Brazillian churrasco has hit Noosa, putting a wide smile on the faces of all meat lovers, with the opening of Samba Grill on Gympie Terrace.
Churrasco (pronounced shoo-has-co) cuisine is a tradition of the South American, Guarani indigenous people and later Brazilian Gauchos (or cowboys). Prime cuts of marinated beef, pork, lamb, chicken and seafood are skewered then grilled over organic charcoal before being carved at the table and served .
At Samba Grill the Rodizio menu also includes vegetarian dishes and Brazilian side dishes such as Brazilian black beans, rice, potato or green salad and hot potato or cassava chips, farofa (fried cassava flour with chorizo and banana) alongside traditional condiments such as Piri Piri and Malagueta Pepper Oil.
Owner and head chef, Steve Beak first became acquainted with Churrasco cuisine as a child when his grandfather, and then father operated cattle ranches in Argentina and Brazil. In 1995 Steve moved to Broome, Western Australia where he and his wife, Lenice operated a mobile Brazilian catering company for
over six years from their specially designed commercial food trailer.
“The succulent aromas and flavours of meat grilled over charcoal results in a delicious, slow cooked meal. Then there’s the pure theatre of our assistant Churrasquerios (barbecue chefs) circulating throughout the restaurant, brandishing the skewers and carving meat for guests at the table. It is a feast for the eyes, nose and belly.”
Steve has imported a Brazilian barbecue from Rio de Janeiro as well as the charcoal to fuel it. The barbecue will have the capacity to cook 58 skewers or 45 whole chickens with the majority of produce sourced from local suppliers.
Breakfast will see customers treated to polenta muffins, Pao de queijo (Brazilian cheese bread) and savoury wraps featuring eggs, Brazilian sausage and seafood with an extensive coffee menu.
The lunch menu includes sizzling plates of marinated meats, chicken and seafood as well as whole, half and quarter butterflied Portuguese chickens served with salads, hot chips and sauces.
In the evening and every Sunday lunchtime, the ‘Rodizio’ style of service will be offered where diners pay a fixed, all-you-can-eat price of $38 and waiters bring food to customers at several times throughout the evening. When you've reached full, you flip the wooden block over from green to red.
Bottom line: Meat lovers feast but vego options available.
Best tip: Try one of the rum cocktails.
Samba Grill, 251 Gympie Terrace, Noosaville, p 5449 9577
Disclaimer: Ed+bK and partner were a guest of Samba Grill for dinner.
Kerry Heaney
