Samba

I'd heard of "Brazilian Barbecues" for years. Highly touted by
carnivores, I avoided them. I'm just not a big meat eater. Sure I've had
some wonderful cuts of meat prepared perfectly which has swayed me
not to cheat myself of all that life has to offer, but Samba totally took me
by surprise.

As the boys checked in with the hostess, I quickly scanned the menu for
something I could get by with. Happy to make do with my plan to order
an appetizer, I joined group en route to our table.

Along the way I admired the fearless use of color here with the brightest
of yellows and fiery reds dangerously close to screaming shades of
greens and blues. It was an exciting backdrop for an adventure. When
we'd arrived at our reserved table there were baskets of bread already
waiting with two places for dipping; a bean puree or an addicting garlic oil
with offensive amounts of minced garlic.

As the dinner progressed a bottomless bowl of salad arrived and after
that, bowls of farofa carrots, rice, black beans, creamed spinach and
sweet fried plantain. The plantain was curious, slightly charred, chewy
and rather meaty in itself. Throughout the meal meat on large skewers
would arrive at random which had been marinated or seasoned before
grilling. They looked and smelled so good I had to sample, just to be
sure. I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed so many of the offerings.
The boys went crazy over the Rare Steak, but I was impressed with the
Slow Roasted Pork & Pineapple, Teriyaki Chicken and Honey Brushed
Turkey Breast Roulad Wrapped in Bacon. The meat kept on coming with
skewered "Alho" Style Chicken Legs, Brazilian Style Baby Back Pork Ribs
and "the poor man's lobster": Monkfish.

Besides the All-You-Can-Eat Barbecue ($34.95) Samba has a full menu
with specialty entrees which include 1# Australian Lobster Tail Surf &
Turf ($100) and Rigatoni Pasta ($19) with peas, pecorino cheese and
garlic cream. Though I would have been happy to have my own plate of
endless meat, I was happily with my Empanadas ($8.62). These couldn't
have been made any better with hand made pastry wrapped around
perfectly seasoned beef and served with a slightly thick spicy puree.

A Cuban classic Mojito ($10) muddled with rum, fresh mint and lime went
beautifully with everything, but mostly I'd hoped the mint would conceal
the enormous amounts of garlic I'd consumed from the bread and oil.
Not a chance, but it was all worth it anyways. This place is a dream.

Located inside the Mirage in Las Vegas

Telephone (702) 791-7337 or for reservations (702