Terra Gaucha (based in Jacksonville, FL) recently opened its first DC area outpost in the new Twinbrook Quarter development Rockville, MD. The restaurant is a 7000-square-foot indoor venue offering an “immersive Gaúcho-style dining experience featuring the traditional flavors from southern Brazil.” Yes, we are talking rodizio style with various gauchos slicing cuts of meat at your table, a hot food area (Feijoada, rice, scalloped potatoes, etc.), and a cold food bar. The above images capture some of the meal’s highlights.
They did a good job with the cheese bread, cold food bar (lots of great options), capirinhas (my guest enjoyed his lemonade), chicken hearts, and the cuts of beef and lamb (including the brisket and both the beef and lamb picanhas). The desserts (passionfruit mousse and flan) were good as well. I feel like they need to do a little more work on the shrimp and salmon recipes, but they just opened, so have time to perfect those.
The service was excellent, as expected for this type of restaurant. Staff is always ready to answer a question, remove used plates, or bring you chicken hearts (yes, I requested them).
The dancer was entertaining and knew how to work a room.
So, do I recommend Terra Gaucha? Yes, definitely give it a try, and arrive hungry. This was even a great first rodizio experience for my guest who had never tried a rodizio restaurant before.
-JAY
