Samba Grill

*** Per the comment below, and the Samba Grill website; Samba Grill has closed.

I'm sure this post will quell all those who are seriously concerned about our red-meat intake. Samba Grill is a new Brazilian Steakhouse, or Churrascaria, the crowning jewel residing on the top floor of Horton Plaza Shopping Center in downtown San Diego.

If I remember correctly, this used to be FAO Schwartz. The Missus and I have fond memories of meals at Greenfields, Fogo De Chao, and Roda Viva in Los Angeles, but were a bit disappointed at the protein provided at Rei Do Gado, though we enjoy the salad bar and hot table items. To us, $35 per person is just too much to pay, for a good salad bar, and rodizio items that vary widely in taste and quality. What we decided to do at Samba Grill, was to grab lunch there, which is priced at a very reasonable $13.99($11 - salad bar only). This would help us determine if dishing out $35 for dinner would be worthwhile.

We arrived fairly early at 11am sharp, and were shown to a table in the very large dining area:

As with most Rodizio style buffets, there is a "red-green" item located on each table. Green means "bring on the meat", red means "no mais".

If you've never experienced a Rodizio style meal, I'd recommend trying it at least once. It's a fun way to eat, and if done right, is a great way to pace yourself while getting your meat "fix".

To me, in addition to the "meat-fest", the buffet items hold an equal importance. At the Churrascarias I've been to, there usually is a very nice salad bar, with great items such as hearts of palm, marinated artichokes, and a variety of cold items. In addition, there are a few soups, and various hot dishes, and starches. This is sample of a few of items offered at Samba Grill:

Most of the items were very mediocre, and not even close to Rei Do Gado in flavor. The selection was rather small as well.

But let's stay positive; I love fresh beets, and could eat them plain, with just a squeeze of citrus. So needless to say, I truly enjoyed the beets flavored with a nice vinaigrette. The "Feijoada", the beans and meat dish(in this case only sausage), though very simple, was the other hot table item that stood out. Other then that, and a well seasoned potato salad, the parade of flavorless mashed potatoes, pesto pasta salad, and other items were very uninspired. And no hearts of palm...bummer!

But of course, the meat-fest was just beginning. So for the uninitiated, think of a Rodzio as a reverse buffet. You sit, and the protein comes to you, courtesy of Servers carrying meat skewers, carving them right at your table.

Remember "green means go"!

The meats at Samba Grill run the gamut. From the fairly good - bacon wrapped turkey, pork ribs, and a very well seasoned, though dry Pork Tenderloin.

To the mediocre, which consisted of either over-salted, under salted, over cooked, or very, very dry. This includes the "coulda been a contenda' garlic rubbed sirloin"(If you could just eat the caramelized outer portion of the sirloin, this would be a winna'), chicken wrapped in cheese, and really tame and dry sausage:

Then there was the plain bad, such as the tough and dry sirloin caps. As you can tell; most all the meats are served well done. This creates quite a challenge for tougher cuts.

And one really heinous, old and metallic flavored dish; the skirt steak. I seldom ever have a piece of meat I can't swallow. But this was one of them.

We came to understand the cuts at Samba Grill, anything Sirloin was dead dry, as were many of the meat items. For example, the best part of the Filet Mignon were the onions.

But I will probably return to Samba Grill for lunch. Why? Well, there was a Young Man who served the Missus and I, who ranks among the "top 10" of any Servers that I have ever had. I'm not kidding. I really must apologize, because I don't think I'm able to spell His name correctly. It's something like Chiago, or Chiango. Anyway, here's a photo:

He had a demeanor, that I'll call "warmly professional, and genuine". Once he found out we were really interested in what we were eating, he described each item in detail. By the end of the meal, we had developed a very nice rapport with Him. Once we had finished, and turned our dial to red; He came up to our table and said "Sorry, but I didn't see the sign. This just came off the grill, and it is good as you'll get. So I'll have to pretend I can't see!" And proceeded to place a piece of perfect, sizzling, bacon wrapped turkey on our plates. And He was right, the best item of the day.

I would suggest that you try Samba Grill, but for lunch first. From what I understand, there are only 2-3 more meat items served for dinner(lamb and chicken hearts among them). If I were to make a comparison between Rei Do Gado, which is right across the street and Samba Grill, it would be even on the meat; but Rei Do Gado has it all over Samba Grill with regards to the Salad Bar and hot table items. But, I've had some very lousy service at Rei Do Gado, while the service at Samba Grill was very warm and friendly.

I will say that the charcoal spit roasting technique that Churrascarias use is probably more healthy than the pan-fried, crowned in butter style. Though having most everything well done is not showing the beef at it's best.

Some notes: Remember you'll get 4 hours of Horton Plaza parking validation when dining at Samba Grill. I also understand that Samba Grill is the San Diego extension of the Samba Grill in Salt Lake City, Utah.

If you've never been to a Rodizio style Churrascaria, I'd encourage a visit.

Samba Grill - located on the top floor of Horton Plaza
510 Fourth Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101

Lunch, $13.99 Salad Bar only $11
Dinner, $35. Salad bar only $20

Comments

[Ted]

Wow! Now that's a lot of food. I have a friend who tried Brazilian BBQ up here in LA, and he said it was an amazing experience. And for $13, it seems like a really good deal, assuming you got stuffed silly... which it looks like you did lol.

[Jed Sundwall]

A. It's probably Tiago.

B. No más in Portuguese is não mais.

C. The Samba Grill in Salt Lake is pretty beat as well. Sad.
C1. "Rodizio" in Salt Lake, however, is awesome (or at least it was a few years ago, I hear it's passed its prime).

D. Awesome review, and awesome blog. I've been reading for a long time. Keep up the great work!

[Kirk]

Hi Ted - Try it out in LA, before you come back to SD.....well, maybe not, cause they don't compare.

Hi Jed - Thanks for all the info, and welcome! I appreciate the info/correction, and have made the "no mais" change. I really don't do reviews...I just eat and give my opinion...be it ever so humble.

[Scott]

Great report as always - a shame it couldn't be a bit better. Still for the lunch price a real steal if you are a gutbusting all-you-can-eat type of guy (I am!) but I'm sure my wife would stop way too soon.

[Rachel]

Wow you have really opened up my eyes to a whole new type of eating! What a cool concept, I especially love the idea of the sign and that the meat is cut fresh off the skewers for you. Glad you found a great host there. It can really make a dining experience so much more enjoyable !
As usual, I have so much enjoyed reading your blog. Thank you for bringing the culinary world to my rural desktop. *hugs*

[Justin Lo]

We have a Brazilian buffet in Honolulu - top floor of the McCully Shopping Centre. I've been meaning to try it, but I'm worried about the excessive meat content (meaning I might overeat and kill myself). Hmmm, but the idea of having long skewers of beef and pork sausages sliced at my table sounds sooooo delightful!!! Plus, they have some fish....right? Lol.

[Kristy]

Mmmm.... all you can eat MEAT for $13.99 for lunch sounds good to me. ;) I remember trying a restaurant like this out in the Chicago area - DELICIOUS !!! And the most delicious red wine I've EVER had. I'm still on the lookout for it - 50% Merlot, 50% Cabernet from Brazil. About $60-80 a bottle? Anyone know what I'm talking about??? Great post, as always! Can't wait to meet the Missus sometime soon! =)

[Kirk]

Hi Scott - Because of how the meat is presented and prepared, you can pace yourself, and have just a small piece of everything. The lunch price is a pretty good deal.

Hi Rachel - You know...I think you'd really enjoy a Churrascaria.

Hi Justin - Tudo De Bom was after my time - though both Alan at Ma'ona:

http://maona.net/archives/2006/07/tudo_de_bom.php#comments

And Reid at OKG:

http://onokinegrindz.typepad.com/ono_kine_grindz/2006/05/tudo_de_bom.html

Have eaten there, and posted about it. It's kind of a bummer; I used to take guests from Hawaii to Rei Do Gado, but now have to think of something else!

I've had rabbit, lamb, venison, even frog legs at Churrascarias, but no sea creatures(unless you count the frog legs), only land-locked meats. But who knows....

Hi Kristy - I hope someone can find you what your looking for!

[elmomonster]

Eventhough the rest of the meats sounded and looked awful, I'd go just for that bacon wrapped turkey...what is it about bacon wrapped anything which makes it so good...oh yeah...the bacon!

Great report as always!

[Green Turtle]

If you do end up going at dinner time, pick up a SD Reader since there's a 2-for-1 dinner coupon with the purchase of 2 drinks. It'll save you $35.

[Alberto]

Hi Kirk,
I've been a lurker on your blog for awhile now and I figure I ought to contribute.

Last month, I went to Samba Grill with my family for a birthday party, and everything was terrible (sadly, even the service). Rei De Gado has a lunch special at $14, and if you haven't been lately, you should consider re-visiting. Though not spectacular, they have more than a few gems and are always at least above average (with a great hot-food bar).

PS. I blame you for being certifiably addicted to Ba Ren. Seriously - I have to go at least once a week. No other spicy food seem to be satisfying.

[Reynila]

Hi Kirk
I was just at Horton Plaza today and saw that place...not much of a big meat eater. I wouldn't get my $$'s worth there or at Rei do Gado (which my husband really likes).

By the way, that was my blog you commented on (re: Sakadas, strike). What a coincidence that it was you! Wondering how you came across my blog?

Also, have you ever tried any African food? Just curious. I was just a Harar Ethiopian with a friend(on El Cajon Blvd) the other day. Interesting food that was. My friend also recommends Red Sea.

[Jack]

Why do San Diego's Brazilian rodezio style meat houses have to kill the meat. I feel the same way about Rei do Gado.

[Ben]

Wow, that's one heck of a meal. I bet you and your missus put on at least 2 lbs after this meal!! Makes me want to get out and try the only one Brazilian place in downtown Vancouver ... hmm, I just might! Thanks for sharing.

[Kirk]

Hi Elmo - Ah yes, bacon....devine bacon. Say no more....

Hi Green Turtle - Thanks for the info! BTW, did you ever try the TJ Hot Dog place?

Hi Alberto - Thanks for dropping by and commenting. I'm glad that you enjoy my humble ol' blog. My apologies for starting your Ba Ren addiction - I think it's something about the chilies and the sichuan peppercorn that get's you hooked. We haven't been back to Rei Do Gado in a while, so we'll need to head back soon - I do enjoy the Salad Bar and Hot Food there, even though I don't find the meat to be very good.

Hi Reynila - Last time I went to Harar was before the current owner - how was the buffet? They do still have a buffet, right? I should take my co-workers there. I've been to Awash and Red Sea as well(though not in a few years), and enjoyed Red Sea. I usually check my referring sires when I have time, so that's how I think I found your blog. It was pretty funny.

Hi Captain Jack - I like that description...kill the meat, twice...

Hi Ben - LOL! Well, we were full, but hadn't eaten that much. It's mostly just a slice here, and a slice there. And it was Atkins friendly......hehehe, yeah, right!

[Chloe]

Samba Brazilian Steakhouse in Vancouver is really really good. I guess the name Samba isn't all that original in regards to Brazilian cuisine. lol

[Chloe]

Oh, and here's the link to the above mentioned restaurant:
http://www.thaihouse.com/samba/

[Reynila]

Hi Kirk
Actually the buffet at Harar is only on Fridays from 6 - 10 pm. I'd like to try that next time.

[Kirk]

Hi Chloe - Welcome! And thanks for the info, I think Ben will find it helpful. I guess not all Samba's are created equal. ;o)

Hi Reynila - Only on Fridays? Bummer.....I still need to drop by and check it out again.

[Passionate Eater]

Sorry if this comment is inappropriate, but here goes!

You said that your server was one of the best ever--I'd have to agree, because he's hot! Muy caliente! (Translate that to Portugese though.) Remember what I said about having good ban chan? (I said something like having good ban chan at Korean restaurants makes the meal better.) If your server is attractive, the meal is waaayy better!!

[Passionate Eater]

You've got to give me Chiago or Chiango's number!!

[Kirk]

Hi PE - LOL! All I can say is...calm down woman, you're getting waaay to excited!

[Chip]

You posted your review in July, it is now the middle of September and I my experience was even worse. I wish I had had the forethought to find your review before we went. I have been a big fan of Rei Do Gado for years and my only complaint has been that, with the exception of the weekday lunch, it has gotten a bit expensive. I had a two for one coupon so we gave Samba a try on a Sunday for lunch. A mistake that will not happen again.

First off the place was empty, a huge room with maybe four tables occupied. The salad bar was chincy at best and looked like it had been sitting for too long. I tried one of the meatballs and it was so hard I could barely cut through it. When the first meat dish finally came by it was just char and gristle. The sausage came next which would have been nice if not so overdone. Then more meat that was bland and tasteless and finally the skirt steak which was the last straw.

Perhaps this was the same piece of meat you had two months earlier. The disgusting taste one bite left in my mouth is still with me as I write this hours later.

At this point the waitress came by and asked if everything was ok. When we told her it was not and explained why she said she would only charge us for a salad bar and as an accommodation I said that would be fine. When she brought the bill however she had charged us for two salad bars explaining that the coupon did not apply unless you got the whole meal. The bottom line was they were actually trying to charge us two dollars more then the coupon price.

When I refused her offer to pay more then the original price (! for what was arguably the worst restaurant meal I have ever been offered!) she proceeded to send the Hostess over who engaged us in a heated argument that since we had eaten some of the food we had to pay and she could make no accommodation without a manager. The manager by the way was not in the restaurant but she told us we could wait for whenever he might arrive.

Finally the head chef was brought out and he apologized for the situation and offered to charge us just for the one salad bar. To end the experience I agreed and we left. They could be giving food away and I would not go back.

I did get one good thing out of the meal...a good story. How many times can you say you have been to a restaurant reported a problem and been told that they were sorry and would be happy to charge you extra for the trouble.

[Kirk]

Hi Chip - Sounds like a terrible ordeal. I really don't know how this place is going to survive.....

[Erson]

By far this is the worse steak house in San Diego. Every piece of meat was over cooked and so dry that it made a noise against the plate when you're trying to cut it - which if a chainsaw was available would have made this an easier task. The wait for the meat to come out was an eternity (probably needed all that time to over cook their meat properly). We didn't even stay long enough to sample all their meats since what was brought out was so terrible.
The salad bar was pathetic - appears as if the food was left out from last week.
Hardly any of the employees spoke any English.
Heard complaints from 3 other tables to the waitress (only 5 tables were occupied including mine).
Samba Grill is no where near the same league as Rei de Gado.
Bottom line you will get a better piece of steak from Denny's.