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Brazilian Meat without the Shtick

Posted by Foobooz on December 15th, 2010

Brian Freedman visits the Northeast’s Picanha Grill for a more authentic look at Brazilian barbecue than that found in Center City’s shrines to meat. And we’re happy to report he came back with heaps of praise.

Skirt steak was a sweet-crusted, earth-perfumed cut of astounding tenderness. Brisket—with apologies to my mother—was the best I’ve ever tasted. Its seasoning was taken right up to the point beyond which it would have been off-puttingly salty, but Chef Alexanbre Alvef, a veritable master of beef and Brazilian charcoal, held it just short of that line. The deep savoriness combined with the arcs of caramelized fat to create something that the table began referring to as “beef crack.”

Picanha Grill [Philadelphia Weekly]
Picanha Grill [Official Site]

Picanha Brazilian Grill
6501 Castor Avenue,Philadelphia, PA

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    • Snake

      Wasn’t crazy about this place. Granted it’s “authentic”, but some of that authenticity means the wait staff is not well trained and distracted by the DJ playing loud Brazilian music for a party in the side room.

      The meat was cooked better at Fogo and the salad bar is about 100% better at Fogo.

    • Sam

      I love Picanha. To the comparisons with Fogo, there is one important note. Picanha is $21.99 for the all you can eat, while Fogo is $49.50.

      Also, are people really going for the salad bar?

    • john

      Restaurant.com has a $25 you can get for $2 if you have a coupon code so basically its buy one get one free

    • Snake

      @Sam, maybe it deserves a second chance.

      The first time I went, the meat just wasn’t up to the level that I had expected (having visited Fogo). As far as the price? Huge difference, but because of what it is, it’s a special occasion spot anyway.

    • Snake

      Plus I took my folks and they have an awesome authentic rodizio near them in Florida and they were disappointed.