The Woodlands Edition | August 2023

Avenida’s dinner price is $62 , which includes its signature menu, salad bar and hot sides. 3 THINGS TO TRY

Picanha is a popular cut of top sirloin at the restaurant.

COURTESY AVENIDA BRAZIL CHURRASCARIA STEAKHOUSE

DINING FEATURE COURTESY AVENIDA BRAZIL CHURRASCARIA STEAKHOUSE

In addition to cuts of beef and pork, diners can select seasoned and grilled chicken.

Filet mignon is available as part of Avenida’s menu.

COURTESY AVENIDA BRAZIL CHURRASCARIA STEAKHOUSE

Avenida Brazil Churrascaria Steakhouse All-you-can-eat dining experience includes 16 meat selections A venida Brazil Churrascaria Steakhouse oers a dining experience with a variety of 16 prime cuts served at the tables, said Jose Martinez, general manager of the Shenandoah location. customers visit. “We understand that customers may have had a bad day, so our servers greet them with a warm smile, bringing joy and serving delicious food to make them happy,” Martinez said. He said the approach to service is dierent from traditional restaurants. Instead of each server having their own section, Avenida Brazil has multiple BY SHAHERYAR KHAN

Martinez said the restaurant sources prime cuts to ensure the best dining experience for its customers. Unlike traditional steakhouses where customers order specic portions, at Avenida Brazil, customers can have an all-you-can-eat experience, he said. Memorable experience The servers, known as “gauchos,” come to the tables with a variety of meats for customers to choose from, he said. Martinez believes the meats oered at Avenida Brazil set the restaurant apart and create a memora- ble experience. Executive chef and owner Vanderlei Bernardi opened Avenida Brazil in Shenandoah in 2017 after opening two south Houston locations. “He’s passionate about the business, and when he’s here, he brings a box of wine with four bottles and walks around the restaurant, oering custom- ers a taste. He’s always looking for ways to enhance the experience for our guests,” Martinez said Martinez said The Woodlands area has a diverse community with a variety of people who may not be familiar with the Brazilian steakhouse concept. “We try to do our best in everything we do here,” Martinez said. “I want people to leave happy.” Customer attention Martinez explained how his team operates when

servers on the oor, all focused on taking care of the customers. This unique setup ensures that no table is ever neglected, and guests receive personalized and attentive service throughout their dining experience, he said. He said servers are trained extensively to be knowledgeable about the meats they serve and to deliver service with a smile. Among the cuts of meat oered are a 21-day aged top sirloin called picanha, seasoned with only sea salt. Shrimp, salmon, scallops, lamb chops, ribeye, bottom sirloin and let mignon are among some of the other selections. Customers pay a at price of $62 for their selection of meats as well as sides. After 2020, the restaurant renovated the overall interior and adjusted the recipes to cater to individu- als who don’t consume meat, according to Martinez. “The goal was to make as many people feel comfortable as possible,” Martinez said. Future plans Martinez said the restaurant owners plan to expand and open more restaurants in dierent locations. The goal is to make more people aware of the dining experience and to bring the Avenida Brazil concept to new areas.

Jose Martinez, general manager of the Shenandoah location, shares his favorite menu item, the picanha.

SHAHERYAR KHANCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Avenida Brazil Churrascaria Steakhouse 1400 Research Forest Drive, Shenandoah 281-651-5369 www.avebrazil.com Hours: Mon.-Thu. 5-9 p.m., Fri. 5-10 p.m., Sat. 4-10 p.m., Sun 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-9 p.m.

HOLLY HILL DR.

THE WOODLANDS EDITION • AUGUST 2023