When was the last time you had a truly unique dining experience? Not just a great meal in a great environment, but something that was also unlike anything you have had before? If it's been a while, then you haven't been to Rioz Brazilian Steakhouse in Myrtle Beach.
Located across from the popular Broadway at the Beach complex, this authentic “churrascaria” – a Portuguese word that roughly translates as “barbecue” in English – brings a new concept in food service to the Grand Strand that can best be described as a mobile buffet.
At Rioz, the guests remain seated while the servers, or gauchos, deliver a steady stream of grilled meats and vegetables directly to your table. Use the green “go” sign on your table to signal the gauchos that you want more, or the red sign to say “no mas.”
Visitors have described the level of service at Rioz as a well-orchestrated symphony of flavors as the gauchos canvas the dining room with up to 15 different types of meats, including various cuts of beef, pork, chicken, lamb and seafood prepared slowly over an open pit.
Among the traditional Brazilian meats include Picanha, a special sirloin cut seasoned with sea salt, and shrimp marinated in a lime/butter sauce. Tasty skewers of fresh vegetables and fruits, such as potatoes and pineapples, are also delivered and sliced tableside.
The gauchos are a wonder to watch, wielding sharp instruments to carve up the perfect slices of surf and turf at your table. It's like taking your taste buds for a culinary tour of South America without leaving your seat, and Rioz really knows how to pile it up and pour it on.
But it isn't all sit-and-eat at Rioz. Upon your arrival, guests are welcome to visit the salad bar, which offers a whole lot more than fresh salads and starters. A wide selection of sushi and seafood items allow guests to get started with something small before the main act begins.
Once the air is filled with flaming skewers of spiced meats, the gauchos have you right where they want you. A parade of food marches through the dining area, stopping only to carve off perfect cuts of meats and vegetables and turn you platter into a piece of culinary artwork.
Guests are encouraged to feast and enjoy the carnival-style atmosphere that surrounds them, but be sure to leave enough room for dessert. Rioz serves a creative collection of sweet dishes to cap the ideal meal, and a full bar and an extensive wine list are also available. It’s all part of the Rioz experience.
Rioz is also capable of hosting special events for visitors celebrating weddings, anniversaries or other special occasions. Private dining rooms and your own dedicated gauchos can transform your formal event into a festive affair that will be remembered forever by those in attendance.
Rioz is also hosting several special events in the upcoming months, including its 8th anniversary celebration on Nov. 9-10, and an American/Brazilian Thanksgiving Feast on Nov. 27, when a mix of Brazilian favorites and American classics, including grilled turkey, will be served. And what better way to enjoy a family Christmas dinner than the fun and festive atmosphere of Rioz?
Rioz is located at 2920 Hollywood Drive in Myrtle Beach, just behind Planet Hollywood and the Legends Theater. The dining room is open at 4 p.m. daily and reservations are strongly recommended, especially during the busy summer months. To book a table or for more information, call 843-839-0777 or visit the website.
(Posted: 10/20/2014)
