Fogo De Chao

Fogo De Chao
1337 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107
(215) 636-9700

The Philadelphia rendition of Fogo de Chao is located at 13th and Chestnut St in Center City Philadelphia in an exquisite building (the historic Caldwell’s Jewelry Building). The interior, originally designed by famed Philadelphia architect Horace Trumbauer features French-cut chandeliers and 20 foot ceilings.  The atmosphere though, is a juxtaposition of pretentious display and the homey feel of a churrascaria--a restaurant serving grilled meat, many offering as much as one can eat: the waiters move around the restaurant with the skewers, slicing meat onto the client's plate.

This is a unique concept in a restaurant as there really is no menu per-say.  There is a large market table which is the Brazilian equivalent of a salad buffet, and the waiters simply walk around with large skewers of meat. You indicate that you are hungry for more meat using a fun red and green light system of circular placards placed on the table.

The market table features such offerings as: Shaved Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Salad, Winter Citrus Salad, Hearts of Palm, Tabouleh, Apple Salad and Imported Cheese selection. There was something for everyone--meat lovers and vegetarians alike.  This is all inclusive with the price of the meal.

Before dinner, one must start with a cocktail, and the true brazilian specialty available is FOGO PREMIUM CAIPIRINHA: Muddled with Fogo Premium Aged Cachaça, fresh limes and cane sugar.  Caipirinha is Brazil's national cocktail, made with cachaça, sugar and lime. Cachaça, also known as Pinga or Caninha, is Brazil's most common distilled alcoholic beverage.

We started with the shrimp cocktail which was a nice beginning.  The presentation was good and the cocktail sauce adequate to the task.

Some of the homestyle sides available: CARAMELIZED BANANAS, GARLIC MASHED POTATOES, POLENTA (left).  Brought to Southern Brazil by Italian immigrants, polenta made from corn meal remains a staple in Brazilian kitchens to this day.

Some of the many meats available.  This was a medium prime rib.

Meat was delicious.

Of Note:

 Gorgeous bar area

 After dinner mints and matchboxes (for you collectors out there).

 Gorgeous interior with French chandeliers and 20 ft ceilings.

 A well stocked wine cellar.

 Posh restrooms.

 This serving style is called espeto corrido or rodízio, and is quite popular in Brazil.

 Creme brulee was well executed.

Chocolate mouse was very rich and the whip cream was definitely house made.