as good as it gets...and then some!. after traveling to south america several times, and sampling many of the churrascarias of brazil, i was excited to find some of these places crop up in the u.s. several years ago. yes, i’ve been to just about all of the ones available in the d/fw area, but this one has always stood out to me; and for good reason.
truly a beautiful dining experience in every sense of the term, boi na braza stands out above the rest. it is an all-inclusive experience of brazilian dining and fare that will tame any carnivore’s palate. their “salad bar” (which is an oxymoron) is an exquisite array of indigenous offerings that include bamboo shoots, tenderized asparagus, quail eggs, tomato salads, array of cheeses, fresh prosciutto, mushrooms, and the popular staple of brazilian culture – feijoada (stewed black beans, meats, and served over white rice), and many...many others (40+ items in all). and yes, there issaladas well. don’t forget the cheese bread balls (pão de queijo), mashed potatoes, and bananas that are always served. however tempting, one must also be cautious about filling up on such delicacies; the best is yet to come!
served in the popular brazilian “rodizio” style (where servers “gaúchos” rotate to offer the main entrée selections at your table), guests are often tempted to try just about anything. however, the key is to avoid doing too much, too quickly. use your marker (red/green trivet), wisely, because they can be a bit pushy otherwise. remember, this is not the place to go if you’re in a hurry. most meals last at least 2-3 hours. it is meant to be s-l-o-w-l-y enjoyed; never rushed.
the house special in these restaurants is almost always the “picahna,” a fat-capped top sirloin cut of beef that simply melts in your mouth. similarly spectacular offerings are the filet mignon, as well as the lamb (leg and chops), cooked to perfection. there is also an array of chicken and pork, as well as ribs, but they simply do not measure up as well in my book.
the great thing about this place is that they certainly aim to please. if you have any knowledge of the brazilian fare, and know what you want...they will do their best to prepare it for you. i am partial to chicken hearts (coração de frango) cooked in this style, and they accommodate my request each time. another common condiment used is “farofa,” a dish made from toasted manioc flour and often sprinkled over the feijoada beans; very tasty, and they will prepare-to-order upon request.
even in brazil, most of the popular churrascarias are simply not as elegant as boi na braza, nor as expensive. why? the quality of the food doesn’t come close; or on a consistent basis. even the one in the world famous copacabana hotel in rj is nowhere near this good.
for those who live in fort worth, yes...there’s that “other” one in downtown. don’t get me wrong, it’s fairly good, but it just doesn’t measure up by comparison to me. and no, there is no "imitation" attempt at all (per another reviewer) -- this is the real thing, not a chain knock-off imitation. considering the price, if you’re planning on spending this kind of money, then do it to the max! boi na braza is the ultimate experience of this type of dining that can be found in the d/fw area. there is simply no comparison.