A number of Rio's churrascarias (barbecue houses) serve their meats rodízio style. For a set price (approximately $10), a selection of salads, beans and potatoes is laid out before you, followed by the repeated arrival of the waiter bearing roast meats skewered on a sword.

You choose the piece that takes your fancy, and the waiter deftly transfers it from skewer to plate - cuts of filet mignon, pork, chicken, ham, sausage, brisket of beef, and anything else that's had its head over a gate.

The following churrascarias are all recommended:

Estrela do Sul, Avenida Reporter Nestor Moreira, Botafogo. This place has a long history and a good reputation.

Marius, Av. Atlântica 290, at the top end of Leme's beach. Probably the most popular rodízio in Rio, it seats over three hundred, and what it lacks in elegance it makes up for in service and atmosphere.

Plataforma, Rua Adalberto Ferreira 32, Leblon. Upstairs, tourists are entertained by a samba show, downstairs you mingle with cariocas - and afterwards you can always stagger to the Academia de Cachaça round the corner, and sample a few with the benefit of a good lining in the stomach.

Gaúcha, Rua das Laranjeiras 114, near Largo do Machado. A bit of a barn, but with live music and a dance floor.

Majórica, Rua Senador Vergueiro 11-15, Flamengo. A long-established, better-than-average place to attack a T-bone. If you're not in the mood for beef, try the excellent trout from near Petrópolis.

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