Fogo de Chao Arrives in the Heart of Downtown Los Angeles – December 2014
The Southern Brazilian Steakhouse opens in one of Southern California’s most vibrant epicurean communities, offering authentic Brazilian cuisine, creative and classic cocktails, and an award-winning wine list
The flourishing downtown Los Angeles culinary scene welcomes its latest gastronomic jewel when Fogo de Chao (pronounced fo-go dèe shoun) officially opens its newest location on February 19, 2015 on the corner of Figueroa and 8th Street in the heart of the city. The new location will offer Bar Fogo, a more casual way to experience the restaurant offerings which features smaller, shareable plates and a variety of beverages, a new light lunch menu catered to Downtown businesses as well as their new Market Table.
Founded in 1979 in Porto Alegre, Brazil, by two brothers who were immersed in the centuries-old gaucho culture and a rich blend of traditions from European immigrants and Brazilian natives, Fogo de Chao opens its 34th location worldwide. With each new location, Fogo de Chao continues to epitomize the Brazilian gaucho traditions of churrasco, the art of roasting meats over an open fire, and espeto corrido, or “continuous service.” A prix fixe menu features freshly grilled meats carved tableside, as well as an extensive Market Table and authentic Brazilian side dishes.
“Our restaurants are rooted in the tradition and culture of the gaucho way of life, family, and passion for good food,” says Larry Johnson, Fogo de Chao’s Chief Executive Officer. “Downtown Los Angeles is one of the most flourishing culinary destinations in the country and we’re delighted to bring our passion to this thriving community.”
The menu features a wealth of savory fire-roasted meats, specially prepared and carved to each guest’s preference by a team of authentic Brazilian-trained gaucho chefs. Guests have full control over the pace and portions of their meal as they signal the chefs with a small double-sided disc. On one side, the color green alerts the chefs to continue delivering a selection of meats. On the other side, the color red is the chefs’/their cue to hold until the guest indicates they are hungry for more. To cater to the local businesses and professionals, the new Downtown location offers a light lunch option, designed to meet diners’ time constraints. Included are unlimited trips to the Market Table and the ability/option to add a single protein. The new Market Table features fresh seasonal salads, rare and exotic vegetables, imported cheeses, cured meats, and all the accoutrements one could want. Guests may help themselves to more than 30 items including roasted fennel quinoa salad, smoked salmon, roasted seasonal vegetables, sun-dried tomatoes, and hearts of palm. Traditional Brazilian side dishes, including signature Pao de Queijo — the traditional and delectably addictive Brazilian cheese bread made from gluten-free yucca flour – crispy polenta, garlic mashed potatoes and caramelized bananas are served tableside.
Butchered in-house, roasted over an open fire, and carved to-order tableside, a sample of the authentic Brazilian churrasco specialties available at Fogo de Chão include:
- Picanha — Fogo de Chão’s signature steak featuring a prime part of the sirloin, seasoned with sea salt and flavored with garlic
- Fraldinha – A richly marbled cut from the bottom of the sirloin
- Cordeiro – Fresh leg of lamb sliced off the bone
- Lombo — Pork loin encrusted with parmesan cheese, a house specialty in Brazil
- Frango – A variety of cuts, including tender chicken breast wrapped in bacon, and chicken legs
Guests seeking something lighter can take advantage of the Bar Fogo menu and dining experience, available at every Fogo de Chão bar. The specialty menu features signature caipirinhas, specialty cocktails including the Mango Refresco and The Brazilian Martini, beer, wine, and shareable small plates including the Picanha Sirloin Sliders served on Pão de Queijo, andGrilled Spiced Shrimp Skewers with passion fruit sauce.
The 8,000+ square-feet space features a contemporary design with a mix of dark materials and natural wood to create a warm, inviting atmosphere throughout. Images of Brazilian Araucaria trees adorn the walls of the restaurant and a floor to ceiling wine rack is the centerpiece of the dining room. Large glass windows facing 8th Street allow for views of the bustling downtown neighborhood.
Fogo de Chão Downtown Los Angeles is located at 800 South Figueroa and will be open for lunch Monday—Friday 11:30-2:30 p.m., and dinner Monday-Thursday 5:00-10:00 p.m., Friday 5:00-10:30 p.m., Saturday 4:30-10:30 p.m., and Sunday 4:00-9:30 p.m. For more information, please visit www.Fogo.com or on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
ABOUT FOGO DE CHiO
Fogo de Chão® Churrascaria – Brazilian Steakhouse was founded in 1979 in Porto Alegre, Brazil and expanded into the U.S. in 1997. There are currently 34 locations throughout Brazil and the United States, with the recent openings in Downtown Los Angeles, New York City, San Jose, Portland, and the Jardins neighborhood of São Paulo. Future openings in San Juan, Puerto Rico and Mexico City are scheduled for winter and spring 2015.
For a visual representation of the story of Fogo de Chão visit “The Gaucho Way,” a documentary-style video that is shot through the eyes of real Fogo de Chão Brazilian gauchos and explores the restaurant’s deep cultural roots in Southern Brazil.
Posted 02/12/15
