SteakHouse-'South American Style'

RE: SteakHouse-'South American Style' (TJ Jackson)

Tue, 16 Nov 2004 15:52:28 GMT

Anyone know if there are any Churrascarias within 100 miles (or so) of Cincinnati?

Columbus OH | Dayton OH | Lexington KY | Louisville KY | Indianapolis, IN?

RE: SteakHouse-'South American Style' (tmiles)

Tue, 16 Nov 2004 13:48:20 GMT

Framingham Massachusetts

RE: SteakHouse-'South American Style' (tmiles)

Tue, 16 Nov 2004 13:47:19 GMT

I am told that there is a little Brazilian restaurant in Framingham that does this. I plan to try it soon and will report

RE: SteakHouse-'South American Style' (Spudnut)

Tue, 16 Nov 2004 12:12:04 GMT

quote:
Originally posted by wheregreggeats.com

I had dinner at Texas de Brazil Web (up by the malls on north I-Drive in Orlando). The meats were cooked perfectly (maybe a little bit more "medium" than I prefer, but they said I could get things more "rare" if I asked) ... but I was insane from salt overload by the end of the meal.

The salt thing is something my server addressed when he asked how dinner was -- without my asking. He said it may "seem" salty because of the rock salt they use when curing the meat. Now, that said, I've had a lot of cured meat and have never gone "insane" with salt overload before.

I have to wonder why the place is so popular. They can seat hundreds and I feel certain that they do so most nights. So it must be a quality place.

- Was it salty because I was the first in the place that night?

- Is it salty because most people like extra salt?

- Is it salty because the clientele on I-Drive is less sophisticated than at their other units?

Or, should I just stay away from chains? My best guess at this point.

There is nothing salt-wise at Texas de Brazil that could not have been accomplished with some creative spicing. (When they brought a simple sausage to my table the guy warned me twice that it was "spicy" ... it was barely spicy.)

The ribs were the least insanely salty. They could qualify for my best-of ribs category, but sadly, I was in salt coma from everything else.

I really wanted to like the place. In the end the slt overload was unbearable.

Sorry for the rant.

I don't particularly like really salty meat, but that style is common in Brazil. One of my best friends has lived in Brazil for about 15 years, and whenever he visits and he makes us a barbeque, there's always lots of salt.

RE: SteakHouse-'South American Style' (wheregreggeats.com)

Tue, 16 Nov 2004 11:16:09 GMT

I had dinner at Texas de Brazil Web (up by the malls on north I-Drive in Orlando). The meats were cooked perfectly (maybe a little bit more "medium" than I prefer, but they said I could get things more "rare" if I asked) ... but I was insane from salt overload by the end of the meal.

The salt thing is something my server addressed when he asked how dinner was -- without my asking. He said it may "seem" salty because of the rock salt they use when curing the meat. Now, that said, I've had a lot of cured meat and have never gone "insane" with salt overload before.

I have to wonder why the place is so popular. They can seat hundreds and I feel certain that they do so most nights. So it must be a quality place.

- Was it salty because I was the first in the place that night?

- Is it salty because most people like extra salt?

- Is it salty because the clientele on I-Drive is less sophisticated than at their other units?

Or, should I just stay away from chains? My best guess at this point.

There is nothing salt-wise at Texas de Brazil that could not have been accomplished with some creative spicing. (When they brought a simple sausage to my table the guy warned me twice that it was "spicy" ... it was barely spicy.)

The ribs were the least insanely salty. They could qualify for my best-of ribs category, but sadly, I was in salt coma from everything else.

I really wanted to like the place. In the end the slt overload was unbearable.

Sorry for the rant.

RE: SteakHouse-'South American Style' (Spudnut)

Tue, 16 Nov 2004 10:55:19 GMT

quote:
Originally posted by RubyRose

My friend and I were in Manhattan last Wednesday and planned to go to Plataforma on 49th St. for lunch. When we got there, only about 3 tables were occupied and because it was matinee day and places in the theater district were otherwise hopping at lunchtime, it seemed to be a bad omen so we ate elsewhere. It was kind of like no cars in the parking lot.

I did eat at the Vegas version in the Mirage hotel and it was fun.

Plataforma is jam-packed at dinner time. I suspect it's a rather large pre-theater meal, especially during the day.

RE: SteakHouse-'South American Style' (Tristan Indiana)

Tue, 16 Nov 2004 10:45:37 GMT

Churrascarias seem to be very popular in SF. When I was there last April, I think I encountered at least three of them just walking down Market Street. I didn't know exactly what they were, so I asked someone about them. It sounded tempting but I only had so much time and I had so many other places I wanted to get to first. I haven't noticed any of these restaurants in Indy, so I might have to wait til I'm in Chicago to try this out.

RE: SteakHouse-'South American Style' (RubyRose)

Tue, 16 Nov 2004 10:36:53 GMT

My friend and I were in Manhattan last Wednesday and planned to go to Plataforma on 49th St. for lunch. When we got there, only about 3 tables were occupied and because it was matinee day and places in the theater district were otherwise hopping at lunchtime, it seemed to be a bad omen so we ate elsewhere. It was kind of like no cars in the parking lot.

I did eat at the Vegas version in the Mirage hotel and it was fun.

RE: SteakHouse-'South American Style' (carlton pierre)

Tue, 16 Nov 2004 10:19:53 GMT

Many restaurants in Miami advertise "Parabillas". I wanted to try one but was unable so maybne someone can expound on this. It is a grill placed tableside with sausage, chicken, pork, various meats. I simply ranout of time before I could try it but cannot wait to get back and exzperience one.

carl reitz

RE: SteakHouse-'South American Style' (marberthenad)

Sat, 07 Feb 2004 23:41:55 GMT

quote:
Originally posted by signman

Where is Greenfield's located.

They have five locations -- one in Rockville, MD, one in Queens, NY, Hackensack, NY, West Covina and Long Beach, both in CA.

Went tonight to the one in Rockville. Not as good as the one in Queens. Service was great, until the place filled up, and then the skewers of bbq were few and far between. But I would go back nonetheless. Salad bar was also less than what it is in Queens. Haven't been to any of the other locations.

RE: SteakHouse-'South American Style' (signman)

Sat, 07 Feb 2004 19:35:49 GMT

Where is Greenfield's located.

RE: SteakHouse-'South American Style' (marberthenad)

Sat, 07 Feb 2004 15:12:01 GMT

quote:
Originally posted by jpatweb

I think the term for these restaurants is "churrascaria," and they can be found in most large U.S. cities. There's a few in the DC area, the first and most popular being Greenfields in Rockville, MD. Lunch is the way to go, when the price drops considerably from the dinner rate of about $25 per head.

Going to Greenfields tonight in Rockville. Will report back. Have tried churrascaria in NYC and in Orlando .... had a light breakfast and skipped lunch, I think we are prepared.

RE: SteakHouse-'South American Style' (Ort. Carlton.)

Thu, 02 Oct 2003 22:32:09 GMT

Dearfolk,
There are four such places in Metro Atlanta: a Fogo location and three independents. All are run by expatriate Brasilians or Uruguayans. I wish I could have more specific information to hand, but a check around the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's website will doubtless provide more information.
Only This Once In A Fog (O), Ort. Carlton in Such-Restaurant-less Athens, Georgia.

RE: SteakHouse-'South American Style' (Taniko)

Thu, 02 Oct 2003 18:44:35 GMT

Wow, I am so jealous! I sure wish that I had that almost "on my doorstep" too. Hehe! We live in Minnesota. You sure should try the "Boi Na Brasa" there too. We liked that even better, but I think that it is even more expensive. Awesome for special events, though.

Thanks so much and "Bom Appetite" (or however they spell it),
Taniko

RE: SteakHouse-'South American Style' (Bushie)

Wed, 01 Oct 2003 21:05:09 GMT

Taniko, thank you VERY much for your great info.

I'm ESPECIALLY glad to hear that Dallas is the best you've had. The only one I've been to is the Fogo de Chao in Addison (Dallas); been there a few times and I absolutely love it.

RE: SteakHouse-'South American Style' (hermitt4d)

Wed, 01 Oct 2003 20:54:33 GMT

Mr. Mayor,

I presume you've found the website for Fogo de Chao, the chain (http://www.fogodechao.com/flash_index.php). Houston also had a Rodizio Grill, another chain, but that closed. Whether the fad wore off or it just didn't measure up, I don't know. Or maybe Houstonians are such meat eaters that the all you can eat concept wasn't financially sustainable .

A co-worker who owes me lunch has promised to take me but we haven't been able to work out a date. He's been many times and says the trick is to wave off the waiters as they bring you the lesser cuts of meat (early); the better cuts of meat are brought around only if you're still eating later.

As Lone Star noted we also have Michael Cordua's Churrascos, but that's not an all you can eat place. And El Buen Bife, an Argentine style steak house that opened about the same time as Fogo and Rodizio and is still in business; it's not an all you can eat, either, tho.

RE: SteakHouse-'South American Style' (Taniko)

Wed, 01 Oct 2003 19:30:11 GMT

Hehe! Yeah, a Caipirinha is best with cachaca but I didn't think many would be familiar with that. We lived in Sao Paulo and Rio too. Marios and Porcao come to mind, but there were so many good ones. Our favorite one was called "Lagiado", and was on the Rodo Viaria and was basically a truck stop. These were great 'cause you could stop in and get a great meal really quick. Awesome spots!!!

Did you live in Belo? I hear they are really awesome there too.

Thanks,
Taniko

RE: SteakHouse-'South American Style' (lleechef)

Wed, 01 Oct 2003 19:18:45 GMT

Taniko, caipirinha made with cachaca is the best! The best Churrascaria in my opinion are located in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, also there are several good ones in Rio.

RE: SteakHouse-'South American Style' (Poverty Pete)

Wed, 01 Oct 2003 18:32:20 GMT

Rodizio is a chain in several cities. I first saw it in Denver around 1997. If you go to Las Vegas, there is one in Mandalay Bay called the Rum Jungle. After the dinner hour, it becomes one of the hottest nightclubs in town.

RE: SteakHouse-'South American Style' (Taniko)

Wed, 01 Oct 2003 17:12:32 GMT

Hi. Just to try and answer a few questions. I lived in Brasil for over 10 years, and the "Churrascaria" is the barbecue system that they use of marinating the meats for sometimes several days,(often in a paper wrap to keep the moisture in), and then rolling them in salts and seasonings and grilling them over a wood charcoal fire. "Rodizio" is the serving method of the waiters coming around to the tables with skewers of meats to carve off the exact piece that "tickles your fancy" at that moment.

My husband and I love them so much that we have made it, almost, a quest to find as many that are here in the U. S. as is possible on our budget. In our opinion, the two best ones (so far) are in Dallas. They are Boi Na Braza, and Fogo de Chao. We have not been to Plataforma in NY yet, but can't wait! We were just in the L.A. area and found out that there are about 11 there now, the best in our opinionn being the "Amazonas". There was also a pretty good one in Redondo Beach on the water. Very romantic! We are next headed to two in Chicago, called, again "Fogo De Chao" and "Sal e Carvao". There is even one in Phoenix but it is not too large. There is also a reasonably priced one in Las Vegas. (Or there was about 4 years ago). Orlando has one too that just opened called something like "Crazy Charlies". Wasn't too bad at all.

In most of the Brazilian ones, the only organ meats are chicken hearts and we definitely did develope a taste for them, they are highly seasoned bits of a flavor burst. There is, also, a good "Churrascaria" in Boston, even with a Brazilian guitarist and smooth music to sooth that ever expanding "tummy".

We just went back to Brazil for a visit and they still have the very best ones of all, and the whole meal was for the grand price of about $10.00.

If you go to one of these, do yourself a favor and have the national drink called a "caipirinha" (ki-peer-een-ya). It is a lemon-lime ground with a mortar and pestal and then alot of sugar is added, and ice and any liquor that you like. The most popular ones are with vodka or rum. Yummmmm! :)

Here's to a great time...."saude" (sah-oo-gee, Brazilian for to your health.)

Cheers,
Taniko

RE: SteakHouse-'South American Style' (Lucky Bishop)

Wed, 30 Jul 2003 18:09:00 GMT

quote:
Originally posted by Al-The Mayor-Bowen

I believe the spread of these places may be 'just another fad', but time will tell. I did note that they had developed only in MAJOR metro areas and not anywhere in the 'less than top 10 city areas. The Long Beach location is counted in the L A group...with another of the same chain in West Covina. None in the Pacific NorthWest or Mid-America til you get to Chicago.

Tain't so, I'm afraid. There's one of these in downtown Albuquerque, which is hardly a "top 10 city area." It's called Tucanos and it's on Central Avenue next to the Century Theatre. Excellent black beans and rice.

RE: SteakHouse-'South American Style' (tamandmik)

Tue, 29 Jul 2003 16:27:30 GMT

I weigh only 140, and I'm 37. I guess I am lucky! That, and I run quite a bit, particularly the next day after enjoying a rodizio!!

RE: SteakHouse-'South American Style' (Rick F.)

Tue, 29 Jul 2003 14:46:12 GMT

quote:
Originally posted by BigGlenn
By the way, "JuniorBurger?" there is nothing Junior about me! LOL

We ain't fat, we's fluffy!

RE: SteakHouse-'South American Style' (tamandmik)

Tue, 29 Jul 2003 10:41:14 GMT

My favorite, I agree with EdSails, is the Brazilian sausage (linginca sp?) and additionally, the Brazilian sirloin, Pinchana, sp again? However, every churrascaria I have been to, and granted, I've only been to 4 of them, had a pay one price menu.

RE: SteakHouse-'South American Style' (EdSails)

Mon, 28 Jul 2003 13:41:55 GMT

When I go to Greenfields my favorites are the skirt steak (definitely the most delicious meat in MHO), the duck, the tenderloin and the Portuguese sausage. I temper that withand their spicy seafood salad (mussels, squid, shrimp etc. with chilis).

RE: SteakHouse-'South American Style' (EliseT)

Fri, 25 Jul 2003 13:34:34 GMT

Oh, by the way, which are your favorite meats? Mine are the Polish sausage, filet mignon and garlic beef. Mmmmmm, garlic beef.

It can get pretty darn expensive. Some of the churrascarias here have different pricing, with weekday lunch being half the price of weekend dinner, but with all the same meaty goodness.

RE: SteakHouse-'South American Style' (Texicana)

Fri, 25 Jul 2003 09:53:16 GMT

I've been to one while in Mexico City, and it's basically as others have described except I distinctly remember they gave everyone at the table little colored cards that you can put on a stand in front of you (everyone has their own) in which red means "keep all the meats coming and coming OFTEN", the pink meant "whoa, I gotta slow down a little", and yellow meant "I'm stuffed to gills, please stop." It was a lot of fun, but some of the skewered meats were a bit challenging (bbqed heart, anyone?)

RE: SteakHouse-'South American Style' (Oneiron339)

Fri, 25 Jul 2003 09:44:40 GMT

Fogo de Chao is in Buckhead in Atlanta, along with at least 2 more churrasco places. Fogos is good, but expensive. I think, as others that it's a fad. Unless you just want a noisy meal and a good amount of meat of all kinds. Think, Joe's Crab House only with meat. I avoid the AYCE places because I try to eat my money's worth and end up feeling bad afterwards. It's probably a good experience if you take the out of town visitors to the big city sights. The girls (and some guys) will like the gaucho waiters. It's definitely not road food and not cheap. Save your money for a pleasant dining experience.

RE: SteakHouse-'South American Style' (lleechef)

Fri, 25 Jul 2003 08:23:05 GMT

I spent two weeks in Brazil recently and the best churrasco I had was in a restaurant called Cio do Biu in Belo Horizonte. The skewers of meats were unending....at least 8 different cuts of beef, sausages, pork, chicken hearts, lamb, it was amazing. We were also served a chicken dish with the local cheese that was divine. Another good Brazilian style of eating is tirra guosto, where you order small amounts of grilled food...steak, sausage, cheese....and just sit outside on a hot night and "pick". This is served with toothpicks and no utensils. A cold Brahma beer washes it all down!

RE: SteakHouse-'South American Style' (EliseT)

Fri, 25 Jul 2003 04:38:17 GMT

I went to my first churrascaria in the early 80s. It was a tiny place in old Torrance. The only people there were Brazilians and many of the servers only spoke Portuguese, and man, were they cute! Now bigger, shiny places are proliferating, probably because of Atkins. There is one in the Farmer's market, and downtown Burbank now. I think the "fad" may die down, but there will always be some of the older places around. I LOVE Brazilian black beans and rice!!!