OPINION: Brazilian Barbeque Offers Unique Buffet

The buffet at Labaredas Brazilian Barbeque puts a unique twist on the traditional all-you-can-eat buffet. Rather than paying a set rate, Labaredas weighs each plate once the food has been piled on, so guests pay by the weight of the food. This is a great option for those who feel they can never eat their money's worth at the all you can eat restaurants.

But the uniqueness doesn't end with the pay-per-weight feature. Brazilian barbeques typically draw patrons for one main reason -- fresh meat and lots of it. Once loading up on items from the buffet such as beans and rice, cooked bananas and fried chicken, one must stand in front of the mammoth menu mounted on the wall displaying a large selection of meats. Want top sirloin or chicken wrapped in bacon? A cook will bring out a large skewer of the chosen meat and shave off pieces until you give the signal to stop.

The prices are reasonable and the selection is varied. However, on a Saturday night at 7 p.m. the restaurant was deserted and so the buffet food tasted as if it had been sitting there for a while. In such cases, it's most likely in a guest's best interest to skip the buffet and order from the menu to ensure fresh, hot food.

The buffet is a popular choice during weekday lunch hours when the restaurant can become so full as to cause occasional waits for tables. Although some of the meats were found to be dry and tough, the overall taste was good, and the unique atmosphere of the restaurant is worthy of a lunch hour visit.

Labaredas is located at 500 Boston Post Road East.

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