Brazilian Churrascarias and Infinity Meat

A churrascaria: a wonderful place where you can sit for hours and be served endless portions of deliciously delectable meats from a wide assortment of animals.

Basically heaven on Earth.

You could describe a churrascaria as a Brazilian steakhouse; however, you do not simply plop down and order a steak – it is far more exciting than that. Patrons pay a fixed price (preço fixo) for a rodízio style churrasco (Brazilian barbecue) service and full access to the salad bar (filled with everything from sushi to traditional Brazilian dishes and of course salad).

Tables come equipped with a signaling device to let the machete-wielding servers rotating about the room know when you desire they approach you with huge skewers of freshly cooked meat. What kind of freshly cooked meat? Filet mignon, picanha, bacon wrapped everything, chicken heart (delicious), top sirloin, and ribs to name a few.

CHURRASCARIA TIPS

• Take your time – don’t be afraid to temporarily switch your table’s status to “do not disturb” – otherwise you will be overwhelmed and defeated by the meat.
• Resist the temptation of the buffet – it’s there to lure you away from infinity meat.
• You might think it awesome that you can also order unlimited appetizers, again, this is a trick, resist the temptation.
• Try everything! You are in a new country, try something new (chicken hearts – the tater tots of meat).
• If you don’t see something coming around, then ask for it – your servers are very accommodating.
• Don’t feel bad turning a server away, it won’t hurt his feelings (unless you haven’t tried his meat yet).

For those who have read this and mentally pronouncing the word “churrascaria” incorrectly, the proper pronunciation is: chew-haas-kah-ree-uh.