$$$$Price: Expensive • Brazilian • Bloomington
Entering the dining hall was captivating. Large wooden crossing beams overhead gave a pagoda effect over the dining area with lots of appropriate lighting. You could see up to the roof above the beams giving a sense of great height over the dining room. It was a huge area filled with cloth covered tables, black cloth napkins, and other table decor. The entire dining area gave a glowing essence of sparkling upscale richness. At the left end of the room was a beautiful salad bar area with many attractive salad items setting in a see of white ice. It was quite large and very eye catching. To the left of that, along an extended table, were many hot dish containers attractively arranged. We were told they contained dishes to go with the meat, such as potatoes, rice and bean dishes, and other hot side dishes. After we ordered our cocktails and wine, we were told we could choose our salad items at the salad bar and repeat a visit there as often as we liked. There were many dishes that were all delicious. The only disappointment was that they were out of the Argentinian Malbec red wine I wanted and the waiter brought out a Californian red Malbec instead. I accepted it and was pleased that it was quite pleasant, though a bit sweeter than the usual Argentinian version. Still, nonetheless, quite nice. A basket of interesting white bread rolls, with a fascinating texture, was on the table. I loved those! We were also given a small card to place on our table. The red side was to be placed up if we did not want meat at that moment, and the green side up if we did want to try meat. Then, as the array of meats held by waiters holding tall poles of meats parade by, you simply indicate which meat you want to try. So many to choose from: steak of all types, beef ribs (one of my favorites), lamb, filet minion, sausages, pork ribs, and best of all to compliment all the meat and other menu items, was fresh roasted pineapple. We couldn't even get to dessert! Splendid, delicious meal.
