An Evening at Fogo de Chao

While I do like a good vegan meal every now and again I’m a meat lover through and through. There’s no way I’d ever be able to give up pork ribs, roast chicken or a good steak. Speaking of steak…last week found me at the famous Brazilian steakhouse Fogo de Chao and I was able to indulge to my heart’s content. I was invited to try out the menu and I headed to the downtown LA location for a hearty dinner.

With locations nationwide Fogo de Chao is THE Brazilian steakhouse yet I never before visited it. I’d been to Brazilian steakhouses before but they were one offs where it was more about quantity than quality and I was left disappointed. Fogo de Chao is the opposite. Sure, you can eat a good quantity of food but its quality is of prime importance.

If you’re unfamiliar with the concept Fogo de Chao offers the full Churrasco Experience which means that for a set price you have unlimited access to the salad bar (or Market Table) and protein entrees. While you dine the servers, called Gauchos, continually come by with large skewers offering everything from bacon wrapped chicken to Filet Mignon.

To start the meal each table receives Fogo de Chao’s famed cheese rolls. These piping hot rolls are reminiscent of popovers and arrive oozing with cheesy goodness. After letting myself eat only one I headed to the Market Table to start things out light.

There was an array of beautiful salads and vegetables and I couldn’t help but fill my plate with a generous sampling. Everything was delicious and fresh but my absolute favorite item was the wedged sweet potato. Perfectly grilled and topped with an array of spices it was delicious.

The salad bar is where you’ll also find an array of the seasonal offerings. Everything from Pear & Endive Salad to Butternut & Sweet Potato Soup is available. I grabbed a cup of the latter and it’s the perfect fall dish.

And if you think meat is only served table-side you’d be wrong. At the Market Table is found an array of smoked meats and cheeses and I couldn’t help but indulge.

Back at the table additional hot sides such as Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Caramelized Bananas were served. The mashed potatoes were particularly delicious and pared well with the meat.

Oh wow, the meat. I enjoyed an array of offerings from pork ribs to rib eye to top sirloin to a delectable serving of Filet Mignon. My particular favorite was the Garlic Steak which was coated with fresh garlic and was a pungent, savory delight.

I so thoroughly indulged in the Market Table and table-side steak service that I had no room left for dessert. But when the entrees are so delicious, who needs it? Fogo de Chao is the ultimate Brazilian steakhouse for a reason. With premier cuts of meat and a vast array of fresh side dishes it’s a delicious place to enjoy a meal. I can’t wait to go back.