What's in What You Eat?It is said you are what you eat, from your head to your feet. So why not know… What's in what you eat?

I’m not sure why it took me so long to post this one, because it is one of my favorite restaurants in the world. Ipanema serves a style of cuisine called “Rodizio” where you pay a fixed amount of money and get all you can eat privilege to as much of their slow charcoal roasted meats as you please. They come around with the different cuts and then slice you off whatever you like.

During lunch they have around 9 different cuts, and during dinner around 19. Also included in the price is an all you can eat salad bar (think more of deli salads, not just plain vegetables).

Some cuts of meat to expect are: bacon wrapped steak, garlic steak, top sirloin, rib-eye, tri-tip, pepper steak, chicken legs, and more. You can see their full selection here:
http://www.ipanemabraziliangrill.us/meats.php

Two examples:

House special top sirloin

Bacon wrapped steak (It was Halloween so the server was dressed up)

All you can eat meat = very happy blogger

Taste: 10
Nutrition: 10
Filling: 10 (If less, its your own fault!)
Price: $$ (Lunch) $$$ (Dinner)

I have no idea if the meat is seasoned or marinaded with anything non-paleo. Honestly I don’t want to know. If you find out, please don’t tell me.  I’ve never felt sick after eating here so unless you are severely allergic to something, just enjoy it! (I did pass on the obvious offenders, like Parmesan pork).

My suggestions for your best experience:

1. Lunch Monday – Friday is only $17.00. When I’ve gone there for lunch, it was my only meal for that day and I wasn’t hungry again until lunch the following day. To get the most out of your money, go to lunch during the week. Dinner costs $40 and while you get 10ish more cuts to choose from, since for the lunch price you can go twice and still only be at $34, I’d rather do that.

2. Don’t go on a holiday. When they are super busy, the quality of the cooking drops and so does your experience. I’ve been there during some really busy times where they only come around to your table every 10 minutes and the food is only decent. I’ve also been there for lunch during the middle of a work day and it was the best damn food I’ve ever had.

3. Don’t eat anything before you go for at least 16 hours. You’ll be glad that you didn’t.

4. Don’t plan anything strenuous or sedentary for the rest of the day. You’ll be too full to workout, but also too full to sit down.

5. Drink lots of water before and after (but not during). The salt will dehydrate you.

6. Skip the salad bar. That’s how they get’cha. People fill up on cheap greens. No rabbit food for me. I’m there for the meat.

7. Try not to fill up on the sausage. It’s really good but will fill you up to quick!

8. Pace yourself, say no every so often. Take your time.  You’ll be there a good 1-2 hours. Plan accordingly. Don’t stuff yourself full in the first 20 minutes.

That’s it. Gil’s guide to Rodizio eating. Now get off the internet and go to Ipanema! I hear they are serving meat tonight.