Heading down to a Brazilian restaurant on a cold winter’s night seemed like just the right thing for me a few weeks ago – although in fairness I had very little idea what food to expect. After travelling to SA many years ago, all I remembered was empanadas and not much else, but I hoped that whatever it was would have a good kick of flavour to heat me up.
When we arrived the staff were warm and welcoming, keen to talk through the menu and offer recommendations. We started with the guacamole, which came with tortilla chips and parmesan with a honey dip. I would never have gone for parmesan and honey together (I’m not a great fan of sweetness – I bring enough to the table *wink wink*) but on consideration, it works. The salty balance of the cheese was offset nicely with the sweetness of honey – a pleasant surprise. The guacamole was as I like it – chunky, fresh and with a good hint of acidity, however was lacking in enough salt for me. Luckily there was a large salt grinder on the table – at least you can season to your own taste.
For main we ordered the skewers; one lamb and one chicken. The lamb was fantastic; caramelised on the outside, tender on the inside. There is always a worry that lamb will be fatty and poor quality but the stuff here was good; tender and pink on the inside. The chicken was spicy and served with the skin on, which kept it especially juicy. I doused mine in their house sauce which really did clear the old sinuses! We accompanied our mains with two types of fried sweet potato, one of which came with beef brisket on top and black eyes peas. I must admit, the dark topping on the fries doesn’t look the daintiest of dishes, but the meat was tender and soft, falling apart in my mouth.
All of the above was washed down with caipirinhas of every variety: passion fruit, strawberry and classic, of course. These can only be described as a kind of mojito, but using Brazil’s famous house spirit cachaça, white rum-cum vodka. They were all refreshing and an ideal accompaniment to spicy food.
Towards the end, we felt like no more could fit……… however where there’s a will there’s a way, and where there’s a recommendation from the waiter I need very little pushing. My dinner date and I shared the 10 mini doughnuts with chocolate dipping sauce. Inside the little pops of joy were hazelnut chocolate. They really were scrummy but a word of warning – eat all of the above as I did and you will have to sleep upright. Belly busting.
Overall I definitely overindulged but tis’ the season and all. In summary: a good, solid restaurant serving varied, surprising and succulent food. Good for a casual first date or lunch with pals. One to try in the New Year.
430 Trinity Leeds, Albion Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5AT
https://www.cabana-brasil.com/restaurants/leeds/
Article by Erin Goodall
Northern Correspondent, FoodGoblin
Northern Correspondent, FoodGoblin
