Guri do Sul

[Lon Chaney]

Cool, I love Brasilian churrascarias but Fogo do Chao on Westheimer is a major haul. I'm happy to see that Guri do Sul will be opening here soon.

www.guridosul.com
281-907-4146
1400 Research Forest

There is a recording that states they are in their final stages of construction but are accepting reservations for December (exact date was not stated).

Ever been to a churrascaria? It's awesome. Basically it's all you can eat, first you visit the salad bar and get side dishes. Then you either raise a flag at your table or place a marker on green and they start bringing you meat! The meat is brought out on skewers and shaved off at your table. Try the Picanya! Very lean beef, nicely seasoning and perfectly cooked.

This place has a lot of potential. I hope they get it right! First one to visit must write a review for the rest of us!!!

[Wilson]

I enjoyed Rodizio in Houston, but it's no longer around, and that's the last time I was able to eat Brazilian. I can't wait for this place to open!

[natvtxn]

We LOVE Fogo, so we are certainly looking forward to going there during the holidays. Dh usually skips that huge salad bar and focuses on the meat! We love the Caipirinhas, too! One year, dh rented a limo for my birthday and the family went to Fogo. We enjoyed too many Caipirinhas, but didn't worry since we had a limo to bring us home! We saw workers in there last week, so hopefully, it will be open soon.

[smcbelle]

DH told me that the owner used to work at or manage (I can't remember!) Fogo. So, it should be very similiar.

[Wilson]

That's good to know - I hope they get this right!

[FamilyGal]

I have never heard of any of these places. But, I am looking forward to trying this one.

[smcbelle]

I called and got a live person. They are scheduled to open 12/5. They'll be open for lunch (M-F) and dinner (M-Sat).

[Wilson]

Fantastic! Dh called yesterday and only got a recording, with no date. Thank so much for the additional info!

[TripleA]

Good news! DH and I celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary on the 14th of December, so we may have to try it! DH has been to Fogo a few times and always tells me we should go sometime, but we haven't yet.

[FamilyGal]

The new Greek place next door to Krogers on Sawdust is pretty good. And, offers some American food for kids.

[Wilson]

You said Greek??!?!? What's it called?

[DEVHOU]

Awesome Food!

[Wilson]

Well, hello! Welcome to TOTW!

We haven't had a chance to try it yet and dh (the true meat-eater) is out of town this week. I'm hoping for a reservation next weekend :).

So how many people were there? How's the waitstaff so far?

[MomTimesFive]

You said Greek??!?!? What's it called?

Did you ever find out the name of the Greek place near Krogers? We have a Greek place here called Daphne's that is really good. I've emailed them a couple of times trying to get them to consider putting one in The Woodlands.

[schnauzermom]

I really want to try this place (Guri Do Sol) is it open?

We did try the greek place for lunch and I must say we have watched way too much of Kitchen Nightmares because we knew right away this place won't last long. We ordered gyros and they were ok, the pitas were fresh and the sauce was good but the tomatoes were chopped really small and mushy my guess is that they came out of a bag. The menu is way too big with a mixture of diner stuff like chicken fried steak and then some greek stuff but NO falafel. Also it replaced one of those salad bar places and the bar is still there but used for storage, bad idea, it looks weird. There were two people actually working and about six others standing around. I give it a few months.

MOMx5 I used to go to Daphnes in San Diego, that was great! I wish there was one here too.

[MomTimesFive]

I used to go to Daphnes in San Diego, that was great! I wish there was one here too.

Maybe you should email them too. I did get a response stating that they were going to look into it since The Woodlands does fit their criteria as far as population among other things. If they know people are interested, maybe they really will bring Daphne's to The Woodlands. That would be about the only thing I'd miss about Southern California.

[Wilson]

Schnauzer, Guri Do Sul opened last week, I think on the 5th. Thanks for the heads-up on the Greek place; I doubt we'll try it.

[kraazynak]

I love the food here, but then again, I may be partial since I happen to be the bartender.

Though we are similar in style to Fogo,the owners would like to set Guri Do Sul apart through our service, amazing wine list, and hopefully great bar.

We serve 12 different cuts of meats ranging from Steak, Lamb, Chicken and we even have Salmon, something you don't see at most Churrascarias (Brazilian steakhouses)

The owners, Lederson and his wife Estella spend most of their time walking around the restaurant talking to tables making sure everything is great. I have talked to virtually everyone who has left the building after eating and we have received nothing but glowing reviews.

I hope to see everyone come give us a try, and make sure to try the Caipirnhas, our house drink. Think of it has a Brazilian margarita made with fresh fruit.

Any constructive critisim you all could offer would be wonderful.

I look forward to becoming a part of ToTW

[Wilson]

Yummmmm... the Caipirnhas sounds wonderful! We're definitely going to try it - and I hope to find a free evening to do so, soon!

Thanks so much for introducing yourself and welcome to TalkofTheWoodlands.com!

[TXrose]

Fogo's is pricey, not somewhere to go really often. I hope this one's not as pricey. -

[msmichellemiller]

I've succumbed to the fact that every place in the Woodlands (especially when you have a fam to feed) is pricey.
I'd also like to add that everyday, cheaper, common places like Taco Bell or McD's...I have found to be of the best quality I have ever had in my life, ANYWHERE. I love me some Woodlands!!!!!!:D F-n Shang ri la if you ask me....
Has anyone here ever made note of how 'Stratford Wife' the Lenny's employees or the Culvers Crew are???? weird ....took us a while to get used to good service on that level after San Antonio

[TXrose]

By pricey it's $48/person at Fogo. That's a lot. I can eat at Cheesecake, Rockfish, and some of the other resturants in the area for less than that. Actually for what 2 of us spent at Fogo I could feed four at Cheesecake etc. It was a nice place, but I didn't feel like I could eat enough to really get my money's worth out of it.

[kraazynak]

Guri is less expensive than Fogo, though I can't say it is inexpensive. The restaurant is an upscale place, and all of the food is prepared in that way. The beef is all dry aged, and nothing but fresh ingredients are used.

You do have an option at Guri to eat solely the salad bar for a significantly less price, though I whole heartedly recommend the meat. It is all great. Children 7 and under are free and 12 and under are given a large price break also.

Has anyone eaten with us yet? Feedback is always fun.

[TXrose]

My kids don't fit in the 12 and under crowd. So 48/person is price for all of us to eat. For all of us to eat at Fogo it would be about $250, that's a lot. There is nowhere out here I spend that much for us to eat. The food was great when hubby at I went but with 3 kids that are considered adults on the menu it's a bit much.

[Wilson]

Guri is less expensive than Fogo, though I can't say it is inexpensive. The restaurant is an upscale place, and all of the food is prepared in that way. The beef is all dry aged, and nothing but fresh ingredients are used.

You do have an option at Guri to eat solely the salad bar for a significantly less price, though I whole heartedly recommend the meat. It is all great. Children 7 and under are free and 12 and under are given a large price break also.

Has anyone eaten with us yet? Feedback is always fun.

We will be there later this week! Are we going to need reservations for Friday night? All my carnivores are very much looking forward to it.

[kraazynak]

We will be there later this week! Are we going to need reservations for Friday night? All my carnivores are very much looking forward to it.

I would definitely make a reservation for Friday night. We were quite busy this last weekend.

Don't be afraid to say hi. I'll be the blond guy in the bar :)

[Wilson]

Excellent - thank you!

[CALBOB]

Hi Kraazynak, since you are the Bartender, do you know if they decided on anything special for New Years Eve ? We have a party of 9 going, and when we made the reservations she said they were planning something, but no details yet...
Thanks
CALBOB

[Wilson]

Hi CALBOB! Welcome to TOTW!

[kraazynak]

We are still working on plans for New Years Eve, not sure what we are going to do special quite yet. As soon as plans are concrete I will post here for you.

[cgwoolf]

This actually sounds like a place I'd like to try. I'm not impressed with most of the pricey places around here. But I've never eaten at a Brazilian restaurant and DH and I do love meat.

Wilson, be sure to let us all know how it was - we'll use you as our guinea pig, LOL.

[Wilson]

We're not going to make it there this weekend... maybe next...sigh...

[natvtxn]

We are going tomorrow night to stuff ourselves! I'm anticipating some really good food and exceptional Caipirinhas! We may need a driver when all is said and done! I'll give a report.

[Wilson]

We have New Year's Eve reservations!!!!!!!!!!!!! YAY! We're going with friends and Guri said that they aren't doing a special menu because they're so new. I can't wait to go!

[kraazynak]

Haha, I am glad you are excited about coming tomorrow night for new years eve. I expect we will be fairly busy.

I met Natvtxn last night when she came to visit. She seemed pleased. We will have to wait for her review.

We are not able to plan anything special for new years because we haven't had enough time for being so new, but for valintines day and mothers day we will most likely have some deals set up.

I hope you enjoy it all tomorrow Wilson.

[Wilson]

Are you working tomorrow night? I'm definitely ordering that drink you recommended and I'll be sure and say hi :). Natv's wonderful, no??

[natvtxn]

I haven't had time to leave the review, but, Wilson, you WILL enjoy your New Year's dinner AND drinks! I'll leave a review later.

[kraazynak]

Oh yes, I will definitely be working tomorrow. Make sure to try the Caipirnhas and I also make a great Chocolate Martini. And of course, as it is New Years Eve tomorrow, we do have a great wine and champagne selection.

[Carpe Diem]

Caipirinhas

What kind of drink is this? Curious alcoholics want to know! LOL

[Wilson]

It's the National Drink of Brazil! One of my dh's favorite countries to visit...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caipirinha

[Carpe Diem]

I have the ingredients to make
http://en.wikipedia.org/skins-1.5/common/images/magnify-clip.png (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Caipivodka.jpg)
Caipiroska (substitutes Vodka). I will try it. We also got a Spec's gift card, so we may go buy some of the cachaça.

[kraazynak]

If you go to Specs and get cachaca try and see if you can find Leblon Cachaca, it is what we use for our top shelf Caipirnhas, and it is excellent. A very smooth cachaca.

Also, I go the extra mile and shave the skin off of the limes I use at Guri to create a less bitter Caipirinha. The average american likes it on the sweeter side, and the skin of the Lime has a significant degree of the limes bitterness. Try it with brown sugar for a different taste.

[cgwoolf]

When you zest the lime (shave), don't go down to the lighter (yellowish) pulpy skin - that is what makes it bitter. Just zest some of the green.

[kraazynak]

I use Persian limes, which are less acidic and bitter than key limes. So when I shave them I go straight through to the soft skin right before the pulp. It is how I was taught in Rio to make the Caipirinhas. If you like at more tart drink and you happen to be drinking at Guri then don't be afraid to tell your server that, and I will be happy to oblige.

I hope everyone is having a great new years eve, get out and start making those resolutions!

[Lon Chaney]

The verdict is in...

Guri do Sul is everything we hoped it would be and last night's New Year's dinner was awesome.

We met Kraazynak at his bar enjoyed some Caipirinhas at the bar while we waited for the rest of our group to join us. The restaurant is beautiful on the inside, simple decor with dark woods, very elegant.

The Caipirinhas where spot on. A lot of time goes into making this drink, this is not just another pre-made margarita from a machine. This is a hand made drink correctly muddled with the right ingredients, the way it is done in Brasil! My compliments to Kraazynak.

The salad bar is smaller than Fogo's but let's be honest, the reason we came to a steakhouse is for the meat. The report from my table was that everything tried was excellent, the kids had chicken legs and sausages, I had the lamb (very mild and tender), filet mignon, flank steak and the Picana which was to die for. In addition all of the proper complimentary side dishes where there, from the little rolls with cheese inside them, fried bananas and mashed potatoes.

We had a nice Chilean Merlot from 2005 which was reasonably priced. The wine list had wines from $29 all the way upto $200 so there was something there for everyone. Since we stuffed ourselves on meat and more meat, we also decided that the last meal of 2007 should also include desert!

The kids had cheese cake, chocolate moose cake and the adults had the papaya creme with a shot of Cassis which was a very "lite", airy and full of flavor.

Damages? For four adults, four kids, cocktails, two bottles of wine and desert for all and coffees it came out to $400.00 which for the blow out meal we had, I would consider very very fair. I don't think we could have replicated that quality of a meal for that price in one of the chains like Babins and while Perry's is the bomb, it would have also cost at least $200 more.

In closing, I would like to add that the staff was very accommodating. In these days of table turnover, we where not rushed, I felt we could have camped out for another hour and would not have been an issue. We where asked several times if we wanted anything else which was great because the kids always wanted more chicken legs and mashed potatoes. It's obvious that the staff has a lot invested in this place and it's nice to see the interest in the guests which is lacking from so many places.

I have probably missed a few details, but if I have any clout with some of you, trust me, this place is good and deserves your patronage! We will be back and I wish them great success because "the boy from the south" deserves it!

[schnauzermom]

OK you sold me, I am going this weekend if I have to drag dh.

[Wilson]

That was the hands-down best restaurant experience I've had in The Woodlands. The food was perfection, the Gauchos were working their knives off - they were fast, patient, took the time to help show the kids what to do, friendly, generous (the Picahna - top choice - was brought to our table at least 3-4 times). The owner came to our table and answered our questions about the restaurant - she was so friendly, welcoming, humble (this is big in my book), seemed to enjoy answering our questions, (Guri do Sul is a Southern Brazilian saying for a boy from that area, which is her husband - "Boy of the South").

They've put together a fabulous restaurant and I wish them all the luck in the world. Having this here is a huge thing for The Woodlands and I do hope they can make it. But seeing how packed it was last night, I think they're off to a really good start.

Kraazynak makes fabulous Caipirinhas, set my kids up with something yummy, and was just as friendly as could be - and knowledgeable! He really knows about the food and drinks and what they're trying to do there. I was afraid we'd talked about this so much that I was only going to be disappointed - this was not the case! It was everything I'd hoped, and then more!

My family highly recommends Guri do Sul!

[cgwoolf]

Ok, so just to pin down a couple of things. For the $400 for 4 adults and 4 kids - was that 4 cocktails only and what on earth is Picana?

[Wilson]

Picanha - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Picanha

I think it was more like $500 with a tip, and I don't believe that included the drinks at the bar. And yes - 4 adults, 3- 8yos (significant reduction) and 1- 5yo (no charge). Two bottles of wine, 2 cocktails (dh and I had another round of Caipirnhas at the table), and 7 desserts.

[TXrose]

So what is they per person price for food? I know when I went to Fogo's we had one cocktail each and our bill coming out for 2 adults was about $150 total. But the mean price was $48.50/person.

[MomTimesFive]

It sounds like a fantastic place to go occasionally. You have to splurge once in a while!

[Wilson]

I think it's a hair under $40/per adult for the salad bar + meat and just under $20 per children 6-12, but I'd say call to be sure.

[TXrose]

I think earlier someone said too you could just get the salad bar. DD isn't much of a meat eater so I don't think it would be worth it to pay for her to eat meat. She would love to eat just salad. All my kids are well over 12 so we don't get cheap prices for them anymore. Even at 12 at regular resturants they ordered adult meals, especially the boys.

[Wilson]

We order from the adult menu for the little ones at a lot of places because a lot of restaurants only offer "fast food" type meals on the kids' menus. Jasper's has one of the best kids' menus around, imo.

[natvtxn]

Good reviews from Lon and Wilson. We have been to Fogo many times, so we had an idea of what to expect. Like Lon said, the salad bar is not nearly the size at Fogo (maybe 1/3 the size?). The choices were excellent, though. The chicken salad was especially good. Of course, the buffalo mozzarella with sun dried tomatoes was good as was the potato salad. I can't think of what was not on Guri's salad bar compared to Fogo's. None-the-less, it was tasty.

The Caipirnha's were really good. There was not near the amount of sugar in them that Fogo has. I did notice that the limes were more a "part" of the drink, rather than just being a "condiment" as I've had elsewhere. We drank a lot of them, so I know they all enjoyed them as much as dh and I.

The sausage I did not eat. I was going to get some, but the table wasn't thrilled about it. We love different sausages, so I wish now that I had tried it anyway. (next time). The filet was very good, but the bacon wrapped filet was spectacular! It was so tender and perfectly cooked. Now, my family says that I cook the best ribs, but I'm telling you, these were fabulous. Dd doesn't want to tell me that Guri's were better, but I think she does. The garlic chicken was good, but I thought the garlic beef was not as tasty...dry maybe. I did not eat the lamb or chicken legs, but the table did and said they were good.

I was the only one to indulge in dessert (this was AFTER having stopped eating for a while). I had the creme brulee. It was good, but not sure it is my favorite. I will try the flan next time.

I do recommend eating here. The wait staff (is that PC?) is EXCELLENT. One thing that you will notice if you've been to Fogo is the lack of the fire pit(?) in the entry. It is just an added element.

Enjoy!

[CALBOB]

Group of 8 of us went New Years eve.....I have been to fogo, and spent many months in Brazil, at other Churrascarias, so here's my two cents...

Great Value.....about 39.00 per person for salad bar and all the meat/salmon you want....great cuts of meat from filet, to Salmon, to garlic beef, tenderloin, etc....taste was great....side dishes so-so, but you really come for the Brazialian BBQ...

Salad bar although smaller than most, contained all the great items, so was very pleased. one comment on the bar, with some sauces and items some may not know what they are, I would recommend labels advising what each item is.

Decor....I thought maybe a little "cold", by that I mean very plain, a few gucho pictures on the walls, but mostly blank walls. Its nice, but I think could be improved.

Service...We were their at 9:00 PM thru midnight, and service was good but not spectaculiar....no explanation from the waiters on what each dish was unless we asked them......A little more flair from the waiters on delivering the food to the tables for carving I think would go a long way...

Bartender : Outstanding....Great Caipirinhas, and a great Choc. Martini. He knows his drinks and was great....

Overall Impression: great place, some improvements can be made, but overall a great experience and dining pleasure especially for those that have never been to a Brazilian Steak House...

Another Top Notch Resturant for the Woodlands area...

CALBOB

[Wilson]

Welcome back, CALBOB! Glad to hear you were able to go over there as well. Our party was at 6pm (we had some young ones with us and they tire early :)).

[kraazynak]

Thanks for the great reviews guys. I am glad you enjoyed everything.

A few notes on some concerns.

The Salad bar we have, though may seem smaller, is in reality a larger salad bar than most. The owner decided to not have all the empty wasted space in the middle like others, because it may look very powerful but it ends up causing a traffic pile of people. Though Calbob I will look into trying to label things more clearly.

On the Food - One good thing about this style of restaurant, if the meat was a little dry the first time, just catch it the second time. It may have just been left in the fire pit a little too long. As toward the sausage, I love the sausage. :) . Give it a try next time. It, besides the flank steak is one of my favorite things.

The Fire code in Shenandoah won't allow us to have one of those fire pits up front in the restaurant. Sadly. Those are fun.

The Decor will be improved upon, we have several painting that will be hung any day now, and we have plants being delivered soon also. The Bar will also be recieving a few upgrades too.

I will be more than happy to talk to the serving staff about trying to add some flair to their service.

But for the problems with the bartender, he is just beyond help. Him and his chocolate Martinis.

[Wilson]

But for the problems with the bartender, he is just beyond help. Him and his chocolate Martinis.

LOL!!!

Enjoy your ribbon-cutting - should be starting right about now?

[CALBOB]

Thanks for the great reviews guys. I am glad you enjoyed everything.

A few notes on some concerns.

The Salad bar we have, though may seem smaller, is in reality a larger salad bar than most. The owner decided to not have all the empty wasted space in the middle like others, because it may look very powerful but it ends up causing a traffic pile of people. Though Calbob I will look into trying to label things more clearly.

On the Food - One good thing about this style of restaurant, if the meat was a little dry the first time, just catch it the second time. It may have just been left in the fire pit a little too long. As toward the sausage, I love the sausage. :) . Give it a try next time. It, besides the flank steak is one of my favorite things.

The Fire code in Shenandoah won't allow us to have one of those fire pits up front in the restaurant. Sadly. Those are fun.

The Decor will be improved upon, we have several painting that will be hung any day now, and we have plants being delivered soon also. The Bar will also be recieving a few upgrades too.

I will be more than happy to talk to the serving staff about trying to add some flair to their service.

But for the problems with the bartender, he is just beyond help. Him and his chocolate Martinis.

Thanks kraazynak for the reply.....Hopefully business is good as this is must dine now and then....look forward to our next visit...

CALBOB

[smcbelle]

DH and I finally tried it. Overall, it was good, but not someplace we'd go on a regular basis.

Pros - Caipirinhas and Amaretto Sours were great! Meat was served very quickly, even when we requested a specific cut. We especially liked the flank steak, rump roast, and center cut sirloin. Bananas were good, however I would have preferred plantains. Clean (even the bathrooms!). Salad bar was good and had just enough to counter all of the meat.

Cons - We had a reservation. Got there a bit early, so we had to wait (no big deal). However, then people started walking in and were seated immediately. DH went up to see what the problem was and was told they thought they'd already seated us. It wasn't a big deal, but could have been prevented. Service for sides and dessert was poor. We never received bread. We never saw salmon. Bacon wrapped chicken was dry. Filet (regular and bacon wrapped) was chewy and gummy. No dessert menu or dessert tray. The server only gave us the names of the desserts. I asked if the chocolate dessert was a cake. He told me it was cake with two kinds of ice cream on top. The ice cream was actually mousse. It was still good -- still chocolate! Server doused the papaya dessert with Cassis, so that was all you could taste. I think it would be better served on the side. Too many tables -- I heard every word of the conversation at the table next to ours.

Not a date night restaurant. There was a crying infant at the table next to us and a crying toddler (18 months?) near us. I think older children are fine and would enjoy the experience, but why in the world would you take a baby?

I hope we were just there on an off night. Good food, but overall I think I prefer Fogo.

[cisco2010]

Good food, but overall I think I prefer Fogo.

Pretty sure i read in the recent Villager that the Guri owners also own Fogo. Hopefully they're just working through start-up pains and will get Guri to the same level. We haven't tried Guri yet but will to soon. Fogo is fantastic. Aside from the great beef, I especially enjoyed their Mojito, did not try a Caipirinha though they apparently are very similar (former has rum and mint).

kraazynak - Do you serve Mojitos?

[natvtxn]

I think the owners worked at Fogo and were not owners. At least the man...not sure about the wife if she worked there or not.

[kraazynak]

Yeah, both of the owners worked at Fogo for a long time, they weren't actually owners, I am not sure where the lady from the villager got that idea from.

I do make mojitos, i prefer the caiparhinas but mojitos are always good too :D

smcbelle I apologize for the cons that happened to you when you visited us. There have been a few crazy nights where things went a little awry for a period. You must have been there during one of those times.
The owners are currently trying to tighten the reins on the entire establishment to try and become even better than the aforementioned restaurant. I will definitely mention all of these things to the owners and work very hard to make sure that these problems are quickly fixed.
I am surprised that your fillets were gummy, they are normally very top notch. The flank steak and the picana (the roast) are my favorites though.

[Wilson]

Yum... picana... must.go.back.

[schnauzermom]

We were hoping to go there yesterday but they aren't open on Sunday's, bummer. We went to Tommy Bahama's instead.

[Wilson]

Yummm.... Tommy Bahama's.... I love those scallop slider thingys.

I love food :).