Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Brazil is the fourth-largest country in the world and made up of many different cultures. It's a melting pot of colors, languages, and customs - and its cuisine is just as varied.

The cuisine of Brazil features various types of ingredients, depending on the geographical location. The country has European, African and native Indian influences.

The Portuguese arrived in Brazil in 1500 and brought their tastes and styles of cooking with them. They brought sugar, citrus fruits and many sweets that are still used for desserts and holidays. Other nationalities that settled in Brazil were the Japanese, Arabs, and Germans. More than one million Italians had migrated to Brazil by 1880. Each immigrant group brought along its own style of cooking and added them to the mix.

However, long before the Europeans arrived the Tupí-Guaraní and other Indian groups lived in Brazil. They planted manioc (a root vegetable like a potato) from which Brazilians learned to make tapioca and farofa and ground manioc, which is similar to fine breadcrumbs.

Daiquiri Dick's Executive Chef, Ignacio Uribe, and Sous Chef, Hugo Mejia, have created a special menu that features an array of Brazilian dishes that you can enjoy right here in Puerto Vallarta from April 20 to 26, 2015. Dinners is served from 5 to 11 pm.

Here's a look at items from Brazil on the special a la carte menu.

Appetizers

• Coxinha - Brazilian Chicken Croquettes
• Brazilian Shrimp Soup with Coconut Milk and Red Bell Pepper
• Octopus Risotto with Red Wine

Entrées

• Flank Steak Kebab Marinated with Olive Oil, Garlic and Parsley

• Feijoada Pork Shoulder and Black Bean Stew with Chorizo and Andouille Sausage

• Moquecca Brazilian Shrimp stew with fresh Cilantro, Bell Pepper, Onions, Coconut Milk, and Sriracha Sauce, served with Rice

Desserts

• Cuscuz Branco Tapioca Pudding cooked in Coconut Milk
• Brigadeiro (Chocolate Bonbon) with Cocoa and Condensed Milk

What a great way to sample recipes from Brazil and expand your culinary horizons. Daiquiri Dick's has terrace and patio dining for dinner, where there is always great food, friendly service and a magnificent sunset.

Open daily from 9 am to 11 pm, (Closed on Tuesdays from April to October) Daiquiri Dick's offers elegant dining in a relaxed atmosphere for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Visa, MasterCard and Banamex accepted. Reservations are recommended and can be made online at ddpv.com.