Rodizio Rico vs. Fogo de Chao and Texas de Brazil

Hmmm.. all you can eat meat. For all the meat eaters out there, there's the heaven of a nice steak, cooked the right way at a place like Morton's, and then there's a Churrascaria

We finally hit up Rodizio Rico for a nice Christmas dinner. Rodizio Rico has been recommended by a few people and it was time to find out what the fuss was all about. And would it even compare to my experiences in the good ol' States such as the fine establishments of Fogo and de Chao and Texas de Brazil?

First, the atmosphere had a nice rustic feel. It felt like going to someone house. Nice cedar wood ceilings wooden furniture, and the kitchen where all the grilling was taking place was part of the main dining room. It wasn't as elegant as Fogo or Texas de Brazil, and was a lot more informal.

Second, the service. To begin, in general, food service in London doesn't compare to the States. I think overall, you'll find that the food service in the States has a lot more emphasis on quality than it does in Europe. That said, being an all you can eat Churrascaria, I was hoping that the service would be top notch. And when I mean service, I mean, keep the meat coming! In Fogo and TdB you have this little paper coaster that on each side indicates: Green - keep the meat coming, and Red - okay stop, I'm full!

We entered the restaurant and the first thing I was looking for were these "give me meat indicators." And none were to be found!

Typically, at Fogo and TbB, I have to keep up with the waiters and my plate slowly fills up with all this meat! But you know what, the waiters had to keep up with me! My mates in Chicago would be proud! I was literally sitting there, waiting for these guys to come around! I guess I was use to be spoiled with a bunch of these waiters running around with all these cuts of meat and you just get so overwhelmed! But to be honest, there were only a couple guys running around. And to honest, grill oven wasn't that huge. I could see about 10-15 skewers going at a time?

So that said, what about the meat? If you had to compare the cuts of beef they had to offer, it doesn't compare to Fogo and TdB. The variety of choice of cuts wasn't impressive, but that said, it was still tasty! They had the typical cuts of beef and pork ribs, garlic steak, pork, leg of lamb, chicken wrapped in bacon, Chicken wings, and even chicken hearts! The critical cut that I absolutely miss were the lamb chops! The salad bar was decent, it wasn't as big as what I'm use to, but it still had a nice selection including cous cous which goes great with lamb! Overall, I thought there was going to be more choices for cuts but overall it was OK. I was still satisfied and excited about the whole experience mainly because it has been a while since I was in a Churrascaria.

I think its hard for London to compete in food experiences versus the States. Of course I'm a bit biased with my past experiences with Fogo and TdB but I would still recommend Rodizio anyday! I think the funny part of the night was when the waitress kept asking to take our plates, when in fact, we were patiently waiting for more cuts of meat! I think she asked 3-4 times! That's what happens when they don't have those "give me meat indicators!" I wonder how its really like in a true Churrascaria in Brazil! Maybe next year? =)