“Best Bites - Coxinha
A walk down many neighborhood streets in Brazil reveals countless glass-covered displays, each containing raindrop-shaped pastries illuminated under heat lamps. These are coxinhas (translation: “little thighs”). By my account, they are an acquired taste. The doughy masses, stuffed with dry shredded arrived at Little Brazil in Wheat Ridge, we can all decide for ourselves. Try it once, and it’s a bit weird. Try it twice, and the coxing becomes a pleasant surprise. On the third tasting, the pastry morphs into an irresistible craving. The coxinhas at Little Brazil aren’t quite as perfect as the ones I remember from my time in Juiz de Fora, but that may be nothing more than a bit of wistful nostalgia. ”

“Interview with Kallen Marques, owner.

Q: How did you get involved in this business?

A: I had been thinking of opening a Brazilian restaurant for as long as I can remember, so when I actually sat down to write a business plan, I remembered the Brazilian market Emporio do Brasil (the previous restaurant at the same location) and thought how great it would be if I created a partnership with the owner. When I approached the owner with my business plan, she said she wanted to sell. It turned out to be a better deal for me to buy them out because it was easier to implement my ideas and vision to the place, alongside my business partner, Polly Furay. Polly is teacher at Wheat Ridge High School.”