Meat Me for Lunch: Rei Do Gado

Rei Do Gado is a Brazilian churrascaria.  Lunch is a decent deal -- $28 for all-you-can-eat.

It won't be the best Brazilian barbecue you'll ever have, but you'll have a pretty meaty good time.

Make Your Taste Buds Dance: Bossa Nova

Bossa Nova serves casual Brazilian food at three locations in Los Angeles.

We visited the one in West L.A.

Diet Guarana.

Pao de queijo ($6.49).



Bossa's Salad -- shrimp, Romaine, tomatoes, roasted almonds, Gorgonzola, homemade croutons, red onions, homemade balsamic vinaigrette dressing ($10.99).


Coxinha -- shredded chicken and cheese inside deep-fried breaded dough ($3.99).

Croquete de camarão -- shrimp and cheese inside a deep fried breaded dough ($3.99).

Filet com abacax -- Grilled tenderloin filet with pineapple, caramelized onions, arugula, and Monterey Jack on a hamburger bun ($9.99).


Steak marinated in Brazilian herbs and spices, rice, beans, salsa, yucca flour, fried plantains ($16.99).

I quite liked this meal, but I prefer Cafe Brazil if given the choice.

Bright and Tasty: Cafe Brasil

Cafe Brasil dishes out delicious Brazilian food in a bright and cheery casual setting.

Order at the counter and sit down to a great, reasonably priced meal.

Fresh juices, including mango, sugar cane, and passion fruit (maracuja), cost $3.50.

Side dishes -- including salads, sauteed vegetables, bean, rice, and farofa -- are delectable and range in price from $0.75 to $4.50. Most entrees come with a side or two, so you will likely not need to pay extra for these.

Pasteis are Brazilian empanadas with cheese, beef, or both ($2.95). They are light and airy and fantastic. Also on this plate are pao de queijo (cheese bread made with yucca root flour and cheese ($0.90)) and empadinhas (petite pies with chicken or heart of palm ($2.00)).



Picanha steak churrasco -- marinated, grilled, and served with white rice, black beans, salsa, fried plantains, and salad or soup ($15.95).


Cafe latte ($2.50).

Beijinho (fresh coconut and caramel) and brigadeiro (chocolate and caramel).


Apple tart ($4.65).


Brazilian flan ($2.50).


Passion fruit mousse ($2.50).


Homemade pound cake ($2.50).

Lest you think we consumed this all by ourselves, allow me to inform you that it was Ms. Cruiser who introduced us to Cafe Brasil, and she and Mr. Cruiser helped us demolish this feast.

Good stuff, my friends, made even better because of the pricing.

Spoon-Feeding

We adore Wood Spoon (107 W. 9th Street, Los Angeles). A lot.

Do you have a favorite neighborhood eatery? This is ours. Natalia makes us feel at home. Her smile is radiant. Her heart is warm. You can taste the love in her food.

Mr. Monkey sipped a strawberry limeade ($3.50).

I enjoyed the complimentary lime water. Little things make the difference.

The Pastel Portuguese ($7) is stuffed with shrimp and coconut sauce.

Its golden hot awesomeness will delight you.

Natalia treated us to some complimentary pão de queijo. Love it. Love her.

Cheesy. Chewy. Yummy.

Try as we might, we can never resist the pork burger ($11) with roasted cabbage and onions on a toasted potato bun with yam fries.

We always intend to order something new, but just look at this beauty!

The fish sandwich ($11) with avocado, tomato, and cilantro on a French roll is to die for, too. Natalia told us one customer orders this almost every day!

Natalia surprised us with these coconut macaroons and cinnamon water.

I don't even like coconut, but this is simply more evidence that Wood Spoon can do no wrong! These macaroons were so incredible! So warm and toasty and sweet and wondrous! They paired perfectly with the lovely spiced water. Seriously amazing end to a great meal.

If you don't believe me, check out Mr. Monkey's expression behind the cinnamon water. It was that good.