iara: Amazon-Inspired Brazilian Cooking on Allen Street

iara is a Brazilian restaurant at 205 Allen Street on the Lower East Side, and the first solo project from chef-owner Vitor Mendes Its stated idea is simple: Amazonian ingredients used in comforting Brazilian cooking The dining room is built around an open kitchen, so guests can watch the work at the line while they eat. The menu leans on flavors from the Amazon basin, including açaí, cassava, jambu and tucupi, ingredients that rarely turn up on New York menus Two anchors are the picanha, served with fries, and a moqueca made with red snapper Smaller plates include pão de queijo, tapioca dadinho, grilled vegetables and a dish called frango Amazonas. The drinks follow the same thread A Tucupi Martini and a Batida de Coco are both on the list. iara is open Tuesday to Saturday, 5 PM to 11 PM For anyone who wants Brazilian food beyond the usual steakhouse and feijoada repertoire, it is a worthwhile stop in the neighborhood.