Portuguese BBQ
Ds
Bessie 
GC No way! I guess I need to do more cardio to prepare for this place. I know it's probably not similar to southern BBQ but any wood grilled (please let it be) BBQ is welcome.
Keep bringing more unique joints like this and we may have a rejuvenation of downtown and turn it into a restaurant row. That would be awesome!
emaxxman 
JessM. NICE......................I agree emaxxman. the more restaurants sin an area the more the draw. More stores will follow.
Christine The writing on the paper around the window says "Brazilian rodizio". Either way, that's a charcoal non-smoked kind of BBQ. The Portuguese would be like what the Long Valley place Liola's used to do. Rodizio is more like slow rotisserie of marinated meats. I agree on the change of pace and look forward to it as well as the new one moving into the old El Paraiso. But very, very different from southern style smoked BBQ.
Had great Portuguese style food last weekend in PA north of Marshall's Creek. Very good and huge portions.
Marinated meats cooked over charcoal. Pretty lean stuff for meats :) Sounds great.
Christine, is that Portuguese BBQ in Washington Boro still around?
iJay If they use real charcoal, be prepared for a lot of smoke in the neighborhood.
I wish them well, though.....
jjmonth4 GC - You just made me even happier. Brazilian rodizio rocks. I wonder if it will be the "eat till your body bursts" type place? I went to one named "Rios" in Nazareth, PA. They gave you a coaster with green on one side and red on the other. Green meant keep the meat coming. The meal came with a salad bar; not one of us went for salad.
Jay - The place in Washington closed about a year ago. :(
Glad to hear about the new place.
Calico696 emaxxman - Tell me something I *don't* know.
Las Vegas. Brazilian rodizio = Yollies. Salad nothing. Eat till you drop with table side custom service advice that you know enough not to deny. And then they ask you for dessert. You're totally screwed if you don't know to ask for the fried bananas. It's not on the menu. Your waiter slyly pauses and gets a smirk on his face when you ask for it. He knows you've been there before. He casually says "yes, we do have that." He continues to explain they don't put it on the menu "or everyone would ask for it". When it arrives he beams with pride at serving them and admits he'll have some himself a bit later.
You retell a story of how a client of yours took you there almost 10 years ago, stayed for almost 4 hours, ordered the bananas and the cook literally ordered his assistant to go out to the store to buy bananas because they were out. The 30 minute wait wasn't even a factor because it was well known to be worth it. Both you and your waiter already known he was serving you that day 10 years ago. He not only remembers but mentions "yes, that was the oil field gentlemen from California. They were in last month."
Now that's service. The day we were there we were taking out client, and he knew us again two years later when our client returned.
Yummm ~ very happy to hear about this new restaurant ~ if it is as explained above you've got to try the Portuguese Potato Salad ~ salivating now :p
happy2bhere Thanks Calico. I was there a couple times.
Anyway, a Brazilian BBQ in Hackettstown is good news, can't wait to try it.
iJay3 
mjoe I tried the place in Long Valley, Liola's...Didn't get the BBQ part. I guess I was thinking American. So many restaurants on Main St. that are not making it. I can't keep track of what's new, what moved.
Firefly No Radizio (Buffet style) please.. I would rather pay few more $ for quality BBQ. Eat like a king doesn’t mean stuff myself with junk. I would like to see quality food that cared for.. Not quantity that fill your stomach.
Razz Razz - Unlimited does not mean buffet. Rodizio is quality food that is served table side to order.
Firefly - Exactly what I was saying about the "non-smoke" kind of BBQ. In America we have the concept of southern style smoked meats. Portuguese or Brazilian is an entirely different animal with a totally different taste.
Yes I know that now. It was disappointing to say the least.
Here is a question..There are several ( maybe 4 or more) small restaurants on Main St that seem to keep changing hands or changing the type of food. What makes the new owner think they can make a success of the location when others fail? What will it take for one of those locations to be successfull and still open after a year?
Firefly, Liola's was a BBQ, just not an American BBQ -- a Portuguese BBQ.
I attached a picture of a Brazilian BBQ. Good stuff.
I love good American BBQ (which there is little around here).
One has to realize that BBQ is not limited to the USA, there are various types around the world.
I agree FF......they keep changing hands and we cannot keep up with it. I go get my favorites and a month later its different owner, different food alltogether.
FF/Christine - I can only think of three places (not 4 or more) that have changed hands more than once over the past 10 years since I've been here. And one of those didn't change cuisines until just recently (ie the 3 incarnations of the Turkish place where the family was dealing with cancer).
To me the issue is too much competition for the type of food - you either have to be different or you have to be better. Something like rodizio is quite different and has a chance. It's more like a steakhouse than existing restaurants.
Brazilian BBQ would have gone great in the Charlie Brown's building, but no matter where it is, its welcomed!
I agree emaxxman - restaurant row...and pub/bar row! Tables on the sidewalks...a little music here and there... I wish!
Part of the plan filed for Charlie Brown's calls for restoring the outside area. So it may not be quite a whole row of places, but it may at least partially come true.
YES! It is gorgeous inside! They put loads of money in there. Looking to open soon!
Portuguese BBQ in Washington closed awhile ago. If it is anything like ELM Street BBQ in Newark the place will be great.
Drove by yesterday and saw all the tables were set up with dishes, glasses,etc. The sign said BBQ & Rodizio. Should be any day now.
kb2755 Let the reviews begin. I intend on going within the next few weeks after they get the kinks out (Chrystal Swan).
Eat in and take out right? I looked at the BID website and I don't see anything, did I miss something? If not, the BID is asleep at the wheel again; I guess they are enjoying time off...
iJay - You missed that BID isn't in the restaurant business. Why would they know before the business does unless they owned it? They aren't the one that's asleep. (again)
WOW ijay always blaming the BID! The are having a soft opening to work the kinks out.
Christine, ok "soft" opening...
GC, do you care on commenting on the following link?
http://www.hackettstownbid.com/restaurants/
iJay - What's the need to comment? It's a list of businesses. Where's your list and how much tabs do you keep on it? You run the businesses as much as the BID does. If a business doesn't tell the BID, may have even not known they got their inspection approvals so didn't plan on a weekend opening, why would that make it the BID's fault and iJay the judge?
I don't know, maybe some better coordination...
There have been businesses in the past that have not been initially promoted by the BID.
Again, it does not matter WHAT type of business they are; as long as they are within the BID district where extra taxes are paid by the property owner.
The classic excuse "If A does not tell B, B is absolved". Come on GC, you run a private business right. Maybe if there was tighter communications, more back and forth?
iJay2 - generally the BID is the last to know. The building owners know the BID is here and you would think that in the effort to have a steady tenant they would encourage them to contact us, but in general they don't. The BID now shares office space with the zoning officer and when he gets info on a new business, he passes the info to us and we reach out.
Oh and some businesses do NOT want publicity when they first open up so they can get the operations running smoothly before they do their Grand Opening. So, to say the least there is no set pattern. Once we have the businesses info, we update the website and contact them via email, etc. to give them a hand and offer them what we can. Oh and I am working on a business change form so that we can get a better system.
If you haven't noticed our FB page and webpage has new updates almost daily on things going on with BID Businesses so hopefully that will help out. And yes, the BID page needs more updates and I'm working as fast as I can. But, it doesn't get updated until we get confirmation of the information.
Basically, I personally do everything I can to help our town businesses thrive and I know Jim does too, but as they saying goes "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink"...
trekster3 Trekster we need to realize that some people will never be happy nor like the BID and Jay is one of them. I myself refuse to waste my breath anymore. You explained it well and I am sure he will come up with some rebuttal to keep it going. SMH
Correct. As a commercial owner (not in this town) I am biased towards any additional taxes. I am against it...
iJay - Come on, you'd just pass it along to your renter and wouldn't care like anyone else. Since you're "not in this town", you've got other bias than just the taxes.
More or less true, but if the BID was funded via private money and staffed by volunteers I would have nothing but praise for it...
darlughh iJay did you know that there are more volunteers on HBID then there are paid employees? I know you dont care but I do!
"I am biased"
"if the BID was funded via private money"
This says it all. The BID is 100% private money, collected by the town but paid 100% from private funds that no tax payer is involved. It may not be all volunteer, which you don't personally seem to participate (so where is your own volunteerism?), but it's the choice of the businesses involved. What is so wrong about it isn't running away from it, it's not running it.
so is the restaurant open for food? Lunch, dinner? Anybody eat there? how are the prices? is it the old pickle bills or dimao's?? thanks
acl76 iJay - Not a single joke. I didn't say I knew if you volunteered or not, my question was where your volunteerism was, which you are entirely free to discuss. I do how ever know most of the people at the BID. If you volunteer, feel free to tell me which one you are.
The "joke" was directed towards the "private" money issue. When one is forced to "give" then it is not "private" money, it is a tax. The BID monies are collected via a special tax. It is about freedom of choice. The property owners within the "special district" are forced to pay (and turn over to their tentants, although some may own/run businesses).
Ultimately, it is "passed" onto the consumer -- let's be real. It may be a few pennies per ice cream cone, but it is passed on...
Regarding my volunteerism, that is something that I get personal satisfaction from doing and would never bring it up in detail on a public forum for multiple reasons...
I will say that my parents, once retired, average (averaged) 900+ hours per year. I might be 1/10 that amount but I am busy making $$ :)
When I am retired NOT pulling a public pension I anticipate volunteering 600+ hours per year, but probably not in this town :_)
ACL: I dont know. they topic took a turn here.. anyway.. i would like to try it at some point.. yum yum i hope!
FYI, Called and confirmed the information from the Website (under construction) -- Yes, they are open and if they want to do a Grand Opening, they will let us know : )
Churrascaria Hackettstown Paladar
105 Main St., Hackettstown, NJ, 07840
Hackettsown, NJ 07840
(908) 813-1700
Churrascaria Hackettstown Paladar Hours:
Sunday: 12:00–9:00 pm
Monday–Thursday: 11:00–10:00 pm
Friday, Saturday: 11:00–11:00 pm
http://www.letseat.at/churrascariahackettstownpaladar
Wendy @ HKT BID 
Myangel3842 It is a BYOB. Ate there last weekend and it was delicious. Had a full chicken and ribs with rice, beans, french fries and salad, fed my family of 4 adults & 2 kids. One of the owners was there and was very friendly. I believe that meal was like $28-$30..not sure. Definitley should try it!
We ordered take out last night, had the Beef skewer, BBQ Spare Ribs full order, BBQ Whole Chicken, Half order. Called in order, allow 45 min. 908-813-1700 They were very busy. All of the food ordered was very good, top notch. The owner was very friendly. The place is very clean, large portions and The best BBQ we have had in Warren County. Menu is on the web site. We wish them lots of success, and will be regular customers.
BevBighead Wow, looks like the best thing to hit Main in a long time and the BID had nothing to do with it...
Just picked up a menu form there today after pciking my husband's shoes from Anthony. Smelled wonderful in there:) We had a great BBQ place near where we used to live and miss it dearly. Can't wait to try them:)
blackcat Ds - It's as good as the two other reviews already given. The ribs are crisp but not dried. The chicken is juicy and fall off the bone. A 1/2 chicken 1/2 ribs combo for $15 feeds three with all of the fries, white rice, beans and a half loaf of very nice artisan bread. Only thing I will say is I should remember to get Spanish rice instead of just plain white.
Rodizio must be a sin there. How could you say no when yet another skewer gets delivered?? ;-)
Inside its got looks that match the food. That is one heck of a piece of good looking granite, I wouldn't mind knowing where that came from. About six tables and very professional staff the way you want a small but good place to be.
Thinking of trying it this weekend! Thanks for the review GC. What else do you recommend?
Spanish rice GC? The rice, beans, etc. is prepared in a manner from Brasil which I find very nice as is...
Overall great food and service. I envision doing a lot of takeout of the chicken.
An excellent addition to Hackettstown!
Christine - Haven't been there enough to run through the whole menu, but I'm sure going to try the chorizo. But when all the meats are great, I doubt there's much on the menu I would say to stay away from. The combo came with a bunch of stuff and it was all good. I think it's just which is better than the other.
If you're eating in, I would say the choice is simple - just say "rodizio" and keep it coming until you can't eat any more. And eat light on the sides, you don't want to skimp on the unlimited meat. ;-)
Only six tables? That's a little odd. Is it primarily take-out then? Can really take out rodizio.
It was OK. Did Combo take out, won't again.
I'll go back to try something else this weekend.
MikeL The Rodizio is pricey but worth it due to the high quality of meats. But for the same price two could share 1/2 skewer of meat with sides as a more reasonable caloric count meal.
Not too many tables but quite a few seats on the "bar" counter (no bar though, BYOB) for those inclined to sit there...
Calico - Six good sized tables is not all that odd if your market it is upscale and intimate. You can take out a skewer of churrascaria at a time even if you can't do rodizio - that's the why there are the two menus on the web site. One eat in explaining the rodizio, and the take out one where you order a skewer.
Thanks for the info Jay. That's good to know about the bar, even if it's a "dry bar". :)
What is the price for the rodizio?
blackcat - Could you possibly scan and post the menu? They don't seem to have a website.
Calico - Yes, they do have a site, that's why I referred to the menus there.
http://www.letseat.at/churrascariahackettstownpaladar/menu
Rodizio for adults is $28.95.
Calico, I saw a lot of BYOB action so it isn't dry :) Six packs are definitely welcome...
The menu is posted as a PDF on the link above and below:
http://www.letseat.at/churrascariahackettstownpaladar/menu
Thanks GC. We actually were posting at the same time. When I looked at the website that Wendy posted earlier, the menu wasn't on there yet. $28.95 is not bad at all IMO.
My wife and I ate there Saturday night, arrived at 5:20pm and were immediately seated. The tables are all huge and it feels awkward sitting at a huge table with two. The owner was the person who sat us and took our order. We ordered the shrimp in garlic sauce as an appertizer and the chicken and rib combo and the chicken milanese. We waited about 45 minutes for the appetizer only to find out our app was given to another table. You would think that table would have said we didn't order this. The owner came over and apoligized to us for the mishap telling us that he didn't expect so much business and that he had to have his sister and another relative come in that day to help out. They did a huge amount of take out while we were there and seemed to be more focused on that. A table of four came in around a half hour after us and they all ordered rodizio and were eating shortly thereafter. We finally got out of there at about 7:20pm. The food was fantastic and will go back again but they have some kinks to still work out. The owner is involved with everything going on and I believe he is stretched to thin, needs to give up some control to other workers there. I can understand as it is his place and wants to make sure everything goes as smooth as possible. I broke my own rule of not going to new places for about a month to let them work the kinks out so I guess that was expected. Just my opinion here, I think the place will be a huge success.
kb... what's up with that other table. They thought an order of Garlic Shrimp was on the house? Shame on them...
Calico,
It was tasty but the chicken must have been a cornish game hen.
Very small portion and the ribs had little meat on them.
I'm sure part of the problem is my fault. I ordered & was delayed
picking up so the fries were soggy & way too much rice.
That said - I do want to try some other dishes on site.
I do believe it has potential. Don't not go because of my 1st experience.
MikeL - My combo had plenty of meat, it was just overwhelmed with the amount of the sides with it. Takeout fries are a problem everywhere, they have to be fresh or they fade fast.
GC;
Perhaps I caught them at the wrong time. I realize they just opened,
& more than willing to give it another shot!
I really do hope this works, I can walk there with my drink of choice.
I ordered take out of the half rack of ribs. The flavor was amazing but some were really tough and chewy. I think they nuked them to reheat. I will go back @ dinner and see if it is better in terms of tenderness. Other than that, the atmosphere is great. I will certainly miss DiMaios but the transformation inside is incredible. I wish them luck.
myangel3842 - You can see the rotisserie as they work. I was watching them finish my meal as I paid at the bar. They definitely do not microwave.
Hello My friends at the BBQ
I see your doing well I'm so happy for you. Don't forget, you have to make the yellow rice.
Vicente & Nancy Gc. I sat there my food didn't come from the grills. Came from the back. Was about two pm.
I had high hopes for this restaurant...I lived near the Ironbound area in Newark and they were definitely more generous in prices as well as in the amount of food they gave. I went to the restaurant on Main street....it took 1hr. and 10 minutes to get the order out. When i got home...i literally had 13 french fries , little rice and chicken that was tasteless as well as the pork . The rice was soggy and so were the fries.
Very dissapointed...the owner is very nice but the flavors and service need much improvement. He had two of his kids standing around doing absolutley nothing, while others were rushing around! Then when they did feel like working the girl threw my order on the bar and turned around.
For $15.00 I would probably be better off buying chinese.
Anavogue I visited them and was not impressed. I had the mixto dish (pork, beef and shrimp) - I got the meat (which was overcooked and not very flavorful) and potatoes (which came from a bag which I presume was frozen). I sat at the bar since it was just me and the waiter couldn't keep up with me and a table for two that was already there - he didn't have a flow and consistently went back and forth ~ example: place mats down with silverware - runs to do something else; comes back with napkins. Glass for water down - runs to do something else; fills the water glass and gives me bread - runs to do something else; I catch him on the fly and ask for butter -- runs to do something else and brings back olives -- have to ask for the butter again. How much running around does one do with only three patrons?!? Chalk it up to lack of experience and hopefully they will work the kinks out.
Note to Owners: Cook things fresh - not frozen and add some flavor to the food - train your waitstaff and don't micromanage. This could be a very sweet place ~ good luck!
One more thing on the Note above ~ when you put a new chicken on the rotisserie to cook, PLEASE make sure you've cleaned it (the rotisserie) from the previous use - I could see the pieces of chicken still on the metal. Salmonella is NOT a pleasant experience for anyone ~ : )
I stopped in for take out Saturday evening. Ordered the chicken and pork rib combo along with fried plantains. I had never been there when it was the pizza place but the new decor was really nice. It was busy but not packed (A few empty tables along with a couple at the bar). Spoke to the owner who was very nice.
I thought the meat was well seasoned. My biggest complaint as mentioned above was with the small portions. A few pieces of meat, even less rice in a VERY shallow metal pan. Still no yellow rice?? Fries weren't as soggy as I expected though. My wife who is Spanish was craving fried plantains. When I got the order home she opened the container and it was fried bananas...Grrrr!!
I probably wouldn't know the difference but she knew right away.
We also love the Ironbound section in Newark for this type of food. When visiting friends nearby in North Arlington, NJ one of our favorite places for a quick $14 chicken/rib combo with good portions is Columbia BBQ restaurant:
http://belleville.patch.com/listings/columbia-bbq-restaurant
Hopefully the new owners here on Main St can work out the kinks. We'll be back soon for another try.
Vic Vic,
What is Columbia style BBQ, as opposed to Portuguese?
And is that Columbia, as in South Carolina? Or is it supposed to be Colombia, as in South America? I do see that it's spelled with a U, so I'm very curious...
Lori...since '73 Lori - Columbia, spelled with a u is the name of the restaurant. Click on the link.
Psssst, I see how they spelled it, that's why I'm asking for clarification :)
Hi Lori,
I don't get the name either however it's like a portuguese bbq. No bbq sauce is added to the meat. In fact they have the same type of rotisserie setup as the place on Main St grilling the meat directly over the hot coals.
ok Vic, thanks for clearing that up as much as you could. Big difference between BBQ w/sauce and without!
Food is awesome! Check it out, but don't be in a rush! The food is all made to order, not like most of the restaurants around that have stuff already prepared. Great atmosphere and they will make you sangria with the wine you bring!
snookycookie Decided to try Churrascaria Paladar tonight for Father's Day dinner. We were very impressed and will definately be going back. Dinner started with bread & butter and olives. Just before the meats started coming out, they brought rice and black beans, a large portion of french fries, fried yucca and fried bananas, collards greens and another side - possibly Portugese potato salad(it was good!). They served a nice variety of meats, all cooked to perfection. They came around offering seconds and then thirds. And of course, the true end of Rodizio is the pineapple with cinnamon/sugar. We even got seconds on that and had to decline thirds. We left there absolutely stuffed!
We arrived at 5pm and were seated promptly. All six tables were filled and when we left at 7pm, quite a few people were waiting to be seated. There were also a good handful of people coming in to pick up take out orders.
I wish the owners great good luck!!
lizzy458 The food is wonderful!!! The place is across from the old Ford dealership. We went on Sat night had to wait for about 30min for a table but so worth it. The food was so hot and taste so fresh. We had a little of all the meats, beef, chicken, pork sausage and pineapple with brown sugar \and cinnamon hot off the grill sliced at our table. The owner serves the skewers at each table and so friendly. We couldn't believe the prices so reasonable. Its worth the wait. Also BYOB, the entire staff is greatt look for the chef with the handlebar mustache.
Sandie The pineapple is the best! The sugar carmelizes on the outside. It's hot all the way though. Actually when the chef brought it out, it was still sizzling on the skewer. I could make a meal on that alone!
cbel Stupid question... for the all you can eat. When it says $26..(Recommended for 2 people) does that mean the total is $26 or do you each pay that? Wasn't clear to me.
myangel, I was wondering the same thing but was afraid to ask. thanks for being brave.
great in the meadows ouch.. not sure I liked my takeout enough to splurge on that.. hmmm. Might rethink dinner plans.
myangle3842 just wanted to make sure you understand, there is no all you can eat take out, the bbq sugested for two 26.95, is enought food to feed two. eat in or take out two can share for 26.95. the ridizio is per person, thats all you can eat at a table. we have tried almost everything, its wonderful and worth the money. try the full order of ribs or whole chicken 15.00 plenty for two to eat.
Ok I meant that when I got take out the other night..
Ok so if I go out tonight and we order the $26.95 it is meant for 2 people? Then how much is the Ridizio Per person???
myangel3842 - The $26.95 skewer definitely is meant for two people. The Rodizio is $28.95 per adult ($14.48 for kids) and is more food per person than splitting one skewer - it's unlimited.
The "skewer" is actually a 1/2 skewer that is listed for 2 people; it really is for 2 people. The Rodizio (or unlimited) is for the heavy hitters. You had better be hungry to order this.
I actually thought I would give our review as well. We try all new places in the area an usually we do not have the best of luck. However, I have to say the food was very good. We selected takeout because of the kids. The chicken was not dry, very moist. Ribs were cooked well but they need to have a little more seasoning. Certain parts had a lot of seasoning some had none. Usually with this type of food the rice is pilaf style but this is plain white rice. It could have a little more flavor but not dry like chinese rice. They sure give you tons of food.
Here is the only down side. The two people I dealt with did not speak a word of english. It was a little frustrating placing a order. My husband asked for fried cheese and we got something really weird and there was no cheese in it. I think there was just a communication problem on that item.
Overall I would give it a 7 out of 10. Would I go back? The answer is yes. For the price and what you get you can easily feed your whole family for a reasonable price. Decor inside is very nice and very very clean.
I wish the owners the best of luck as I know it is hard to succeed in this town. I am sure they will do fine.
Summernico Bergey and I ate here tonight. Rare night out alone. We both had the Rodizio. When we walked in I was taken aback form the decor. It is nothing like it was. We wen early as both of us did not eat lunch and were starving. we were seated very promptly. Our water glasses were filled right away and bread and menus were brought to us. 3 other couples were in there. The rice and beans were excellent, the tomato vinagrette was great, the collard greens were delightful, fried bananas were excellent (not plantains which was fine for me) and the rodizio WOW! Hot, fresh and good. The only thing I would change was things were a little too salty for us. We are NO SALT diet people. We are very sensitive to it though. Next time I wil just tell them do not add salt. It was definitely alot of food. We had to tell him to stop bringing it. I did however want dessert and he had only passion fruit rice pudding (Bergey had) and was really good. I had the standard pineapple it was delish. We got dessert and cappuccino on the house. I would definitely go back. The owner was the one who seated us served us and made sure everything was up to par. Everyone spoke english and were very attentive. I highly recommend them. I put them up there with Pandan Room in service and quality. Another great addition to our town IMO! When we left the place got packed......
Reducing salt is a problem as it is the main seasoning for anything cooked over the charcoal. If you order the 1/2 skewer they could cut it back to just the salt on the rack, but not for the all you can eat as the skewer is shared.
I have asked for reduced salt before in other restauratns and never had a problem. All I can do is ask. If they cannot then I will order something that can. We were the only ones eating the Rodizio at the time. I did notice the owner went around and was offering some samples to the other tables. They were thrilled with the offer and said next time they are having that.
If they get busy they could easily mess up the skewers (salt versus no salt).
But true, you could ask and see what they say and how they could reliably accomplish it...
They seem very approachable, so asking would not be a problem...
My neighbors and I had the Rodizio last evening and it was amazing! We arrived very close to "closing time" and felt a bit guilty, but the waitstaff was very welcoming and treated us like the dinner hour had just begun!
We were very impressed with the service, the decor and most importantly the food. Everything was cooked to perfection and there wasn't one item that I was served that I didn't like. We will definitely be back!
Foodie Fanatic Big fan of rodizio, Fernandes Steakhouse in Newark is the standard I go by. Any other rodizio veterans try their stuff and care to comment? Also, how's the sangria? And hopefully they are serving traditional yellow rice and sides, not white like I read above. The horror. Looking forward to giving them a try if they can cut the mustard.
Bruin Wish they would take the creepy long curtains out of the windows....not very inviting, which is a shame based on all the fabulous reviews.
We wouldn't even go in with the way it looks from the outside, but will now give it a try.
gen3Townie Bruin, I have been to Fernandes a few times. You will enjoy the meats, give it a shot.
My husband and I love this place! We have gone several times and each time is better then the last! Must try if you already havent. We only wish that it was bigger seating is tight on satuarday nights! Great work Churrascaria Paladar !!!
I don't find the long curtains in the window creepy at all. In fact, it adds to the atmosphere once inside. Now that I think about it Prickly Pear has them also.
We had an excellent meal there recently. Garlic shrimp appetizer was terrific and a very large portion. $12. I don't know what our main dish was called, but it was essentially a mixed grill for 2 for $29.95. There were 2 pieces of a bunch of different meats. All were terrific. Lots of side dishes including rice and french fries (huge) portion, beans, and a really nice tomato/onion salsa.
The service was great - they were on top of making sure everything was right, and they were nicely accommodating without being too overbearing. Just right decor: it felt like a nice meal out without feeling like we had to "dress up".
I think this is a great restaurant for town. It's authentic "ethnic" food at very reasonable prices. I agree with the person who said they'd like to see Main St. become restaurant row. Bars, too, please. :-) It would transform Main St. all for the good! Churrascaria Paladar is an excellent start!
Bit late in resurrecting this thread. My wife and I went there this past Sunday and met up with friends who have been there before. WOW, what a gem. We had Ridizio x 4 and it was outstanding. Meal began with the Shrimp in garlic appetizer, one order was plenty for 4 of us. Because we all had the Ridizio they brought out Potatoes, rice, beans, fried banana's, Yucca, polenta and a really nice tomato & onion salsa family style. We managed to get through about 6-8 courses of various meats, each one distinctive and prepared well. Even my wife who is very particular like it, though some of the rarer beef pieces she passed over to me to finish.
The meal was not rushed, the wait staff was very friendly. We asked to slwo the pace a little at one point and they gladly did. When the four of us go out, its more about talking and enjoying each other company over a nice meal, and this was the perfect place to enjoy a nice relaxed dinner..
Its BYOB, so our friends brought a couple of bottle of red wine. A Cabernet was good for the meal, but they also brought a more full bodied Portuguese red that was actually much better. I like beer with dinner and brought a couple of different Flying Fish with me, the Cru was good but the IPA was better.
This is not the place to bring a vegan, but if you or your friends are carnivores you need to get here.
The ladies ordered a Napoleon for dessert and they brought us some grilled pineapple, rolled in brown sugar and cinnamon that was just a perfect finish to a great meal.
Highly recommend. This is the kind of place that makes living in town so nice.
Agust "Because we all had the Ridizio they brought out Potatoes, rice, beans, fried banana's, Yucca, polenta and a really nice tomato & onion salsa family style. "
Yeah, that's what all rodizio joints try to do... fill you up on cheap starches so you can't eat as much expensive meat. I never fall for that one anymore (-;
Very nice review though, Agust. Hopefully I can get up there soon. I love me some rodizio.
ianimal My wife and I ordered take out from here on Saturday night. After reading all the good reviews about this place we had good expections on getting good food. Unfortunaly the steak was OVER cooked ( not even a little pink in the center). The chicken was so DRY ( it just fell apart when you tryed to cut it). I have to say it was a wast of $$$ ordering from there unless you like your meat and chicken dry and over cooked!!!! I don't think I will be trying it again.
My wife and I went on Saturday at 5:00 PM. We sat at the bar, and the place was just about fill by 5:30 or so. She ordered the Tilapia, and said it was really good. But the star of the night was the pork skewer meal I had - probably the best cooked pork I ever had. All of the sides were good as well, especially the fried banana (or was it a plantain?). I only wish the place was larger, as I can see it may be difficult to get in for our next meal.
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