San Antonio.....Brazilian

San Antonio brings up a lot of thoughts; The Alamo, Texas, The Riverwalk, USAA, the Air Force and prosperity. "Brazilian" brings up different thoughts; Jesus on the Mountain, Carnaval, the Amazon River, beach volleyball, in internet jokes a number greater than a trillion and in thong bikini circles a special wax job. No where in any of these thoughts or recollections are the two associated.
We are visiting in San Antonio with my daughter Missy, who has only been here two months. Last night she suggested we go out to eat and found a place nearby called the Brazilian Steak House. It was an experience we all will remember a long time. No guys!!! Not many ladies serving. Their format is a central buffet salad bar which included marinated asparagus and artichoke hearts along with different kinds of lettuce, tomatoes, sliced onions, various cheeses, dried tomatoes and many kinds of dressings. I can't even begin to remember or describe everything they had but it was all fresh. Unless you had been before all you could say was "what is this?" as you walked around the bar.
After you finish your salad they bring common side dishes to the table while they are giving you clean plates. Garlic Potatoes, Fried Bananas, Fried Polento and some mini cheese bread rolls. There is a little card for each diner that when turned one way it says bring me meat and when turned the other it says "I am taking a break" or "I am through". The meats included lamb, chicken, pork, sausage and beef. Some were cooked whole like a shoulder and some were served bacon wrapped like filet and chicken. It would come on large double skewers from which they would slide or slice off a small portion, usually two to four bites worth. One of your utensils was a small set of ice cube tongs which you used to assist the server with your serving as he sliced it off. There was no limit as to what you ate and you were not required to try everything. If memory serves me well, remember I am a senior, there were twelve different meats and basically all were grilled or braised. The advantage of eating like this was variety first but just as important everything you ate was oven hot. I can honstly say that I didn't eat anything that wasn't delicious. Joyce was restless at first but when they started bringing out the meat we just loaded her up and she sat there and ate everything without once trying to get up.
No offense but I kept thinking that my son-in-law and his friend Kris could probably bankrupt this place in a week. We ate until we just didn't want anymore.
It was a little costlier than I am used to spending out for a meal. It ended up in total about $50.00 a person inclusive but it was well worth it. It was the only Brazilian Steakhouse any of us had ever eaten in. Next time Joyce and I come visit Missy you can guess where we will go eat. San Antonio Brazilian, has a nice ring to it don't you think?

It as an event that I just had to share

Even in trying times, life can really be good.

PAL