The Chicago Traveler

If you like meat and a lot of it, Fogo de Ch'o is the place for you. This all-you-can-eat spot will certainly get you in touch with your carnivorous side.

As soon as you walk in the door, you can smell all the delicious meat in the room; however, you’ll probably also notice the immense salad bar with a wide selection of greens and sides, enough to satisfy even your vegetarian friends. The white tablecloths and exposed wood beams tie everything together in a sophisticated atmosphere.

The fixed price menu is worth every penny of its $50. You’ll start off with the unlimited salad bar. More than likely, you won’t even make it all the way around before you start wondering if you should’ve brought a second plate. Cured salmon, crisp veggies, hearts of artichoke and palm, wild mushrooms and asparagus, prosciutto, and more can all be found among the salad bar’s staples.

Save plenty of room because now it’s time for the meat of the matter. The menu boasts 15 different fire-roasted cuts, including lamb chops, bacon-wrapped filet mignon, smokey chicken breast, prime rib, top and bottom sirloin, well-seasoned pork loin, fragrant pork sausages… the list goes on and on. At your table, you’ll be equipped with a two-sided disk to control the pace of your meal. The green side reads, “Sim por favor” (Yes, please). Be prepared! Flip to this side, and, within seconds, gauchos will come from every direction with skewers of sizzling meats to carve at the table. The meat-wielding men will keep coming until you flip to the red side, “Nao obrigado” (No thanks). Enjoy your meal, and when you’re ready for more, flip back to the green side.

Waiters will also arrive with a variety of sides, including mashed potatoes, polenta, and fried bananas. Or, if you can manage to get yourself out of your seat, you can make another trip to the plentiful salad bar for the sides offered there. The restaurant’s award-winning wine list and traditional Brazilian beverages complement the dining experience.

Desserts are also available, including an intensely rich caf' latte cheesecake, creamy flan, and cr'me brulee. Of course, that’s assuming you have any room left after dinner.

Photo credit: (c/o Flickr) hkboyee, lisastroud 2000

Fogo de Ch'o ($$$$): 661 N LaSalle St; 312-932-9330
Lunch
Mon - Fri: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Dinner
Mon - Thurs: 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Fri: 5:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Sat: 4:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Sun: 4:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Valet parking
Public trans: Bus # 11, 22, 66, 125, 156 or Brown/Purple Line train (Chicago)
http://www.fogodechao.com/