By Beth Hall
The newly opened Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steak House on Maine Avenue SW at The Wharf is large and dramatic. For those unfamiliar with their concept, they specialize in all-you-can-eat meat delivered on skewers. There’s also an enormous cold bar which features everything from fruits and salads to smoked salmon and warm feijoada (Brazilian beans and rice).
What has brought me back several times, however, are the surprisingly reasonably priced offerings at the large bar area. These range from $6 bar bites to slightly more expensive shareable dishes. The bar bites options include a stunning fried cheese (queijo assado) and delicious little empanadas. Each comes with a generous six pieces. There are also spicy chicken legs, parmesan polenta fries (yum) and spiced chicken sliders.
The shareable dishes I’ve tried and really liked include the artichoke and spinach dip, the Picanha (steak) tartare, delicious made-to-order lamb lollipops with chimichurri sauce and a seasonal hummus. The beef rib sliders were only so-so. There’s also a $10 hamburger that was perfectly cooked and is, in this reviewer’s opinion, the best burger in Southwest. The drinks are large and $8 South American wines are on offer. Each of the bar items are accompanied by pão de queijo (Brazilian cheese bread) which is a treat. This could be a new Southwest hangout.