Having visited Braza at Leichhardt previously, I felt it was time to get a hit of quality meat's, and to introduce to one of my friend's what Churrasco was all about.
Reservation for 6pm on a Saturday night was made, all was set for a smorgasbord of various meat's and good company.
We arrived 15 minutes prior to our reservation time, and the opening time of the restaurant and there was close to a dozen people already waiting, with another 20 or so arriving at the time the door was opened.
Seating was done promptly, and all staff appeared happy, and excited about the evening ahead of them. Not long after being seated our drink order was taken... Soda and Lime for me, and a bottle of James Squire Four Wives Pilsener for John. As the drinks were being served, and as we were deciding upon our initial order of side dishes, a bowl of Pao de Queijo (Brazilian cheese rolls) was served. If you have not tried one of these before, you are truly missing out on one of the true eating pleasures out there (mental note, do not over do the consumption of these rolls, they are very filling, one must leave plenty of room for the main attraction - the meat).
Our initial order of side dishes was served, Couve - Kale/Chinese Broccoli, Chickpea Salad, Crumbed Banana and Polenta, Tomato Salsa (this salsa was one of the freshest, most delicious salsa I have had in years).
Then the Passadores (meat carvers) started to work there magic around the restaurant. I lost track of the order in which the meat was served, but as a summary:
Picanha (Rump Cap) - Excellent crust on the outside, not over salted and very moist and flavoursome.
Costela (Beef Rib) - These ribs were massive, they were served on a cart with the bone removed (the bone was 3-4cm wide, 25-30cm long) the meat just feel off, with no effort required. Perfectly seasoned and not drowning in sauce or glaze. Loads of flavour in every bite.
Fraldinha (Thick Flank) - I was lucky enough to get an end piece, with a nice amount of crust and charring all round, (I am a huge fan of burnt ends).
Maminha (Tri-tip) - Cooked perfectly, just the right amount of crust on the outside, and a juicy medium-rare centre.
Cupim (Hump) - Yet another great cut of meat, a little drier than some of the others, but great with some salsa added to it.
Noix (Scotch Fillet) - Every time I saw the serving cart making it's way around the restaurant, my attention was directed at what was on board. The first few times, it was a tease... Beef Rib and Lamb Rib... then, the Scotch Fillet. What more can I say other than this is one of the highlights... Sliced table side... If only the entire Fillet was served, greedy yes, but those that have enjoyed a perfectly cooked Scotch Fillet would understand.
Picanha c/Alho (Garlic Rump Cap) - Well cooked, moist and tasty with just the right amount of garlic to enhance the meat without overpowering the overall flavour.
Linguica (Sausage) - One of my favourite items on the menu... perfectly spiced, YUM... enough said.
Costela de Carneiro (Lamb Ribs) - As with the Beef Ribs, the Lamb Ribs came straight off the bone, and the mint dressing was spot on... fresh and not to over the top.
All the Chicken varieties were well cooked and tasty (The only dish not eaten was the Chicken Hearts - they did look good however). The fish was a good break from the meat, not over seasoned, just enough to reset the palate between meats. Our server was very generous with the Prawns... although more would not have been turned away, they were delicious.
The Queijo (Halloumi Cheese) was brilliant, another one of those items that you need a good level of willpower to say no to more than one (at a time that is). Other side dishes served during the meal was a serving of chips and a Rocket salad (like the chickpea salad and salsa, very fresh and thoroughly enjoyed).
To end our feast a few slices of Abacaxi (BBQ Pineapple) was just the right way to tell our minds, our stomachs were full... maybe a little too full.
The service throughout the night by both our server and all the passadores was second to none. At no time did we need to ask for anything, when our drinks were almost empty they asked if we would like another, and after we had finished eating (wooden blocks set to red, i.e. STOP the food) where some places would just hand you the bill so the table can be cleared, they served a new bottle of water and there was no pressure to leave.
The live music was entertaining, and not too loud which can be a problem at some restaurants.
All in all, we had a fantastic night. The food was excellent, Service fantastic, Ambience was enjoyable. Thoroughly recommended... read more
