Auc Lac Do Brazil deserves a second chance

If you read my post dated 20 Sep 2008 on Auc Lac Do Brazil, you probably will not want to give it a try. A year later, I was surprised to still find it around, at the same location, doing well, getting booked for company events and even increased their prices, despite the closure of Brazil Churrascaria last year. Was keen to try it again as we had craving for BBQ meat. Our experiences turned out well with its improved menu, better service...will definitely go back again.

Chefs at work in the outdoor kitchen

Auc Lac Do Brazil: That's all-you-can-eat

I have always been a fan of all-you-can-eat BBQ meat concept (Brazil Churrascarias), particularly Brazil Churrascaria along Sixth Avenue which I have tried some years ago. It has remained one of the best among its competitors over the last 10 years.

Brazil Churrascaria has done well enough to setup franchises out of Singapore, particularly in HCMC, however, with quite a different fate. After 2 attempted visits to its old location (moved) and then its new location (closed for 'renovation'), I gave up after waiting for a month and decided to give its competitor, Au Lac Do Brazil, a try.

The deco & ambience first impressed me. Next, the first half hour of the experience was great with fast service and fantastic food. The servers (totally serving 12 different kind of meat on skewers, salads & rice) came round the tables with lotsa enthusiasm & politeness. One of them even said "Enjoy your food & I will come back again".

But none of them came back again. After waiting for another hour, I decided to raise a request for a repeat round of chicken, beef & pork. Even that took another half an hour before I gave up & asked for the bill.

So, was it "all-you-can-eat" or "That's all you can eat"?

Days of Auld Lang Syne

"Should auld acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind?

Should auld acquaintance be forgot and days of auld lang syne."

As we welcome the new year of 2008, should the memories of the old days be really left behind?

New year's eve was spent in Saigon, savouring one of the city's best seafood buffet at Riverside Cafe, Renaissance Riverside Hotel and soaking into the atmosphere of new year count down, along the streets of district one.

Advance reservation and pre-payment was required at Riverside Cafe as it was full house. There were international diners, party poppers, loud noices, magic show, live music and most of all...glorious food!

Seafood's my all time favourite. There were additional food items along the buffet line for the occasion at additional cost but I'd prefer the usual spread (at usual price) and much smaller crowd on normal days.

The Notre Dame Cathedral was specially lighted up for the ocassion.

Huge crowd gathering outside the Saigon Opera House

Throngs of people roaming along the streets around the Notre Dame Cathedral, with police diverting traffic and closing off some roads.