Mountain Views News          Saturday, September 25, 2010

GOOD FOOD & DRINK

8

Mountain Views News Saturday, September 25, 2010

Brazil in Burbank

 As I sauntered into the restaurant and gazed to my right, there 
against the wall sat two guys wearing tall black cowboy hats with 
ornate gaucho (cowboy) shirts and pointed toe boots. I did not want 
to stare them down before I had my supper. Besides, they wore their 
black hats with a slight tilt upward and I took that as a proclamation 
of peace. I knew I was lucky, for they were not wearing their holsters 
and their horses were nowhere in sight. I was certain that this Gene 
Autry fan should have been wearing his white hat. I had not found 
myself in a Hollywood set or Texas saloon, I was in a churrascaria in 
Burbank, a Brazilian Steak House. The Brazilians must love the idea 
of bountiful dining, because the Brazilian restaurants that I come across are, almost always, 
all you can eat. 

 For this grub-rustle, I traveled to Picanha in Burbank. The night started well as I was easily 
able to locate street parking, but if you go on a weekend night, I suggest going to one of many 
city-parking structures around town. The restaurant was about half-full, which is good for a 
Sunday night. Picanha’s room is divided in two by an oval-shaped salad bar with the cook in 
the middle of the station watching the tender meats slowly turning upon the fire. 

 The Brazilian Steakhouse has an interesting concept that has become very fashionable over 
the last few years. They first get you warmed up with the salad bar and bring you some very 
tasty little cheese and bread balls. You will find over 20 hot and cold items at the salad bar, 
including a fettuccini. Rein in that appetite, pardner, and don’t pull those pistols yet. I would 
never load up on the salad bar when you know there’s a parade of meats soon to be ushered 
to your table. 

 If the gauchos are busy and rushed and did not get a chance to ask you if this is your first 
time, you may see them come out and slice some piece of gorgeous meat at the table next to 
you, then visit that same table and give them another selection of meat while your plate sits 
barren of meat. They are not avoiding you, but you did miss something. On your table is a 
three-inch high piece of wood, one end is green and one end is red. Yes, one end is for ‘go’ and 
the other is ‘stop’. Flip that green end up and the meats will begin to roll up to your table like 
an old fashioned chuck wagon. Once we flipped, we didn’t have to wait long for the gaucho-
garbed servers to come by with the selections of meats. The gaucho will offer you the singed 
selection on his long metal stake. He then makes a cut along this deliciously looking piece 
of meat with a sharp knife until it is ready to tumble off the meat, but you come to its rescue 
with your tongs and snatch the freshly cut slice from the air. Some of the selections that are 
offered in their parade of meats are: Pork Loin, Skirt Steak, a very tasty chicken drumstick, 
leg of lamb, and my favorite, the petit filet mignon. I was full within twenty minutes, but you 
can also go back to the salad bar and get more side items, including dessert, and of course the 
meats will continue to come to your table as long as the green side of the block is up. 

 Of all the meats that are offered, the garlic chicken offered the most abundance of flavors. 
The food checks in at ($27.50) for all you can eat. I think this is great deal. They aren’t going 
to let you have all you can eat at The Arroyo Chop House for that kind of price. Of course, it is 
not the same cut of beef, but you definitely get your money’s worth here. Another plus tipping 
my review to a positive note, was the owner of the restaurant was there, walking around, 
making sure everyone was happy and full. He didn’t know 
me from Adam, but he came by about three times to make 
certain all was going well.

 Yes, this is a novelty, and if you are into lots of food, check 
it out!!! 

 Consider me one satisfied cowboy! Now, if I could just fit 
into those chaps!

Picanha Brazilian Grill and Bar, 269 E. Palm Ave,. 
Burbank, (818) 972-2100

 

Join me Sundays at 5 PM for my Radio Show 
on Talk Radio 790 KABC . 

Call in number is (800) 222-5222. 

Email : thechefknows@yahoo.com 


Cafe322 - 322 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. - Sierra Madre, CA 91024 
- Phone (626) 836-5414 Fax: (626) 836-5787 


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YoGamaDreNew students only.
Limited time offer.
The Pasadena 
Wine Festival

Los Angeles Arboretum 

Saturday October 9, 2010 

2:00 pm to 10 pm.

Fun Stuff you 
can Expect at the 
Festival: 

•Stroll the grounds 
of the beautiful 
Arboretum and 
Botanical Garden

•Tram Tours of the 
entire 127 Acres

•Experience wines from California and 
around the world

•Learn about and taste cheeses from 
California and beyond

•Dine at communal tables while enjoying 
your wine or scope an area underneath 
one of the umbrellas

•Challenge your friends for a game of 
Bocci Ball, Horse Shoes, Ultimate golf 
challenge or just throw around the Frisbee

•Most of all RELAX with friends on the 
Arboretum's grass while enjoying some 
vino and listening to some of the area 
most renowned musical artist—from jazz 
to funk, to blues and salsa

•Bring blankets or beach chairs and enjoy 
the experience under the stars