Fogo De Chao: Philadelphia!

        
                                      http://www.fogodechao.com/index.php?id=163

Beef Ancho

Filet Mignon

Fraldinha

Last August 2011 during my cousin's wedding in Houston, Texas I got a chance to dine at Fogo De Chao (pronounced Foo Go du Shon), and fell in love with the ambiance and simply amazing Brazilian style meat: from pork, beef, chicken, lamb, and even fish!
In the Houston location, as you walk in you are greeted by the sight of grade A beef on a rotisterie in a clear oven. As one walks towards the main dining area, one passes the massive salad bar filled with everything from seafood like salted smoked salmon all the way to aged cheese! My personal favorite is the fire roasted tomato and peppers with fresh mozzarella and of course the salmon.
Lately, during my little cousin's birthday we drove to Philadelphia, the closest locale to us on the east coast and ate at Fogo De Chao. This particular Fogo De Chao is located in the heart of Philly only blocks away from the Liberty Bell on 1337 Chestnut Street. The ambiance reflects that of Roman architecture; I am assuming it may have been a former meeting hall or political building- just breathtaking with 30 foot ceilings!
For first time go-ers what's interesting about the restaurant is that on the table you will notice a circular cardboard with both a red side and a green side. Waiters dressed in old world Spanish/Portuguese Queen's soldier uniforms go around bearing savory meats of all varities, if one would like to sample what each waiter has all one must do is turn over the tab unto the green side- and like clock works each waiter will slice one a piece, and when you've had enough simple turn it over to red to let the waiters know to stop.
Fogo De Chao is a bit pricey for everyday dining out, but trust me when I say it is worth every penny! Besides the food, Fogo De Chao, also boasts a spectacular wine and champagne list as well as top shelf mix drinks- do plan ahead and make reservations because they are always busy and always at capacity specially during the weekends and evenings.