Brazilian home cooking, not fine dining or regional cuisine. The food is fresh, delicious, and very satisfying. Your $25 pays for an all-you-can-eat buffet that, with some forward warning to Jorgina, can include ample vegetarian options. She always has specific typical Brazilian dishes available (see other reviews for descriptions) and then puts together the rest depending on her whim. At our brunch she made a number of Chinese- and Indian-influenced flavors, all delicious.
Call early, make a reservation, and bring your appetite. If you have a large group, you will need some advanced planning to get a large table. Word has gotten out, and Sinha's is starting to fill up for brunch.
Hidden away in the shadow of the United Center, is one of the most unusual places I have ever had the pleasure to eat at.
Sinha (means lady of the house) Elegant Cuisine is Brazilian cooking at it's finest. And the name is apt- as this is a single family home that has been rezoned to be a restaurant for private gatherings. Â
Jorgina Pereira, the owner, started a small catering business about 12 years ago because her family and friends loved her cooking. Â Today- she opens her home to private parties where she and her amazing staff cook up specialties from Brazil. Â I was amazed as I drove down Adams Street that this place actually existed as there is no signage or anything to indicate a place of business.
She sets up a small bar in the back (we had mojitos with sugar cane stirrers) and there are women dressed in the fanciful dresses and headpieces that make you feel that you are at a carnival! Â We had cocktails upstairs and then went downstairs for dinner. Â It's like sitting in someone's dining room as the food is set up buffet style along one wall and there are a variety of tables and chairs.
The food was great! Â Not too spicy, but with the opportunity to have it be as spicy as you want. Â On the night I was there- there was salmon, Feijoada ( a Brazilian dish) many vegetable dishes, breads and cakes and some type of a pork dish. Â All were delicious!
After dinner we went back up stairs for cocktails and dancing. There were Brazilian musicians and we kicked off our shoes and danced in front of the fireplace in the front room!
All in all- I'd suggest this as a place to host your next party or business gathering. Â It is unexpected, fun and really like having dinner at a friend's house. Â I was also told that there is a Sunday brunch from 2-6 which is open to the public but that reservations are necessary.
Check out the "lady of the house" and you'll wonder why someone didn't tell you about this place before now!
You know how to shake your hips .... don't you?  ... but especially if you don't, won't or haven't yet  ...   :)
If you can't go to Rio, Rio will come to you here. Â
Are you adventurous?
...looking for something different to do?
...love exotic food?
*This* is the place for you.
Are you looking to celebrate an occasion?
...thinking of how to top off your next "number" with a client or that special person in your life?
*This* is where to step outside your box.
It is "underground dining" at its best ... open to the public *only* if reservations are made.
The crowd: Mix of ages with an emphasis on Brazilians and Brazilophiles.
Cost: $30 (all-you-can-eat buffet & dance lessons!)
BYOB: Champagne for mimosas, cachaca for caipirinhas or vodka for caipiroskas. Â Your customized "punch" will be made for you.
After so many years in IT, Brazil native, Jorgina Pereira, decided to be her own "CEO" and started doing Brazilian catering full time. Â She told me, "After a while, I was so homesick for my food and music and I thought if I can make a little part [of] Brazil in Chicago, the winters won't seem so bad." Â And, indeed, the Sunday brunches she has been hosting for a year in her elegant three-story Victorian near the United Center add a lot of warmth to our often chilly and very windy city.
Periera welcomes guests at 2 p.m. into her antique-filled first floor salon with appetizers and drinks, inviting them to the lower-level dining room when the brunch is ready. There, they find colorful fabric-covered tables bearing rows of pretty chafing dishes and counters of colorful salads and meats.
Brunchers can gather at one of the large or small tables in the dining room or in the sunny back yard, which is mostly protected from the sun by a big canopy. Some folks mingle at shared tables while others chat with friends -- a group of students learning Portuguese are regular patrons. Â
And if you think you are "done" after eating ... not a chance... the best if yet to come. Â After brunch, diners can return to the upstairs parlor for a dance performance by a hot Brazilian couple---donning feathers and all, Carnival style---- who will teach you how to samba or salsa dance. Â ... or you can lounge around the house as the afternoon fades into early evening.
Menu highlights:
Feijoada (Brazilian national dish of rice, beans and smoked and dried meat), collard greens with orange salad and farofa (cassava flour) and fried bananas. Wide assortment of salads, roasted and stewed meats, and rich coconut desserts.
Dress light ...
Come for the wild feast. Â
Stay for the hot and steamy dance. Â
To say that you'll be glad you did this ... is ... well ... putting it mildly. Â You'll think as though you have to catch the next "flight" home as you'll feel you've been away on vacation after this experience.
If you are looking for a completely different experience, complete with culture, great food and a dancefloor, allow me to recommend Jorgina and Sinha Elegant Cuisine. Jorgina, a carioca (Brazilian from Rio) has opened her home and turned it into a small, intimate dining room. Jorgina started as a catererer, then rezoned her home to open her restaurant. It is only open for parties and special occassions by appointment during the week, however every Sunday she features a wonderful traditional Brazilian brunch. It is a BYOB, so find some cacacha and bring it along as Jorgina's staff will make you the most wonderful caporinhas. This is a very special place, if you are looking for something different. Bring a group of friends and have a great time. Jorgina may even have some surprises for you in her living room / dancehall! A must try!!
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