Today, Fogo de Chão , opened its second Atlanta location in Dunwoody. This internationally renowned steakhouse has specialized in the art of fire-roasting high-quality meats using the century-old Southern Brazilian cooking technique of churrasco for more than 37 years. Founded in 1979, in Porto Alegre, Brazil, Fogo de Chão now 45 locations around the world.
Last night, I was excited to have my first Brazilian culinary experience. Upon arrival, I was in awe at how beautiful and majestic the restaurant was from the outside. The street side of the restaurant featured huge windows with a dramatic view of interior. I walked around to the entrance, noticing a very nice patio situation, perfect for those warm Atlanta nights. I walked up to the door where two handsome gentlemen dressed in some fly gauchos greeted my guest and I. They opened the doors like we were royalty. Nice!
At the host stand we were greeted by even more beautiful smiles. I’m in love already. The restaurant was bustling with excitement of the meal to come. Happy hour was underway and guest were enjoying cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres. I was offered a very refreshing Caipirinha, Brazil’s national drink. This very tasty cocktail is handcrafted with cachaça (Brazilian liquor made from sugarcane), fresh lime, and sugar. So good!!
Shortly after walking in the doors, we were asked to join the Fogo de Chão staff outside for their ceremonial ribbon cutting. General Manager and Head Gaucho Chef, Alceu Pressi, did the honors and cut the ribbon with a Gauco knive! Yes!
Back inside we took in the sights while sipping on our fabulous cocktails. At 6:30 our table was ready. We were led to our seats, where Josh introduced himself as our waiter for the night. Josh informed us that he was there to guide us through this amazing Southern Brazilian culinary experience. He also said that if we needed anything, that we could ask anyone and they would be happy to assist because they worked as a family. I was totally impressed at this point.
The Market Table reflects a multitude of culinary influences, from German and Italian flavors that immigrants brought to Southern Brazil, to memorable spices unique to our tradition. Our chefs regularly introduce new Market Table items as a tribute to these flavors.
The menu is anchored around the Full Churrasco experience – the art of roasting meats over an open fire, and espeto corrido, or “continuous service” – that Fogo de Chão began serving more than 37 years ago in Southern Brazil. The menu features a wealth of savory, fire-roasted meats that are perfectly seasoned, prepared and carved tableside by a team of authentic, Brazilian-trained gaucho chefs.
So let me just confess right now and say that I am not a meat eater. My daily diet does not include beef or pork. I wanted to get the full experience so I decided to try some of their delicious offerings. The leg of lamb was amazing!! Fresh off the grill, perfectly seasoned, as was the chicken and sirloin. Everything was so tasty. Has it converted me back into a meat eater? Nope. But I can definitely say, if you are going to veer off the vegetarian path for just one night, this is the place to go. No judgment here.
Before we left we headed to bar for one more Caipirinha. We sat and talked with bar staff, had a few laughs and took some pictures. They are a very cool group guys.
• Brazilian Brunch: Introduced to celebrate family and friends on weekends, guests can enjoy the Full Churrasco experience along with the Market Table, fresh seasonal fruits, Greek Yogurt and some special, Brazilian-inspired breakfast items like Pão de Queijo Egg Bake, Braised Beef Rib Hash and a Seasonal Sunday Roast. To complement the experience, Fogo de Chão offers a special Brunch Bar in the main dining room where guests can enjoy made-to-order Caipirinhas and classic American brunch cocktails with Brazilian twists such as their cachaça Bloody Mary and Passion Fruit Mimosa.
• Bar Fogo: Created for those craving the authentic Fogo de Chão experience in a more casual way, guests can enjoy smaller, shareable plates, a variety of craft cocktails, award-winning wines and happy hour specials located in the bar area of the restaurant.
• Seafood: Brazilian-inspired seafood options such as Shrimp Cocktail with homemade Malagueta cocktail sauce and Mango Chilean Sea Bass are also available a-la-carte.
• Group and Private Dining: Whether celebrating a special birthday or hosting a large corporate meeting, Fogo de Chão has become the place for group and private dining internationally. The Dunwoody restaurant is well-suited for groups of all sizes with customizable menus, beautiful private and semi-private dining spaces, and complimentary A/V equipment.
My whole experice was absolutely amazing! I cannot wait to go back! Thank you Fogo de Chao and MSquared Pr for inviting me to this fantastic dinner!
Fogo de Chão
4671 Ashford Dunwoody Road Dunwoody, GA 30338
Lunch and Weekend Brunch:
Monday through Friday: 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Dinner:
Monday through Thursday: 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Friday: 5:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Saturday: 2:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Sunday: 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Happy Hour
Happy Hour Monday through Friday: 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Available in the bar area only).
*I received this experience complimentary. As always, all thoughts and opinions are that if my own.
Shana Was Here 