Fogo de Chão Undergoes $750,000 Renovation & Expansion
Fogo de Chão introduced the City of Chicago to its authentic Southern Brazilian dining experience ten years ago when the churrascariabrought its award-winning flavor to 661 North LaSalle Street in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. Now, Fogo has undergone a $750,000 renovation and expansion, adding private dining rooms, a restyled bar/lounge and an even more elaborate gourmet salad bar.
Named as one of Chicago’s “best new restaurants” when it first opened,Fogo de Chão continues to maintain its position as one of Zagats’ top U.S. restaurants. A prix fixe culinary journey allows guests to sample 16 mouth-watering cuts of beef, lamb, pork and chicken and an array of traditional Brazilian sides such as pão de queijo (warm cheese bread), crispy hot polenta, garlic mashed potatoes and caramelized bananas.
Chief Operating Office Selma Oliveira, a familiar face at the Chicago opening 10 years ago, says, “Chicago has been so loyal to Fogo de Chão, and we are excited to expand our restaurant and offerings in a city known for exceptional dining.”
Every day is a celebration at Fogo. Now, guests can plan their private and group affairs within four private dining rooms, which can be combined with one another to accommodate from 10 to 200 guests. Each room has separate lighting and audio controls. The rooms are decorated with custom wine racks, mahogany paneling and trim, custom murals and chandeliers.
The renovated bar offers a comfortable lounge atmosphere with a stone wall framing three large dramatic wine casks.
The expanded salad bar is a virtual feast of gourmet salads, fresh vegetables, imported cheeses, artisan breads and cured meats. New hot sides include Roasted Zucchini and Fogo’s renowned Black Beans and Rice.
New to the menu is the Lamb T-Bone, which joins two of the most popular cuts, Lamb Chops and Leg of Lamb. From New Zealand, the cut is tender and succulent with a robust flavor served with the bone.
Fresh Grilled Mozzarella Cheese on skewers and served tableside also isnew, a favorite at Fogo de Chão in Brazil and a recipe exclusive to the restaurants.
Fogo’s 200-plus label wine list has received the Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence for the past nine years. The authentic Brazilian beverage,The Caipirinha, is now available in 12 flavors including the newStrawberry Lemonade Açaí Caipirinha, made with VeeV Açaí Spirit, Grand Marnier, splash of Sprite, fresh lemon and strawberries muddled with sugar.
Fogo de Chão celebrates its 10th anniversary in Chicago by donating 20% the proceeds from sales of its signature Papaya Cream, made with fresh papaya, vanilla ice cream and Crème de cassis liqueur, during October’s National Dessert Month, to Ignite the Spirit. The Chicago Firefighter charity, Ignite the Spirit (www.ignitethespirit.org) helps others in need; their brothers and sisters on the job that have fallen victim to life’s unjust hardships.
Fogo de Chão in Chicago is open for lunch on Monday – Friday 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. The lunch menu is $32.50 (Salad Bar Only – $22.50). Dinner is served Monday – Thursday 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.; Friday 5 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.; Saturday 4 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.; and Sunday 4 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. The dinner menu is $49.50 (Salad Bar Only – $24.50). Children five years of age and under enjoy complimentary dining. Children six to 10 years of age are half price. Beverages, desserts, tax and gratuity are additional. For reservations and private party information, please call (312) 932-9330.
Fogo de Chão was founded in 1979 in Porto Alegre, Brazil and expanded into the U.S. in 1997. There are currently 18 locations in the United States and 7 locations in Brazil. For more information, please visit www.fogo.com