Sweet Talk Café, a local Brazilian Internet Café is celebrating its opening over the next few weeks by offering a free taste of Brazilian culture (a small, free bite of Brazilian “Pão de queijo” cheese bread). Mixed with another great, free WiFi spot in Sarasota, Sweet Talk is destined to sweeten the cultural and technological pot in this town.

So what can one expect on a visit to Sweet Talk this afternoon? Well, besides the pleasant, spacious and Brazilian-themed atmosphere, you might get a sit-down visit by the world-famous jazz pianist, co-owner and part-time chef Regis Moreira. Regis, a man who spent 15 years chasing down other world-renowned chefs just for the cream-of-onion soup recipe (one bite, and you’ll understand why), is a legend within the Brazilian community both here and abroad.

The atmosphere is abuzz with Portuguese (the native tongue of Brazil) and Americanized English. Playing quietly on the televisions above are the infamous Brazilian “Dramas” or soap operas which give hints of their culture. Brazilian-style pizzas, fresh breads not found in America and world-famous Brazilian coffee swirl around you, making your decision as to what to order first, that much harder. Sweet Talk is a throw-back to 60’s style to-your-table service with a modern touch of high-speed internet access (which is available through their free WiFi access or via their computer kiosk on a per-minute basis). The Café and restrooms are well-kept and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable about each of the copious, historically popular dishes.

The food is world-class thanks to the full-time efforts of chef “Sir Fernando”, but while the selection is a museum of culinary pleasures taken from the South American continent, the pricing is all-American. No matter if you’re alone or with friends and family, American, Brazilian or from yet another cultural source, Sweet Talk Café lends itself to an unexpected sit down experience other Cafés don’t seem to tap into.

Each time one visits this soon-to-be Sarasota landmark (I’m on my 5th round), the experience is slightly more personal and endearing. Simply walk through the doors and shout “Oi” (pronounced “Oh-eee”) and you’ll be greeted with smiles, stories and delicacies that make the trip worthwhile. What makes Brazil one of the most sought-after destinations in South America? Is it the people, the culture, the food…? You’ll have to add Sweet Talk Café to your list of stops this afternoon to find out.

Recommended for American-style delights: any of the Brazilian-style pizzas around $6.00 and Regis’s Brazilian Cheeseburgers (popular with the local Americans) around $4.00 - $7.00 depending on your tastes. For more worldly palettes: Regis’s award-worthy Cream of Onion Soup (around $6.00 with bread), freshly baked breads (baked in a special Brazilian oven at around $1.00) or any of the many Brazilian coffees made fresh daily (around $2.00).

Hours: Tuesday – Friday 8am – 8pm, Saturday 9am – 8pm, Sunday 10am – 4pm

Location: Clark Road west of the intersection of Clark and Swift. Call for directions 941.923.1467

Restaurant Review by Keoki Trask
An independent cultural reviewer

Keoki Trask is an independent cultural reviewer who resides in Sarasota, FL. He is the co-owner of Tippros.com an online/offline community of restaurant professionals that caters to the everyday needs and ongoings of servers, bartenders, chefs and bussers alike.