In the midst of uncertainty and contraction, one brave restaurateur is taking the gutsy leap to grow his business as he approaches his 10th anniversary.
Ilson Goncalves, chef/owner of Samba Montclair, has taken over the recently emptied storefront next door, which nearly triples his exterior capacity and creates a gorgeous new space for special events and parties.
Gonçalves has been introducing Brazilian fare to grateful North Jersey diners since 2010. Over the years, he’s evolved from a deli with a few regional specials to a fully authentic Brazilian farm-to-table experience featuring locally sourced organic meats and produce.
The restaurant is now 100% gluten-free, following his own health needs and many diner requests over the years. As Gonçalves, who was recently diagnosed with celiac disease, insists, “If I don’t eat it, it’s not on the menu!”
Construction on the new space is currently underway. The decor will carry forward Samba’s sweetly sexy farmhouse vibe with soft lighting, fresh flowers, woodwork, antique copper pots, rustic tableware and framed mirrors. Gonçalves has even ordered a 28-person table to host more of his stunning Farm Dinners, and the space will provide much-needed overflow seating on busy weekends.
Until indoor dining is allowed again—and while the new space is built out—guests may enjoy Samba’s full menu via takeout/delivery or at one of its prized outdoor tables. Samba now seats up to 32 (on weekends) on their glorious sidewalk patio. Featuring scads of flowers, cheerful orange umbrellas, rustic straw mats and signature wooden tables, Gonçalves’ significant financial investment in decor has made it a beautiful, socially-distanced refuge. Seating is first-come, first served … no reservations.
And those seats have gotten even more popular, since Netflix viewers caught glimpses of the romantic restaurant in Episode 2 of the hit series Indian Matchmaking!
“I believe in moving forward, and always reinventing myself,”Gonçalves mused about the bold step he’s undertaking. “I had to sell my house to survive the downturn in business. I’m determined to keep going and make the best of this great opportunity amid all the sadness and change.”
Ilson Gonçalves opened Samba in Montclair, NJ in December 2010 as a deli with a few Brazilian specials. Today, the gluten-free menu is a reflection of the authentic cooking he grew up eating at his mother’s home and restaurant in Blumenau, Brazil. Simple, high integrity, with emphasis on fresh vegetables, fish and herbs, served in a romantic, rustic space with antique copper pots & vintage tableware. Gonçalves is a graduate of Natural Gourmet Institute in New York City, and the author of The Samba Montclair Cookbook (A Life in Print, 2017).
