Rice x Beans — Restaurant in New York

In my last job, we had an employee who ran our Latin American customer service department and she was straight out of Brazil. Naturally, I had to pick her brain on where the best Brazilian food in Manhattan was, and the only place she would really hang her hat on was Rice X Beans in Hells Kitchen.

A year later, I cashed in this mental note and made the push to the intersection of 10th Ave and 48th street with my big bro.

We sat down and were greeted by our server who had a strong Brazilian accent, which got me excited. It screamed authenticity. It’s crazy how a simple accent from a server can send me from Manhattan straight to a small restaurant in Rio.

We scanned the menu and I thought it was interesting how there seemed to be a strong Caribbean influence, as there were empanadas and sweet plantains… but a quick google search tells me that plantains are originally from Southeast Asia and Empanadas originated in Spain. The more I learn about the world, the more I realize I truly know nothing.

We went with 4 empanadas (2 beef and 2 chicken), BBQ ribs ($16), the Picanha for 2 ($70), and a side of plantains.

The empanadas were sensational, but in hindsight we should have just got 4 beef as they were much more flavorful than the chicken. Hindsight is always 20/20 though.

The ribs were the only real miss of the meal, as they were just a bit bland and served luke warm, which concerned me for the main event that was the Picanha.

However, when that Picanha came I knew we were in good hands. An enormous portion of the iconic Brazilian style top sirloin that came with fries, farofa, rice, beans, and a side salad. It was so much food that it barely fit on our table for 2. A beautiful site.

This steak was perfectly medium rare, well seasoned, and had a rich, beefy flavor with a buttery melt-in-your-mouth fat cap. The sides were an ideal pairing with this cut of steak, with the rice and plantains being the standouts. This was almost like a jasmine rice where you could taste each individual grain, and had a subtle garlic and onion flavor.

These plantains were some of the best I’ve had in the city, as they were carmelized with a soft and tender texture. They taste even better than they looked which is saying A LOT.

I sound like a broken record at this point, but it always amazes me how in New York, you can get a high level of any cuisine from across this beautiful planet. Also, shoutout to my former coworker for the rec. You can learn something from everyone.

IG...

I was really looking forward to trying Rice x Beans out based off the great reviews. Unfortunately, it was not a great dining experience, and honestly a waste of time and money.

Service: It was a chilly, very rainy day and plenty of tables available- they kept doors open which caused an unpleasant draft and we smelled weed from folks smoking outside the restaurant the entire time; upon sitting, immediately noticed that both of our glasses had lipstick stains on them. The server did apologize but didnt return with new glasses of water for at least 15 mins. Utensils and plates are also pretty poor quality.

Food: -Chicken Pasteis, dry, cold and inedible -Bolinho de Bacalao, decent but nothing we would order again -Risoles de mihlo/corn croquettes, were indeed tasty but bordering too greasy -Ropa Vieja, was just ok but boy oh boy, the rice and beans served with it was extremely salty and it tasted as if they also threw random garlic powder on top, leading to a grainy, uncooked taste and texture -Picanha, super rubbery, lack flavor, my friend couldn't finish it.

Drink: -Red Sangria, was good but cheap quality.

Bill for the two of us was $125.74 without even tip and it was 1000% a ripoff. I didnt bother taking photos like I normally do but attaching receipt to confirm validity of our visit.

It could have potentially just been an extremely off day, but big bummer that my wallet had to pay the price for it. Would...

I am in no way an expert in Brazilian cuisine. This is actually the only Brazilian restaurant I often go to and visted..BUT if THIS is was Brazilian cuisine is then count me in. We ordered the Estrogonofe de Frango multiple times and it's consistently delicious. It's creamy, soupy and great to dip in the white rice and thin potatoe chips that are served with the dish. We also ordered the Carioca Picadinho. Which is a beef stew accompanied by white rice & beans, fried plantains and farofa. So tender and succulent. Also, do yourself a favor a put a bit of their hot sauce on there. I honestly don't even have words to explain how good this food is. It's like home cooked would be an understatement.

Definitely get the drinks during Happy Hour, sooo worth it. We tried the Caipirinha (which is a Brazilian drink) and the Margarita.

We went during late lunch so it wasn't busy. The one server at the restaurant was amazing. She was wiping down tables, taking orders and answering our questions.

We spent $70 (not including tip) for 2 people. Yes, it was Happy Hour so we spent a bit less for those drinks, so I highly recommend you do the same. This is one of the few places where that price is SUPER JUSTIFIED. This place knows how to do...