The name “Fogo de Chão” translates to “fire on the ground,” referring to the traditional method of cooking utilizing an open fire. This tradition was used by gauchos, the South American equivalent of the American cowboy and commonly refers to the people from the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul. In 1979, the Coser and Ongaratto brothers introduced their culinary pasttime to the world, opening Fogo de Chão’s first location in the Rio Grande countryside and quickly expanding to America.
A group of friends and I arrived at the Washington D.C., location for our 8 p.m.reservation. Upon arrival the restaurant and bar seemed pretty busy, and we were told there would be a 15-minute wait before a table would be ready for us. We picked up a drink at the crowded bar as we admired the elegant but lively dining room. Servers were zipping around tables, carrying swords with steaming hunks of meat of all varieties.
After a short wait, we were directed to our table and given an introduction to the restaurant. Our server was informative, explaining the traditional gaucho serving style of the restaurant. There is no menu at this establishment, instead servers offer various cuts through the night, letting diners control the pace of the experience with a red and green card to signal for more food. For our drink order, my Brazilian friend recommended a Caipirinha, Brazil’s national cocktail made up of cachaça (sugar cane liquor), lime and sugar. The bartender poured us a healthy serving of cachaça, though not so strong as to overpower the kick of the lime.
Before hunkering in for our carnivorous adventure, we made our way to Fogo’s impressive salad bar. There are more than 30 items available, ranging from asparagus to artichokes to fresh fruit and cheese. There is a salad-bar-only option at Fogo de Chão, so vegetarian patrons are sure to be satisfied coming here. It can be easy to forget about the main course and fill up on salad, so be careful to watch your plate. As we munched on our appetizer, our server came back with our complimentary side dishes of polenta, garlic mashed potatoes, cheese bread, and the fan favorite, fried plantains, which I couldn’t help but devour at the expense of real estate in my stomach.
The show really starts after your salad plate is cleared. A torrent of servers descends upon your table, offering slices of meat ranging from slow-roasted pork ribs to herb-encrusted sausage to bacon-wrapped chicken. Many of the servers hail from Brazil, and are extremely helpful in the process, asking what types of cuts and flavors you like. There is also an extensive wine list that features a number of pairings from South America, though my friends and I decided to stick with another round of Caipirinhas.
My favorite cut, the prime choice of most Fogo patrons, has to be the picanha, a prime sirloin flavored with garlic and salt. I have to give it up to our server, he immediately came to us with a fresh sword, offering us the coveted top slice, where you get a full side covered in garlic and salt. By the end of the meal we were so full, desert was not an option. Instead we opted for a double-shot espresso, a flavorful pick-me-up to help fight the “itis.”
As we sluggishly made our way out the restaurant, I reflected on Fogo’s wonderful dining experience and made plans to check out their location in my hometown of Philadelphia. For meat lovers everywhere, Fogo de Chão is a must-see for an authentic gaucho experience.
Read This Next
Cabana
Restaurant
Sep 5, 2014All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All
#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedHotel
Apr 22, 2025What to Expect at New Nobu Hotel Toronto
Book your guestroom now for a summer stay at new Nobu Hotel Toronto, opening in June. The property follows the luxury brand’s restaurant in Toronto (opened last year) and will offer just three dozen guestrooms and suites.
Sponsored Content
Unveiling Europe’s Treasures with AmaWaterways River Cruises
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with AmaWaterways, recognized as Best River Cruise Line by Cruise Critic. What sets AmaWaterways apart is its commitment to offering you the luxury of more. With up to eight daily included excursion options, you have the freedom to tailor your journey to your interests. Whether you're a history buff, a culinary enthusiast or an architecture aficionado, there's something for everyone on the meticulously crafted itineraries. You will also be treated to a range of exquisitely prepared meals in the Main Restaurant and The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant, unlimited wine and beer during lunch and dinner, an array of complimentary host-led fitness classes, and so much more.
Slideshow
Apr 22, 20257 Must-See Sites in Richmond, Virginia
It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here are seven must-see sites in Richmond, Virginia.
Hotel
Apr 22, 2025This Caribbean Resort Has 74 Pickleball Courts (and Counting)
Did you know April is National Pickleball Month? What better place to celebrate and play the popular leisure sport than at a resort with a whopping 74 pickleball courts? Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts in the Caribbean boast the most pickleball courts in the region, with even more currently in the works.
Sponsored Content
Madrid: The Charm of an Authentic City
They say Madrid is in vogue for many reasons: its lifestyle, its heritage, its cuisine and all of its new attractions. And it’s true, because Madrid is on the radar of travelers looking for a cutting-edge destination that still holds onto its essence. Join us as we explore its charms.
Technology
Apr 21, 2025Skyscanner’s New Feature Will Save You Money on Flights
Avid travelers have long known Skyscanner is a great place to go to find affordable flights, especially if you’re flexible about where you might travel on your next trip, allowing you to search for flights to anywhere from your home base. The platform just recently dropped a new feature, though, that’ll help you save even more on flights.
ShareThis