This is for the meat-lover in you.  That may be what Gaucho's Brazilian Churrascaria and Seafood Grill is known for.... but management says don't be fooled.  Meat entrees not the only thing on the menu.  The new and expanded version features seafood and an all-you-can-eat salad bar which comes with your meal.

Gaucho's used to be on Rahling Road, off Chenal Parkway in West Little Rock.  But General Manager Manjeev Demel says they moved east to the old Tony Roma's spot  about 4 1/2 years ago to be more accessible because they really want to appeal to families, plus, the new location gives them lots of seating in their dining area with the bonus of a banquet room.  

5/29/09

Alright, I'm back.  Sorry it took a minute to post more... but it's been hectic in the news business. 

I've long been a fan of Gaucho's from its days on Rahling Road - the staff was friendly and attentive and the food was amazing.  It's a non-stop meat fest.  Not that I am truly an all-you-can-eat kinda girl but I did want to sample the various meats...and I did, just small bites of each, however, just so I could say I tried them.  The restaurant is the brain-child of long-time restaurateur, Jerry Barakat.  (You know him from a staple of eateries, most recently Jasmines, Jerry B's and Arthur's Steakhouse)  GM, Demel has been with Barakat a number of years and says they pride themselves in offering something new and unique to the local restaurant scene.

Gaucho's is themed after the country from its food originates - a gaucho is actually a Brazilian cowboy with a history that dates back 300 years.  Gauchos were cattle ranchers who lived off the land.  Gauchos would cook large pieces of meat over an open pit, shaving off small sections so everyone could share. 

At the west Little Rock restaurant, that tradition has become a rich part of the local dining scene - featuring Picanha or Brazilian Rump Roast, Brazilian link sausage (which they get imported from Brazil) leg of lamb, pork loin, pork ribs, Parmesan chicken, bacon-wrapped chicken and meatballs to name a few.  They hand-cut and marinate the meat and coat much of it in coarse salt to help bring out the natural flavors. 

While I enjoy the meat, I truly love the grilled pineapple.  Demel says Gaucho's is the only Brazilian restaurant that he's aware of to offer pineapple served that way.  They shave off the outer skin and grill the pineapple whole, once it's sliced, every bite from  the juicy delicacy is something worth savoring.  You get the large variety of meat at dinner time during what they refer to as the Churrasco meal; it comes with generous sides served family style - large plates or bowls with greens, black beans, rice simmered in chicken broth, garlic mashed potatoes and baked baked bananas.  The bananas serve as a palate-cleanser which you eat between the various meats.  The really cool thing about the dinner is they give you this colored thingy... a red and green wooden signaler... which tells the gaucho or server to bring it on.  You turn the green side up on the table for them to deliver meat which is brought to the table on skewers and sliced in front of you.  If you need to take a break, turn the red side up.

Wanting to offer patrons who are vegetarians or who simply want other options a choice, Gaucho's now features an all-you-can-eat salad bar which comes with most meals or you can enjoy the more than 50-item salad bar as an entree.  They also have pasta dishes , burgers, other sandwiches and a wide array of seafood at reasonable prices - halibut, salmon, shrimp, Talapia and Mahi Mahi on the menu. 

At lunch, you can get a variation of the Churrasco meal in the form of a menu offering called "Rodizio" - in this dish they offer you a one-time sampling of 4-5 meats which are carved in the kitchen instead of table-side.  Their sandwiches and pastas also popular then, as well.  During the lunch hour, Demel says they want to offer you quality and affordability with speedy service. 

And you better save room for dessert, a Jerry Barakat specialty, offered at all the restaurateurs' establishments, his marquee chocolate Creme Brulee.  They have cheesecake and other sweet treats.  But you'll be doing yourself a disservice if you don't  try the Brulee.  They used to give you a free one on your birthday - you may want to inquire.

I personally think the Churrasco meal is reasonably priced if you're an all-you-can-eat kind of person.  I've priced similar experiences at other Brazilian restaurants - one in particular, wasn't as tasty as Gaucho's and was considerably more expensive.

Oh, before I go, if you partake in adult beverages, Gaucho's specializes in one indigenous to Brazil (like that fancy word - LOL?) the  Caipirinha - a rum-based concoction - said to be the country's national drink.  

Gaucho's hours of operation:  Monday - Thursday 11 am - 9:30 pm; Friday 11 am - 10:30 pm; Saturday 11 am - 10:30 pm; Sunday  11 am - 9:30 pm.  Great family atmosphere with something on the menu for everyone.  Lunch:  Inexpensive, $6-10.00;  Dinner:  Inexpensive to Expensive if you get the all-you-can-eat Churrasco meal, $10-$25.00.   Take- out available. 

For your convenience, the phone number is  (501) 954-8787       Address:  11 Shackleford Dr, Little Rock