Rare finds enjoy this south american food tour

Better Nutrition, April, 2003 by George Erdosh

Not long ago, I had the good fortune to travel Brazil's backcountry. When our stomachs demanded lunch, my Brazilian companion searched out common roadside diners known as churiasco.

These simple, rudimentary structures are mostly built with plain roofs and no walls. Long, rough tables--always covered with clean linen-line the cafes from end to end.

As soon as we were seated, the wait staff placed 20 different dishes on the linen, including several kinds of rice and pasta, cooked and raw vegetables, and pickles.

Then more waiters arrived, carrying long skewers featuring every cut of meat imaginable fresh from the grill.

The waiters cut slices of whatever you wanted. Those were among the most terrific taste treats I have ever experienced.

South American foods rarely grace American dining tables, and the continent certainly isn't famous for its cuisine. But if you're looking for a culinary experience that's somewhat off the beaten path, try this selection of dishes from far south of the border.