Manchebo French Steakhouse

Description:

• Despite the emphasis on the South American churrasco specialty, the dining room feels like a 1950s French country bistro -- cafe curtains and brick accents decorate the windows, hand-painted tiles border the walls, and gold wrought iron gives the Louis XV-inspired chairs a rustic flavor. The live piano music is mellow, the lighting dim. Start with the old standard, shrimp cocktail, or mushroom caps stuffed with rich, herb-flavored crab and grated Gouda. For the main event, carnivores can't resist the extremely tender, 2-inch-thick churrasco. It's presented with the restaurant's signature fanfare: A bell rings and your waiter moans "ooh la la." The seafood platter, a feast of deep-fried jumbo shrimp, juicy scallops, tender calamari, and the catch of the day, is equally outstanding. Rich ice cream crowns the not-too-sweet apple strudel, a real treat with the strong and flavorful coffee. Value-conscious diners love the $33 Ambassador's Five-Course Dinner, which even includes a bottle of very decent wine (one per couple), or the early bird special where you can order appetizer, main course and dessert for $23 before 7pm.

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Recommended 2010