The bright sun has brought summer heat to Ann Arbor. And just in time for the town’s sunny season out opens Samba Bowls – a beautiful and delicious dose of Brazilian flavors seemingly tailor made for summer.
Samba Bowls made its grand opening on Sunday, June 2nd. The flavors that this family-owned business serves are delicious and vibrant. Co-owner Lucas Chamon said that the menu is based around the acai berry that is so central to Brazilian cuisine.
“We have acai shops on every corner in Brazil. And when I came to the US in 2015, I saw that there weren’t many acai places in Michigan. Shops started to come around, but it wasn’t the same taste as in Brazil … so I always had it in the back of my mind. It’s something that I love, my whole family does,” Chamon said, adding that during his time being away from home “the thing I missed the most was the acai.” Chamon then saw that with acai becoming more and more common in America, especially on the coasts, it became obvious “that this is the opportunity to bring the real, authentic acai from Brazil, here to Michigan.”
This latest business is situated at 113 West Washington Street, where Vogel Keys used to be. The sign of the predecessor business still hangs over the façade of the two story storefront, across the street from Grizzly Peak and Café Zola and in between Frita Batidos and the alley.
“Be like acai, natural, powerful and tasty” reads the lavender-pink neon sign behind the swing at the back.
The interior space is sparse, but light feeling – well organized, clean and welcoming. The bright colors, clean lines and lack of a soundtrack makes the atmosphere a calmer and lower pressure place than many downtown restaurants. Much like the Hidden King around the corner, Samba Bowl is the type of eatery where you go to relax, not to be seen for the sake of being seen.
You can choose between ten different signature smoothies or bowls. This includes bowls like the Olodum– packed with mango, pitaya, granola and strawberry – the top glistening with honey. You can also build your own bowl or smoothie, if you have a personal favorite recipe.
Brazilian food is not necessarily all that familiar to the average Midwesterner. Samba Bowls plans on changing that, especially when it comes to Brazil’s kaleidoscope of fruits that are mostly unknown in Michigan, with new fruit options becoming available all the time as the business settles into regular operation.
Neither of the 12 or 16 ounce bowl portion sizes makes more than a light meal. Chamon said that the intention for Samba Bowls is “to do acai like we do in Brazil. There, it is a snack or a desert.” But, Chamon added that it would also make an ideal pre-or-post-workout food as well.
Samba Bowls is also a welcoming option for most dietary needs. The menu’s smoothies and bowls all come with a gluten free and lactose free base, although not all of the toppings are gluten and lactose free.
The business is still hiring staff. Ann Arborites in need of work can use the QR code posted in the front window.
Bowls range in size from 12 to 16 ounces, while smoothies are all 16 ounces. Prices range from $11 to $18.50.
Drew Saunders is a freelance business and environmental journalist who grew up just outside of Ann Arbor. He covers local business developments, embraces his foodie side with reviews restaurants, obsesses over Michigan's environmental state, loves movies, and feels spoiled by the music he gets to review for Ann Arbor!
