Fogo de Chão – Brazilian Steakhouse on International Drive, Orlando
Every once in a while Orlando turns up another gem and that’s one of the reasons why Central Florida is such a great place to visit. There’s always something new and just recently we got to try out one of the newest restaurant additions for 2012. Fogo de Chão (pronounced “Fo-Go-Dee-Shoun”) is an authentic Southern Brazilian steakhouse, founded in 1979 in Port Alegre, Brazil, situated on International Drive close to the Orlando County Convention Center.
Fogo de Chão has been named one of Zagat’s top U.S. restaurants and it opened in the City Beautiful in March this year. The restaurant’s dining experience is based upon the centuries old gaucho tradition known as churrasco, the art of roasting meats over an open charcoal fire. A prix fixe menu features freshly grilled meats carved tableside, as well as an extensive salad bar and authentic Brazilian sides.
The food is absolutely delicious and while the meats maybe the main focus, the gourmet salad and sides bar, with more than 30 selections,is a fabulous way to start your meal. A word of warning: we were warned to pace ourselves and we can vouch that that advice is absolutely spot on. The temptation is to wade in and load your plate with smoked salmon, sun dried tomatoes,hearts of palm, tabbouleh salad, jumbo asparagus, cured meats, artisan breads, imported cheeses and so much more but that is a fatal mistake. Instead, we would advise just taking some nibbles…. and giving yourself plenty of time to eat before go back for more!
The reason for holding back a little soon becomes clear. As you sit down at your table, the first thing you’ll notice is a red/green double sided disc. This plays a very important part in your meal. Initially it will have the red side for “Stop” facing upwards and the moment you turn it over to show the green side for “Go” you’ll encounter a meat barrage as 16 different cuts of beef, lamb, chicken and pork each make their way to your table. Frankly, it’s just great entertainment to have the gaucho chefs approaching you with their wares but there does come a point where you want it to stop for a moment and you can only achieve that by turning your disc back to red!
It is important to understand that you, the guest, can dictate both the pace and the portions of your dining experience to get the most from it. The gaucho staff are extremely friendly and they walk around the restaurant ready to meet your every need. Give them a chance and you’ll soon find that you’re absolutely full of food!
To compliment the fabulous food the restaurant offers a 200 label wine list that has received the Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence …no mean feat. Of course, there is a full bar service as well and we’d recommend sampling the Caipirinha if you’ve never had one before. The drink is made from the Brazilian liquor cachaca and you have several choices to pick from.
While the menu and service are traditional, the architectural elements of the restaurant are strikingly contemporary, with a rich palette of terracotta,oxblood red, tan and cream. Red clay roof accents and crisp, black awnings frame the restaurant’s centerpiece, a multi-storied, cobalt blue tile entrance with a glass enclosed open flame rotisserie at its foundation. Interiors are starched, white linens, warm woods, amber hued chandeliers and colorful wall murals depicting the gaucho culture and lifestyle.
The 12,000 square foot restaurant has seating for 400 guests and offers five private and semi-private dining rooms for group events, meetings and wedding celebrations. There is also an outdoor patio area that features stone floors, exposed wood beams and teak planters.
The food is the main event though and the concept of Fogo de Chão makes dining a lot of fun. Once you’ve enjoyed the extravaganza of the 16 different cuts of slow roasted meats, yes,you really can do them all, you then can enjoy one of the excellent desserts on offer. There is a great choice but the restaurant’s signature dessert is Papaya Cream, made with fresh papaya, vanilla ice cream and Creme de Cassis liqueur. Other options include South American flan, creme brulee, turtle cheesecake, molten chocolate cake and key lime pie.
Fogo de Chão is a great night out. It’s not the cheapest place to dine though and it is on par with some of Orlando’s other fine steakhouse experiences. For me, it’s simply better than virtually all of them. Not only is the food absolutely phenomenal, it is simply a fabulous experience as you get to try out many different styles of meat. The dream of two sets of brothers from Southern Brazil has now extended to Central Florida and it’s a very welcome addition. I’m already looking forward to a return visit!
Fogo de Chão is located at 8282 International Drive, a quarter mile south of Sand Lake Road and about a mile north of the Orange County Convention Center.
Operation hours and pricing is as follows:
Lunch $26.50 (Monday to Thursday: 12.00pm to 2.30pm, Friday 12.00pm to 3pm.)
Sunday lunch: 12.00pm to 3.00pm $35.50
Dinner $42.40 (Monday to Thursday: 5.00pm to 10.00pm, Friday and Saturday: 5.00pm to 11.00pm, Sunday: 5.30pm to 9.30pm.)
There is also a Salad bar only option – $19.50
Children five years of age and under enjoy complimentary dining. Children 6 to 10 years of age dine at half the prices listed above.
Beverages, desserts, taxes and gratuity are additional.
More photos at www.FloridaLeisurePhotography.com and here’s some video:
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