November 26, 2013

My new favorite Brazilian steakhouse is Fogo de Chao

I love a good Brazilian steakhouse, they are plain awesome restaurants for a meat extravaganza experience. I have never been to Fogo de Chão before but what a better place to bring Mirka, Steven and Paul to a place where eating like the royalty family happens. Yes, that is Fogo de Chão, a place that as soon as you walk in, you know you are in for one of the most powerful dining experiences you had in a long time. At the culinary tours of South Beach, Mirka, Miami Culinary Tours' senior epicurean guide, is always asked what place to choose for an authentic Brazilian steakhouse dinner so this was going to be an important night because Mirka is the biggest foodie, she knows what she likes, and she is very influential with people at the tours. I was waiting to see if she would approve of Fogo de Chão.

Steven mainly does the Little Havana food tours - and we all know that is mainly beef and pork what is served at that neighborhood so it was also good to see what he was going to think about this place. Paul on the other hand was there supporting the reunion and as a hard core foodie, his opinion is always one that I pay attention the most.

fogo de chao salad

First it came the salad bar and I almost died when I tried their pesto Brazilian sauce. The waiter explained this is how they make pesto in Brazil, a lighter consistency of the original Italian pesto. This sauce became an addiction instantly. All of the vegetables were fresh and crispy and the selection was perfect because I get overwhelmed when you have a thousand items at a salad bar but if you know your stuff like they do at Fogo de Chão, then you know that giving the right options to start your meat extravaganza experience is better. The selection was perfect, with great salads, roasted vegetables, cold cuts, dressings and sauces that complemented all of the different options.

All of their meat choices were perfectly cooked. They were incredibly tasty. Now comes the service - wow - everyone was so attentive and they had crafted a perfect timing for when to come to the tables. The wine selection was superb as Paul explained and everyone had an amazing time.

fogo-de-chao-chocolate-cake

Now the desserts were also something to be remembered. We had their chocolate cake and it was moist and delicious. A perfect ending for a dinner to remember and we got the approval from Mirka as she got to her car and said "I am totally recommending this place."