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| - On my regular bank walks for work, I was quite surprised to see another Brazilian steakhouse opening downtown. After living in Miami where the Latin foods abound, I kind of get excited to see a little more of it popping up around here.
First was Green Forest Cafe in the far reaches of Penn Hills, and it was the first 'local' spot I tried, and LOVED it. I try to maintain as low carb a diet as I can, but I also LOVE to eat, so a place where the meat just keeps coming is right up my alley.
Then appeared Texas de Brazil. It took me a while to try it, but again, LOVED it. Keep the meat coming. Green means GO!
Well, this past week I had the chance to get out with a friend for a late lunch and we decided to give it a try. We went shortly after 2:30, when I get off work, and were in time for 'lunch'. I hadn't seen my friend since my housewarming four years ago, other than in passing on the street downtown, and we used to ride the bus together when I lived in her area. We were the BEST eye-rolling pals. And for those of you who don't ride public transportation because it's SOOO below you, there's a LOT of eye rolling to do.
We entered the space, and frankly, it's impressive. There is a level of subtle elegance that is missing in most burgh joints. Classy without being utterly pretentious. It's a VERY large and accommodating space. We were greeted by a very pleasant and friendly hostess, who showed us to a table in the middle of the dining room, and our server was promptly at the table to explain things. It's pretty much the same set-up as Green Forest and Texas de Brazil. They have the 'Market Table' (the other places don't give it a fancy name, it's just there), which is kind of like a glorified salad bar, with lovely touches like an antipasta selection of meats and cheeses, lots of fresh veggies and salad makings. There is a side 'hot bar' with beans and rice, soup and bread. I tend to only nibble a bit from that section, because I'm really there for the main event...the meat. And honestly, why fill up on the 'sides' when the meat is coming? That's what I'm paying for.
I did have some of the Market Table (a selection of salamis, prosciutto, some blue cheese and brie) and I had a bowl of the soup of that day, a sweet pea and asparagus soup. THAT was outstanding! I need to find that recipe to make at home. Absolutely delicious.
The staff and the Gauchos were outstanding. Accommodating, incredibly efficient, and on top of everything, and in a very friendly manner. I did have to comment to my friend though that this is about THE 'whitest' Brazilian Steakhouse I've ever been in. I didn't see any Latin looking people in the house. One of our main Gauchos did have a slight accent, and when I asked where he was from it turned out he was from not only Puerto Rico, but we had at one point or another in our lives lived in the little town of Santurce (san-TOUR-say) on the island. But this adorable Puerto Rican guy? Blonde as a Swede!
For the full experience, the lunch price is MUCH lower (around $35). (they can also do just the Market Table, and for an 'additional cost' - usually around $8 - you can 'add' a selection of one meat - which you can have as much of as you like - but only the one). The alcohol is REALLY pricey! I didn't have any, but for two $35 meal deals, one small 'pitcher' (a two serving) of a mango margarita, and two glasses of wine (I just had an iced tea), and the bill came to $122 and some change.
You might be asking at this point, why only three stars? As I mentioned before, I go to a Brazilian steakhouse for the meat...and the one thing I went for, left me totally cold.
The tastiest part of the meat brigade was a sausage. Very flavorful, with a strong edge of what really tasted like fresh sage. I should have asked for a second one. The rest of the meats were totally unimpressive. Chicken just wasn't flavorful, even wrapped in bacon. It was just okay. A little dry. The lamb, just not well seasoned, and not very tasty. The various cuts of beef were okay but nothing came across the tongue as an 'OMG' moment. The absolute worst was the rolls royce of beef cuts, the filet mignon. It was red flavorless mush. The best of them, as our adorable Puerto Rican Gaucho proclaimed as his favorite, WAS the best of them. And I can't remember what it was. It was the best of all of the beef. Just not memorable.
So in ranking our three local Brazilian Steakhouses. Green Forest and Texas de Brazil - SUPERIOR meats. Green Forest can be a little Latin surley on the service, but it's still good. Texas de Brazil and Fogo - superior service. The 'Market Table' (or sides bar), excellent at all three. The prices are really the same ball game at all three. Atmosphere, totally different at all three. Green Forest is in an office complex in Penn Hills, and is kind of an 'older' restaurant. Texas de Brazil is like a theme park ride, with gigantic...well...EVERYTHING. Fogo, classy, good Market Table. Not for the meat.
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