The World Cup finals were kicking off and I decided it was time to find out everything I could about Brazil. I thought Rio might be too busy right now, so where better to start than Hey Brazil?
This is not the first eating place to offer authentic traditional Brazilian “rodizio” food in Aberdeen, but it gives diners another attractive option.
Yes, football was on the menu for us, and I noticed Hey Brazil had a full team of 11 on the pitch, plus quite a few substitutes as back-up.
Their squad boasted an array of steaks and other meats, chicken and thick spiced sausages – all delivered like a pinpoint pass from the kitchen at the back by a team of waiters.
Their game tactics work a treat: they come forward holding skewers loaded with meat or chicken and slice delicious chunks onto your plate. Before you know it, they are by your side again offering a new temptation, with a different cut of meat or chicken. And so it goes. It’s best to have a hearty appetite when you sit down here.
It is a relaxing way of dining without the fussiness of being tied to a particular dish or traditional courses. In Brazil, it is known as “churrascaria” or eating barbecue style.
You can even show these “players” – or waiters – red cards. They are supposed to be used to ask waiters to take a break from bringing you food because you’ve had enough for a while. It’s all part of the fun. There are green cards to indicate you have not run out of puff – or appetite – and to keep the food coming.
There was even pineapple with cinnamon and sugar to offer a nice contrast in between the meat and chicken.
In the midfield area of the restaurant, near the halfway line to the kitchen, there is plenty more to tackle: Brazilian stews, salads, black bean, chicken and fish creations – and if you do anything, you must try the chilli potatoes.
You can eat as much as you like for an all-in price of £18 each on a Sunday, when we visited. It offers lunches on weekdays at £9.95, and £13.95 on Saturdays. Dinners from Monday to Friday are £23.95.
The meats and chicken were deliciously flavoured and juicy, although we passed on the chicken hearts option. We soon felt full.
As we entered extra time, we found our fitness levels were good as we took on two traditional Brazilian puddings (no, I am not being derogatory or discriminatory about real footballers), but excellent desserts – a caramel pudding and a lovely thick chocolate creation.
Our charming and friendly Brazilian waitress confided that every girl in Brazil learns to make these delights at their mother’s elbow. I was not going to argue as she said she was a criminal lawyer in the Brazilian prosecution service back home.
Hey Brazil caters for all ages, so it is a great atmosphere too, with lively decor to match. The service was friendly and it was a nice experience.
I learned a lot about Brazilian free-flowing style and quality, but not much about football. I’ll just have to go again.
HEY BRAZIL, 13 CROWN STREET, ABERDEEN