One word echoed among those of us who attended last week’s event at Terra Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse when it came to describe the service we have received…IMPECABLE!
I have been to several Brazilian “churrascarias” in several places and, I must say, the level of class, attention to detail and the warm, friendly care we experienced from the General Manager to the gauchos, makes this new addition to the Tampa culinary scene, to truly stand out. This level of service and care was not only for us, but I personally looked to see if other guests were being served the same way, and they were! Rodolfo Melo, the General Manager, went to every single table, greeting every single person dining and spent quality time with them, as he did with us. THAT ALONE marks a noticeable difference from other restaurants around — View the Terra Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse Website
We were welcomed by Rodolfo and his staff for a complimentary drink and some very exquisite and addictive Pão de Queijo (cheese bread) to open our taste buds to what was coming next. Then, we were brought to the main dining room for a brief explanation of the many items in the salad bar. They have a great selection, including some Southern Brazilian favourites and a variety of cheeses (including a whole wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano, which I love) and fresh greens, olives and more. We were warned not to fill ourselves up in the salad bar as we seated in our reserved dining area because the best was yet to come. After the first salad, the gauchos made their great entrance with their skewers displaying a selection of 15 different meat cuts straight from the grill and carved the servings to our plates. For those unfamiliar with this style, it is called “espeto corrido” or “rodízio”, and is quite popular in Brazil, especially in the southern states of Rio Grande do Sul, Paraná, Santa Catarina and São Paulo. They continued to offer us different cuts of beef, pork, chicken, lamb, grilled cinnamon pineapple and shrimp until we flipped our round cards from green to red. The quality of the meats, the flavor and the elegant presentation of each item by the gauchos speak for itself. At the end of our meal, as we forced ourselves to leave room for dessert, they presented us with three delicious choices: Pudin de Leite (Brazilian style flan), Crème de Papaya with a splash of Crème de Cassis and Crème Brûlée. A feast for the senses!
But enough of me talking about my experience! Let’s see what other fellow BACA members have to say:
“I have traveled to Brazil many times and always enjoyed the culture and food. The food at Terra Gaucha was outstanding and surpassed my expectations many times over. When I closed my eyes listening to the music, it felt as if I’m sitting in a restaurant in Rio. It brought back many memories for me and I will definitely recommend this to my friends and clients.”
Hans Hess – Creative Business Solutions, Inc.
“ATTENTION TO DETAIL… Rodolfo and his team are in tune with the best in the business when it comes to the customer experience. From the moment we were greeted to the moment we departed the staff was spot on. I am notorious for dropping my napkin whenever I stand up and usually have to search for it on the floor when I return. Each time I neglected to pay attention and dropped my napkin; a fresh folded one was in its proper place in the table when I returned. This is one of the small attentions to detail I had to share. Now onto the food. I have dined at a few Brazilian style steak houses in my time and I can say inequitably Terra Gaucha is steps above the rest. The presentation and the selection at the salad bar was fresh and inviting but if you don’t watch yourself, you may not have enough room for the main course, the meats. I would have been deeply satisfied after the Lobster Bisque, fresh mozzarella, wedge salad, beans/rice and pork/rice. Then the meats began to come and come and come. I had to rethink my decision to fully enjoy the salad bar. Fortunately I was able to overcome and enjoyed almost every offering the servers brought to the table. Multiple times I said aloud “this is the best cut I’ve tasted”; only to be one upped by the next cut. The preparation, the seasoning and the perfectly cooked meats prove to be the specialty of the house. Rodolfo and his entire team set the bar in Tampa and anywhere else for true Gaucho style dining.
Thank you Rodolfo and all of your team for an outstanding dining experience.”
Michael Wagner – Concierge, Sandpearl Resort, Clearwater Beach, FL
“I would like to say this dining experience exceeded my expectations for the evening. This is where I would always recommend for a unique time for a special occasion . I know it would be a fun place for a group to come and enjoy the experience together and celebrate in style ! I still can taste that papaya dessert which so yummy and just perfect to top off the meal.”
Ellen Hale – Concierge, Bon Appetit Restaurant Group, Dunedin, FL
“When Rosemary and I walked in to Terra Gaucha we were treated very special and the attention to detail was spectacular.
The service exceeded all expectations. From the signature cocktail, the lavish salad bar and all of the beautiful cuts of beef, pork, lamb, shrimp cooked to perfection and finally, the dessert, BACA members were all positive and excited with the experience. Thank you to the management and staff and I will definitely recommend your restaurant and be back with my family.”
Wendy Barmore – Orange Blossom Creative Group/Jolley Trolley
Now, time to thank everyone that made this event possible. Our deepest gratitude to Rodolfo Melo, the General Manager of Terra Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse and his amazing staff: The servers: Zack Berkia and Sean Wallace, our bartender Luis Gonzalez and the Gauchos Ivan, Manuel, Raul, and Alfredo. I extend our thanks to the remarkable team at the wood grill, preparing all the mouthwatering delicacies we tasted, the hostesses and the valet personnel who welcomed us so kindly to the restaurant. Nothing else to add except that it is HIGHLY recommended!. I am SO grateful that, the churrascaria that took Jacksonville by storm to become the #1 steakhouse in the area, has chosen Tampa to call it home as well.
Terra Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse is open Monday to Friday from 11:30am to 2:00pm for lunch, and from 5:00pm to 10:00pm for dinner; Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30am to 3:00pm for lunch, and from 4:00pm to 10:30pm on Saturdays and 4:00pm to 9:00pm on Sundays, for dinner. It is located at 1108 S Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33629, close to the corner of Dale Mabry Hwy and Henderson Blvd.
Leave a Reply