Photo courtesy of Em Chamas
Just north of downtown Kansas City, Missouri, lies a little outpost of Brazil—in the form of a Churrascaria, a Brazilian Steak Grill called “Em Chamas.” No need to buy a plane ticket or purchase a passport to savor the Brazilian delicacies served there. Just head to 6101 NW 63rd Terrace in Tuileries Plaza for a true carnivore’s dream-come-true.
Churrascaria?
Churrascaria is a traditional cuisine stemming from the Pampas region of Southern Brazil, where ranchers barbecue large portions of marinated beef, pork, and poultry on long skewers over an open fire pit. At Em Chamas, various cuts of succulent beef, pork, lamb, chicken, and seafood are all skewered and slow-roasted over a wood-fired grill, preserving their natural flavors.
What if I’m vegetarian?
Veggie lovers will also be in heaven, as Em Chamas features a huge gourmet salad bar with over 30 items--both fresh and roasted vegetables, a variety of salads and cheeses, pastas, and traditional Brazilian dishes, like Feijao (black beans and rice). The Gourmet Bar is only $18.95 per person.
What’s the service like?
If you’re indulging in the full Rodizio service (all-you-can-eat meat plus all-you-can-graze Gourmet Bar), the delectable meats and seafood are presented on the skewers in a continuous tableside service style, which you control with a specially-designed coin on the table. One side of this magical coin signals the gauchos (waiters) to bring their various meats to your table, and the other side signals them to stop while you take a breather. If you decide you want the particular cut of meat that the gaucho brings to your table, the gaucho will either carve it directly on your plate, or hand you a pair of tongs to grab the meat yourself. Either way, you’ll be overcome with bliss.
Are there special drinks?
Your evening would not be complete without having a caipirinha, a traditional Brazilian cocktail made from Cachaca (Brazilian liquor distilled from sugar cane), sugar, and fresh fruit. (It’s the adult version of limeade, the perfect summer drink.) And you can also order tasty Brazilian desserts (like Brazilian Flan) after your meal—assuming you have room.
Is it a chain restaurant?
Em Chamas is locally owned and operated by brothers Sam and Nick Silvio, who have both worked in the Kansas City area restaurant business for years. (Sam Silvio opened the original Piropos restaurant in Parkville.)
Is it expensive?
For many people, Em Chamas (which can cost $36.95 for the full Rodizio service) is a special-occasion restaurant, but it’s certainly cheaper than a plane ticket to Brazil. And Em Chamas is always offering specials—Sunday Brunch, for instance, is only $14.95 for adults and $10.95 for kids. And their Lagoa Lounge offers small plates starting at $4.00 and meat and seafood plates, starting at $7.00. Check their web site periodically for other special pricing deals.
Hunters and gatherers never had it so good.
Author’s Note: This is the second in a series about Staycations in (or very near) Kansas City. Be sure to also read about Independence, MO, Harry Truman’s hometown; thrills and chills at Worlds of Fun; and The Chronicles of Narnia: The Exhibition.
Comments
I grew up in KC and still have friends and family there. This sounds like a fun restaurant to try next time I'm in town. I recently read about another restaurant in Smithville that sounds really interesting. It had a local-sustainable sort of approach.
I'm going to subscribe by email to your column and will enjoy reading your articles. It's a pleasure to meet you, Nancy!
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