There it stood, among the bright lights of downtown Detroit–Texas de Brazil! It was my birthday, and that special person in my life wanted to celebrate it at this place! Getting there took patience because of the many closed streets due to road restoration. Road restoration had been the promise the governor had made during her campaign. In fact, she said if she were elected, she would “fix the damn roads.” And… that is what she had done for several years. But . . . it was an inconvenience to travelers.

As my friend maneuvered around the many street closures, we caught a glimpse of Texas de Brazil holding its own among many large glittering storefronts. Finally, he decided to drop me off at the entrance while he tracked down a parking spot. That took about 20 to 30 minutes.

The Welcoming Front Desk

As I made my way to the front desk, all seats surrounding it were filled with hungry people waiting to enter the dining area. Once making a reservation in my name, I was told I could stand or sit at the bar. I remarked, “I’m not a bar person.” So, I stood in a small corner. Several minutes later, a tall young man motioned to me that he was leaving the area, and his seat was available to me. I smiled and kindly accepted. Later, my friend appeared and we made our way to a high table with two (2) seats and awaited to be directed to the dining area. The wait proved too long for me, so I flagged down one of the waiters, and asked why we had not been seated. She immediately checked with the desk and seated us.

Texas de Brazil Dining Area

Once seated, a smiling waiter rattled off several words with a “thick” Latino accent. Of which, I understand none and said so. My friend indicated he understood and guided me to a large salad bar consisting of 20 to 30 food choices. Grabbing a dinner plate, I meticulously filled it with tiny portions of delicious-looking choices.

Shortly, coffee for my friend and hot water and lemon for me, arrived at the table. Eagerly, I began consuming the sumptuous food choices. Every few minutes, various waiters offered me meat choices. To which, I would decline with “I haven’t finished my salad plate.” Noticeably, my friend was not offered meats. After about three (3) turndowns, I was getting a bit annoyed. It was then that my friend asked if the little button at my right hand showed red or green. It was green. I had not noticed a button. He said, “Turn it over to red, that will stop the waiters from coming to you.” I did and the waiters passed by me with the meats. My friend had not told me about the “system,” so I was not aware of the “food call.” So … if you go to Texas de Brazil, please be aware. If the button is green, waiters view that as you are ready for meat to be served.

No Doggie Bags @ Texas de Brazil

After devouring most of the salad plate and choosing one (1) small meat selection of pork, fillet mignon, mashed potatoes, one (1) baked banana, I was unable to consume most of the remaining dinner selections, so I asked for a “doggie bag.” The waiter shook his head and said, “No-o-, I can’t.” Of course, I asked, “Why not, I will pay for it!” He continued to shake his head. I said, “I know this is not your decision, but let management know, I am not happy I cannot take the rest of my food home.”

So… dear readers, that is my criticism of Texas de Brazil! I know some people act like they have not had a meal in months, and pile food in containers to take home. That is not what we did. We only had normal dinner portions. Also, this was not a 19.95 dinner; it was 59.95, plus 11.00 dessert and price for coffee. With the tip, it is easy to spend 90.00 per person for a meal.

My suggestion: Find a solution to the few people who abuse the system but stop punishing the ones who don’t. I was not a “happy trooper” leaving Texas d Brazil. I found the “no doggie bag policy” a bit tacky for the prices demanded. Instead of a “5-point rating,” I give a 3.

Do I Recommend Texas de Brazil?

Yes . . . be very hungry when you go . . .