(delayed post, April 24, 2016 NY)
My daughter was torn between joining our group for a quick dinner then rushing to meet with school friends. She opted to skip our first night’s official dinner with Federal Phoenix and instead joined her friends for some catching up. Every time she comes to NY it’s a time for bonding with her good old friends.
I was tired from the long flight and whole day of doing touristic things plus I didn’t have a full night sleep so I wasn’t sure if I was in the mood for an all-you-can-eat meat-eating extravaganza. I thought it would be too heavy in the belly especially that it’s almost 8 pm and by the time we finish, it would be 10 pm.
We were dropped off by the bus at the corner of West 53rd Street and walked a few steps to
Fogo de Chão is a Brazilian Portuguese churrascaria. They have 9 locations in Brazil and operates 29 in the US.
I’d been to several Brazilian-style steak restaurants in the past and I found Fogo de Chao’s interior as the most elegant so far. This is fine dining.
Food here must be expensive. Yes, I was told it’s $62.95 per person plus tip. A party of 20 people would require a 20% – 25% tip.
This place is surprisingly spacious and upscale.
The main dining hall is on the lower ground floor.
Our table is beside the extensive salad bar.
Impressive hanging light fixtures
I don’t know why but I like eating asparagus in the morning, not at night.
I have observed that the American lifestyle of being casual, comfortable, easy and free reflects also on the way they do buffet. Whether it’s in a Chinese buffet restaurant, five star hotel, or in an upscale resto, once you reach the buffet table, the vibe is similar.
Someone asked me “Annie ano yan?”
The literal meaning of Fogo de Chao is fire of ground. It says a lot about the traditional method of roasting meat over an open fire called gaucho. This is the same or similar to grilling or barbeque.
The grilled meat in stainless steel skewers is brought to the table and carved at table side as per your request. If you want well-done then they will give the the sunog sa gilid-gilid. If you want medium, they will cut a piece from the center. Even non-cannibals would be tempted.
If it’s your first time in New York City, make sure you eat a slice of New York cheesecake. Basta, just for the heck of it. It’s like going to Black Forest in Germany. You’ve got to try their delicious black forest chocolate cake.
Address:
40 West 53rd St, New York, NY 10019 USA
