The steakhouses, or “churrascarias”, are perhaps the best representation of Brazilian cuisine around the world. This type of restaurant can be found in many different countries, but churrasco, the Brazilian name for barbecued meat, is not so widely known. Churrasco comes from a particular region in Brazil, the state of Rio Grande do Sul.

“Espeto corrido” style steakhouses first opened in the region back in 1968. Espeto corrido, which literally means “running skewers” is the name given to this type of food, which is served by taking the skewer and cutting a piece of meat directly onto the plate. Different cuts of beef, pork, lamb and chicken are served continuously, until the diner is full. Usually, the meal starts with chorizo.

The cuts of meat in the steakhouses differ in each region of Brazil, as well as the type of beef used, but it is well known that the most prestigious cut of meat is the “picanha“. In the United States, this cut of meat is known as rump cover, but it is not easy to find on the markets.

There is no secret recipe for churrasco. No sauce is used. The meat is only seasoned with salt. Always. If any type of churrasco, whether home cooked, from the countryside, or served in a well-known restaurant, has more than just salt, it is not true churrasco. The flavor of the meat depends on the cow’s quality of life, how it is fed, and also the type of wood used to cook the meat. The way the meat is cut is especially important, because the fat changes the taste. So it is fair to say that the taste of churrasco depends on the talent of the person cooking.

If you travel to Brazil it is a must to go for a good steak and enjoy the authentic flavor of the excellent meat in the country.

“IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts in Brazil offer you the most comfortable and comprehensive services, which include among them our excellent restaurants, where you can savor the taste of an authentic churrasco”

In Brazil, music is one of the main art forms and is part of the national culture and is well known around the world. It deserves a special mention as part of the famous Carnival. With the spread of immigrants throughout the country, each region has developed its own rhythm. Río de Janeiro is known for the bossa-nova of Tom Jobim and Vinicius de Moraes and the sambas of Noel Rosa. Pernambuco stands out for frevo and maracatu. Bahía has its own rhythm called Axé. The south of the country, particularly Río Grande del sur, is known for the canciones gauchas, which include the guitar and accordion, an instrument also used in the north by performers of forro, maxixe and baião. The rhythms create new styles and are always changing, but always with the musical creativity that characterizes the country.

Samba is of afro-bahian origin, and the rhythm comes from Lundu and is used in parties in town squares as an accompaniment to capoeira. At the beginning of the 20th century it was adopted by composers such as Ernesto Nazareth and Noel Rusa, who took it into the mainstream and made it a part of the official national culture.

Bossa Nova is an urban movement which began in the 50s. In the beginning it was just another way to sing samba, but it evolved to incorporate elements of jazz, with key elements featuring the voice, piano and guitar. Some of the main performers are Nara Leão, Carlos Lyra, João Gilberto, Vinicius de Moraes and Tom Jobim.

El Choro is a genre created from a mixture of the elements of European dance and popular Portuguese music, with African influences.

El Tropicalismo brings together elements of pop culture and elite culture, while combining messages of political protest, as it was born during the military dictatorship. Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil, Gal Costa, Maria Bethânia, and Os Mutantes are some of the main singers and groups.

La Jovem Guarda is a movement that has links with American and English rock music, although it has a more romantic style. Some of the key performers are Roberto Carlos and Erasmo Carlos.

Brazil is definitely a country that can’t be understood without its music, and music seems to have its natural home in Brazil.

“IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts in Brazil let visitors enjoy the most irresistible emotions of music during their visit to Brazil. The excellent location of IBEROSTAR hotels in Salvador de Bahía and the Grand Amazon hotel boat moored at Manaos are an unbeatable opportunity to discover the most beautiful parts of the country.”