MessyCuisine

Ipanema Grill

I recently dined for dinner at Ipanema Grill, located off Cox Road, near Broad, in Richmond’s far west side.

This churrascaria is a restaurant focused on a Brazillian tradition of spit-prepared meats. The decor is nice, in an upscale direction, and dinner is a one-price per person. $24.95 per person, in fact, so it’s not necessarily cheap eats. But the eats were oh so good.

The meal is centered around meat. “13 types of meat,” although we didn’t precisely count 13. Several meats came in different cuts and preparations, and one meat was actually pineapple. But if you like meat, and really good, flavored meat, this is the special place for you.

You have a choice of a “salad” bar featuring some single vegetables, such as roasted red peppers, olives, hearts of palm, broccoli, and then there’s a hot-area, featuring warm vegetables, deep-fried bananas, and rice. They even had lasagna. And if you like cheese, they feature two big wheels of cheese: an aged cheddar, and an authentic parmesan wheel. The parmesan wheel has been carved out, with the cheese in large chards, inside. If you are a parmesan freak, you could easily eat your meal’s worth in just this so-called king of cheeses.

So, while you are getting up for these items, the waiters are coming by in quick succession with various cuts of deliciously flavored meats. Beef rib that is so succulent and flavorful that you question the legality of eating something so good. Beef tenderloin still pink and tasty. Pork belly, chicken wrapped in bacon, sausages, lamb, etc., etc. My favorites were the beef rib, and the opening chicken—so packed with delicious, mouth-watering flavor. You say to yourself: “this is the way good meat should taste…”

The service was good. Frequent visits to our table kept the glasses full, and when you turn-over your sign for more meat, it’s always quick and warm, carved piece by piece, at your table.

Very highly recommended.

Filed by MessyChef at December 10th, 2006 under Meat and Steaks, Restaurant Review