New Eats on I-Drive: Amazon Forest opens new location

Amazon Forest, Orlando's newest Brazilian-inspired restaurant, is now open and guests are finding something to satisfy every taste bud.
  
The restaurant offers authentic Brazilian favorites for breakfast, lunch and dinner, including fish, sandwiches, refreshing smoothies, juices, and Amazon Forest's signature Açaí Bowl, which is a sweet frozen treat.

Vice President Felipe Andre created the recipes with his native country of Brazil in mind. He is known around International Drive for his family-owned bakery, Pao Gostoso, which serves hundreds of Brazilian pastries a day.

Felipe hopes Amazon Forest will provide Brazilian tourists with a taste of home, while locals will get to experience the flavors of South America.

"Everyone has their favorite place to go out," said Andre. "I want Amazon Forest to be that place for Central Florida residents and visitors. Our customers can grab a healthy Açaí Bowl and enjoy our complimentary internet, or sit down for a full meal."

Dining at Amazon Forest

Amazon Forest offers guests the option of a sit-down dining experience or a grab-and-go counter service.

Signature dishes include:

Tambaqui - an Amazonian rib fish served with a side of rice, beans, sausage, bacon and tomatoes. ($18.00)

Spicy Strawberry Salmon - grilled salmon covered in a spicy strawberry sauce, served with pear risotto and Gorgonzola. ($18.00)

Mixed Yakisoba - a healthy serving of noodles, vegetables, soy sauce, steak and chicken. ($12.00)

Chicken Toast - shredded chicken breast on wheat toast, topped with a special tomato sauce and "choalho" cheese. ($5.98)

Sun Dried Tomato Omelet - a fluffy omelet stuffed with sun dried tomatoes, cottage cream and oregano. ($6.99)

All about Açaí

The Açaí berry is native to Brazil and known as a super food. It is a staple ingredient in the Açaí Bowl, smoothies and juices. The berry contains natural vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to support full-body health.

"We've developed an extremely innovative and exclusive form of Açaí for our menu items," said Andre. "In Brazil, Açaí has a bitter flavor, but our version is sweeter for a dessert-like, creamy treat that's flavored with chocolate and cinnamon."

Açaí Bowls can be topped with peanuts, coconut, bananas, strawberries, mangos, blackberries and more.

Amazon Forest offers guests free Wi-Fi, carry-out orders and seating for up to 50 people.

This I-Drive location is a prototype. The owners hope to eventually begin franchise opportunities across the country.

"We believe Central Florida is the perfect place to launch our concept in the U.S.," said Andre. "There's a perfect mix of cultures in the area that are looking for something they can't get anywhere else, and Amazon Forest is it."

Amazon Forest is located at 5417 International Drive in Orlando, Fla. The 2,000-square-foot building is open seven days a week, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner.