Live Music and Culinary in Rio
Updated on May 2, 2013
Opened in March 2012, Casarão Ameno Resedá is breaking into the Rio de Janeiro nightlife scene to an enthusiastic reception. With "joy, music and gastronomy" as its slogan, the new spot in the historic Catete district is the culmination of a few years of dedicated work in the life of Carlos Lessa, an economist and professor who has meticulously created his new venture from the derelict remains of a 19th-century, two-story corner building.
Lessa teamed up with a multi-talented group which includes his son, musician Rodrigo Lessa, as artistic director and Pedro Otávio Tibau of Modern Sound, a legendary music shop which closed its doors in 2011, in production.
Brasserie Ameno, the venue's French restaurant, is under the team from Brasserie Rosário in central Rio - chef Frédéric Monnier, Luiz Antonio Rodrigues and Pedro Rodrigues. Besides Brasserie Rosário classics, Brasserie Ameno serves dishes specially created for the new place. On the first Sunday of the month, there's chef Monnier's feijoada - accompanied by great samba.
Music, history and a strong appreciation of the neighborhood are the inspiration for the venue's name. Ameno Resedá ("Gentle Crepe Myrtle") was one of the most famous ranchos, or Carnival groups, which existed in Rio in the first half of the 20th century, known for the quality of its music and the beauty of its parades.
The name of the rancho referred to the rhythms played; the flower theme came from Paquetá Island, where public workers formed the group over a picnic.
Composer Ernesto Nazareth (1863–1934) dedicated his "Ameno Resedá" polka to the rancho, which had its first headquarters in Catete.
Carlos Lessa is not new to restoration and urban revitalization: his faith and investments in the potential of neglected historical buildings have been instrumental to a rebirth of Rua do Rosário and Arco do Teles as great places for eating out and enjoying some of the best happy hour in historic downtown Rio. His choice of place for the new venture signals a promising trend.
Pay attention to the Catete area from now on: this area rich in history, which once held the seat of Brazil government at Palácio do Catete (now the Republic Museum), has several buildings which could well become other charming dining and nightlife spots and form a lively hub with neighboring Flamengo and Glória (where mega renovations are leading up to the Gloria Palace).
Rua Bento Lisboa 4
Entrance on Rua Rua Pedro Américo
Catete
Rio de Janeiro - RJ
Phone: 55-21-2556-2427
Brasserie Ameno reservations: 55-21-3495-2662
casaraoamenoreseda.com.br
contato@casaraoamenoreseda.com.br
Cover charge varies (R$60-R$80 for dance floor or tables, for example). Tickets can be purchased at the door from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. (for more info, email bilheteria@casaroameno reseda.com.br).
Half price is available to all who bring along 1 kilo of non-perishable food.
Wheelchair-accessible; there's an elevator.
Wi-fi and valet parking available.
Opened in March 2012, Casarão Ameno Resedá is breaking into the Rio de Janeiro nightlife scene to an enthusiastic reception. With "joy, music and gastronomy" as its slogan, the new spot in the historic Catete district is the culmination of a few years of dedicated work in the life of Carlos Lessa, an economist and professor who has meticulously created his new venture from the derelict remains of a 19th-century, two-story corner building.
Lessa teamed up with a multi-talented group which includes his son, musician Rodrigo Lessa, as artistic director and Pedro Otávio Tibau of Modern Sound, a legendary music shop which closed its doors in 2011, in production.
Brasserie Ameno, the venue's French restaurant, is under the team from Brasserie Rosário in central Rio - chef Frédéric Monnier, Luiz Antonio Rodrigues and Pedro Rodrigues. Besides Brasserie Rosário classics, Brasserie Ameno serves dishes specially created for the new place. On the first Sunday of the month, there's chef Monnier's feijoada - accompanied by great samba.
Music, history and a strong appreciation of the neighborhood are the inspiration for the venue's name. Ameno Resedá ("Gentle Crepe Myrtle") was one of the most famous ranchos, or Carnival groups, which existed in Rio in the first half of the 20th century, known for the quality of its music and the beauty of its parades.
The name of the rancho referred to the rhythms played; the flower theme came from Paquetá Island, where public workers formed the group over a picnic.
Composer Ernesto Nazareth (1863–1934) dedicated his "Ameno Resedá" polka to the rancho, which had its first headquarters in Catete.
Carlos Lessa is not new to restoration and urban revitalization: his faith and investments in the potential of neglected historical buildings have been instrumental to a rebirth of Rua do Rosário and Arco do Teles as great places for eating out and enjoying some of the best happy hour in historic downtown Rio. His choice of place for the new venture signals a promising trend.
Pay attention to the Catete area from now on: this area rich in history, which once held the seat of Brazil government at Palácio do Catete (now the Republic Museum), has several buildings which could well become other charming dining and nightlife spots and form a lively hub with neighboring Flamengo and Glória (where mega renovations are leading up to the Gloria Palace).
Casarão Ameno Resedá:
Rua Bento Lisboa 4
Entrance on Rua Rua Pedro Américo
Catete
Rio de Janeiro - RJ
Phone: 55-21-2556-2427
Brasserie Ameno reservations: 55-21-3495-2662
casaraoamenoreseda.com.br
contato@casaraoamenoreseda.com.br
Cover charge varies (R$60-R$80 for dance floor or tables, for example). Tickets can be purchased at the door from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. (for more info, email bilheteria@casaroameno reseda.com.br).
Half price is available to all who bring along 1 kilo of non-perishable food.
Wheelchair-accessible; there's an elevator.
Wi-fi and valet parking available.
