By Contributing Writer
When visiting
Houston, you expect to eat some good Texas beef barbecue and fantastic Tex-Mex food, but you may be surprised at the depth of variety you encounter in the city's restaurant scene. Brazilian cuisine is an area that is well-represented here, most likely because of the Brazilian oil and gas industry ties to Houston. In addition, Houstonians and Brazilians share a love for all things meat-related. Not surprisingly, several Brazilian restaurants have taken hold here.
Fogo de Chao
Fogo de Chao is one of the oldest Brazilian steakhouses (or churrascarias) in Houston. A chain with outposts as far away as Washington, D.C., Denver, and Beverly Hills, Fogo de Chao first opened its doors in Porto Alegre, Brazil in 1979. The concept is quite simple at this establishment. Diners pay a flat fee for either salad bar only or salad bar plus meat. After being seated, you are given a card with a red and green side. Green means "bring me meat," and red means "no more meat for now." Gaucho-costumed waiters roam the dining room with beautifully cooked, juicy cuts of meat, which they slice right onto your plate. Beef, lamb, and chicken are all on the menu. The salad bar features delicacies such as house-smoked salmon, mozzarella balls, sun-dried tomatoes, hearts of palm, rice pilaf and fresh salad ingredients. Also placed on your table are creamy polenta, garlic mashed potatoes, warm cheese bread and caramelized bananas. Fogo de Chao is listed in the Zagat Guide under "America's Top Restaurants," and has won the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence every year since 2002.
Fogo de Chao
8250 Westheimer
Houston, TX 77063
(713) 978-6500
http://www.fogodechao.com
Pradaria Steaks & Churrascaria
Pradaria Steaks & Churrascaria is a newer entry on Houston's Brazilian restaurant scene, but was recognized by the Houston Press as "Best South American Restaurant 2009." It is different from other Houston churrascarias, because you can choose between rodizio-style continuous table service, family-style service, items from the a la carte menu or the large sushi/salad bar and buffet. This restaurant also serves cuts of meat not available at Fogo de Chao, such as galeto (Cornish game hen, served gaucho style), Picanha invertida (stuffed inverted Picanha), Entraña (Argentinean skirt steak), bife de chorizo (Argentinean rib eye), Riñon (kidney) and Molleja (sweetbreads). Customers like the authentic selection of meats and attentive service.
Pradaria Steaks & Churrascaria
10694 Westheimer
Houston, TX
(281) 501-2960
http://www.pradaria.com
Emporio Brazilian Cafe
Emporio Brazilian Cafe is the only Brazilian cafe in Houston that is in no way a churrascaria. Instead, this establishment offers a down-to-earth home cooking experience locals rave about. At this hot spot, choose from a selection of different regional dishes, such as picanha na chapa (grilled tri-tip), gomes da da cod (sauteed salted cod) and the popular feijoada, a rustic Brazilian bean stew. If you come on weekends, you're also likely to hear live bossa nova music.
Emporio Brazilian Cafe
12288 Westheimer, Ste. 210
Houston, TX 77077
(281) 509-9637
http://www.brazilian-cafe.com/
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