LOCATION
A moment away from Taylors Square on Oxford Street. Less than five minutes walk from the CBD.
DETAILS
South American dining with a twist, Churras offers a succulent Brazlian barbecue which takes you to the heart of Rio. Live South American music helps to set the scene.
PROFILED BY DEGROOTS MEDIA
It's not every day that you sit at a restaurant table only to be armed with your own set of tongs. However, as you'll find, this instrument comes in handy soon after your dining experience begins. Churras, which when translated is the slang equivalent of an Aussie barbie, provides a unique Brazilian method of service called rodizio, all for the set price of $35 per person. Ban-dander wearing, knife wielding gauchos (South American cowboys come waiters) present various kinds of roasted meat pierced on cooking skewers to your table whereby they skilfully carve off slices as is your want. And this is where your tongs come into the picture. Take hold of thick lamb ribs, chicken wrapped in bacon, chipolata pork sausages and juicy, pink beef. All in all, there are 14 different skewers of meat, including their signature marinated picanha sirloin, so make sure you pace yourself.
Each table is set with a colourful assortment of accompaniments that include such delicious things as traditional black beans, polenta cakes, fried banana, mandioca, salsa and lots of other exotic side dishes. To make sure you are not overwhelmed with food, a plaque is place on your table; one side red, one side green. Simply turn the plaque to green when you would like more churrasco, or red when you need a little break. When you've had your fill, refresh your palate with a slice of cinnamon-infused pineapple and while away your post-feast contentment to the soothing strumming of South American tunes. For a taste of Brazil in the heart of Sydney, Churras makes for a uniquely delicious alternative to mainstream dining in an upstairs restaurant oasis.
Annabel Wise, July 2008
