By V. Sheree Williams
As restaurants prepare for the change of seasons, many are thinking light and fresh for the summer. Following the trend is internationally-renowned restaurant Fogo de Chão, the Brazilian steakhouse known for its flavorful sides and fire-roasted premium cuts of meat. The company recently announced a new summer menu that is carefully crafted with seasonal offerings and weekday brunch specials that are sure to keep the lunch hour tasty.
Translated to mean campfire, Fogo de Chão is diners’ answer to an authentic Brazilian churrasco experience that starts with its Market Table curated from a variety of culinary influences. Whether dining for lunch or dinner, guests are treated to a fresh selection of vegetables and salads as well as imported charcuterie. Its Feijoada Bar serves the black bean stew made daily over rice that can be seasoned to your liking with fresh orange, malagueta hot sauce and farofa, baked yuca flour with bacon.
New offerings sure to catch a hungry eye as you walk around the Market Table include:
- Heirloom Tomato & Mozzarella – Ripe red and yellow heirloom tomatoes layered with fresh Buffalo mozzarella and topped with extra virgin olive oil, cracked black pepper and basil.
- Chickpea Salad– A protein-rich salad featuring chickpeas mixed with summer basil, fresh parsley, red onion, and red bell pepper and dressed with a house-made lemon Dijon vinaigrette.
- Watermelon Feta Salad– Refreshing watermelon tossed with feta, summer basil, fresh mint and cracked black pepper.
All paired deliciously with the Fogo’s simply seasoned meats such as chicken, beef, pork and lamb presented endlessly by the restaurant’s gaucho chefs. Not a meat eater? Not a problem. Fogo offers vegetarian-friendly options including seafood that will still deliver the same amazing experience.
For years, I only thought of Fogo for dinner having dined at various restaurants around the country but they definitely want you to think of them for your midday work getaway. Starting at only $15, its weekday Brazilian brunch offers smaller, shareable bites that include all of the goodness of the Market Table. Guests also have the option of adding a single selection of meat. Keep it light and refreshing by ordering the watermelon fresca, a mocktail that features fresh watermelon blended with pure cane sugar, lime and mint and served over crushed ice. The boss shouldn’t have a problem with this.
Finally, shake the day off during Fogo’s Happy Hour with a Brazilian-inspired cocktail that will transport you to Brazil one sip at a time. On a recent visit to the San Francisco location right across from the Moscone Center, I paired my full churrasco experience with the Fogo Premium Caipirinha made with premium cachaça, muddled limes and cane sugar. Wine lovers can order by the glass from its award-winning wine list.
With 52 locations located throughout Brazil, the United States, Mexico, and the Middle East, your Fogo de Chão lunch and dinner experiences are just a walk or drive away. To find a location near you, visit.
Photo credit: V. Sheree Williams