Tudo Bem! Which means “Every thing is good” in Portuguese. A phrase used by the great folk over at Cabana on Newgate Street in Newcastle.
With great service comes great food. There is nothing bad to say about the whole experience at Cabana. Instantly as soon as you walk through the door, you are transported to a different continent. If you are looking for a visually drab, boring, life sucking experience then stay the hell away. All of a sudden, all of your senses are stimulated. So much colour, so much vibrance. At each turn, or glance there is something interesting and draws you in. I got up several times to get a closer look at things I just spotted out of the corner of my eye. The smell, oh gosh that smell. Brazilian BBQ I need not say another word. Then you settle into the groove of Cabana with the bosa nova music, featuring no doubt the brilliant Bebel Gilberto.
Service is impeccable, they know their food, their history and of course their Caipirinhas. Where better in Newcastle to sample the famous Brazilian cocktail?
How about that barbecue? I don’t know what they do, but they do it brilliantly. I went for the Chilli Chilli Lamb Lamb, which blew me away, the Rio Beans that accompanied my lamb made the dish. However on this occasion I veered away from a desert. My dietary requirements not permitting such luxuries on this particular visit. But I would recommend the Spicy Malagueta Chicken Wings if you want a quick bite that wont break the bank. They are literally (well, figuratively) to die for. They are pretty spicy though, but you would expect that from the name of the dish.
If Cabana is not on your list of restaurants to try, then it should be. And you should be ashamed of yourself for not having it on there already. The friendly atmosphere, visually stimulating interior and authentic food, drinks and music all add up to a fantastic experience. I can honestly say, once you have been, you will most definitely go back another time.