Our local World Cup coverage continues with a trip to Churra's Brazilian Grill, a restaurant and grocery in Kenner. In addition to offering authentic Brazilian cuisine, Churra's is presenting all 2014 World Cup games on three screens, giving the community a place to cheer on their favorites in the tournament.
Gathered around two of the screens, 20 or so diners followed closely as Brazil triumphed over Cameroon, 4-1. Keeping an eye on the Croatia vs. Mexico game behind him, proprietor Edelson "Eddie" Martins explained that visitors from Honduras, Spain, Mexico, Europe and the U.S. have visited his establishment to watch the games. Originally from Brazil, Martins explained that there are 2,500 Brazilians in the Greater New Orleans area and he's thrilled to have the games in their home country.
Also from Brazil and dressed in blue and yellow, Falastin Ahmad watched the game alongside her husband Bashar and five-month-old son Sami. The married couple are lifelong fans of the team and drove down from their home in Baton Rouge to watch with their friends.
Falastin explains the restaurant makes her feel like she's back in Brazil. According to her, there is not much authentic Brazilian food to be found in Baton Rouge — only what she calls "Texas Brazil."
Martins said during the World Cup, the most ordered item on their menu has been the picanha. Though not very well known here in the U.S., it is one of the most popular cuts of beef in Brazil.