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Enjoy The Flavors Of Brazil
Girassol serves quality wines by the glass or bottle from Brazil, Chile and Italy, most at reasonable prices. We opted, however, for a pitcher of sangria, mixed right on the spot. This fruity concoction goes down easy, as does caipirinha, the national drink, which packs quite a punch. Cold beers are also good accompaniment for Girassol’s hearty cuisine. Brazil is a huge country and its cuisine varies from region to region; much like ours does here in the United States. Girassol serves dishes from several regions to satisfy all tastes all made with high quality meats, chicken, pork and fresh fish. Don’t fill up on appetizers, although you should try one or two. The cod fish croquettes are not to be missed, and the fried calamari, breaded in crispy corn meal, are addictive. Girassol is perhaps most famous for its churrascaria, a method of cooking in South Brazil whereby long steel skewers hold tender cuts of meat, chicken and sausage that are slow cooked over a hot grill. Restaurants that feature this type of cuisine are called churrascarias, and Girassol maintains the tradition. Although their sausages, called chorizo, are juicy and lean, Girassol’s most famous cut is picanha, pronounced pee-KAHN-ya, an inner medallion cut taken from a filet mignon and supremely tender and delicious. One of the friendly waiters will bring the skewer to your table, then slice off as much as you like. He’ll be back again and again until you are sated. Alternately, sausage, chicken and pork will be brought out as well, and you can eat as much as you like for just $16.50. This entrée, called rodizio, is a meat lover’s dream. Top the meat with a spoonful of a vinegary salsa that is brought to your table and your culinary carnival really takes off. Delicious side dishes such as rice and beans, French fries, and fresh asparagus are offered as well. Seaside regions of Brazil revel in fresh fish dishes. Chef Carlos prepared for us a wonderfully fresh tilefish, prepared in a traditional, clay pot. Two large fish fillets are mixed with julienne of vegetables and plump shrimp, then cooked in the clay pot with a delectable sauce containing coconut milk, flavorful herbs and mild spices. The fish just flaked off the bones and melted in our mouths. The sauce was fantastic, especially when poured over a mound of garlic-scented fluffy rice. Other seafood dishes, including shrimp in red sauce or garlic and oil, are also popular. Simple chicken dishes, such as chicken parmigiana or the house-style chicken breast, are also available. Additional side dishes are available, many of which reflect the African influence on Brazil’s cuisine and culture. Collard greens, yucca, cassava and two kinds of beans are just a few to choose among. Finish your meal with desserts that bring the sweetness of the tropics to your table. Passion fruit mousse resembles a cloud of orange and tastes just as light. Pudim topped with a caramelized sugar sauce is Brazil’s version of flan, only higher and fluffier. Doce de Leite is a sweet milk pudding. Rich chocolate mousse is also on the menu. Girassol is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. A lunch special menu is available from 11a.m. to 4 p.m. and features smaller portions of their outstanding dishes for just $6.50. Girassol also delivers lunch and dinner to home or office. Visit Girassol for the sunny flavors of Brazil, right here in Astoria. It’s simple and irresistible, just as their Web site states.
Girassol Churrascaria 33-18 28th Avenue, Astoria 718.545.8250 www.girassolirresistible.com
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