For a long time, American cuisine reflected a rather American culture. However, in the last several decades, there has been a rise in interest in international cuisines in the United States. Culinary traditions from all around the world found an eager audience in this rising curiosity.
American diners have become open to cuisines from around the world, including Chinese, Mexican, and Japanese, all of which have been adapted to suit Westerners’ tastes.
With the advent of these novel and exotic ingredients, American cooks and diners began to broaden their gastronomic horizons, trying and enjoying previously “too foreign” dishes.
Fogo de Chao is one restaurant business that has benefited from the growing interest in global cuisine. The company has opened fifty-seven outlets of the Brazilian steakhouse chain thus far.
It offers a more sophisticated eating ambiance and an interactive dining experience where diners can choose from several slices of meat that waiters almost theatrically march throughout the restaurant.
It is a mistake if you are a meat lover and don’t eat at Fogo de Chao. Fogo de Chao is a restaurant experience one must have to get a broader and fuller experience of food. How do you make reservations at Fogo de Chao? Does the steakhouse require it?
Does Fogo de Chao Require Reservations?
No, you don’t need to make a reservations at Fogo de Chao; however, doing so is strongly suggested, especially during peak times like the weekends and holidays.
You can make a reservation at the restaurant by visiting their website. Phone service to your neighborhood Fogo de Cho is also available.
Why Should You Eat at Fogo de Chao?
Fogo de Chao was popular because it sought to preserve centuries-old recipes from Brazil. Concurrently, the company placed a premium on providing exceptional customer service and delicious, high-quality meals to its diners.
The restaurant’s primary goal was to honor and sustain its community by serving regional specialties.
These elements combined to create something unique that customers couldn’t have at any other restaurant.
So, if you enjoy quality food accompanied by a wonderful dining experience, Fogo de Chao is the place to go.
Focus on Churrasco
An American steakhouse is precisely what you’d imagine it to be if you’ve ever been to one. You’ll have your pick of a few classic pieces of meat and a few sides, most of which will feature potatoes. However, the cuisine in Fogo de Chao, famous for churrasco, makes for a unique experience.
Churrasco uses a long skewer to barbeque beef and other types of meat over an open fire. Diners can sample a variety of meats and other dishes somewhat of committing to a single entree.
It’s easy for restaurants to tell that the meat they’re eating is freshly prepared because it’s sliced right off the skewer onto their plates.
Fogo de Chao offers a fixed-price menu with a variety of fire-roasted meats that are put on the table as the dinner progresses.
Because of the unlimited servings, diners can try a variety of meats and sauces, making this a more intriguing option than the standard American steakhouse.
You can’t go wrong with this place if you’re a meat eater who can’t make up your mind.
Brazil’s National Cocktail
When they think of a steakhouse, many people picture a bottle of red wine in their minds to accompany their meal. Fogo de Chao also has a wide selection of wines, and the wait staff is well-versed in helping customers choose the right bottle to complement their meal.
However, the caipirinha is the house specialty here, so if you want a genuinely Brazilian meal, you should get one of them. South American beverage revolves around this traditional sweet-and-sour cocktail.
Few ingredients are used because simplicity is preferred. Lime and sugar are added first, just like in a margarita. Instead of tequila, cachaça is the drink of choice.
Cachaça is a liquor that shares certain similarities with rum but has a grassier flavor profile. In other words, you are not alone in your lack of familiarity with this particular brand of booze.
This is because it was commonly distributed in the US and labeled as “Brazilian rum” until 2013.
This cocktail is widely served in South American restaurants but is still relatively uncommon in the United States. Fogo de Chao has you covered if you’re interested in trying it.
The Salad Bar
It’s not hard to see beef as Fogo de Chao’s bread and butter. However, this does not imply that all you can eat is beef. You can’t go to a place famed for its steak and not try the salad bar. To be clear, this isn’t just any old salad bar.
The Market Table is a staple at Fogo de Chao. Here, guests can choose from a wide array of salads that are everything but essential, as well as imported veggies and cheese, nutrients like preserved salmon, and even cured meat.
Of course, if you’re trying to watch your weight, you can always start with a bowl of soup or even a side salad.
Another must-try item here is the Feijoada Bar. It would be a shame for customers hoping to taste Brazil’s national cuisine to miss out on Feijoada, the country’s traditional bean and meat stew.
The meal is a black bean stew variation that includes sausage. In addition to rice, Feijoada is traditionally accompanied by farofa or fried yucca flour. Orange slices are served on the side to add brightness and flavor to the dish.
Authentic Food
If you’ve never been to Mexico or China, you probably haven’t experienced authentic versions of those cultures’ foods. There’s nothing intrinsically wrong with that, but if you’re genuinely passionate about learning about other cultures, you might want to try something more genuine.
It just so happens that Fogo de Chao provides it. Due to its Brazilian origins, the chain has to maintain its original menu. After all, customers at the original Fogo de Chao knew the nuances of authentic churrasco.
The company’s expansion into the US marketplace did not compromise the quality of its offerings or customer service.
Its founders had the vision to introduce authentic churrasco dining to the country, which they have fulfilled to this day. Guests may rest assured that they are experiencing an authentic Brazilian meal, complete with rare cuts of meat.
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Conclusion…
It’s possible that U.S. diners visiting Fogo de Chao won’t be aware of the culture shock they’re in for. Fogo de Chao has a vast selection of cuts unavailable in the United States. Any food lover who enjoys a little risk with their meals will love this.
Picanha is the most famous and celebrated Brazilian cut of meat; thus, it’s a must-order. In other words, the Medalhes com bacon is steak wrapped in bacon.
And while you might not find lamb on the menus of many American eateries, you can get it in the shape of Cordeiro here.