Texas de Brazil

Eversince the demise of Carmen's Brazilian Grill, we've been hankering for churrasco-style BBQ. J and I have even contemplated having swords of meat at our wedding, no lie. We've since taken another approach on catering for our upcoming nuptials but the lure of all-you-can-eat meat was ignited again with the opening of Texas de Brazil.

Yes it's a chain, and yes it's in Crossgates Mall but the experience was surprisingly pleasant. It's unique and there's nothing like it around here. At $42.99 per person, it's more of a special occasion treat for us but it's AYCE meat plus side salads and appetizers. Stop by before 7pm and treat yourself to a $5 Happy Hour Caipirinha. Say it with me---ky-pee-ree-nyah. It's a deliciously addicting and refreshing cocktail made with lime and Brazilian cachaca, a sugar cane spirit. 

You can easily make a meal out of the salad bar but all you can eat is about balance right? You'll find a full spread of sides and salads: various charcuterie, marinated artichokes, olives, cheeses, and vegetables and even poached salmon and spicy crab sushi rolls. Why sushi? I have no idea.

What's Cooking?

Having a bad day? Stop by The Meat House and treat yourself to some of the best steak you'll ever have, if not THE BEST. Throw it on the grill and your inner carnivore will thank you for life. It's THAT good. We found a new found love for grilled steak thanks to The Meat House. The quality of the steaks are above and beyond that of your average supermarket's. The best steak is as simple as olive oil, salt, and pepper and that meat just melts in your mouth. *drool* In the past, we were always hesitant to spend a little extra on meat, but we've now seen the light at the end of tunnel and are addicted! As much as we love going out, sometimes treating ourselves to a good 'ole steak on the grill is just as good. 

The best steak sandwich we've ever made was with Meat House steak. The butcher gave us a sample of their house marinated steak tips and were hooked from that day forth. It was unbelievably tender, delicious, and flavorful. Add your steak tips to a grilled focaccia roll with a schmear of tangy goat cheese, pickled red onions (just soak slices of onions in some rice wine vinegar and sugar), and grilled shrimp and man will your belly be happy. This surf 'n turf sandwich is out of the world. Inspired by The Illium Cafe's own surf 'n turf sandwich (a combo of marinated sliced filet, grilled shrimp, blue cheese-garlic herb butter, roasted red peppers, and arugula on foccacia), our homemade version is just as kick-ass. Last night's version was made with a strip steak but we definitely recommend the marinated steak tips. The meat sweats have never been better. -R

What's Cooking?

Does salad for dinner sound whimpy? Not when you have a grill. 

Let me blow your mind: try grilling your romaine lettuce. Say what? Trust me, try it, and thank me later. There's something about getting a smoky char on lettuce that somehow brings out its inherent sweetness and elevates a salad to a whole new level. I usually just dress with olive oil, salt, and pepper. I call the grill J's second girlfriend and grilling lettuce is a perfect way to get some greens in him while satisfying his need to set things on fire.  

Naturally, a grilled steak pairs well with grilled lettuce. I decided to try Chrissy Teigen's recipe for Thai Beef Salad (Yum Nua). Nevermind the fact that she's a supermodel, but the girl loves bacon as much as I do and she is half Thai.I'd like to pretend that we are long lost sisters but I am no model,am Viet, and not engaged to John Legend but to an equally dashing guy. Props to Chrissy and her blog, So Delushious! It's a hilarious read. 

I had a few missing ingredients (cilantro, thai chili powder, tomatoes) but even without them,  just dressing the meat made for a super flavorful but light dish overall. Salty, sweet, and spicy. What more could you want? Didn't even need extra dressing on the salad, and you don't miss it either. On a whim, I decided to add mint to the salad which gave it another delightful herby dimension. 

Give grilled lettuce a try and let me know what you think. Happy grilling. -R