South American fever arrived in Liverpool on Friday (September 30) with the launch of the city’s first Brazilian Churrascaria restaurant.

Viva Brazil brought the authentic sights and sounds of this vibrant country to the people of Liverpool, as a carnival of samba dancers and Brazilian drummers took over Castle Street.

The new dining concept which greeted guests as they arrived dates back hundreds of years to the days of the cowboys of southern Brazil and how they liked to wine and dine.

The traditional Brazilian cocktail, Caipirinha, flowed throughout the evening, hand-shaken by a team of highly skilled bar tenders.

Passadors, or carvers, add to the authenticity of the restaurant - which is fitted with a Brazilian barbecue and salad bar, highlighted with large crystal chandeliers - by carving meat from large skewers for the diners.

More than 15 select cuts of beef, lamb, pork and chicken will be on offer, all of which diners can see slow cooked over the charcoal barbeque.

And to accompany the fine cuts of meat, dishes such as garlic mashed potatoes, polenta, fried banana and artisian cheese breads will be served, as well as a wide selection of authentic Brazilian stew dishes.

For further details call 0151 236 8080. http://vivabrazilrestaurants.com