Easton, Penn., is steadily increasing its reputation as a trendy, up-and-coming, foodie town. With a mexican restaurant, a fish market, a brewery, a Brazilian steakhouse, and a French gastropub all opened in the past couple years, the relaxed, waterfront town’s restaurant scene is heating up to a boil.
My family and I recently sat down at Batuque, the Brazilian steakhouse, for our first rodizio experience. Rodizio is a style of all-you-can-eat service in Brazilian restaurants where you order a few family-style sides and a variety of meats are served tableside. I ordered a refreshing sangria, hit the salad bar, and waited for the meat to arrive.
A large skewer of meat was brought to our table and sliced in front of us. We quickly discovered what the small tongs at our place settings were for – we had to grab the meat while they sliced so it wouldn’t fall onto the table! Our first sampling was chourico (spicy sausage). We eagerly enjoyed it with mashed potatoes and cheese pastels – cheese inside light puff pastry. We also sampled rice and fried bananas, which tasted more like a dessert with their lightly breaded, creamy sweetness. Additional options included beans, polenta, yucca, collard greens, and sauteed veggies.
And the meat kept coming. We savored bacon-wrapped turkey, filet mignon, garlic skirt steak, pork ribs, spicy chicken, and more. Our server provided us with a coaster-like cardboard circle, red on one side for “I’m full and happy,” and green on the other side for “Bring it on!” I loved that the meat was served one small portion (as in one slice of meat) at a time, so we could take our time with each flavor.
Batuque also offers a variety of entrees – salads, seafood, chicken and steak – if you don’t want to partake in the rodizio. My husband was very happy with his Chicken Brazilian-style and my son devoured the excellent NY Steak Chianti.
For dessert, we shared one of our favorites: crème brulee. It’s extra-fun and extra-carmelized when they torch it right in front of you!
Easton, with its charming downtown, beautiful riverfront, eclectic dining options, and kid utopia The Crayola Experience is a wonderful day trip for families.