Since first opening six years ago in Napa, Galpao Gaucho has expanded its casual fine dining chain to five locations, including Las Vegas, Nevada and Charleston, South Carolina, with Roseville and San Diego opening soon.

Like other Galpao Gauchos, the Walnut Creek restaurant serves beef, lamb, chicken, pork, and fish tableside, accompanied by a bountiful buffet with salads, cheeses, condiments, and vegetables. The food gets consistently good reviews, thanks to the rigorous training of the restaurant’s gauchos (meat-grilling cowboys), who butcher, prep, and grill 17 different cuts.

The Brazilian steakhouse tradition experience begins at the gourmet salad bar where you’ll find everything from charcuterie, hearts of palm, and marinated peppers, to black beans, rice, and asparagus. Once seated, oven-fresh pao de queijo (cheese bread), caramelized bananas,  grilled cheese with honey, and garlic mashed potatoes arrive at the table.

Set your dining card to green and you’re in the rodizio for meat. In Brazilian culture, grilled-meat feasts, whether in the steakhouse or street, honor tradition one carved slice at a time. Select your cuts from servers who appear tableside with knives to slice skewers speared with tender, premium filet mignon, leg of lamb, and . On the sweet side, grilled pineapple with a hint of cinnamon, balances the palette and an array of desserts complete the experience.

Pair your meal with a caipirinha, the official cocktail of Brazil, or wine from the ample list. Galpao Gaucho's spacious dining room is well-designed for special celebrations, but if it's date night, request a spot in the intimate bar lounge.

DETAILS: Open Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Prix fixe menus at lunch and dinner. 1444 N. California Blvd., Walnut Creek, 925.278.1859, galpaogauchousa.