 |
| Picanha – Top Sirloin |
Rodizio Grill, a Brazilian steakhouse chain, has taken over the former 7,100 square foot location of Houlihan’s, located on 5 Broad Street in downtown Stamford, next to Target.
The new restaurant is owned by the same people who brought the Melting Pot restaurant to the area: James Layfield, tristate area franchisee for Melting Pot Restaurants, along with Edward Zislis, Renee Torres and Basel Al-Nammari, owners of other Melting Pot locations.
Here’s a taste of what’s in store for you.
First stop, the salad bar. Grab a plate and try some Brazilian staples, like Feijoada, a traditional Brazilian black bean stew with chunks of meat in it, over rice and top it with some Farofa, yucca flour. There is also an assortment of cold salads and hot items, like couve, shredded collard greens with bacon, or bure de patata, creamy whipped potatoes.
Served at your table are even more appetizers, including Banana Frita (small chunks of cinnamon-glazed bananas), Pao de Queijo (Brazilian Cheese bread made with yuca flour and cheese), and Yuca Fries.
And now…where the fun begins…
If you’ve never been to a churrascaria (Brazilian steakhouse) before, you are given a “cue,” which functions like a food traffic light. When you want food, flip the cue to display green, and be prepared for the gauchos to bring the assortment of rotisserie grilled meats (beef, pork, and poultry) to your table. When you’ve had your fill (or just want to have a break), flip the cue to display the red side.
 |
| Linguica, a mild pork sausage |
Compared to other churrascarias we’ve been to, this is the first where we had to use tongs to grab the thinly sliced meat from the gauchos. You’ll need them to get your slices of sirloin, sausage and pineapple. Other items will be sliced and served to you, like the Peru Com Bacon, turkey wrapped in bacon or the Frango Agri-Doce, sweet and spicy chicken.
 |
| Assado – Brazilian Pot Roast served with potatoes, carrots, celery and onions. |
 |
| The salad bar |
 |
| Caipirinha and Sangria |
One of my favorite items from the rotisserie isn’t a meat dish, but a fruit. The grilled pineapples with cinnamon, known as Abacaxi, are pretty good.
Be sure to order from their cocktail menu. Whenever I go to Brazilian restaurant, I always order a caipirinha, Brazil’s national cocktail, made with cachaça (sugar cane rum), sugar and lime. It’s a strong and delicious drink.
The Sangria is a decent choice, if you like sweeter drinks. It’s available with either white or red wine.
Once you’ve filled yourself up, lay the cue on its side. Your server will clear up your table and bring a tray of homemade desserts to your table. Depending on availabilities, you may have a choice of up to 6 desserts:
- Brigadeiro Royal Banana Sundae – a Brazilian Chocolate cake topped with ice cream, sliced bananas, Brigadeiro sauce, whipped cream, chocolate sprinkles and a cherry.
- Bolo Brigadeiro – A three layer chocolate cake laced in a Bolo Brigadeiro chocolate sauce.
- Torta de Limao – Brazilian lime pie topped with meringue.
- Pudim de Leite – Brazilian caramel flan
- Rabanada – A warm cinnamon pastry with a creamy center, served with vanilla ice cream and laced with caramel sauce.
- Brazilian Cremes – A blend of ice cream with tropical juices.
 |
| Brigadeiro Royal Banana Sundae |
 |
|
Coconut Brazilian Creme
|
Now that’s a lot of food! Prep yourself by eating light before coming here. If you don’t want to try the full rodizio like us, there is a Salads Only option where you can get unlimited appetizers and salads.
Overall, a good and filling experience.
Rodizio Grill
5 Broad Street
Stamford, CT 06901
Tel: (203) 656-4774
Twitter: @RodizioGrill
Facebook: facebook.com/RodizioGrill
rodiziogrill.com
Pricing
Full Rodizio (Unlimited Appetizers, Salads & Meats)
Lunch:$19.99
Dinner:$34.99
Salads Only (Unlimited Appetizers & Salads, No Meats)
Lunch:$13.99
Dinner:$22.99
Update: This location is closed.
