Fogo de Chao is an authentic Southern Brazilian Steakhouse featuring a prix fixe menu showcasing 15 delectable cuts of meat, gourmet salads, decadent desserts and an award-winning wine list.
The perfect balance of upscale dining while having a comfortable atmosphere and keeping an authentic Brazilian theme, Fogo De Chao will be participating in this year’s Orlando Magical Dining Month presented by Visit Orlando with a special $30 menu outlined below. $1 from each of these meals will go to charity, this year the Edgewood Ranch
Fogo De Chao Magical Dining Menu
SALAD BAR
The salad bar includes items such as hearts of palm, giant asparagus, fresh buffalo mozzarella cheese,
sun dried tomatoes, fresh cut and steamed broccoli, marinated artichoke bottoms, tubule,
smoked salmon, an assortment of fine cheeses, and much more
Choice of Entrèes
FILET MIGNON, PICANHA (TOP SIRLOIN) & EIGHT OTHER VARITIES OF FIRE ROASTED MEATS
*Side dishes are served family style and include seasoned mashed potatoes,
caramelized bananas, crispy polenta and warm cheese bread
Choice of Desserts
(Choose One)
FLAN
ICE CREAM
KEY LIME PIE
TURTLE CHEESECAKE
Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse
8282 International Drive
Orlando, FL 32819
Phone: (407) 370-0711
http://www.fogodechao.com/
Impressions of Fogo by Ricky Torres, guest writer
First Impression: this is my first time at a churscarria in general, so I had high expectations for this new restaurant. It’s tucked on the busy and very restaurant oriented side of International Drive which is a perfect place to find variety in dining. On the outside there is a decorative firepit with a very rustic Brazilian feel and as I entered, an open scenic layout where the kitchen is viewable, and so is the amazing see thru winery room. There was definitely a “wow” factor to the restaurant upon arrival. I was eager to continue.
Service: Upon arrival I was warmly greeted by the hostess who was very friendly and quick to show me my seat. I was impressed because there was a good volume of customers so the hostesss were definitely busy, but she was still able to show me a personable experience.
The waiter was beyond hospitable. He was very authentic in his tour and very professional throughout the media dinner hosted by Visit Orlando. I think that was the biggest wow factor for me especially when he gave us a personal tour of the facility. He was very friendly, educated on the history of the meats and brazilian culture, and also educated on the restaurant as well.
Server: Our server was also very courteous and friendly, and came regularly to make sure we were being served. She was also very educated on the history of the restaurant which shows they know about the background and details for the restaurant. She also was very good at making recommendations since it was my first time there.
Meat Chefs/Gauchos: Wow, they weren’t kidding when they said that you need to pace yourself. They came all the time and with different cuts.
Food:
Salad Bar: A huge salad bar with I would say well over 20 items. I only tried a few items since I was trying to save my appetite for the meats. The lettuce was crisp, tomatoes ripe, and the toppings such as dressings cheeses and light meats (salmon, ham, turkey). There were also rice and beans which were good but nothing amazing. This was a good compliment as an appetizer.
Main course: The most enjoyable meat I tried was the filet mignon. I’m a huge fan of filet mignon because it’s a thick and juicy cut and in this case it came out that way. It was sizzling when it came out and sizzling when it hit the plate. It was perfectly salted and the taste was bold. I actually got this one twice 🙂 . My least favorite cut was the top sirloin, the rock salts were still on the meat and I actually got a crunch from the bite so that was unpleasant, although this is the traditional Brazilian way of marinating the meat with rock salts. The only thing that saved it was the very good chimichurri sauce, the hot sauce, and the steak sauce. All the sauces were delicious and homestyle. Overall, all the cuts of meat were fresh, hot, and they definitely don’t let you go hungry.
Dessert: I actually ordered a simple New York cheesecake because I was pretty full. The cheesecake was light and fluffy and they even had 4 different syrups I could put on, peach, strawberry, chocoalte, or caramel. I chose strawberry and it was delicious. The serving was a HUGE three layered slice. It was a good end to my protein filled meal.
Drinks: sparkling water was given at arrival which was nice. I ordered the traditional brazilian drink that was recommended to me which was the caipirinha. I got two flavors, strawberry lemonade acai, and the raspberry mint. AMAZING drinks not to strong sweet and actual cuts of fruit. I enjoyed the crisp taste.
The mood was suttle, very upscale but comfy. I loved the view of the winery, and the personal tour showed us the party rooms which were very very NICE. I would definitely have my wedding or special occasion there without a quesiton. The lighting is comfy and everyone down to the chefs in back are dressed in traditional brazilian cowboy attire. I like that feel.
OVERALL I would definitely go again especially with the value. It is a great mix of fine dining with a good amout of fun and memories. Quality was on point and combine the authenticity of the restaurant with everything else and you have a must visit experience. I would recommend it to anyone, and would definitely go again.
Note – Experience was even better with the visitorlando staff and local bloggers 🙂
