Texas de Brazil opens new location in Orland Park

When you're in the mood for a feast, a Brazilian Churrascaria is the place to go. 

Texas de Brazil is an upscale chain of Brazilian steakhouses where food is served churrasco-style - cooked on open flames - and then presented at your table by carvers (gauchos). The selection of meats numbers more than a dozen and this comes after a visit to the garden table, which includes more than 50 options of gourmet salads, roasted vegetables, imported cheeses, soups and more. The fixed-price dining concept allows you to try as much as you'd like and have as much of your favorites as you can eat for one price.

The newest location opened last month in Orland Park. The restaurant is inside Orland Square Mall but also has an outside entrance, so it's a great place to unwind after a shop-a-thon or to fuel up and then walk off the calories as you browse. The Chicago Foodie Sisters were invited to check out the new location and get acquainted with the menu.

We first visited the salad area where I couldn't resist starting with a bowl of lobster bisque, which was so creamy and enjoyable. Then it was on to the salads. I really have no restraint at places like this - especially when the table is full of fabulous cheeses, charcuterie, ceviche, sushi and other goodies. I'm a try-a-bite-of-everything sampling gal, but there was no way to even make a sizable dent. But I tried. On display were such dishes as goat cheese terrine, couscous salad, roasted baby beets, gorgonzola and grape salad, steamed asparagus, smoked salmon, tabbouleh, artichoke hearts, feijoada, pineapple carpaccio. By the time you fill up your plate, you also have cheese bread waiting at your table or on the way.

You've also a got a huge variety of cocktails and wines to choose from, including their signature Caiprinha, a muddled fruit drink shaken with cachaca (the national spirit of Brazil). I tried out the Passion Fruit variety. Hubby had a Rio Sunshine with cachaca, peach schnapps, pineapple and cherry juice.

When it came to meats I didn't have room left, but did try a few, including the filet mignon wrapped in bacon, the Garlic Picanha and the parmesan-crusted pork loin. Two sides were brought out to our table - garlic mashed potatoes and fried bananas (I could have eaten a dozen of them!) - which complimented the meal nicely. 

It was so hard to resist dessert. So I didn't. I ordered the Bananas Foster Pie and it was heavenly. Hubby had the Brazilian Cheesecake with a Godiva dark chocolate liqueur.

Every bite of our meal was delicious and it was a fabulous dining experience. 

For more information, visit TexasdeBrazil.com.