Chowder's Notepad

Vacation day #1

The drive from Pittsburgh to DC was perfect. Partly cloudy, light traffic, only 1 construction zone. We timed our drive to miss the beltway traffic. (aw shucks!)

We checked into the hotel. (The Amazing Grace helped HC pick it out.) Very nice place. We would stay there again. We unpacked and hung out for a few minutes. Then it was out for a walk to get a feel for the neighborhood.

We had a few hours to kill before dinner so we decided to head towards the National Mall where the museums we were interested in seeing are located. The walk would have been great except for the hazy, hot, and humid Washington weather. I was a mess! We did walk by the White House and Lincoln Memorial. Very cool to see these places up close.

We stopped in the National Museum of American History. We saw the Star Spangled Banner and read about the preservation process. The highlight for me was seeing Julia Child’s kitchen. Ever since I was young, I have always enjoyed watching her shows. She was always entertaining no matter what she was doing. Or who she was with.

We met up with my sister and D for dinner at Fogo de Chao a Brazilian Steakhouse. If you've never eaten at a Brazilian style steakhouse, I've got 1 word for you "Meatfest"!! Servers roam the restaurant with fresh skewers of steak, ribs, chops, lamb, chicken, and sausage. When you're seated, they give you a chip that's red on one side and green on the other. If the customer has their chip on the green side, the servers stop by your table and ask if you'd like a serving of whatever they happen to be carving. The servers don't stop coming by your table until you turn your chip over to the red side. It takes a few times to realize "Oh yeah. They're stopping because someone at the table has their chip set to green." Our favorite cuts in order of preference were: Top Sirloin, Filet Mignon, Rib Eye, and the Lamb. The lamb chops were too salty and over cooked. The filet wrapped in bacon was also over cooked. The garlic rubbed rib eye was OK but the meat was so good it didn't need the help. We didn't try the bottom sirloin, the chicken, the pork ribs, or the beef ribs. Did I mention the salad bar? Yeah, they had that there too. A very nice selection of fruits, vegetables, cold cuts, cheeses, and desserts for those of you that feel a need to have something other than freshly grilled meat. The 3 standard side dishes were always kept full on our table: Cheesy mashed potatoes, fried bananas, and a Brazilian polenta.

It was nice to have a meal with my sister and D. (Plenty-o-laughs and mastication!!!) I haven't seen her since July. It's been a few years since I've seen D. He's a good guy. I've known him for many years.

We had a good meaty time. HC is always the lighter appetite so I helped her maintain focus on the better cuts to select from.

This probably goes without saying but: Don't go to a Brazilian Steakhouse if you're on a diet. It isn't worth it. Too many delectable temptations. The aroma of the freshly grilled meats winding their way through the restaurant was intoxicating. The large selection of cheeses and desserts at the salad bar...Heaven. Ahhh!!!!

The food and atmosphere was wonderful. The servers where all dressed in authentic Gaucho outfits. The decor was understated elegance. The wine selection was comprehensive. It was pricey but for a special occasion or as a treat it's well worth it!

It was a wonderful way to start our DC vacation!

posted by ChowderHead @ 9/03/2006 11:18:00 AM