The Famuan

Issue date: 2/4/08 Section: Taste

Media Credit: Nathaniel Nelson

Growing tired of the typical fast food locations that seem to dominate Tallahassee, I decided to try something a little bit out of the norm. So instead of going to the Whataburger on Thomasville Road, I went across the street to Rodizio's South American Steakhouse.

Looking for a dinner of sensational proportions? Look no further than Rodizio's. Located at 1122 Thomasville Road in the former Rhodes Furniture complex, Rodizio's provides a different spin on the term "all-you-can-eat buffet." The restaurant itself is ultramodern with ornamental art adorning the walls, dim lights setting the tone and a touch of South American music cascading from hidden speakers.

The difference between Rodizio's and other buffets is that guests do not have to get up to go to the buffet bar. Instead, the meal is brought right to them. A double-sided coaster is given to each table - one side is red, the other side is green. By flipping the coaster to green, guests are treated to a plethora of different kinds of meats such as steak, chicken, pork and even turkey.

After being led to my seat by the waiter, he mentioned the salad bar. The bar consists of rice, plantains, Columbian black beans and asparagus.

On my first flip, I was served smoked salmon on a skillet. I would be lying if I said it wasn't good. Before I had the time to take another bite, another waiter arrived with scallops wrapped in bacon followed by shrimp and sausage. So after flipping the coaster back to red and enjoying a sip of Sprite, I waited patiently for another 25 or so to digest my food.

Deciding that I was ready for more, I flipped the coaster back to green and within seconds I was treated to garlic steak, baked chicken wrapped in bacon and honey barbecue wings. A few minutes later, I flipped the coaster back to green to enjoy smothered pork in Parmesan cheese. Needless to say, I was stuffed and ready for the check to arrive. But I started browsing through the dessert menu and decided to order a slice of mango cheesecake.

It. Was. Excellent.

Rodizio's was indeed a divine dining experience. Be warned, the cheap of the cheap. The cost is $25 for adults and $11 for children. Sometimes it's good to splurge, and when it comes to Rodizio's, I would advise anybody to make the exception.

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