So let me get to the point. I took one for the team. I went to a place that I did not like the first time around and vowed never to return to, but I did. I went back.
A few years ago I paid Fogo de Chao, a Brazilian steakhouse (churrascaria), a visit for lunch. Needless to say, I was not impressed and made it quite clear to everyone in attendance that I would never return. It turns out everyone in attendance could give a rats ass as to what I make clear. Everyone in attendance wants to visit Fogo de Chao again, but this time for dinner. So I suck it up and go with a, "this place is gonna suck... again" attitude.
Upon arrival we sat at the bar and waited for our table and each had a Caipirinha, which is a drink similar to a mint julep but made with rum and about a cup of sugar. Well, maybe not exactly a cup, but close (refer to above picture of everyone in attendance and myself).
So this is how it works: They give you a round disk with one side colored green (go) and the other side red (stop) to control the pace of your meal. Waiters come around and offer you different selections of meat ranging from Fillet Mignon to lamb chops. The food keeps coming until your belly is full and your
disk is on the red side. I'll try to post of picture of the disks and the food, but I've discovered that I am quite unsuccessful at posting pictures on this blog.They also have a salad bar with a wide selection of fruits and veggies and the largest vat of parmesan cheese I've ever seen! Mashed potatoes and rolls are included in the meal and are served family style.
The Downers:
-Cramped quarters...I'm a big girl. I need my space.
-Vegetarians/Vegans, need not apply. Sorry.
As I sat and ate, I tried to think of the reason why this place was such a turn off the first time around. On my first trip to Fogo, I went for lunch and their selection of meat was not very wide. They served a lot of pork and some beef. It just didn't appeal to me. It was clear that for dinner, the food selection is much wider (the dinner price was wider as well!).
Overall, my second trip to Fogo far supersedes the first trip and taking one for the team paid off!
Although, Fogo de Chao is a chain of restaurants, there is only one in Cali located on La Cienega. For more info on Fogo de Chao go to: www.fogodechao.com
Happy Eating!
