The Good Enuf Mommy

Pampa: Brazilian BBQ at its Best

in Eating Well YYC on

For the best Brazilian BBQ in Calgary, it doesn’t get much more authentic than Pampa Brazilian Steakhouse. Executive chef Joao Dachery and co-owner Oscar Lopez are two of the most passionate business owners I have met in a long time. The attention to detail and vision of churrasco, or Brazilian BBQ, are what keep Pampa a cut above the rest. From the authentic attire of the Gaúchos and refined carving technique, to the traditional grill straight out of Brazil, this place is the real deal.

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by a vendor I have chosen to work with. I have received either paid compensation and/or free product in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own based only on my own experience.
For the best Brazilian BBQ in Calgary, it doesn’t get much more authentic than Pampa Brazilian Steakhouse. Their vision keeps Pampa a cut above the rest. The original Pampa was born in Edmonton, AB, Canada. The Calgary location just turned one and is celebrating in style. In a downturn economy, it speaks volumes that Pampa continues to thrive. It was packed to the gills will patrons happy to partake in the fun and entertaining atmosphere that Pampa has to offer.
We began our meal with a Brazilian cocktail called a Caipirinha. The lime was the perfect tart, whereas the passionfruit and citrus blend was slightly more sweet and refreshing.
best brazilian bbq in Calgary
These little puffs were presented to us at the beginning of our meal. Called Pao de Queijo, loosely translated to cheese bread, they are light as air and yet rich in flavor. As an added bonus they are gluten free and are offered throughout your meal. (I think I had 6 to myself in total – shhh don’t tell).
The salad bar is not your typical fare. With over 60 items to choose from you’re going to want to try a little bit of everything. On the fresh side you’re offered: roasted beets, olives, quinoa tabouli, shaved zucchini, salami, and select varieties of cheese. Though I’m not usually one to get too excited about a salad, the wide variety offered here is enough to make anyone a salad enthusiast. Selections include: Radicchio Sausage Salad, Pineapple Sausage Salad, Salada de Fusilli com Uvas (a punched up fusilli salad), and Salada de Penne com Churrasco (beef penne salad) to name a few. Another interesting addition is the hot side dishes not often found in your typical salad bar. The Pure de Batatas com Leite de Coco (mashed potatoes) were buttery, whipped with coconut milk, and topped with a generous amount of cheese. Need I say more?
best brazilian bbq in Calgary

And now for the main event…the meat. No one take Brazilian BBQ more seriously than Joao and Oscar. With 11 different BBQ options you are sure to find a new favorite. Just remember – GREEN means “I’ll try more of that please!” and RED means, “Hold on and let my stomach catch up with my eyes.”

best brazilian bbq in Calgary
Pampa’s Grill Master carves a mean slice of Picanha (Rump Steak). This is the holy grail of churrasco. It’s not difficult to see why. This steak is tender yet bold in flavor. It’s the kind of cut that will likely bring a tear to any man’s eye.
Other options include:
Alcatra (Top Sirloin)
Fraldinha (Bottom Sirloin)
Contra-file (Striploin)
Picanha com Alho (Garlic Rump Steak)
Filet minnon com Bacon (Bacon-wrapped Filet Mignon)
Linguica de Porco (Pampa Pork Sausage)
Sobrecoxa de Frango com Bacon (Bacon-wrapped Chicken Thighs)
Lombo de Porco Marinado (Parmesan Pork Loin)
Coxa de Frango (Marinated Frenched Chicken Legs)
Costeleta de Cordeiro marinada (Marinated Leg of Lamb)
 
 

Pampa Brazilian Steakhouse Calgary



With entirely full bellies, it was a wonder we had room for dessert. Luckily the après dinner offerings were light and airy and the perfect complement to an incredibly rich meal. We indulged in the evening’s feature dessert of bananas topped with a delicate meringue as well as the vanilla bean ice cream blended with fresh papaya and finished with a Crème de Cassis liqueur.

 


And speaking of liquor…when you do visit, you’re definitely going to want to try the Pampa Flight digestif to cap off the night! To the right you’ll see a Pampa server pictured standing on a chair to pour the unique liquor made of 47 different ingredients. Oscar explained that the purpose is to naturally aerate it as free falls into your shot glass. If you look carefully the liquor bottle is also encased in a huge block of ice to keep it freezing cold. You won’t want to miss out on this experience!

best brazilian bbq in Calgary


 Overall Pampa was everything I hoped it would be and more. If you have tried it yourself be sure to leave a comment below! If you haven’t – don’t miss out! It’s the perfect place to impress someone special.


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best brazilian bbq in Calgary

 

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Comments

  1. I saw this on your fb and had to give it a click since I am obsessed with food and all 😉 Brazilian steakhouses are the best! We went to one for our anniversary last year & it was delicious. Wish I was a tad bit closer so I could try this one out!

    Reply

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