Fogo de Chao

Having had great and enjoyable experiences with Argentine, Chilean, Columbian and Brazilian-style steak houses, or as their better known as ‘Parrilladas’ or ‘Churrasquerias’ primarily on the east coast, we were somewhat saddened at Fogo de Chao Scottsdale despite its well established, branded background and fab reviews – I guess their national size may have a lot to do with it and/or it was not their best day! If you’re a meat lover as we are, you will definitely enjoy the incredible aromas which abound throughout the restaurant – beef, chicken, chorizo, pork, lamb… WOW! Their assortment of meats at first glance is incredible, servers abound scurrying and maneuvering throughout every nook and cranny of the floor amongst patrons balancing their Brazilian Meat Skewers while cautiously slicing thin cuts of your preferred serving, while ensuring their baggy gaucho bombachas appear to almost fall from their wastes! That was almost as far as both of our interests ended. We were served all the expected accoutréments in their full Churrasco meat experience. I must say, the caramelized bananas, Brazilian cheese bread, garlic mashed potatoes and many of the salad and side dishes were very good, yet the meats offered, to our amazement, left much to be desired of. We found their meats, with the exception of the Lamb which was almost perfect as it could be and to a certain extent the ribeye, either overcooked or lacking flavor – especially the chicken which at each serving was dry and unsavory. Plus, unless you speak up, your servings are going to be miniscule! If you are looking for a crowded, cramped atmosphere and a ‘not-so-authentic’ Brazilian meat experience, this is for you – but if you are interested in just over-indulging into meats, then it’s OK. You may want to remember the prices do not match the value – at all! We were expecting both a memorable and tasty experience, but were disheartened by getting neither!