For the purposes of adding some tonic to my last post, I must admit that while I was underwhelmed by Brasilia's mall culture, most people were happy to be there but...no one was as joyous as the people at Universal Diner.
Nothing about this place smelled of the modernist pretensions the dominated downtown Brasilia. Every inch is literally covered with decor that won't let you take yourself too seriously. The food, however, is seriously delicious! Perfectly cooked steaks and rich risottos that have the comforting effect of being wrapped in a blanket from the inside out. But if the food and ambiance isn't enough then Mara Alcamim, its owner and chef, will surely complete your experience. She is a gregarious fireball whose personality, somehow, is louder than the decorations (that she amasses from her travels) but not to the extent that you don't want to have a drink with her.
And so, here is a rough translation of what I want to believe is the restaurant's motto:
"It's not important what everyone says! The people are beautiful...and they are: HAPPY!!!"