When people go out on the town, they tend to gravitate toward American food, pub fare and chain restaurants. These options are familiar, and even though you may not have a great meal, you know you’ll at least have a decent one.
However, you may actually be shortchanging yourself by playing it safe. According to TIME, people who live by the philosophy “variety is the spice of life” tend to have more positive emotions.1 So, the next time you go out to eat, consider changing it up! Trying new cuisine at a Brazilian steakhouse (churrascaria) is an excellent way to expand your culinary horizons.
Churrasco Cooking Style
Brazilian barbecue (churrasco) was invented in the 1800s by gaúchos, nomadic horseback riders not so different from the American cowboys of the Wild West. Gaúchos lived in rural areas and had access to plenty of cattle for their meat. They developed a style of roasting beef on skewers over the embers of a fire, which brought out the natural flavor of the meat and made it more succulent.
Churrasco was often a multi-family affair. The gaúchos would prepare skewers of meat for a large gathering of their friends and family. All throughout the dinner, the gaúchos would come around and slice off slabs of beef, supplying an endless stream of helpings. This style of serving was called rodízio, and it is still popular in Brazilian barbecues around the world.
How a Brazilian Steakhouse Works
The current Brazilian steakhouse experience is very much in line with the original tradition of churrasco. Most restaurants have a fixed price and are all-you-can-eat, but unlike a buffet, patrons do not have to serve themselves. Instead, they receive a red card and a green card at their table. If you put up the green card, the servers will know you are ready to eat, and if you put up the red card, they will stop bringing food.
The steakhouse experience can be quite exciting for those new to Brazilian cuisine. Like at a Japanese hibachi grill, the food is prepared fresh and the servers slice the meat right onto your dish instead of plating it in the kitchen. Since everything is covered by the fixed price, you can sample as many dishes as you like for the full authentic Brazilian culinary experience.
Our Menu Offerings
The original gaúchos primarily specialized in cuts of beef, and for many, that is still the main draw to a Brazilian steakhouse. However, most restaurants have since expanded their options. The menu at Boi Na Braza includes beef, chicken, lamb, pork, cheeses, artisan breads, sides, salads and desserts to suit any palate.
Here is a breakdown of some of the many dishes we offer:
Meat Dishes
- Picanha – A savory prime cut of top sirloin cooked with the fat for juiciness and flavor. This is our house specialty, a Brazilian favorite and one of the most popular dishes among our customers.
- Alcatra – Though often used in Portuguese stews, this top sirloin is also wildly popular in southern Brazil.
- Filet Mignon – An international favorite prepared in the traditional Brazilian style. Mix and match this tenderloin with other meats for a full range of textures and flavors.
- Fraldinha – A tasty cut of marbled bottom sirloin sliced into long pieces.
- Cordeiro – Delicious lamb chops and leg of lamb.
- Lombo – Pork loin slathered with Parmesan cheese.
- Linguiça – A pork sausage normally seasoned with paprika and garlic and often used as an ingredient in feijoada, a type of stew.
Side Dishes
- Pão de Queijo – This freshly oven-baked cheese bread is usually made from cassava or tapioca flour, egg and cheese and is commonly eaten for breakfast in Brazil.
- Farofa – A dish made of toasted cassava flour and other spices. It can be eaten on its own or as an addition to other foods.
- Breaded Banana – This side is a great way to cleanse your palate for the next round of meats.
- Polenta – A traditional Italian cornmeal dish brought to Brazil by immigrants. Though there are a variety of ways to prepare it, we serve it crispy at Boi Na Braza.
Explore the Flavors of Brazil at Boi Na Braza
Whether you are looking to bring a small group of family and friends or host a large event, Boi Na Braza can accommodate. Our food selection will satisfy sirloin connoisseurs and delight those who are new to Brazilian cuisine. Come for a late-night dinner, or enjoy a hearty brunch on Sunday morning.
We are excited to announce that we have just opened our third location in Irving, Texas, close to the live entertainment at Toyota Music Factory. If you are interested in mouthwatering meals and proximity to exciting events, peruse our online menu or book a reservation at any of our three locations.
1http://content.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0,28804,1631176_1630611_1630586,00.html