Manfredo again

Nurtured by European classics and fascinated by jazz, Manfredo Fest, a Brazilian based in Florida, has become a consummated master in blending Brazilian and jazz sounds. Começar de Novo (To Begin Again), his latest album and the seventh of his career is another show of how far he has gone on this road. The CD, recorded just weeks after Tom Jobim's death, is a tribute to "The Girl from Ipanema" composer. The disc includes Jobim's "Bonita" and "How Insensitive."

Fest is able to show his virtuosity dealing with such diverse Brazilian rhythms as maracatu, bossa nova, baião and samba. Two of the cuts, "Seresta" and "Brazilian Divertimento #2" were penned by the pianist-composer himself. Commenting about Começar de Novo, the musician stated, "This has given me a better opportunity to express myself, from trio to quintet settings. And I've been able to show some different angles of my playing." The CD is being released by Concord Picante. Tel: (510) 682-6770.

Glorious food

After almost 10 years romancing Brazil and traveling there, award-winning author Christopher Idone has written Brazil: A Cook's Tour, a love declaration to the Brazilian cuisine. The book is not only a gastronomic but also a cultural trip to various regions of Brazil, including the northeast, the southeast and the Amazon.

From that area he brings recipes like pato no tucupi (roasted duck) and tacacá, an Amazonian soup with shrimp and tapioca gum. Brazil brings more than 100 authentic Brazilian recipes all illustrated with 125 color pictures taken by the author.

The book teaches also how to make xinxim, acarajé, and naturally the typical dish feijoada, besides the national drink caipirinha. Published by Clarkson Potter, the 240-page volume has also a guide for buying Brazilian products in the US.

Trader's bible

Published every year since 1990, the Brazilian Product Guide has a new edition available. The 246-page directory contains over 4000 importer, exporter and trading companies. The listings are classified by products including among other areas: computers, textiles, plastics, food and machinery.

The directory also comes with a response service, allowing readers to obtain information on Brazilian exporters. The catalogue is presented by its publisher, New York's De Paula Publishing Co., as "ideal to locate prospective clients, suppliers and partners in Brazil." Want to know more? Call (212) 629-4541.