I had never been to a Fogo de Chao after all these years, and yet heard so many great things about its incredible “steak” experience. How ideal to experience when you’re in the middle of a high protein low carb diet, so on our most recent trip to Baltimore Maryland, it seemed like the perfect time. The Baltimore Fogo de Chão is conveniently located at the famed Inner Harbor so we were able to walk from our hotel which made things even easier. The night was perfect – summer was in full force, the humidity was high as it always is on the East Coast over the summer, but balanced.
The ambiance of the restaurant is juxtaposed with an interior decor reflective of their Southern Brazilian ranching roots. Despite the fact that it was a mid-week night in August, the place was packed. I noticed a ton of families and all adult groups at larger tables which is ideal given the style of the restaurant and the fact that you can, well…..eat as much steak and other meat as you want all night long, and that’s on top of a fairly stocked salad bar that would keep even my vegetarian friends happy.
The concept is simple – they give you a card. You flip it over if you want more meat (or seafood as you can also opt to try seafood as well depending on your appetite or what you’re in the mood for on a particular evening) and if you’re fine, you keep it as is — that way, they know whether to top you off with something new (or the same), or not.
They have roasted beef, lamb, pork, chicken, and more for sampling off the bone or off a skewer. If you’re brave enough to bring a vegetarian friend with you, fear not as they have so many assortments at their salad bar, from asparagus, hearts of palm, sun-dried tomatoes, cheese and more. Fish lovers will appreciate their smoked salmon, Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, Grilled Shrimp Skewers and Mango Chilean Sea Bass.
Of course, for the decadent among you or those who aren’t worried about the calories, feel free to dive into their fried plantanes (yum), mashed potatoes and sausage. Despite my low carb diet, I tried two out of three.
The best part of the Fogo de Chao experience is the on-table service. Let’s face it – it’s fun. You can see what you’re getting in real time and decide whether you’re enticed depending on what you see which is a rarity at a traditional restaurant. We see this place as an ideal place for families and groups wanting to splurge for a night out – they have a decent sized wine list as well as cocktails as well if you want to make it more festive.
The desserts of course are scrumptious as well. And, the fact that Baltimore’s location is so centrally located makes it a great spot especially during warmer months when you can take a walk along the harbor before or after your meal. The views are stunning!
DETAILS:
Fogo de Chao Steakhouse
600 E Pratt Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
(410) 528-9292
Renee Blodgett is the founder of We Blog the World. The site combines the magic of an online culture and travel magazine with a global blog network and has contributors from every continent in the world. Having lived in 10 countries and explored nearly 80, she is an avid traveler, and a lover, observer and participant in cultural diversity.
She is also the CEO and founder of Magic Sauce Media, a new media services consultancy focused on viral marketing, social media, branding, events and PR. For over 20 years, she has helped companies from 12 countries get traction in the market. Known for her global and organic approach to product and corporate launches, Renee practices what she pitches and as an active user of social media, she helps clients navigate digital waters from around the world. Renee has been blogging for over 16 years and regularly writes on her personal blog Down the Avenue, Huffington Post, BlogHer, We Blog the World and other sites. She was ranked #12 Social Media Influencer by Forbes Magazine and is listed as a new media influencer and game changer on various sites and books on the new media revolution. In 2013, she was listed as the 6th most influential woman in social media by Forbes Magazine on a Top 20 List.
Her passion for art, storytelling and photography led to the launch of Magic Sauce Photography, which is a visual extension of her writing, the result of which has led to producing six photo books: Galapagos Islands, London, South Africa, Rome, Urbanization and Ecuador.
Renee is also the co-founder of Traveling Geeks, an initiative that brings entrepreneurs, thought leaders, bloggers, creators, curators and influencers to other countries to share and learn from peers, governments, corporations, and the general public in order to educate, share, evaluate, and promote innovative technologies.
