Brazilian-style barbecue is a specific art, originating in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul, the gaucho-style of barbecue and service is now practiced in churrascarias (steakhouses) all over the country. Americans in lucky pockets of the country can experience authentic Brazilian barbecue if they know where to go. In Philadelphia, there are a wide variety of Brazilian steakhouses, with a few better than others. The mark of a true Brazilian churrascaria is the never-ending table-side service of a variety of barbecued meats, an plentiful salad bar featuring traditional Brazilian dishes, and a laid-back atmosphere that invites guests to come in, relax and stay a while.
Chima
With four locations in the United States including New York, Fort Lauderdale, Virginia and Philadelphia, Chima Brazilian Steakhouse is a recreation of an authentic Brazilian Churrascaria. The restaurant is set up to mimic those in Brazil in both service and food offerings. The waiters, complete in gaucho garb, are attentious wanderers offering rodizio (barbequed salted meats carried on skewers) of all the varieties of meats Chima has to offer. The gauchos come directly to the table to offer meats when guests so desire. The meat selection includes sirloin, flank, ribeye, filet mignon, chicken, pork, sausage, and salmon and swordfish. Also offered in traditional churrascaria-style is the self-serve salad bar at the center of the restaurant where diners choose the items; salad, soups, rice, beans and bread. The desserts veer a little more toward American cuisine, with apple streudal, cheesecake and tiramisu. However, the mango cream and passion fruit mousse would definitely find its way into a Brazilian restaurant. Chima also offers a fill bar and extensive wine list, as well as the Brazilian national cocktail, the caipirinha.
Chima Brazilian Steakhouse
1901 John F Kennedy Blvd.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
(215) 525.3233
chimasteakhouse.com
Fogo de Chão
Owned and operated by two brothers from Rio Grande do Sul, Fogo de Chão is as authentic a Brazilian steakhouse in America can get. The rodizio menu at Fogo features the number one favorite cut in Brazil, picanha (top sirloin). Other Rodizio offerings brought table side by the wandering gauchos include costelo de porco (pork ribs), linguica (sausages), frango (chicken), costela (beef ribs), lombo (parmesan cheese covered pork loin) and many others. When guests are ready for more meat, they simply turn the table medallion to face green side up and a gaucho will be at their side in moments. Along with the rodizio, Fogo offers a traditional salad bar for guests to access any time at their convenience. Traditional Brazilian items include Pao de queijo (tapioca flour cheese bread), Brazilian rice and beans, fried polenta and farofa (flaky seasoned tapioca flour). The salad bar includes a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables and cheeses, including Brazilian palmitos (palm hearts). Fogo stocks a complete bar, but why should guests even consider a martini when Fogo offers ice cold caipirinhas, Brazil's national cocktail, in a variety of tropical flavors? For the designated driver, there is the Guarana, Brazil's favorite soda. If diners have managed to save any room, they can indulge in the South American flan or papaya cream for dessert.
Fogo de Chão
1337 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 636-9700
fogodechao.com
Picanha
Though Picanha offers traditional Brazilian-style barbecue, the restaurant is not fashioned as a traditional churrascaria with table-side serving gauchos. All food at Picanha is offered buffet-style; meat included. The meat buffet includes beef, pork, chicken and a variety of fish. The salad bar includes a variety of fresh vegetables as well as beans, rice and other Brazilian side dishes. The dessert menu includes flan, rice pudding, fruit mousses and brigadeiros, or chocolate Brazilian truffles.
Picanha Brazilian Grill
6501 Caster Ave.
Philadelphia, PA
19149-2708
picanhagrill.com
Tags: authentic Brazilian, Brazilian Steakhouse, Brazilian-style barbecue, Chima Brazilian, Chima Brazilian Steakhouse, Fogo offers
