Fogo De Chao 

        A relative newcomer to the Austin area but certainly no lightweight is the terrific Fogo de Chao franchise, an authentic Brazilian style restaurant that features the Gaucho way of cooking and serving meats.  Opening its doors to Austin in 2007, Fogo de Chao provides a unique dining experience sure to satisfy and intrigue all types of restaurant goers.

     The Gaucho culture dates back centuries ago when Europeans settled in Brazil amongst the natives blending their traditions together to create a classic way of preparing meats.  Central to this culture is “churrasco”: the Gaucho way of roasting meats over pits of open fire for delicious barbecues.  This way of cooking became popular in Brazil through festive occasions and family gatherings.  Now this rich tradition has been transformed into a restaurant experience that is unlike any other you can find.

      “Our concept is very different from a regular restaurant.  We have a set menu and instead of ordering one item from the menu you get to try a little bit of everything,” explains General Manager of the Austin Fogo de Chao, Alex Velando. 

      The meal at Fogo can be broken down into two portions.  The first part features a self-serve salad bar providing guests with over 35 different gourmet items.  The second part is the meat portion where Gaucho’s adorned in traditional dress come around with 15 different cuts of meat on skewers and slice it for you tableside.  You have a choice of sausage, beef, chicken, pork, and lamb and you also get a healthy portion of side orders like the flavorful caramelized bananas and garlic mashed potatoes.  “All this is included in your meal, so it’s quite an experience,” says Velando.

      Inside, the restaurant is decorated with Brazilian décor further creating the rich, traditional atmosphere that the Gaucho style is famous for.  With expertly prepared meats, an award winning wine list, and friendly professional Gaucho chefs roaming the restaurant, Fogo de Chao provides an authentic Brazilian dining experience right in the heart of downtown Austin.



http://www.fogodechao.com/