Background
Fogo de Chao is a new Brazilian steakhouse restaurant in Wayne, NJ, located in the Willowbrook Mall Shopping Center. It is a part of a chain, with its only other location in Paramus, NJ. The Fogo de Chao chain has its roots in the Rio Grande do Sul in Southern Brazil, with its first restaurant dating to 1979. Its popularity has spread across the US and there are restaurants scattered throughout the country, likely due to its quality offerings ranging from tender meat to delicate fish and an impressive salad bar.
In the US, the first Fogo de Chao was established in 1997 in Dallas, Texas, chosen because of the state’s allegiance to meat. Fogo de Chao is unique in the fact that its meat is cooked in the traditional Brazilian style using churrasco, which is a method where meats are cooked on long skewers. The meats are flame-grilled and served in small pieces as servers make their rounds to the tables. Diners flip their cards which are green on one side and red on the other. This signals to the servers that more meat is desired, while red symbolizes that a diner wants a pause in meat service. If the cards are kept green, the servers will continue to offer meats to the diner.
Market Table
There is an extensive salad bar known as the “Market Table”. This impressive spread offers wide ranges of salads, grilled vegetables, charcuterie, grains, and soups, as well as some proteins such as cheese and prosciutto.
Other Options
While Fogo de Chao primarily attracts meat lovers, there are other options for those with other interests. There are several fish, chicken, and vegetarian options. In addition, one can opt to have the Market Table salad bar only if not selecting an entree or the “all you can eat” meat option. Available appetizers include jumbo shrimp cocktail, seafood towers, and chilled lobster and shrimp. Vegetarian options include entrees like cauliflower steak and fresh veggie power bowls. Table sides included in the “all you can eat” and entree options include cheese bread, crispy polenta, mashed potatoes, and caramelized bananas. I found these sides to be particularly delicious.
Allergies
For those with nut allergies, nearly everything at Fogo de Chao is nut-free. The staff seem particularly attuned to allergies, so I would recommend speaking to a manager about any specific concerns.
Meat Options
The “all you can eat” option includes many cuts of meat, such as filet mignon, ribeye, bottom sirloin, pork, picanha, lamb chops, pork belly, bacon-wrapped chicken and steak, beef ribs, top sirloin, pork chop, and pork sausage. One can also select an upgraded meat option where Wagyu New York Strip, Wagyu ancho, and Dry-aged Tomahawk ancho can be added on for an extra charge.
Meal Options
Fogo de Chao is open for lunch and dinner throughout the week, and offers a brunch option on the weekends.
My Recommendations
With the endless supply of meat and salad bar options, it is easy to fill up on the various offerings. My recommendation is to be judicious in what you select so that you don’t inadvertently get quickly full on foods which may not be as desirable as others. In my opinion, the picanha is the best meat option, and it is best enjoyed with the sides. Fogo de Chao considers the picanha to be their signature meat and is representative of their churrasco style of cooking. I highly recommend topping all the cuts of meat with chimichurri sauce, a green sauce made of parsley, cilantro, garlic, and citrus/vinegar. This refreshing condiment complements the meats well.
Conclusion
Fogo de Chao is an excellent addition to the local dining scene and offers a nice alternative to a typical steakhouse experience. The food appears to be that of an authentic Brazilian steakhouse, and I highly suggest trying this restaurant for a unique dining experience.
0
0
Average Rating