Welcome to DC. Check out Tyler Cowan's ethnic dining guide for a good run-down on hole-in-the-wall joints. For upscale and mod-scale the Washingtonian has 100-best and 100-best cheap eats lists.

You said Brazilian, so try The Grill from Ipanema just for the name. Andale and Case Atlantico have excellent latin fare. Jaleo for tapas - go with a group.

DC isn't New York, but you won't starve.