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| - If you've never been to a churrascaria or Brazilian steakhouse, your first experience will likely be 5 stars simply from the wow factor of unlimited sumptuous meat being carved table-side and the opulence of a lavish salad bar that could serve as a meal in itself. Pretty much everything I say onward will likely be inconsequential. However, if you've been around the block a time or two as I have and want the tale of the tape between two local heavyweights (Texas de Brazil(TDB) vs. Via Brasil(VB)) going at it for twelve rounds, let's get it on!
Round 1 (Ambience)
This may come down to personal preference since there is definitely an upscale vibe with soothing waterfalls and romantic lighting upon entering VB, but not sure if I liked the feng shui of the salad bar in the middle without any partitioning of the tables into separate little rooms for added intimacy. TDB definitely has a more upbeat vibe with a casual bar area where you can await guests and separate little rooms although definitely more crowded and noisy since it is more bustling with turnover of guests. Winner: Push
Round 2 (Cheese bread)
If you took the most perfect cheese puff and turned it into bread form, this is pretty much the pinnacle of that transformation. TDB has a slightly cheesier flavor, which gives it a slight edge. Winner: TDB
Round 3 (Salad bar)
For first-timers (or as I like to call them, churrascarookies), you never want to overfill your plate on the salad bar, as tempting as it may be. However, it's good to wet one's appetite on some items to balance the meat fest to come. I felt the overall quality was superior in the salad bar at TDB since they offered lobster bisque and focused more on artisanal cheeses and light seafood/veggies options, whereas at VB, there was one too many pasta options like cheese ravioli and other pasta salads, which are like underhanded tactics to fill you up to limit your meat intake. Winner: TDB
Round 4 (Beverages)
VB took a knockdown in this round since the waiter sat us down and presented us with options for water(still or sparkling?) and upon choosing still, he charged us for two bottles of some premium water at 7 bucks/bottle without clueing us in about the option for tap water since we assumed it was complementary. They also failed to carry Antarctica Guarana, the most popular soda in Brazil and something I look forward to anytime I venture into a Brazilian restaurant. TDB would never allow the water fiasco to occur and always carry my non-alcoholic beverage of choice. Winner: TDB
Round 5 (Opening meats)
Surprisingly, VB opens with a baked salmon served with passion fruit/mango sauce....not what I expected but really good, and the table-side presentation was a nice touch. Usually at TDB, they start you off with some non-premium beef wrapped in thick bacon or some heavy pork/chicken option. Winner: VB
Round 6 (Lamb)
Leg of lamb was sufficiently juicy and came with a nice mint jelly, but TDB offers multiple cuts including the lamb chop, which was unavailable at VB. Winner: TDB
Round 7 (Fowl)
VB definitely had some interesting options including chicken, duck, and chicken hearts (upon request), whereas TDB only has a single dry chicken option which I tend to pass over to allow more room for other meat options. The chicken and duck were very succulent and tender, and well seasoned here. Winner: VB
Round 8 (Brazilian sausage)
Like the cheese bread, fairly standard and not being a huge sausage connoisseur, I'm not the best judge on this one. Winner: Push
Round 9 (Side dishes)
Taking an intermission from the meats, I think VB offers some additional Brazilian sides like fried/boiled yucca root and sauteed turnip greens which have a more stir-fried crispy preparation compared to the stewed version in soul-food. Traditional favorites such as fried bananas and mashed potatoes are present at both. Winner: VB
Round 10 (Beef)
Maybe it was the pace of the meats brought to our table, but I felt that the overall quality of the beef cuts were superior at TDB since there were a few cuts that were overly dry and tough at VB although certain cuts were very tender/flavorful. WInner: TDB
Round 11 (Service)
Waitstaff definitely more attentive at TDB and the pace of the meat parade was more even, so I didn't feel like I had to overcrowd my plate and lose track of which meat was which. The TDB meat carvers also wear a uniform that gives them some more professional flare, which I appreciated. WInner: TDB
Round 12 (Value)
Somewhat tied into service, the server initially took our groupon voucher at the beginning but conveniently left it off in our final bill until we reminded him. Taking account the variety/quality of meats/salad bar, would have to give slight edge to TDB. Winner: TDB
By decision,winner of this fight goes to Texas de Brazil,but don't count out Via Brasil in a rematch. A new fierce challenger has recently arrived into town(Fogo de Chao), so a TKO may be in our midst!
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