Pao De Quijo is a quaint little eatery is located at 34-01 30th Street in Astoria, NY. It can be easily identified by the large flag of Brazil that's hung outside. At the entry is a counter and dessert case and a friendly member of staff is ready to greet us.
We are then told to seat ourselves as he followed us with the menus. The list of burgers are quite extensive and the various toppings intriguing. Our server took time explaining his recommendations in the most beautiful accent. We both found this a really great addition to our experience and I share in a schoolgirl-like giggle or two with my sister ;-)
We finally get down to ordering and chose Mandioca Com Carne Ou Frango (A Yucca patty filled with beef and cheese) and Pastel De Carne Ou Queijo Chicken/Cheese (Brazilian Empanadas). They arrive, and do not disappoint. They are cooked to golden perfection and served hot. The Yucca patty is moist with a slight breaded crust and the beef/cheese filling is delightful. The Cheese Empanada is a crusty, crunchy cheesy goody. It was amazing that we managed to share equally. The Chicken version is also well received, leaving us anxious for a taste of the burgers.
Our first Burger was made of Sliced Beef, Cheese, Bacon, Egg, Brazilian Sausage, Corn, Potato Sticks, Lettuce and Tomatoes or second Burger was a Chicken Burger with Cream Cheese, Corn Lettuce and Tomatoes and our third was a made of Ground Beef, Ham, Egg, Smoked Sausage, Corn, Lettuce and Tomatoes. The Chicken and Beef Patties were seasoned to perfection. The Sliced Beef was succulent and full of flavor. Let's face it, anything that's served with Bacon and Sausage is a winner in our book. Simply put we enjoyed these hearty, meaty offerings but were unable to finish them all because of their hefty nature. We were optimistic, however, to take the left overs home and try again the following day.
Our desert consisted of a Strawberry, Banana and Peach Smoothie and a slice of Brazilian Flan. The experience here can be summarized in one word...PERFECTION! The Smoothie was all natural and delicious. The Flan was rich and smooth with a perfectly caramelized top.
