Critically Speaking - Bolero Fire Grill

(Page 6)

By Lex Monoxide

At this Brazilian style meat parade, glorious gluttony reigns supreme as each table uses a cue to control the pace of the meal in a red light/green light fashion. The green side signals the gaucho chefs to bring out skewers of sizzling fire-roasted meats to carve at the table. The red side indicates that you are either taking a break or are finished. Turning back to green will cue the Gaucho chefs to resume their beefy blitz.

Garlic parmesan striploin, filet mignon, lamb chops, slow-roasted pork ribs, sirloin; the seemingly endless list of delicacies can all be had by ordering the Full Rodizio all access pass for $37.50. This passport to culinary paradise also gives you entry to the fresco bar of sumptuous gourmet salads, fresh cut and grilled vegetables, sliced cold cuts and various worldwide cheeses. But wait, that's not all! You can't leave without sampling the hot bar of dishes including coconut rice, creamy mashed potatoes, sautéed collard greens and a classic hearty Brazilian black bean stew. My god; it's magnificent.

For the faint of heart, or those who value coronary consistency, a $30 Teaser Platter is available and offers your choice of two skewered items delivered entrée style. This option also includes access to the fresco and hot bars. You can also access only the fresco bar and hot bar for $20, although I can't fathom why you would. Another plus is that the meats are prepared gluten free, as are most of the fresco bar and salad bar items.

The atmosphere is retro chic, loud, friendly and hot enough to singe your fringe. Service is consistently good and fabulously informal; the witty gauchos always ready to share a laugh with patrons and deliver the skewers you want. A wide range of exotic cocktails and beers are available and wine starts at about $7 per glass.
My advice is: don't stuff yourself at the buffet otherwise you'll never get to truly enjoy the magnificent meaty mains. Bolero is overall accommodating with its offers of bar dining, fireplace, personal wines with a corkage fee and wheelchair access. This is a great place to celebrate or just have a spectacular meal. A couple of great friends, a few drinks and a metric ton of meat will have even the grumpiest gringo satiated and smiling.

The restaurant is located at 6920 Macleod Trail South Calgary, in the same building as Smuggler's Inn. Enter through the north entrance and head upstairs to a play pen of Brazilian barbecue. I recommend dinner reservations, particularly on weekends…GREEN LIGHT!

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