If the name Mama Lucia rings a bell, it's probably because you are familiar with the pasta and pizza joint located at Robertson Walk. Straying pretty far from its roots, Mama Lucia has ventured into South American cuisine with Brazilian Churrascaria, just a stone's throw away from its flagship restaurant. For the uninitiated, a “churrascaria” is a Brazilian steakhouse, “churrasco” being the actual method of cooking. With a menu consisting of well, mainly barbecued meats, this restaurant appeals to the carnivore in all of us. Admittedly, it is a bit of a novelty having Passadors, or professional meat waiters, carve choice cuts of meat right before your eyes!

• The Vibe
  Both indoor and outdoor seating is available at Brazilian Churrascaria, which is small size-wise, but comfortable nonetheless. Slightly tacky floral furniture adorns the interior of the restaurant, where the dishes that accompany the meat buffet are laid out. A small but functional bar overlooks the al fresco area. The overall theme of the restaurant is difficult to discern, as there does not seem to be any consistency in the décor.

• The Food
  Herbivores may well feel out of place as meat takes centre stage here. At $38 per head, the buffet is value for money considering the number of different cuts and types of meat available. Beef, pork, chicken, lamb and seafood are all offered at this unique buffet. Fortunately for veggie lovers, the salad bar comprises various non-meat dishes consisting of both cooked and raw vegetables. There are also several rice and potato dishes to thoughtfully cater to every palate.

  The potato salad, for one, is of just the right texture and consistency. Not too generously drenched in mayonnaise, it is slightly salty but tastes great. The green salad is made up of greens, tomatoes, carrots and more, all crunchy and fresh.

  When it comes to the main attraction (meat, sweet meat!), dive right in with a spicy pork sausage, a definite hit with locals thanks to its juiciness and succulence. What's more, the non-spicy version is just as good.

  While the cap of rump might be a little too rare for some tastes, with its firm, pink beefy centre, the hump is melt-in-your-mouth delicious, with an appropriate amount of fatty marbling. The rump steak , on the other hand, is more thickly cut and thus, much tougher. Same goes for the beef tenderloin, which is tasteless and dissatisfying.

  For a less salty alternative, the ham has a slightly sweet tinge to it but seems rather ordinary. Disappointingly, the pork loin fares no better, its lean meat too dry for enjoyment.

  Served in between courses is the grilled pineapple, or abacaxi, offering a brief respite from all the meat, and cleansing the palate at the same time. Its caramelized outer layer leads to a burst of tangy sweetness with every bite.

  One of the more interesting cuts of meat would have to be the chicken heart. These tiny organs are salty and chewy, and make for a unique dining experience.

  End your churrascaria adventure with the Affogato ($12), an Italian coffee-based dessert of vanilla ice-cream with espresso, frangelico (hazelnut liqueur) and almond flakes. With just the right balance of flavours, this dessert succeeds in tantalizing tastebuds.

• The Service
  While in no way extraordinary, the service at Brazilian Churrascaria is fairly polite and attentive. Though dishes take a while to be cleared, the servers do appear friendly. The Passadors also demonstrate a high level of professionalism and charm.

The SD Food Advisor's take on Brazilian Churrascaria
As a meat lover myself, I appreciated the many different kinds of meat available. Though there were several hits and misses, I found the dining experience there to be an interesting one. A plus point was also the availability of the traditional Brazilian cocktail, the Caipirinha ($9), to add to the restaurant's authenticity. Brazilian Churrascaria's happy hour prices are also one of the lowest around, so it's perfect for both dinner and drinks!