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Fogo de Chao Steakhouse Brings Authentic Southern Brazilian Cuisine to Las Vegas

Award-winning Fogo de Chão (pronounced fo-go dèe shoun), an authentic Southern Brazilian steakhouse, opened its first Las Vegas location this week. Both the City and the Country declared 11/9 as Fogo de Chão Day in Las Vegas (Photo: © Scott Harrison / RETNA/ www.harrisonphotos.com). 

Photo: © Scott Harrison / RETNA/ www.harrisonphotos.com.

Fogo is conveniently located at 360 E. Flamingo Road as part of the Hughes Center development, just three miles from McCarran International Airport and one-half mile from the famed Las Vegas Strip. Based on the centuries-old gaucho tradition known as churrasco, the gaucho way of roasting meats over pits of open fire, Brazilian-trained churrasqueiros or gaucho chefs present and slice 15 signature cuts of meat table side from roasting skewers under the direction of Head Gaucho Chef and General Manager Marcio Bonfada.

Photo: © Scott Harrison / RETNA/ www.harrisonphotos.com.

“Fogo de Chão is excited to bring the authentic flavors and traditions of Southern Brazil to Las Vegas, a city known for offering exceptional dining,” said Selma Oliveira, chief operating officer. “Our Southern Brazilian roots, impeccable service and delicious cuisine provide our guests with a memorable dining experience.”

Photo: © Scott Harrison / RETNA/ www.harrisonphotos.com.

Fogo de Chão guests can expect a prix fixe culinary journey that allows patrons to sample more than 15 mouth-watering cuts of meat, a 30 item salad bar and an array of traditional Brazilian sides.

Photo: © Scott Harrison / RETNA/ www.harrisonphotos.com.

One of the most popular cuts of meat served at Fogo de Chão is the house specialty picanha, a prime cut of top sirloin seasoned with sea salt or garlic and roasted slowly to create succulent taste and texture. Also popular are the two filet mignon cuts of tenderloin, both seasoned to perfection, one served wrapped in bacon.

While the meats are the main focus of Fogo de Chão’s menu, the restaurant is also known for its gourmet salad and sides bar featuring more than 30 items such as smoked salmon, sun-dried tomatoes, hearts of palm, tabbouleh salad, jumbo asparagus, cured meats, artisan breads and imported cheeses.

The restaurant boasts a drink menu featuring authentic Brazilian beverages like The Caipirinha, made from cachaça, a distinctly Brazilian liquor as well as an award-winning wine list that includes more than 200 labels. To complete the dining experience, Fogo de Chão’s decadent dessert menu includes the restaurant’s signature Papaya Cream, made with fresh papaya, vanilla ice cream and Crème de Cassis liqueur as well as South American Flan, Crème Brule, Turtle Cheesecake, Molten Chocolate Cake and Key Lime Pie.At Fogo de Chão guests dictate both the pace and the portions of their dining experience. Once seated, each guest receives a small double-sided disc, which signals to the gaucho chefs, “more food, please!” by presenting the green side up or,”I’m on a break now!” by presenting the red side up. This service concept is called espeto corrido, which translates from Portuguese to “continuous service.”

Fogo de Chão was founded in 1979 in Porto Alegre, Brazil and expanded into the U.S. in 1997. Las Vegas is the 17th U.S. location and boastd the largest grill of any of the Fogo restaurants in the states. Fogo Las Vegas is more than 14,000 square feet and offers nine private and semi-private dining rooms, making it a perfect venue for weddings, conventions and special events. The private dining spaces are fully equipped with presentation screens and projectors, which make this an ideal venue for meetings. The prominent feature of the building is the cobalt blue tile tower with its visible open flame rotisserie, a signature design element that is a staple at Fogo restaurants. The rotisserie showcases the gaucho culinary tradition of grilling meats. The walls are dressed with large colorful murals depicting scenes of the gaucho culture and lifestyle. A glass enclosed wine cellar and black walnut wine rack displays the award-winning selection of wines.

Operation hours and prices are as follows:

Lunch
$26.50 (Salad Bar Only – $19.50)
Monday ­ Friday 11:30 a.m. ­ 2 p.m.

Dinner
$44.50 (Salad Bar Only – $22.50)
Monday -Thursday 5 p.m.- 10 p.m.
Friday 5 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Saturday 4:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Sunday 4 p.m. ­ 9 p.m.

Children five years of age and under enjoy complimentary dining. Children six to 10 years of age dine at half the prices listed above. Any beverages, desserts, tax and gratuity are additional.

Fogo de Chão has received numerous rave reviews since opening its first restaurant in the United States in 1997. Named one of America’s top restaurants by the Zagat Survey, Fogo de Chão has topped critics’ lists in locations such as Atlanta, Dallas, Miami, Beverly Hills and Chicago. Nation’s Restaurant News honored the restaurant with its Hot! Concepts Award in 2003, and Wine Spectator has presented Fogo de Chão with its Award of Excellence for the past nine years.

Internationally renowned as the premier Brazilian steakhouse, Fogo de Chão has seven locations in Brazil with their newest opening this past June in Rio de Janeiro. Other cities in Brazil include Brasilia, Belo Horizonte, Salvador and three restaurants in São Paulo. In the United States, Fogo has 16 locations including locations in Beverly Hills, Calif., Miami and Washington, D.C..For more information, please visit www.fogo.com.