Went to Brazzaz this past weekend. Booked a reservation. When our party arrived, we were seated promptly, which scores points right off the bat. How many times have you had to wait at a restaurant, even with a reservation--pet peeve of mine. \r
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The restaurant is well-decorated, with great lighting, and a cool vibe. At 8 pm on a Saturday night, it was also pretty full, and had a great energy level. Lots of people having fun.\r
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The service was outstanding throughout the night. From the busboy through the waitstaff, the service was attentive yet unobtrusive. Drinks were refilled promptly, plates removed when needed, etc. Just great service, without being overbearing or chatty.\r
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Of course, it's about the food. At a churrascaria, there's the salad bar, and the meats. The salad bar at Brazzaz is not the largest I have seen, nor is it the most extensive. However, it offers a great selection of high-quality choices, including sushi, oysters, cheeses, salads, risotto, etc. It also covers the bases with the expected selections: hearts of palm, artichoke hearts, other salads, with some extra nice touches. For example, the Caesar salad offers whole anchovies as an option, something you don't normally see. The balsamic vinegar was a good aged example, rich and complex, and was part of a great dessert (more later).\r
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The roasted meats were very good as a whole. The filet was outstanding. Overall, I found the meats to be less salty than at similar restaurants, and I have to say this was not unpleasant. The flank steak was beefy and robust, and the grilled shrimp were a great add to the menu. I also enjoyed the pineapple, also served by the gauchos.\r
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After all of that, we passed on the dessert tray. Instead, we enjoyed excellent coffee, and a trip back to the salad bar for a few wedges of the parmesean reggiano, sprinkled with the balsamic vinegar. Together with a last wedge of the pineapple, this was the perfect light ending to a fantastic dinner.
Pros: Food, service, atmosphere, prompt seating of reservations
Cons: Expensive
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