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SOUTH AMERICAN FOOD
Q. If
choose to go for Rodizio, what are the odds I can order
a la carte?
Q.
Why is Argentina known for its beef vs. other South
American countries?
Q.
What is a Passador?
Q.
My boyfriend wants to take me to a Brazilian restaurant,
but I'm not a big eater. Your site says that you
ate at a place that just offered a buffet, but is that
the case everywhere? I'd rather just order one
thing.
A. You're probably out of
luck. Most Churrcasco restaurants offer just the
choice of full rodizio buffet (with salad bar), or just
salad bar only. Some will give you the choice of
ordering side dishes, while others will simply bring
them all out to you. I recommend on the day you go
for this, that you skip lunch, or work out, or do
whatever it is that works up an appetite for you.
You'll be glad you did.
Q.
Argentina is known for its beef, but don't other South
American countries also have good beef? Brazil has
a lot of land, right, so wouldn't that be good for
grazing?
A. Other South American
countries do have great beef, and other more exotic
meats available (guinea pig anyone? Go to Peru.).
In Argentina, though, cattle ranching is a way of life,
as is grilling, and has been since the pampas was
settled more than 200 years ago. Just as Argentina
has its parrillas (beef grilling restaurants), Brazil
has similar beef havens, such as churrascarias.
It's so much a part of the Argentine culture, though,
men shout catcalls like, "Que lomo!", which can
translate to, "What wonderful thighs!" but also, "Nice
filet of beef!" If you're on your way back from
the butcher, you might have to clarify whether the
catcaller is complimenting you or your produce!
Q. What is a Passador?
A. A Passador is a 'meat
waiter'-- someone you'll see a lot of in a Brazilian
Churrasco or Argentinian parilla restaurant. These
men will go from table to table, weilding 'swords'
bearing different cuts of grilled meat. They'll
carve it straight from their 'sword' or 'rodizio', onto
your plate. Once the meat is too pink inside,
they'll bring it back to the grill for more cooking, and
will bring out a different cut to everyone.
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