New York’s hot new dining spot

 

by Bob & Sandy Nesoff

 

The Brazilians have known about Rodizios for years, but they are just now becoming popular in the United States and New York City has one of the best going.

Porcao, opened little more than a year ago, has gotten its act together in spades.  This is a place to definitely call ahead for reservations, although if you decide on an impulse to try it out, give it a shot because the staff at Porcao is exceptionally accommodating.

The Rodizio has become a favorite for New York Mid-Towners and has enjoyed tremendous popularity with local residents, something usually reserved for small clubs and restaurants.  It’s a bit noisy, but the atmosphere is friendly.

As with all Rodizios and Churrascarias (rodizio it barbeque and a churrascaria is where it is served) the food comes on a seemingly never ending train of waiters with sharp knives and rolling carts.

If you’ve never been to one, it’s a grand experience.  You are given an object (it can take any form) with a red side and a green side.  If the green side is up, it signals the wait staff to bring food.  If you need a breather, turn the red side up.

Porcao has some of the better steaks, beef ribs, chicken and you name it, being served in New York.  The staff is very attentive without hovering.  If you need them, they are there.  You never get the feeling, as in so many other eateries, that the waiter is about to pounce once you’ve cleaned your plate (and sometimes before).

There is a huge salad bar that is self-service.

There is also an Executive Lunch ($22.90) available weekdays with a changing selection of all you can eat hot buffet and salad.  There is also a large portion of sirloin steak, grilled chicken or salmon.

Desserts?  Enough to go into diabetic shock.  And each one tastier than the last.

There is a wine list that draws from around the world.  But be sure to taste their signature drink, the caipirinha, made with lime, sugar and Brazilian cachaca rum.  Don’t worry about trying to pronounce it; the waiters will know what you are trying to say.

The restaurant itself seats almost 300 patrons while a private VIP room can accommodate another 60 to 80 people.

Watch those going and coming from the VIP room.  Its guests have included world famous soccer player Pele, super model Naomi Campbell, actresses Kate Bosworth and Sonia Braga.

The name came about in an interesting way.  The first one owned by the company was in Rio de Janeiro and was named “Churrascaria Riograndense,” the Big River.  Following a storm, the restaurant’s sign blew away and wasn’t replaced.  Guests began referring to it as “Porcao,” or “big pig,” after the logo of an adjacent meat market.  The name stuck and here it is today in New York.

Rodizio is served seven days a week: Monday-Thursday noon to 11 p.m.; Friday noon to midnight; Saturday 2 p.m. until midnight; and Sunday from noon to 10 p.m.  Rodizio is $50.90, excluding drinks and dessert.  Weekdays lunch is available from noon to 4 p.m. for $35.90 and there is a vegetarian option available for $35.90 at night.  Seniors 65-years old and up are offered a hefty 50 percent discount on rodizio.

We’d rate Porcao at three and a half stars.

Porcao

360 Park Avenue South (at 26^th Street)

(212) 252-7080