Nearly two centuries ago, European settlers established outposts on the fertile, grassy plains of Brazil’s Rio Grande do Sul.

Many of the newcomers were experienced horsemen and, as a result, quickly gained a respected reputation within the burgeoning cattle industry, eventually becoming known as Gauchos.

In addition to herding and raising livestock, Gauchos cultivated a variety of fresh vegetables and fruits, inspiring the development of a unique and mouthwatering technique of cookery known as churrasco (pronounced: shoo-ross-ko). Using only the finest wood-fired, pit roasted prime meats and vegetables, they would utilize their keenly sharpened blades to continuously slice and serve up thin, tender pieces of steak, ribs, chops, sausage and other delicacies onto the plates of their hungry families and friends. It was simple, straightforward and incredibly delicious.

Over time, this uncomplicated, hearty fare gained such popularity in the region that the style of cookery ultimately became a gastronomic icon associated almost exclusively with the continent of South America. Churrasco-style dining became so heralded in the countryside that it soon made its way into restaurants located in larger urban areas.

Although they have since become popular in many other parts of the world, up until a few years ago finding a good churrascaria in southern California was challenging. Fortunately, lucky diners who frequent San Diego’s Gaslamp District are able to regularly enjoy this sensational, sizzling, skewered method of satisfying their appetites.

Located adjacent to Fourth Avenue, visitors to Rei do Gado can enjoy a tasty meal either al fresco, or within the subtly decorated comfort of the dining room. Your feast begins with a trip to the bountiful buffet, which offers an ever-changing selection of tantalizing side dishes, salads, and appetizers; often including shrimp, smoked salmon and fresh mussels.

Guests returning to their tables with full platters then encounter an amazing array of succulent, grilled meats; each of which is brought separately on a hot skewer and sliced onto the plate exactly as requested. Ardent carnivores that may have risen from their tables still hungry after visiting one of the nearby ‘haute cuisine’ restaurants will have no such complaints when dining here. This is a place where guests are provided with copious quantities of delectable fare, and are joyously encouraged to eat their fill.

The tender, mesquite-grilled meats include everything from bacon-wrapped filet mignon, top sirloin and lamb roast to chicken, pork, ribs and sausage. Depending upon the evening diners choose to visit, the variety of their eclectic assortment of entrées can include practically anything from Peru com Bacon, bacon wrapped breast, to Pernil de Ovelha, a luscious, roasted leg of lamb. Kosher beef preparations are also frequently incorporated into the menu. Each table is provided with a small, colored block about the size of a salt-shaker to help simplify the serving process: Keep the green side up, and the skewers will continue to arrive at your table, turn the red side up and they will stop.

For those who may not have had enough to eat, a bevy of exotic and traditional desserts are also available. Irresistible inducements like passion fruit mousse, Brazilian flan and German chocolate cheesecake tempt diners to toss discretion to the sidelines.

Rei Do Gado features a magnificent, fully stocked bar as well as a separate station that specializes in fruity, Brazilian-style cocktails. Lively evening entertainment is also on tap later in the evening, and can run the gamut from soothing background bossa nova to a spirited samba that coaxes customers to the dance floor.

This is a place where traditional ethnic atmosphere blends seamlessly with upscale ambience to create an experience that is perfectly suited to the discerning Epicurean diner. Whether dropping in for a quick lunch, or planning a leisurely dinner, Rei do Gado offers its guests one of San Diego’s most marvelously unique dining venues along with a delightful taste of the Gaucho lifestyle.

Rei Do Gado Brazilian Steak House
939 4th Ave. San Diego, CA 92101
Tel: (619) 702-8464
http://www.reidogado.net

-Written by Tom Gatch (tlgatch@sbcglobal.net)

Over the past decade, author and columnist, Tom Gatch, has built a solid reputation as one of the foremost writers focusing on dining, outdoor and recreational topics in Baja and southern California. Tom’s popular new book, Hooked on Baja, published by W.W. Norton & Company’s Countryman Press, is available at Barnes & Noble and Borders as well as Costco warehouse stores in southern California and from most major online booksellers.