"If Manchester's ever growing contingent of Brazilian footballers didn't already feel at home at Pau Brasil in the Northern Quarter, they certainly will now at its incredibly large and plush baby sister, next to those other celeb magnets; King Street, Kendals and San Carlo. The meat feast is as good as ever, if not better, and the cocktails (from both upstairs and downstaris bars) are guaranteed to get you in the samba spirit.
Built on a massive scale, over two very large floors of what used to be Daisy & Tom's Children's store, the plush decor and expensive fittings may take you back at first if you're used to Pau Brasil's intimate first offering in the Northern Quarter. The concept is exactly the same though, you help yourself to salad from the buffet and the waiters circle the room with cuts of meat that they carve at your request.
Ariane, the very friendly Brazilian manager, was quick to point out that they were proud of the meat on offer at the Deansgate branch, proclaiming they had the best supplier around. It's hard to disagree from the cuts that we tasted, which included Beef Rump, Chicken Breast with Pancetta, Leg of Lamb, Pork Sausage and the amazing Skirt of Beef. The passadores circled the restaurant enough times for us to try each generous cut more than once and the salad buffet was always well stocked to fill up with vegetables, rice, pasta and other Brazilian dishes. You certainly couldn't complain at the portions offered for just £12.50 (before 4pm), and wouldn't be short-changed at the full price of £22.50.
The Caipirinhas were extremely strong and delicious, exceptional value at just £6. Bem Brasil could teach a few bars in town how to make the celebrated Brazilian tipple of choice. The wine list was excellent, with plenty of Brazilian and South American selections, although the cheapest being the Italian Moncaro Marche Blanc or Cusumano Merlot (£14.95).
We had a few minor quarms during our visit, not enough to put us off going back, but just little things that could be ironed out easily. Firstly service was somewhat random. After being seated, we were left unattended for an unacceptably long 20 minutes, and struggled to get the attention of any waiters to order drinks. As with Pau Brasil in the Northern Quarter, there's no menus so, if you're new to the concept, would not know how much you're going to pay and what you can eat. You'd also be unaware of the fantastic Fish Special menu they offer at just £22.50 (£32.50 if you combine eat with the meat feast). We eventually received service from the first friendly (and generous) passadores to come to our table. As well as supplying us with plenty of delicious salty beef, he instructed the drinks waiter to attend to us. It was also a bit off putting to see waiters cleaning tables by moreorless brushing the crumbs and bits and pieces left by previous guests straight onto the floor, and occassionally the seats.
The prime location of Bem Brasil should see the masses embrace the rodizio concept - Pau Brasil and Tropeiro have may have been too far off the beaten track for many. With Gaucho Grill nearby, the Brazil v Argentina battle has commenced. On this visit, we're backing the Canarinhos of Brazil." - restaurants of manchester - 30/6/09 (visited on a sunday afternoon)
