Rant: No Respect For The Most Ignored Wine

It's a wine with a fascinating history that extends back thousands of years. It's currently produced in France, Italy, Spain, Australia, Germany, the U.S. and many more countries. It's seeing a renaissance recently, with an explosion of producers in the past years, creating some unique and fascinating products. It can be delicious and complex, intriguing and diverse, and offers a template upon which a producer can put their individual stamp, reflecting their terroir.

However, if you search for this wine on most wine blogs, you'll rarely find any reviews. Unfortunately, it's a wine that gets far more attention from cocktail lovers than it does wine lovers. Many people probably do not even realize that it actually is a wine. They might see it more as a liqueur or spirit. This needs to change. This wine needs better recognition for its own merits, rather than simply as a cocktail addition. It's time this wine stops being ignored by so many wine lovers. 

The wine in question is Vermouth, a fortified and aromatized wine.  Why do so wine lovers refuse to see its merits?

Is it because it's a "flavored" wine? Though craft beer lovers often embrace flavored beers, many wine lovers show disdain for flavored wines. They seem to think wines should remain relatively pure, with flavor from grapes and oak, but nothing else, despite the fact wines have been flavored for thousands of years. Sure, there are flavored wines which aren't done well, and taste artificial and unpleasant. However, a carefully crafted Vermouth can express an amazing melange of harmonious flavors.

Is it because it's seen more as a cocktail ingredient than a beverage of its own? Yes, it often is used in modern cocktails, and you are unlikely to find it on most restaurant wine lists. However, back in the later half of the 19th century, when Vermouth first started appearing in cocktail recipe books, one of the most popular was the Vermouth Cocktail, which only contained Vermouth, a piece of ice and a lemon peel. The flavor of the Vermouth, basically on its own, was paramount. In Europe, it's still common to drink Vermouth on its own. It is in the U.S. where people have been slow to embrace this wine on its own.

Is it due to a lack of understanding about Vermouth? Do you realize it is a wine? Do you realize the diversity of Vermouth? It's no longer as simple as dividing Vermouth into sweet and dry. Were you aware of the various U.S. producers of Vermouth, from California to New York? When is the last time you enjoyed Vermouth on its own, and not in a Manhattan or Martini?

For many years, I've experienced the delights of Vermouth and hope others will widen their vinous horizons and experience it as well. Treat it like a wine and not just a cocktail ingredient. Don't just place it in a pantry or cabinet when you want to make a Manhattan cocktail. Store it like you would store any other wine. 

Vermouth is definitely worthy of much more attention than it receives from wine lovers. People need to learn more about it, and taste the various examples that are available. Wine bloggers need to write more about it, to share knowledge of Vermouth with their readers. The U.S. needs to take a more European approach, and learn to appreciate Vermouth on its own, and not just as a cocktail ingredients.

What are your thoughts on Vermouth?

Thursday Sips & Nibbles

I'm back again with a new edition of Sips & Nibbles, my regular column where I highlight some interesting, upcoming food and drink events. I hope everyone dines out safely, tips well and are nice to their servers.
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1) Opening early at 12pm, XOXO Sushi Bar will host a special celebration for Mother’s Day in Chestnut Hill on May 10. Utilizing XOXO’s advanced in-house dry-ager and jukusei technique – “aging” in Japanese, where fish used in sushi is salted or soaked in vinegar then matured for several days – Chef Kegan Stritchko has designed a pair of celebratory menus that feature local and rare sea treasures designed with luxe and intriguing flavor profiles.

In the abbreviated jukusei omakase offering, there are 11 courses ($150 per guest): an Island Creek oyster with leche de tigre and dill; hirame usuzukuri with yuzu dashi, candied quinoa and lemon zest; madai and shima aji nigiri; chef’s choice of five pieces of sashimi; hiramasa and Ora King salmon nigiri; chawanmushi with savory egg custard, snow grab and ikura; bluefin tuna and akamutsu nigiri; a negitoro handroll with bluefin tuna belly, scallion and shiso; grilled langoustine with miso butter, kimchi and chili oil; A5 wagyu beef tartare with black garlic, caviar and taro root; and a dessert of Thai chili chocolate ice cream with chocolate ganache and cranberry gel. Guests can opt for an expanded menu with five additional courses, bringing the grand experience to 16 courses ($250 per person): a personal 1oz jar of caviar paired with purple potato chips; Hokkaido uni nigiri; king crab nigiri; dry aged otoro; and A5 wagyu ribeye carpaccio with caviar, lemon miso butter and negidare.

WHEN: Sunday, May 10, 12pm-10pm
COST: Jukusei tasting menu: $150 per guest; Jukusei tasting menu with expanded offerings: $250 per guest
Reservations are recommended via OpenTable or by calling (617) 505-3378.

2) Margaritas Mexican Restaurant is celebrating Cinco de Mayo for five straight days with a series of specials and events. From May 1-5, do “Cinco de Drinko” proud by imbibing in all the Five Days of Cinco action complete with giveaways and souvenir cups* when you give a Don Julio upgrade to your original or naked margaritas.

FANCY FRIDAY – May 1: To kickoff the festivities, get your drink on with a collection of liquid specials: PB Espresso Martinis ($9), Cadillac Margaritas with Don Julio Reposado ($12), and Milionario Margaritas with Don Julio 1942 ($19.42). Guests also will be able to enter to win a travel voucher valued at $2,500.

GO BIG FOR THE DERBY – May 2: Put on your Derby finest for the greatest two minutes in sports! Those sporting a festive topper or sombrero will dig into a complimentary order of guacamole. Get the dollar bills out because for $1, your margarita will be getting a jumbo upgrade.

FAMILY CINCO FIESTA – May 3: It’s Sunday Funday with a Cinco twist. Kids under 12 will be treated to a complimentary entrée and the first 25 tikes through the door at each location will score a free t-shirt.

INDUSTRY NIGHT – May 4: Those in the service industry will be treated to 50%** off food, well cocktails, house margaritas and draught beers. Feeling lucky? Enter to win free dinner for a year.

CINCO DE MAYO – May 5: On the fifth day of Cinco, the first 50 guests to arrive at each location will be sporting a new themed t-shirt and any taco purchase comes with a “Get a Taco Coupon” valid from May 6-June 30.

*Souvenir cups available while supplies last.
**In Massachusetts, discount only applies to food orders.

Origin of the Chow Mein Sandwich: A Fall River Invention?

"The question then is "What is a Chow Mein Sandwich?" The chow mein part is easy enough to describe. It is a mixture of minced meat (pork), celery, onions, and bean sprouts in gravy over deep fried noodles. This combination or blend of ingredients is more like a thick sauce or a stew. It is placed between a hamburger bun or between two slices of white bread. For the latter, brown gravy is ladled over the works. As with any category of chow mein, there are variations. In addition to pork (the standard), there are other choices such as chicken, beef, or shrimp."

--Flavor and Fortune, Summer Volume (1999),  Chow Mein Sandwiches by Imogene Lim 

Most sources, including Imogene Lim, claim that this sandwich was invented in Fall River, Massachusetts, and is best known in the Fall River area and parts of Rhode Island, although it was also once available on Coney Island, New York. 

However, the actual origins of this sandwich are murky, and no one seems to be able to pinpoint actually when it was first created. Some think the sandwich was created in the 1930s, while others place its origin in the 1920s, if not earlier. The common reason claimed for its creation is that Chinese restaurants made the sandwich to cater to poor immigrants who wanted something hearty at a very low price. 

Imogene L. Lim, PhD. is considered an expert on the chow mein sandwich and has written a number of articles about it, and has been interviewed in various publications about this sandwich. Most sources rely on her information about the sandwich. I've read her articles and interviews, and found that there are interesting omissions, that she concentrates primarily on Fall River and the surrounding region, without addressing instances of the chow mein sandwich in other parts of the country, from Pennsylvania to Wyoming, during the 1920s and 1930s. These other instances could possibly indicate that the chow mein sandwich originated elsewhere, or that there were multiple independent origins. 

I want to explore the early history of the chow mein sandwich, to try to ascertain its possible origins, and expand the discussion outside of the Fall River region. I previously wrote Origins of the Chop Suey Sandwich, and I found the earliest mention of a chop suey sandwich occurred in California in 1912. This predates, by about 15 years, any reference to a chow mein sandwich. Other references to chop suey sandwiches, from 1914-1930s, were found across the country and not just in Massachusetts. It seems likely the chow mein sandwich was inspired, in part, by the earlier chop suey sandwich.   

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Some sources claim that Frederick Wong, a Chinese immigrant and restaurateur, deserves credit for either the invention or popularity of the chow mein sandwich. Based on the timing and other instances of the sandwich around the country, it's very unlikely that he invented the sandwich. However, it's possible he might have been the inventor of the sandwich in Fall River, as his restaurant was the first to mention the sandwich in that area. Either way, it's clear he helped to contribute to its popularity in Fall River, especially after he opened his own noodle company. 

In 1926, Frederick traveled from Canton, China, to Massachusetts, to study at Salem State University. While visiting his uncle in Fall River, who owned the Hong Kong Restaurant, Frederick decided to enter the restaurant business, and would spend 10 years working at his uncle's restaurant. In July 1927, an advertisement noted that Frederick, as "Fred Wong" was the management of the Island Park Chinese Restaurant and the proprietor of the Hong Kong Restaurant. 

The Fall River Herald News (MA), August 18, 1931, announced the opening of the Hong Kong Restaurant Annex. The ad noted they offered Hot Chow Mein and Chop Suey Sandwiches for 5 cents each, which was the first mention of Frederick and the chow mein sandwich. It was also the first mention of a chow mein sandwich being offered in Fall River. The ad also connected the two sandwiches, and that connection would continue with other Fall River Chinese restaurants.

The Fall River Herald News (MA), August 24, 1932, printed an ad where the price of the sandwiches at the Hong Kong restaurant rose, Chow Mein and Chop Suey Sandwiches for 10 cents each. If you ate the sandwich in the restaurant, you also were given a cup of tea. 

In 1938, Frederick opened the Oriental Chow Mein Company in Fall River, which would become the main source for the area's crispy noodles for chow mein, under the brand name of Hoo-Mee, and which also sold chow mein gravy mix. This helped to make chow mein sandwiches even more popular. Initially, his products were only sold locally, but around 1940, he began packaging the noodles and gravy mix, for sale outside of the local region.

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Chow mein sandwiches were also once sold at Nathan's Famous, the iconic hot dog stand on Coney Island. However, when they first started selling those sandwiches is ambiguous, although Imogene Lim has stated Nathan’s began serving it in the 1920s and other sources claim they didn't start serving it until the 1950s. In Famous Nathan: A Family Saga of Coney Island, the American Dream, and the Search for the Perfect Hot Dog (2016), by Lloyd Handwerker and Gil Reavill, it was stated that Sinta Low, a cook and kitchen manager created chow mein sandwiches for the stand. Sinta was an immigrant from Taiwan, and "his realm was the kitchen, and he rarely ventured out front." No specific year was provided for the creation of this sandwich. 

It was mentioned, “The chow mein sandwich was built with thin fried noodles, Chinese raw noodles, which we used to fry in the potato fryer. I’d take a bun, crease it in the middle, then put in a handful of noodles and spread chow mein on top of them. There were bottles of soy sauce on the counter. Ten cents for the sandwich. People loved it.” The book continued, "When the innovative concoction was advertised on a placard hanging above the counter, Sinta rebelled. He didn’t like the grinning, pigtailed “Chinaman” caricature painted on the sign. Nathan immediately apologized and had the offending placard taken down. 

In Nathan's Famous: The First 100 Years of America's Favorite Frankfurter Company (2016) by William Handwerker, there wasn't a single mention of the chow mein sandwich.

The first mention I found of a chow mein sandwich was back in 1927, but it's not quite what you might have expected. 

The Akron Beacon Journal (OH), July 5, 1927, published an ad for a Chow Mein Sandwich Spread,  a large jar selling for 23 cents. The Widlar Food Products Company, who sold this spread, was based in  Cleveland, and had been founded in 1855. They were known for selling coffee, tea, spices, and condiments, but in 1929, the company was merged, with others, into Standard Brands, Inc.

The Sauk Centre Herald (MN), September 15, 1927, also had ad for this Chow Mein Sandwich Spread, which sold for 30 cents. The Canton Daily News (OH), February 10, 1928, printed an ad for The Acme Cash Basket Stores grocery store, offering "Widlar's Chow Mein Sandwich Spread." selling a jar that regularly sold for 25 cents for only 19 cents.

The Lewiston Daily News (MT), August 11, 1928, had a supermarket ad for supermarket, offering the Chow Mein Sandwich Spread, in small jars for 29 cents and a large jar for 57 cents. The Evening Repository (OH), December 19, 1928, also had an ad for a grocery store which sold Widlar's Chow Mein Sandwich Spread in jars for 15 or 23 cents. 

Could this Sandwich Spread have been the idea that spawned the Chow Mein Sandwich? Unfortunately, the ingredients in this Spread weren't provided in any of the ads. Did it contain crispy noodles? 

The first documented mention I found of a Chow Mein Sandwich was in Pennsylvania in 1928. The Harrisburg Telegraph (PA), April 14, 1928, ran the above ad for the Mandarin Restaurant in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. It mentioned, "Chicken Chow Mein Sandwich, Luncheon Specialty." This restaurant opened in 1927.

Could Pennsylvania be the actual origin location of the chow mein sandwich? If it had originated in Fall River, how could have information about it have traveled to Pennsylvania? The earlier newspapers hadn't mentioned Fall River and chow mein sandwiches. How quickly could word of mouth have transferred information about the sandwich?  

Two months later, the chow mein sandwich was seen in Wyoming, over 2100 miles from Fall River. The Branding Iron (WY), June 12, 1928, published an advertisement for The Campus Shop, a collegiate cafe, which stated, "Welcome Summer Students." As seen above, one item on the menu was a Chow Mein Sandwich, which sold for 15 cents. If the sandwich originated in Fall River, how could word of it have traveled to Wyoming at this time point? It seems very unlikely that it might have occurred, and more likely Wyoming either invented the sandwich itself or was inspired by somewhere much closer than Fall River. 

The Springfield Leader & Press (MO), December 10, 1929, provided an ad for Williams Luncheonette, offering a "Chicken Chow Mein Sandwich" for 30 cents. Again, Missouri is quite a distance from Fall River. 

Pennsylvania, Wyoming and Missouri. All three states offering Chow Mein Sandwiches before any documented mention of its availability in Fall River. So, did the sandwich originate in one of those three states, or was it an independent origin, separate from the one in Fall River?

I previously wrote an article about the First Chinese Restaurants in Fall River, and the first one, Man Won Low, opened in October 1898. In none of the research for that article did I see any reference to a Chow Mein sandwich. 

It has been said that the heyday of the chow mein sandwich was in the Fall River region during the 1930s and 1940s. It would be in 1931 that would see the first collection of newspaper references to chow mein sandwiches, with a number of Chinese restaurants offering the sandwiches. The first newspaper reference I found for the Fall River area was in the previously mentioned Fall River Herald News (MA), August 18, 1931, which mentioned that the Hong Kong Restaurant Annex offered Hot Chow Mein and Chop Suey Sandwiches for 5 cents each.

The Fall River Herald News (MA), October 30, 1931, reported that there was a price war going on with the Chinese restaurants in Fall River. Chow Mein and Chop Suey Sandwiches were now being offered by at least one merchant for as low as 5 cents each. Other Chinese restaurant owners had banded together to battle this low price, hoping for the price to return to what was normally charged, although that price wasn't mentioned in the article. However, later ads in the coming weeks showed that other restaurants started lowering their sandwich prices to 5 cents as well. 

The Standard Times (MA), November 25, 1931, in an advertisement for the Hong-Fong Restaurant located in New Bedford. It offered Chop Suey and Chow Mein Sandwiches, 1 for 5 cents or 3 for 10 cents. Definitely very inexpensive, especially as compared to the other prices in the ad for different dishes. The Fall River Herald News (MA), November 30, 1931, ran an ad for the Mee King Low Restaurant, which offered a Hot Chow Mein or Chop Suey Sandwich for 5 cents. 

The Fall River Herald News (MA), December 2, 1931, printed an ad for Joe's Restaurant, a new Chinese spot that would open the next day. They would serve Chow Mein and Chop Suey Sandwiches, for 5 cents each. The Fall River Herald News (MA), December 2, 1931, printed an ad for Joe's Restaurant, a new Chinese spot that would open the next day. They would serve Chow Mein and Chop Suey Sandwiches, for 5 cents each. The Fall River Herald News (MA), December 4, 1931, had an ad for the Oriental Chinese Restaurant, which sold Chow Mein and Chop Suey Sandwiches for 5 cents each.

The Fall River Herald News (MA), March 10, 1932, had an ad for the Grand Opening of the Joy Hong Low restaurant, which sold Chow Mein and Chop Suey Sandwiches for 5 cents each. There were also ads in 1932 for chow mein sandwiches for some of the other Fall River restaurants mentioned in the 1931 references.

In the Annual Report from New York Superintendent of Schools (1933), it was noted, “A pupil while eating a chow mein sandwich purchased in the lunch room of the high school, found a piece of glass in her mouth;” So, the chow mein sandwich was popular enough in New York that it was being served at high school cafeterias. 

The Brattleboro Reformer (VT), November 18, 1933, printed the above ad for Christy's Restaurant, which offered Business Women's Luncheons. One of those specials included a "Hot Chow Mein Sandwich."

The Herald News (MA), December 12, 1933, had an ad for the Shanghai Restaurant in New Bedford, which served Chow Mein Sandwiches. 

The Day (CT), January 17, 1935, in an ad for the Anchor Inn, noted a Special where each patron would get a "Chow Mein Sandwich prepared by Our Chinese Chef."

The Jackson Citizen Patriot (MI), February 7, 1935, in an ad for Peck's store, offered a Chow Mein Sandwich for 10 cents.

The Providence Journal (RI), June 6, 1935, posted an ad for the Young China Restaurant, which sold Chow Mein and Chop Suey sandwiches for 5 cents each.

The Niles Daily Star (MI), July 12, 1935, briefly noted, "The chop suey and chow mein sandwiches have made the Oasis Inn a famous place. In fact, it is the only place in this locality that offers the appetizing chow mein sandwich." The chow mein sandwich wasn't that common in Michigan, but was available in at least two places.

The Times (NJ), September 7, 1935, printed an ad for the Hamilton Grill, offering a "Toasted Chow Mein Sandwich" for 10 cents.

The Schenectady Gazette (NY), October 29, 1935, had a restaurant ad, with a Chow Mein Sandwich for 15 cents.

The Press and Sun Bulletin (NY), April 4, 1936, printed an ad for Rose's Restaurant, which offered a Chicken Chow Mein Sandwich for 20 cents.

The Day (CT), January 4, 1937, had an ad for the Palace Restaurant, with a Chow Mein Sandwich, as one choice in their Special 35 Cents Lunch. 

The Battle Creek Moon-Journal (MI), September 17, 1937, in an ad for the Lockshore Dairy Bar, mentioned they sold a Chow Mein Sandwich on Bun for 10 cents.

The Waco News-Tribune (TX), June 14, 1938, mentioned that there was a hot dog stand in New York City,  at 50th and 7th, which also sold chow mein sandwiches.

The Keyport Weekly (NJ), October 6, 1938, advertised a new restaurant which sold Chow Mein Sandwiches for 10 cents.

The Daily Reporter (NY), January 27, 1940, in an ad for the new Chromium Rail, offering a Chinese Chow Mein Sandwich for 25 cents.

The Berkshire County Eagle (MA), May 1, 1940, printed an ad for The China Clipper, "Pittsfield's Only Chinese Restaurant." Their Daily Special, for lunch, was the "Hot Chow Mein Sandwich," for 25 cent.s

The Central New Jersey Home News (NJ), October 26, 1940, in an ad for The Paddock, stated you could get a "Free Hot Chow Mein Sandwich."

The Plain Speaker (PA), January 23, 1941, had an ad for the Dove Restaurant, which offered a Chicken Chow Mein Sandwich and Steamed Rice for 25 cents

The Press and Sun Bulletin (NY), August 16, 1941, printed an ad for Porter's, which stated "The only place in Binghampton where you can get a real Chinese Chow Mein sandwich, Coney Island style."

The Berkshire Eagle (MA), September 9, 1941, had an ad for the East Lee Inn, offering Chicken Chow Mein Sandwich with potato and vegetable for 50 cents.

The Star Tribune (MN), August 17, 1942, in an article from their "Washington Bureau."" it was mentioned that ".., President James Bryant Conant, Harvard, dropped into Washington's oriental restaurant for--a chow mein sandwich."

The Lewiston Daily Sun (ME), August 22, 1946, had an ad for the Nanking Royal Restaurant, offering a Chow Mein Sandwich for 15 cents

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Where were chow mein sandwiches invented? Although Fall River is considered the top choice, there is a clear lack of documentary evidence to indicate when they might have done so. And at best, there are multiple references in 1931 to this sandwich existing at Fall River restaurants. However, there are prior references, in 1928 and 1929, of chow mein sandwiches in Pennsylvania, Wyoming and Missouri, and these cast doubt that Fall River was the originator, or at least the sole originator. 

There's no evidence that these states were inspired by Fall River, especially considering the distances involved. And the sources who claim Fall River invented the sandwich, don't address these other states which offered the sandwich during the 1920s. These earlier references are simply ignored, not mentioned in their articles about the sandwich's origins. Even during the 1930s, chow mein sandwiches were seen outside of Fall River, in states including Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Michigan, Vermont and Connecticut. 

So, did the sandwich actually originate in Pennsylvania, Wyoming and Missouri, or was it an independent origin, separate from the one in Fall River? Without specific documented references to chow mein sandwiches in Fall River during the 1920s, maybe we have to consider the sandwich originated elsewhere. 

Alma Gaucha: Brazilian Rodizio in Worcester For The Win!

I don't get to Worcester as much as I should, but on my most recent visit there, I sought out a new spot for lunch. As I did some research, I learned about Alma Gaucha, a Brazilian Rodizio restaurant that had opened in December 2025. The initial reviews were positive, the menu looked interesting, and it appealed to the other five friends who were joining me for lunch. So, I made reservations and we took a chance on this new spot. 

Alma Gaucha is owned by Nelson DeOliveira, an entrepreneur who also is the owner and CEO of Nelson Group Construction in Medford. Nelson was born on a cattle farm in Brazil but came to the U.S. when he was very young. He also owns the Alma Gaucha restaurant in Boston's Seaport. I have not dined at the Boston location yet, but am planning to do so in the future.

As you enter the restaurant, you can see the elegant bar section to the right, with a small lounge area. 

The dining areas also are more elegant, with a rustic touch from all the wood decor. It's a much larger restaurant than it looks from then outside. This would be a good place for romantic dates or business meetings, family or friend gatherings. 

As you walk through the dining room, you can also see the grills, which are open to view. 

The Drinks menu at the restaurant offers wine, beer, spirits and cocktails. The Wine list has 14 wines available by the glass, priced $8-$14, with choices from all over the world. The Cocktail list has plenty of options, and their specialty are their Caipirinhas, with seven varieties available (priced at $15-$16). The Caipirinha is Brazil's famed cocktail, made with cachaça (a rum-like spirit produced from sugarcane), lime, and sugar, muddled together. The seven options included: Tropical, Alma Premium, Passion Fruit/Lime, Strawberry, Kiwi, Coconut/Pineapple, and Dragon Fruit. 

The Tropical Caipirinha ($16) was made with cachaça, fresh muddled kiwi, strawberries, pineapple, limes, sugar, and ice. It was delicious and refreshing, fruity and lightly sweet. The cachaça was noticeable but not overly so. My friends who also ordered this cocktail enjoyed them as well. 

The Alma Premium Caipirinha ($15) was made with aged cachaça, fresh muddled limes, sugar, and ice. Again, this was refreshing and tasty, a nicely balanced cocktail with bright citrus notes. I've enjoyed caipirinha cocktails before, and this was an excellent example, which I'd strongly recommend.

As for the cachaça they use for these cocktails, they have their own brand of Silver Cachaça. They also have a 2-Year Old Gold Cachaça and a 20-Year Old Gold Cachaça. In addition, they have a few other Cachaça brands. 

 

For Lunch, Alma Gaucha offers two options: Market Table and Full Experience. The Market Table costs $19.95 during Weekdays and $33.95 on Weekends. The Market Table includes just their buffet tables, which contain a variety of salads, seasonal vegetables, and signature hot dishes. The Full Experience costs $42.95 during Weekdays and $53.95 during Weekends. It consists of the buffet tables, as well as unlimited meats carved tableside. Children under 6 years old are free, and children aged 7-12 pay half price. Dinner is more expensive. 

The Rodizio includes plenty of options, such as: Sirloin (Picanha), Ribeye, Tomahawk, Prime Ribs, Chuck Short Ribs, Tri-Tip Steak, Tenderloin (Filet Mignon), Prime Beef Ribs, Trip-Tip Sirloin with Cheese, Salmon, Lamb Chops, Lamb Steak, Brazilian Sausage, Pork Belly, Chicken Legs & Hearts, Grilled Cheese with Honey/Gauva Sauce, and Grilled Pineapple. At your seat, you are given a small circle, green on one side and red on the other, which respectively indicates when you want more meat, or when you need a break. And if you are seeking a specific option, just ask your server and they will try to expedite the delivery of that option.

The Buffet tables contain many options, from salads to soups. Although tasty, I usually only sample a few of these items, saving my main appetite for all of the meats that will soon come. Vegetarians though might enjoy all of the buffet options. 

As my friends and I sat our table, we were then witness to a few different servers bringing meats, seafood, and other items to our table, in a seemingly infinite progression, commonly slicing the various meats table-side. I didn't take any photos of these meats, simply enjoying my lunch. In general, the meats were fresh, tender and flavorful, sometimes with a prominent saltiness. The Tenderloin was probably my favorite cut, but I enjoyed all of the meats, from the lamb to the sausages. The salmon was excellent, and the grilled pineapple was a pure delight, very juicy with a light cinnamon coating on the exterior. I didn't have anything that I disliked.  

Despite having consumed so much for lunch, we still had a little room for Dessert (which isn't included as part of the Rodizio price), including Pecan Pie ($14), Warm Bourbon Pecan Pie accompanied with Coconut Toasted Pineapple Ice Cream; Flan ($11), Brazilian style Flan with condensed milk, with a homemade caramel sauce; and Chocolate Mousse ($12), Velvety Homemade chocolate mousse with chocolate shavings. The desserts were tasty as well, and I especially liked the Coconut Toasted Pineapple Ice Cream. And it might have been nice to have a bit of whipped cream atop the Chocolate Mousse. 

This was probably one of the best Rodizio restaurants I've dined at in many years, and my friends were all in agreement. Quality and delicious food and cocktails. We consumed vast amounts of meats, and were satisfied and full for the rest of the day. The price for the Rodizio was reasonable for the quality and quantity of the food. In addition, service was excellent, and our primary server, Luly, was friendly, attentive and responsive. Highly recommended! 

Rant: For Mother's Day, Gift Your Mom A Bottle Of White Zin

In two weeks, on Sunday, May 10, it'll be Mother's Day, a time to honor our mothers, to show the love we possess for them. I love my mother, and she's worthy of much honor for her love, devotion, and sacrifices in raising me. However, she'll say that she doesn't need any specific day to be honored, that she feels my love every day. Many mothers probably feel that very same way about their children, yet we children still enjoy celebrating this holiday.

During the next month, will you buy your mom a gift? Jewelry, chocolates, flowers or maybe a bottle of wine? If you want to buy her a bottle of wine, what would be your best choice?

It might be White Zinfandel! 

That might confuse some people, and doesn't seem like the type of wine recommendation I usually would give. It's not the type of wine I promote at the twice weekly wine tastings at Victoria Hill Wine. So, why am I recommending it now?  

Thirteen years ago, I first posted a similar article, and the sentiment bears repeating. Back then, while working at a wine shop near Mother's Day, I sold more White Zinfandel than any other day I ever recalled. One of the customers seemed almost guilty buying it, telling me that it was for her mother, not wanting me to think she was drinking it. That made me ponder the matter, raising a question in my mind.

If you truly love your mother, would you really buy her an inexpensive, and much maligned, wine like a White Zinfandel?

Some might think the answer is easy, that their mother deserves much better than White Zinfandel, or a similarly cheap, mass produced wine. They would rather try to introduce their mother to some other wine, one which is much better in quality and taste. They might prefer to select a pricey wine, rather than the cheap White Zin. In some respects, they are correct. Your mom is certainly worthy of a pricey, high end wine. However, that doesn't mean you should buy your mother such a wine.

In fact, sometimes a White Zinfandel is the best wine you can buy for your mom.

For Mother's Day, I believe that you should give your mother the things she loves, no matter what they might be. I don't believe it's the day to test your mom, to give her mother something she might or might not enjoy. You want the day to be as perfect as possible for your mother, so you should cater to her desires. If she loves White Zinfandel, then the best wine you can give her for Mother's Day is White Zinfandel. You shouldn't feel guilty or cheap. You shouldn't feel like a bad child.

Even if you're a wine lover, conversant with wines from all over the world, don't shy away from buying White Zinfandel if that is what your mother loves. Maybe your mom has never had a Provence Rose or a Gruner Veltliner, and might enjoy them if she did. Then again, maybe she won't. Don't try to change your mother's palate on Mother's Day. You can do that on any other day of the year. Instead, give her what you know she already loves, even if it's White Zinfandel.

Yes, Love for your Mother can be expressed through White Zinfandel.