Fogo de Chao

With a slow summer for the Eatingteam (see prior post) drawing to an end, and after talking about it and never getting to it, Tom and I finally managed to make it to Fogo de Chao. If you haven't heard of this place, it is a Brazilian steakhouse. Sorry, let me correct that, an all-you-can-eat Brazilian steakhouse. I know, all you can eat steak, you might think it was tenderized by a jockey at Philadelphia Park, but you couldn't be more wrong.

Joined by our friend Keith, who had been there once before, we went down to Center City Philly for lots of steak for lunch. First, this is a very nicely decorated place inside, with wine bottles lining the walls and lots of staff to help with anything that you may need. I don't think my water bottle came close to being half empty before it was filled again. This is a two course meal starting with the salad bar. Sure there is actual vegetables and garden salad things on there to try to fill you up before you get to the main course, but don't fall for that. They do have some highlights, such as the fresh mozzerella, prosciutto, salami and other cheeses. I also enjoyed some olives and an interesting chicken salad, but not too much, we were here to eat steak.

On to the main course, which is all dictated by what looks like a coaster, but is way more important. Each person at the table has a coaster that is green on one side and red on the other, green meaning "Bring me more meat!!" and red meaning "Hold on, let me catch my breath." or "I've got plenty to eat for the moment, but don't wonder off to far." When your coaster is green the espeto corrido (continuous service in Portuguese, it's on their website, I don't speak the language, sorry to disappoint) of the "Gaucho" chefs is downright awesome. You will quickly have your choice of 15 different cuts of delicious meat taken fresh from the kitchen fires while still on skewers. The Gaucho's walk around checking out for green coasters to offer you whichever type of meat they are carrying. Everything was excellent with the highlights for me being a perfectly cooked medium-rare portion of Filet Mignon (Tom, the CIA-trained chef and KCBS-certified judge exclaimed just how perfectly it was cooked) that just melted with flavor. They had filet wrapped in bacon, 'nuff said. Also, the Picanha, a prime cut of sirlion seasoned with garlic and sea salt, was downright incredible. Everything I sampled was cooked to perfection and full of incredible cow (or piggie) goodness. Lots of different sirlion and filet cuts on the menu, beef ribs, some pork tenderloin choices, pork ribs, pork sausages, and chicken legs, which was really the only thing I tried that I didn't really care for. But the good thing is, try it, if you don't like it, don't worry, someone else will be around with something different to try. I had some pork ribs on my plate that I didn't even get to because there was just so many other things on my plate that I was more interested in. The second course is also served with mashed potatoes, cheese bread, fried bananas and polenta, which is also replenished as much as you like. We did go through three rounds of mashed potatoes.

Some general information: they also had tons of wines, some of them probably really good if you're into that. Lunch and dinner are the same thing, only difference is the price, $32.50 for lunch, $49.50 for dinner. Great bathrooms, which is really important at an all-you-can-eat steakhouse (we were there for an hour and a half to two hours). They have 12 U.S. locations, including Baltimore and Washington D.C. to go with the Philly location.

So in conclusion, this place was awesome, can't wait to go again, well worth the money. Some of the best steak I've ever eaten, possibly second to Peter Luger's. But if you have the means, I highly recommend spending some time eating here.

Brock Dietrich Rudy

A short break from talking food to welcome a future member. Brock Dietrich, born 6/20 @ 1:54 am, 7lbs 12oz.

Okay, raise your hand if you thought Rudy's son was going to be cute. No one? Yeah, thought so. Well, we were wrong. Hope he has Kim's brains too. Also, I'm sure no one will be suprised to learn that the nurse commented on how well he was eating for his first day on the outside.

Next, raise your hand if you think Tony looks like a natural holding little Brock. He looked more comfortable after eating the three pound burger at Tony Luke's. Have fun buddy.

Kim, good luck, you'll need it.

Alright, back to talking about where to get the best doughnuts.

roguefood.com website

This is a great site to find good stuff about food. I like this site because it is not nearly as stuffy as some of the other sites. Most of the people are from the DC area so If you are in need of Baltimore and DC stuff definatley hop on and check it out. There are also people from the Tri State area.

Tony

Holy Crap! I figured it out!

Junior will be here by this weekend. I will keep you posted.

Looking for the best places down the shore.

We are looking to maybe hit some one day tours down the shore. Scott had this idea of hitting some places down the Jersey shore. So let's here it

Southside Steel

Southside Steel in Bethlehem is closed

Upper Bucks County and Lehigh Valley Tour

Hello everyone,

I am in the process of putting together a great day and tour for the Upper Bucks County and Lehigh Valley region. We would love for more input on more great eating establishments that we many not be aware of. Currently, he is our short tentative list:

Here is the agenda. Map and detials to come

- Webbies (Chalfont, PA) - I know this is Central Bucks, but I thought the team would meet here to enjoy their sandwiches and wraps.

- Back to the 50's Diner - Perkasie, PA - Could it be another Niffty 50? We will have to check it out.

- Wagon Wheel - Quakertown, PA (http://www.bigdaddyswagonwheel.com/goodfood.html_

- Alcamo Pizza, Richland, PA - Check out thier general menu.

Organize cars at the Kelly house.

- Bubba Potbelly Stove - Quakertown, PA (http://www.bubbaspotbellystove.com/)- Check out burgers

Hellertown Area
- Braveheart Highland Pub - Hellertown, PA (http://www.bravehearthighlandpub.com/) - general menu
- Paprekas - Hellertown, PA - general menu
- Mattey's Crossroad Hotel - Hellertown, PA


Allentown Area
- Dunderbak Market Cafe - Whitehall, PA (http://www.dunderbak.com/) - hot dog and explore German menu
- Five Guy Famous Burgers - Allentown, PA (www.fiveguys.com )
- Hamburger Stand - Allentown, PA
- The Brass Rail - Allentown, PA (http://www.brassrailrestaurant.com/)- cheesesteaks
- Zandy's Steak Shop - Allentown, PA - cheesesteaks
- Krocks Pub (http://krockspubandgrillecomplex.com/krockspub.html)- Wings

Emmaus Area
- Armettas - Emmaus, PA (http://www.armettaspizzarestpub.com/)

Last Spot
- Spinnertown Hotel - Spinnertown, PA (http://www.spinnerstownhotel.com/new/Home) - general menu and 200 beer selection


Bethlehem Area (Probably have to make this another day)
- Goombas - (http://www.goombaspizzaria.com/) - pizza
- Third Street Chicken and Ribs - wings
- Beerbellys Sports Bar and Pub - (http://www.ourbeerbellys.com) - burgers
- Southside Steel Restaurant - (http://www.thesouthsidesteel.com) - burgers

Great tour for all those in attendance today!!!

The Croydon / Bristol, PA tour went great today. Lots of good food today if we missed anywhere down there let us know....



La Vera

Croydon Pizza

Patrick's

Fritz's



Cannoli

Annabella's

Mazanti's

Charlie Karp's



These are where we hit and ended on a great stop in Bensalem at Nifty Fifties. Report with pics comming later this week.



Tony

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