Espeto na Brasa: User Reviews

Meat, Meat & More Tasteless Meat
By BBQ Chef from Newport News, June 26, 2008

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If you enjoy meat, lots and lots of meat (chicken wrapped in bacon, tough filet of beef wrapped in bacon, chicken hearts, veal, pork, lamb, more beef wrapped in bacon, sausage, chicken legs, and on it goes) then you might, and I do stress 'might' enjoy this restaurant. No spices were used in the prep of the meat, no sauces applied, and no hint of marinaides - just bland meat - tasteless, bland meat (one exception was a garlic beef offering, which was ok, but really not enjoyable - though we did make a fuss over the selection since we were starved for anything with a bit of flavor). There wasn't even a hint of smoke from hard wood or charcoal! It was so obvious that the restaurant cooks with gas or electric fuel. When I asked for a steak sauce (had to find some way to bring in a bit of spice), the waitress seemed surprised. "Why most diners just like the taste of meat", she commented. Though I had shared our disappointment in the meal, I did not receive a visit from a manager - just a bill. When I left my thoughts about our experience (good ambiance, acceptable service, substandard quality of meat and very high prices in view of the quality of the food) on a comment card the hostess actually walked out of the restaurant to question whether or not we were the ones who had just left the comment card!!! Very poor form. If you are one of those diners who enjoy bland meat, one of those diners who simply like the taste of cooked meat without the spice or smoke, then you had best get to Espeto na Braza soon - I will be surprised if it survives the year. We dropped $140 for three disappointed diners! The better choice would have been to purchase meat at Food Lion and boil it in tap water at home. The taste would have been about the same. No kidding.

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I finally found my Authenic Brazilian Restaurant!
By Bill from Great Neck Area, May 10, 2008

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I lived in Brazil for one year and have searched for an authenic Brazilian restaurant worldwide since that time. I was always disappointed and felt ripped off. I come close to not going to Espeto na Brasa because of Matt's negative review. My three guest had never eaten Brazilian food and I wanted them to have the best. However after calling the restaurant and being handled very professionally in inquiring about the negative review, I decided to take a chance. This restaurant was as good or better than any Brazilian restaurant that I ate at in Brazil. The drinks, salad bar, soups & deserts were delicious AND the 14 meats - words can define the grilling perfection - makes my mouth water now. Vinnie our waiter was pleasant, cheerful, professional and 'top of the line' in serving us. I can not wait to return again.

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Rude Service & Bland Food
By Matt from Los Angeles, April 25, 2008

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I eat out often and have not had this bad of an attitude directed towards me at any establishment. Both the waitress and bar tender seemed anoyed to take my orders. The food was bland and plain meat. Other Brazilian places I've eaten at in LA use wood to cook their meat and they season it. This results in authentic Brazilian barbeque. This place is way off, and more expensive to boot!!

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