Cafe Bello
Brazilians were the first to raise cattle in South America, imported from Cape Verde to São Paulo in the 1530s. Churrasco (pronounced shoo-RAS-koo) or Brazilian barbecue was the traditional staple food of the gaúchos or cowboys of Southern Brazil for centuries before it spread to Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. It became very fashionable and there are excellent churrascarias (restaurants specializing in Brazilian barbecue) all over Brazil and around the world--now including Allston. The meat was originally cooked over coals, usually in a pit dug in the ground, skewered in metal spits. The only seasoning was coarse salt and each gaúcho had his own churrasco knife, which he used to cut pieces of meat from the spit. People in southern Brazil have churrasco pits built in their backyards with bricks or incorporated into a wall with decorative tiles around the edges. (In the U.S., we use a gas grill!) Churrasco has evolved into an elaborate meal, with different salads, sauces and farofa accompanying the meats. The meats used most often are Brazilian sausages, different cuts of beef, pork tenderloin and chicken. White meats are marinated overnight in a mixture of garlic, salt and lime juice. The red meats are seasoned with sea salt only. These meats, an assortment of daily buffet specials, baked goods and delicious Brazilian desserts and drinks can all be found at Café Belô. Eat in, take out, delivery and catering are available.
Free parking available
Café Belô
181 Brighton Avenue
Allston, MA
(617) 783-4858
www.cafebelo.com
