Picture
above is from "Cabanha Cinco Salsos"
located in Bage, Rio Grande do Sul.
To
see more please click here.
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A SOUTH AMERICAN TRADITION
OF TASTE
In the early 1800's, European immigrants settled
in the great wide plains areas of Argentina, Uruguay,
and southern Brazil, called pampas. Cattle raising
was the primary way of life, and the men who worked
the cattle (what we call cowboys) were known as
gauchos. The legendary gauchos lived off the land
and tracked lost cattle for local ranchers. They
were instantly recognized by their distinctive
clothing: wide flat hats, woolen ponchos, long
pleated trousers or loose baggy pants called bombachas,
and knee-high leather boots.
There are many stories about the gauchos, about
their lifestyle, their superb horse wrangling
skills, and their appreciation of the land. The
nomadic life of the gauchos eventually ended as
settlements grew and they began to work on large
company ranches.
Today, gauchos still continue to be an integral
part of the ranching areas of Argentina, Uruguay,
and Brazil. It is their way of cooking, churrasco
(shoo-rhas'co), that has inspired traditions carried
on worldwide today. Since they had no way of preserving
food, the gauchos would gather together after
butchering a cow, and skewer and cook the large
portions of meat immediately over a wood burning
fire. The slow-cooked meat basted in its own juices
and resulted in tender, flavorful steaks.
It is with the same patience and careful preparation
that we, at Espeto Steak House, serve our lamb,
sirloin, and other choice cuts. |
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