Le Pré Catalan, in Rio: when hotel dining is done right

I'm always wary of hotel restaurants in Brazil - many tend to be souless and corporate-feeling, especially when they're in a big chain hotel.

Rio`s Le Pré Catalan is an exception to the rule. It's located in the mezanine of the Sofitel and serves some of the most refined and inventive food in Rio. Chef Roland Villard, a Frenchman, bien sur, serves high-end food that combines French technique and Brazilian ingredients. Examples? Rack of tambaqui, a huge Amazonian fish.

Some dishes don't seem the most appropriate for the tropics - like his rigatoni stuffed with shredded quail and foie gras, au gratin.

Le Pré Catalan's claim to fame is its dessert cart, also done à la française. Think crème brulée, mousses and fruit tartelettes. But the view, too, is hard to beat: the salon faces famed Copacabana beach.

Le Pré Catelan (Hotel Sofitel Rio)

Av. Atlântica, 4240, Copacabana
tel: (55-21) 2525-1160

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2. Rio street carnival 2009 - the schedule of the best street blocos (parades)
3. Rio's best samba schools: complete listing of grupo especial escolas
4. Winners of 2009 Carnival parades are announced: Salgueiro is #1!
5. Best websites to see photos of the 2009 Carnival camarotes and parties
   

Dining

1. Roberta Sudbrack: the best chef in Rio?
2. Terzetto Café: great breakfast spot in Ipanema
3. The best restaurants in Rio according to the experts
4. Bráz, Carlota... São Paulo restaurants open Rio outposts

Hotels

1. The best hotels in Barra da Tijuca
2. Sheraton has the best spa in Barra da Tijuca
3. The Ouro Verde, in Copacabana: and old classic has gone downhill
4. La Maison, in Gávea, is one of Rio's best places to stay
5. The best hotels in Leblon, Rio
6. The best hotels in Ipanema, Rio
7. Hotel Fasano Rio, in Ipanema: the best in town
8. The best hotels in Copacabana, Rio
9. The best hotels in Santa Teresa, Rio
10. The hotel Santa Teresa, in Santa Teresa, Rio: a full report with photos

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1. Best shops in Ipanema: Lenny, Mara Mac, etc.
   
2. Fashion Rio, the biggest fashion event
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1. Rio Ferris wheel opens in Copacabana
2. Artists Nuno Ramos and Vik Muniz open shows in Rio
3. Corredor Chopin: new art hub nextdoor to the Copacabana Palace hotel
4. Museu da República museum shows contemporary art

The Ouro Verde, in Copacabana: an old Rio classic gone downhill

The Ouro Verde hotel, once a mainstay for Rio's high society, has sadly gone downhill. Rumours say it might even close down, since the current operators haven't paid the rent, but for the time being, it's still up and running... sorta.

These photos, taken in October, 2008, tell the story.

Lately, the lobby bar has been used to host parties, but other than that the place seems pretty lifeless.