Southern Brazilian Steakhouse Fogo de Chão Opens in the SOMA District
Internationally-renowned Brazilian steakhouse, Fogo de Chão (pronounced fo-go dee shown), opened its second Northern California location on the corner of Third and Howard in the heart of San Francisco’s SOMA district this past December. Fogo de Chão is a leading Brazilian steakhouse, or churrascaria, which has specialized for more than 36 years in the centuries old Southern Brazilian cooking technique of churrasco – the art of roasting high quality meats over an open fire, and espeto corrido, or "continuous service", which allows guests to control the variety and pace of their dining experience. The company was founded in 1979 in Porto Alegre, Brazil, and expanded into the U.S. in 1997. There are now more than 40 locations throughout Brazil, the United States and Mexico.
Here’s how it works. Once you’ve sat down at the table and ordered drinks (a process that may take a half hour in itself with their extensive bar and wine menu), you’ll be invited to visit the "market table", an exceptional buffet that offers an array of prepared salads, soups, fresh vegetables and fruits, imported cheeses, cured meats and cold smoked salmon, tabbouleh, marinated olives, and other seasonal offerings. While you’re gone, your server will bring an array of hot family-style side dishes that include Brazilian favorites like garlic mashed potatoes, caramelized bananas, creamy polenta, Pao De Queijo (soft cheesy bread rolls), Fogo Feijoada (a traditional black bean stew with sausage served over white rice), and Farofa (yucca flour that is sautéed with bacon, sausage and light seasonings, a perfect companion for the meats). These carefully selected side dishes are an important part of the churrasco experience. Not only are they delicious, but they clean and freshen the palate as you sample a variety of traditional meats.
Now, about the meats. There are more than 10 cuts of beef, chicken, lamb, and pork that have been butchered in house, seasoned to perfection, fire roasted, and are now circling around your table on large skewers carried by the servers. The beef selection alone includes rib eye, filet mignon, top sirloin, bottom sirloin, ribs, and Picanha (the prime part of the top sirloin and Fogo’s signature steak). Other skewers carry tender pork loins and sausages, bacon wrapped chicken legs, and lamb chops. Your server will give you a plate and a card that is green on one side, red on the other. When your card is turned to the green side, you are indicating to the servers carrying the skewers that you’d like for them to stop at your table and cut off a slice. When your plate is full, turn your card to the red side and enjoy your meal. When you’re ready for more, simply turn it back to the green side and the servers will keep slicing off delicious meats for you. There is also a separate seafood menu and a tempting dessert menu featuring indulgences like their signature Papaya Cream, Crème Brûlée, and Brazilian Flan, all of which are made in-house.
The new SOMA District location is one of the first locations to offer a new Gaucho Lunch Menu, featuring quick and convenient options to meet weekday lunchtime guest’s busy schedules. The new location also features Bar Fogo, the recently introduced concept offering a casual way to experience Fogo with shareable small plates, cocktails and daily Happy Hour specials in the bar and on the patio.
Renting a San Francisco limo is the perfect complement to this unique dining experience, allowing you to focus on having a great time with your guests. Relax, eat great food, drink some superb wines and leave the driving to us when you rent a Bay Area limousine from Nationwide Limousine Service. If this post has you dying to give this fantastic new restaurant a try, call us at 800-339-8936 and make your travel arrangements.