In the past 6 months or so, we've noticed a sudden increase in the amount of these snack shops in Belo Horizonte. They are popping up everywhere, and they usually have the same kind of signage (a rectangular sign with images of fruits in the background) and the açaí included in the name of the store. I think that there is a new chain in town, but now people are piggy-backing on the idea, and without much creativity. In fact, I've seen at least one store open RIGHT NEXT to another new store. My oldest daughter loves to tell me all the names of the different stores, because some of them are just downright silly. Here's a list of what she remembers:
1. Rajaçaí--the açaí place on Avenida Raja
2. Megaçaí
3. Daçaí
4. Taçaí
5. Topaçaí
6. Refresçaí
7. Savaçaí--in Savassi
8. Praçaí
9. Peçaí
10. And our favorite, Thaçaí, because Brazilians have a very hard time pronouncing the "TH" sound.
If I opened my own açaí place, I would called it "Saci açaí" (pronounced "saw-see-ah-sah-eeee") and have a picture of Saci frolicking amongst the fruits, eating açaí. Anyone else have a names they can add to my list, or a creative name for an açaí business?
It's always been like that in BH. Everytime someone comes up with what seems like a good idea for a shop or lanchonete, tons of generics pop up everywhere, like the plague. It happened with pães de queijo e cafezinhos, pastéis, empadas... now it's açai. :) It's all good though 'cause I've been craving açai and I'm coming, BH! :D
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