All,
I'm back. And will be blogging more often. I appreciate the prodding to get back writing. Honestly, I flattered that so many of you find my blog useful. Thanks for your comments -- and keep on eating!
Monday, August 11, 2008
Thai in Bethlehem?
Signs that read "Coming soon: The best Thai restaurant" appear in the front windows of what used to be the downtown Bethlehem office of the Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce on Main Street. That would be a nice addition to a slowly but continually expanding restaurant scene downtown. I'll ask around in the coming weeks to see what I can learn.
Saturday, August 09, 2008
Quantity (and decent quality) at Rios
Rios Brazilian Steak House
127 S. Broad St.
Nazareth PA
610-614-1018
(No known website)
Rios is the Lehigh Valley's first iteration of the "Brazilian Steak House" concept, wherein skewers of meat, meat and more meat are seasoned, fire-grilled on a rotisserie, then served tableside by bandana-clad "gauchos" who use a foot-long knife to slice off as little or as much meat as you want. Essentially, it's a meat smorgasbord that comes to you. The most successful manifestation of the churrasco concept nationwide is Fogo de Chao, which has locations in many big cities, including Philadelphia.
Rios stays true to the concept. It offers 10-12 (I lost count) different types of meat, including from picanha (tender sirloin), tenderloin, beef ribs, pork ribs, chicken drumsticks, leg of lamb, chicken hearts (a surprising treat) and sausages. As noted, most are nicely seasoned to bring out the full flavor of the meat. Most everything was fairly tender, though I had a couple of chewy bites that made for some extra jaw work. Simply put: if you're a carnivore, this is your meatopia.
However, I found other aspects of the restaurant lacking. The salad bar, wedged in between two dining areas, was average at best. (It's a sight to behold at Fogo de Chao.) It had a limited selection of specialty salads along with mixed greens and toppings comparable to an ordinary salad bar. Also, the atmosphere and decor is unremarkable. We ate in the large, open area in the back of the restaurant. It looked like a converted sports bar without the memorabilia and televisions. Finally, I found the wine selection somewhat limited. And the wine I did order was served in a small, narrow glass more befitting of a diner than a nice restaurant.
Still, you're coming here for the meat. And at $21.95 a person, it's a lot cheaper than driving to Philly or New York. If you enjoy Rios, make sure to hit one of the big-city Brazilian restaurants. You'll see how it's done to perfection -- and realize that Rios isn't too far away.
127 S. Broad St.
Nazareth PA
610-614-1018
(No known website)
Rios is the Lehigh Valley's first iteration of the "Brazilian Steak House" concept, wherein skewers of meat, meat and more meat are seasoned, fire-grilled on a rotisserie, then served tableside by bandana-clad "gauchos" who use a foot-long knife to slice off as little or as much meat as you want. Essentially, it's a meat smorgasbord that comes to you. The most successful manifestation of the churrasco concept nationwide is Fogo de Chao, which has locations in many big cities, including Philadelphia.
Rios stays true to the concept. It offers 10-12 (I lost count) different types of meat, including from picanha (tender sirloin), tenderloin, beef ribs, pork ribs, chicken drumsticks, leg of lamb, chicken hearts (a surprising treat) and sausages. As noted, most are nicely seasoned to bring out the full flavor of the meat. Most everything was fairly tender, though I had a couple of chewy bites that made for some extra jaw work. Simply put: if you're a carnivore, this is your meatopia.
However, I found other aspects of the restaurant lacking. The salad bar, wedged in between two dining areas, was average at best. (It's a sight to behold at Fogo de Chao.) It had a limited selection of specialty salads along with mixed greens and toppings comparable to an ordinary salad bar. Also, the atmosphere and decor is unremarkable. We ate in the large, open area in the back of the restaurant. It looked like a converted sports bar without the memorabilia and televisions. Finally, I found the wine selection somewhat limited. And the wine I did order was served in a small, narrow glass more befitting of a diner than a nice restaurant.
Still, you're coming here for the meat. And at $21.95 a person, it's a lot cheaper than driving to Philly or New York. If you enjoy Rios, make sure to hit one of the big-city Brazilian restaurants. You'll see how it's done to perfection -- and realize that Rios isn't too far away.
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