Now this is a tough one. Can I write a review of my all-time favorite restaurant, while properly doing it justice? I sometimes think that it is unfair to attempt to put into words the feelings and tastes that can be experienced within Tucanos’ walls. I have tried to do this very thing in the past, only to give up and urge the other person to “just go”. It is the only way to truly understand. However, I will attempt to let everyone in Utah and the rest of the world know why they must make it a priority to get to Tucanos Brazilian Grill as soon as possible, while understanding that it may just be impossible to fully convey the unique taste experience.

Upon entering, you will immediatley begin to salivate. Do not worry, this is a perfectly normal physical response to the smell that lingers in the air. With time, a similar effect will be acheived at the simple thought of going to this wonderful place. As you are lead to your table, you will pass the cooking area, and you will be exposed to the many varities of food grilling over an open flame. The salivation will be intensified at this point, so be careful as to not drool. This is considered bad manners. As you take your seat, you will be given a menu and a plate of various breads along with a portion of fried bananas. If you really want to open the menu, you can go ahead, but there is generally no need. Just say “Churrasco, please”, flip the Tucanos Cue to green, and you are on your way.

The Churrasco entitles the diner to all the grilled selections currently available, and right away your servers will begin bringing various meats, vegetables, and grilled pineapple directly to your table, slicing off as much as you like. Things like tri-tip sirloin, teriyaki steak, brown-sugar pork, garlic sirloin, turkey wrapped in bacon, barbecue chicken, beef brisket, brazilian sausage, and tender pork loin all begin to fill your plate, your belly, and your heart. Although it is sometimes by special request only (I haven’t figured out if there is a specific schedule for it), you must get a plate of the mango codfish. There is also a selection of grilled vegetables which I rarely choose to take up valuable belly space, although I always leave room for the brown-sugar-glazed and grilled-to-near-perfection pineapple. The pineapple literally melts in your mouth, and as the juices run down your throat you will think, “This is all the dessert I will need tonight.”

Not a carnivore? Not a problem. The Salad Festival is an island by the grill that houses more salads than you could possibly shake a fork at. On one side, you have the option of a typical build-it-yourself type green salad with all the fixins that you could expect, or you can continue down the line and choose from their countless variations of green, pasta, vegetable, fruit, and cheese salads. Since I always choose to stock up on meat, the only salad I can really recommend from experience would be the Waldorf. On the other side, you have some hot dishes, including mashed potatoes and soups, but most notably brazilian rice and beans. The Salad Festival is included if you get the Churrasco, or you can order it by itself. You just better hope someone at your table is willing to share their grilled pineapple (good luck).

No review of Tucanos Brazilian Grill would be complete without mentioning the Brazilian Lemonade. There are several juices, specialty drinks, and of course, soft drinks on the menu, but none quite so tasty and unique as the famous lemonade. I heard that the secret is sweetened condensed milk, but I am less concerned with how they make it and more concerned with how quickly I can get that goodness in me. There are no refills on this treat, but they give you enough in your mini-pitcher on the first round that it has never been a problem for me.

What it boils down to: It is a perfect hybrid of up-scale and buffet. I don’t know if you caught this part before, but it is my all-time favorite restaurant. This may tell you a few things. First, I am biased. It is true, I have nothing negative to say, but if you do then you are free to go ahead and leave a comment. The second thing is that although I am biased, you have to remember that I eat out a lot, I mean enough that I have decided to dedicate an entire site to the restaurants I have tried. I am no amateur, which means my opinion is worth its weight in calories. If you are to listen to only one piece of advice that I have to give in this entire weblog of Utah restaurants, let it be this: Go to Tucanos Brazilian Grill. You won’t be disappointed.

‘Til we eat again

Tucanos Brazilian Grill

The Shops at Riverwoods

4801 N. University Ave., Suite 790, Provo, UT

(801)224-4774

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