This Brazilian churrascaria in Koreatown celebrated its 10th anniversary last month just after completing a remodel. Now this sleek Brazilian steakhouse sports a fresh new interior, including domed ceilings, a stunning onyx bar, leather banquettes, floor-to-ceiling wine vaults, Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired limestone wall coverings and an expanded seating area full of natural light.
The restaurant has a vibrant vibe as you would expect in a Brazilian establishment, and is indeed filled with diners and partygoers of all ages.
The second floor entryway features black-and-white photos of Brazilian samba dancers and beachgoers in Rio de Janeiro. Once settled at your table, you can enjoy a glass of wine, or bottle, from the selection of over 130 wines. And of course, there is the traditional specialty cocktail, the caipirinhas, which my son (a Brazilian aficionado) thought excellent.
While enjoying your drink, you will be astounded by the tasty, light little cheese breads baked fresh throughout the day. Just remember, more is to come, so save room.
There is an extensive buffet of 40 vegetables, cheeses, salads, fried yucca and sides to accompany your main course. All of these freshly-made foods look most appealing, starting with the feijoada, a national dish of Brazil. This is a stew of black beans with beef, pork and a unique ingredient called “carne seca,” or dried cured beef, which the restaurant does in-house. It has a distinctive and compelling flavor. Next to this hot dish is moqueca, a seafood stew made by Brazilians for the past three centuries.
After this start, the waiters come around with fresh charcoal-grilled premium cuts of meat to choose from. The meat is served in the traditional rodizio style, where expert waiters come to the table with knives and a skewer, cutting freshly cooked meat for your plate while it is still hot. The selections are amazing, and include filet mignon, rib eye, beef short ribs, bacon-wrapped chicken breast, top or bottom sirloin, boneless leg of lamb, and even various sausages.
Best of all is the “picanha,” a traditional, very tender and lean cut of beef from the top sirloin. Owner Manny Kim explains that the right way to prepare and cut the picanha is simple, but very important. When properly cooked by the hot charcoal, and cut “against” the grain, you will have a very tender and moist piece of meat. I can report that all of the meat was delicious, slices are thin and each bite succulent.
When dining here, conversation is important to truly relax and savor the variety of meats. There is marinated garlic chicken and even chicken hearts, which is a Brazilian delicacy made with fresh garlic, spices and fresh lemon juice. And, not to be resisted is the grilled pineapple with its combination of cinnamon and sugar. This, too, is served thinly sliced on a skewer.
If you want something more, there are quite a variety of desserts.
Hours for lunch Monday through Friday are 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dinner starts at 5.30 p.m. Monday through Friday, at 4:30 on Saturday and 4 p.m. on Sunday. There is valet parking, and behind the parking stand is an elevator and stairway. M Grill is located just east of the Wiltern Theater.
Prices start at $28.99 for lunch and $46.99 for dinner (not including drinks or dessert).
With such good quality food and caring, welcoming service, it is no wonder that this Brazilian eatery recently is going strong after 10 years.
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