I don’t generally eat much meat. In fact, I would go so far as to say, I don’t really care for meat. That was of course before I dined at Fogo de Chao in center city Philadelphia. Located steps away from Philadelphia’s theater district and a short walk from city hall, the restaurant is housed in the historic Caldwell’s Jewelry building on 13th and Chestnut streets.
Like many Philadelphia restaurants, the space is steeped with history: Tiffany chandeliers, tall ceilings, and dark woods, creating a spacious, yet intimate dining experience. From the moment you enter the service is impeccable. Rather than one waiter, the entire staff is at your service, introducing you to the concept behind Brazilian steakhouse dining – continuous rotation of various cuts of meat all served tableside. This means there is always someone stopping by to refill drinks, offer more food, or simply check in. This includes general manager Ryan Metcalf, a charming Midwesterner who appeared to make a personal visit to each table during the course of our meal. He was quick to offer insights into the restaurant, history and experience, and seems to genuinely enjoy interacting with the guests, which he has been doing at this location since it opened in 2006.
To start a basket of pao de queijo (cheese bread) is brought to the table. The meal could have ended there for me. There are not words to describe how delicious these light fluffy rolls are, and for those with food sensitivities or on a low carb diet – they are made with yucca flour and parmesan cheese, so both gluten free and low carb – score!
Next the gourmet salad and sides bar: a selection of traditional warm sides like black beans, fish, rice, and potatoes was a new addition to the usual assortment of cured meats, cheeses, vegetables, and cold salads like the flavorful chickpea salad. I was pacing myself, but it quickly became a losing battle. Even standard items like the tomatoes and hearts of palm were plump and fresh.
AS if this wasn’t enough, it was barely the beginning. Once you sit down again, the steady stream of meats makes its way through the room. Everyone at the table has a disk, with a green side –signaling you are ready for more, and a red side, indicating enough…stop…no more! There are 15 different cuts of meat, all served table side by gaucho chefs, many of whom are native Brazilians and willing to stop and suggest what from the salad bar might pair well with a particular meat, or to give you a little history of the origin of each cut of meat. For instance, one waiter recommended we try the farofa – a combination of yucca flour, bacon and sausage, which he proceded to bring to us to dip the top sirloin cut into.
My favorite by far was the Picanha- a prime piece of sirloin crusted with sea salt and garlic. A close second was the Fraldinha- a bottom cut of sirloin, delicately seasoned and slow cooked to draw out the juices from this traditionally marbled cut of meat. The linguica – pork sausages, are not to be missed and the filet wrapped in bacon was nothing short of spectacular!
With open dining as well as accommodations for private parties, this restaurant has some appeal for everyone. Interestingly it is handicapped accessible, a big plus in center city dining, with an elevator to private rooms and restrooms downstairs. And one final plus: It's kid friendly while still maintaining an adult restaurant vibe and quality. Children under 6 are complimentary 7-12 pay half price. This is a great deal considering that the food is fantastic! There is something to please any palate (including toddlers and picky tweens), between the salads and side and meat selection. And it sure beats the usual kids fare of chicken fingers and grilled cheese! Adult meals are all price fixe, with an option for either the full experience or just the salad bar for half the price- so vegetarians and meat shy need not steer clear.