Queens Tribune

388 Willis Ave., Roslyn
(516) 621- 4646
Cuisine: Rotisserie
Hours: 7 days, lunch & dinner
Parking: Street or lot
Credit Cards: All major

Churrasco, which originated in Brazil, is a distinct style of cooking which easily translates to rotisserie. Just over a year ago Riodizio Churrascaria opened its Mediterranean doors to serve endless servings of beef, pork, filet mignon, lamb, chicken, sausage, fish and more. This isn’t your typical restaurant; it’s more of an experience with overwhelming servings and choices. Make sure you get there on an empty stomach in order to get your money’s worth. The menu is price-fixed for lunch ($25.95), dinner ($38.95) and kids ($15.95). For the amount of non-buffet food that we enjoyed it is worth every penny, although the price doesn’t include beverages and dessert.

From the door the staff was cheerful and jovial which made us feel welcomed. The atmosphere is reminiscent of a traditional eatery in South America with a modern twist. A Gal Costa (popular Brazilian singer) CD set the mood and echoed throughout the restaurant, which has Spanish tile and fresh cut flowers throughout. The vaulted ceilings just above the bar and charming fireplace make it a romantic setting for sipping sangria. The menu boasts an extravagant wine selection and cellar that we encountered at the entrance.

Upon being seated cheese bread is served and the rules are quickly explained, a round card is placed next to each guest one side is green which means go and the other side is red which translates that you need a break from the parade of churrasco. The service was impeccable – better then most restaurants I’ve been to in a long time. The passadors (meat waiters) came to the table with knives and a skewer every few seconds until you silently let them know “enough.” They are constantly smiling and are so attentive that you almost feel as if you’re round card is under surveillance.

The salad bar is an extravagant spread of greens, shrimp salad, cheese, eggplant, antipasti, rice, and even tilapia. No sooner did we finish the first plate did the montage of churrasco begin. Our plates were constantly changed as we were enticed with each new main course. I suggest trying a small portion of each of the delectable servings. My favorite was the skirt steak and the grilled salmon in a lemon-garlic butter sauce. We were also given a choice of side dishes that are served family style. We chose the mashed potatoes, fried plantains, garlic broccoli and farofa, which is an interesting mix of yucca flour, spices and bacon that is sprinkled onto your mouth watering selections.

There is enough variety to satisfy even those who don’t particularly want to eat all the meat they can stomach. The dessert selection was also an exaggerated collection of sweets; the Crème Brule was perfectly prepared and devoured.

If you’re tired of the same restaurant routine and want to be surprised by the lack of menus and abundance of choices then check out Riodizio Churrascaria before it’s no longer Roslyn’s best kept secret.