Rio Sabor Brazilian SteakhouseAfter spending a fine evening at the Rio Sabor Brazilian Steakhouse (churrascaria) in Scottsdale, you’ve got to wonder…if this is the way Brazilians eat regularly, how does the Girl from Ipanaema fit in that little swimsuit?
For those unfamiliar with the churrascaria/rodizio concept, it’s a veritable cornucopia of the many flavors of Brazil. Owner Solange Guerra is a native of Brazil who grew up in her family’s restaurant kitchen. When she moved to the states 16 years ago, she worked for a national restaurant chain until the opportunity to take over this existing churrascaria came up. She has great plans to further bring the spirit of her homeland to the restaurant by offering a myriad of unique and authentic dishes.
Start with the salad bar, and no, this isn’t your typical salad bar…this one has some very unique variations such as a portabella and pepper salad, leek salad, a tangy salmon rice salad, and an excellent carrot raisin salad. There’s also fresh green salad, peel-and-eat shrimp and a few other surprises. When you return to your table, you’ll find some treats dropped off….fried bananas (addictive), Brazilian cheese bread (think bread puffs with cheese baked inside) and polenta wedges.
The next step is the hot entrée area: A yummy tilapia in a tomato/coconut sauce, creamy black beans served next to rice, steamed salmon, and rich and satisfying gorgonzola ravioli in cream sauce are just a few of the offerings. The real hits of the entrees are the truly authentic pinto beans with smoked sausage and yucca, and sautéed collard greens.
Right about now, it’s time to flip over the little green and red block on your table...that’s the signal to bring on the meat. Until you flip it back to red, waiters carrying large skewers of roasted chicken, garlicky sausage, juicy turkey wrapped in bacon, ham, sirloin, and lamb will parade past your table and deposit whatever you request onto your plate. There’s even grilled pineapple, which is so juicy and sweet and smoky, you’ll be waving that waiter over every time he steps out of the kitchen. It’s all good, but particularly don’t miss the beef. After all, that’s what Brazil is known for and Rio does an especially great job, since they use charcoal instead of gas. Each piece is coated in a salt crust that permeates the meat as it roasts on the rodizio. It imparts a flavor and juiciness that can’t be copied on your home grill.
If by some miracle you still have room for dessert, start with the very strong coffee and then select from one of the genuine Brazilian desserts such as passion fruit mousse, coconut custards or “chocolate dream.”
Rio’s atmosphere is comfortable and inviting, including artwork from local Brazilian artists. Since only owning the restaurant for a year, Solange is making sure the food is just perfect by tweaking the menu items every once in awhile. Service is friendly, instructive and determined to make you eat a lot! The restaurant crowd includes couples on dates, families, and large groups of friends.
Good to know: larger groups may want to call ahead for reservations
Must haves: a caipirinha (a drink of limes, sugar, and distilled sugar cane)
What to wear: it’s a comfortable spot – from date night garb to family casual