WIN a $50 Gift Card To Fogo de Chao Rosemont Through Oct 8th #giveaway

You'll need to forgo the chow before and for a while after a meal at the impressive Brazilian Steakhouse, Fogo de Chao.   It rhymes with shown, so you'll sound like those in the know, and we were recently shown an enticing and endless array of meat swords, when Chicagonista invited us to a private press event.   We were in on Fogo de Chao's first lunch seating at their new Rosemont local last Monday.   Their name has the poetic meaning of "Fire of the Ground" and they feature every meat imaginable from top sirloin, ribs, pork and lamb, to sausages and chicken wrapped in bacon (my personal fav).

Fogo de Chao also features a drool worthy salad bar, an award winning wine cellar (proud recipient of the prestigious Wine Spectator Magazine Award of Excellence for eight consecutive years.), and desserts to die for.  I was a vegetarian for 10 years, until I married a self professed "meatatarian", so I have to make up for lost time.   And Fogo De Chao is just the carnivorous paradise to do it in!

My meat lovin' husband went to Brazil, Carnival in Rio to be exact, with Comedy Central, on an Insomniac With Dave Attell shoot.   And he came back raving about the amazing Brazilian steakhouses.   Sure, he dug the world famous parades and had an amusing time hangin' with wickedly witty Attell, but the highlight of the trip for him was the food.   He couldn't stop talking about the incredibly delicious steakhouses where you flip a green disc for endless meat servings and a red when you're good for the moment.

Now Chicagoans can experience the wonder of a top notch Brazilian Steakhouse first hand, at two locations, without jet lag and TSA lines.  River North has been open 10 years and just underwent a remodeling transformation.  The brand new Rosemont location is close to O'Hare and features easy, free parking.   The food is fantastic, and their prices are reasonable if you arrive hungry.  Lunch is just $26.50 and it's $46.50 per person for dinner. 

The lunch was so delicious and a lot of fun.  I sat next to WGN's own Nancy Loo (reporter/anchorwoman) and Little Tech Girl, Kris Cain (blogger supreme).   The food and company were superb.   

Little Tech Girl & ChiIL Mama enjoying lunch at Fogo de Chao

phone photo by Kris Cain

Back when I was in 4th grade (just a bit younger than my daughter is now), we were asked to write an essay about what we wanted to be when we grew up.   I wanted to write about being an anchorwoman.   The teacher told me women couldn't be news anchors and to pick something else!   It was the mid 70's not the middle ages.   I'm so happy that our generation of women responded to that mindset with a resounding "Oh yeah?!" and not "Oh well." 

Chicagonista invited an array of Chicago's best press and bloggers to The Fogo de Chao lunch, and I was in the company of some amazing and inspiring women including anchorwomen, writers, power bloggers, and women who collectively influence millions.   I'm so happy to count such smart, savvy, talented women among my colleagues and friends!

Chicagonista will be broadcasting live from the restaurant October 8th at 2pm, and #FogoDeChao will be picking one of ChiIL Mama's lucky readers to win a $50 gift card and announcing the winners on the show.

In the comments below, just tell us if you're more stoked for steak, salivating for the salad bar or delirious for desserts.  You can watch the show at ChicagonistaLIVE.com.   Special guests:      WTTW's Check, Please! new host Cat D' Orio and Guy-a-titian David Grotto 

Good luck!

**All of Our Readers Are Winners**

Diners at Fogo de Chao in Rosemont receive a complimentary dessert if you mention “ChicagonistaLIVE” throughout the month of October! 

Lunch – Beginning Monday, September 30 

$26.50 (Salad Bar Only - $19.50)

Monday – Friday:  11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Dinner – Beginning Thursday, September 26

$46.50 (Salad Bar Only - $22.50)

Monday – Thursday: 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Friday: 5:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Saturday: 4:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Sunday: 4:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. 

Children six years of age and under enjoy complimentary dining. Children seven to 12 years of age dine at half price.  Beverages, desserts, taxes and gratuity are additional.  

Award-winning Fogo de Chão, the authentic Southern Brazilian steakhouse, opened its 21^st U.S. location in Rosemont, Illinois, on Thursday, September 26.   

• This is the second Chicagoland location and the first time the restaurant has opened a second location within a local market. 
• Following a $750,000 renovation and expansion of the Chicago’s River North location last October, and celebration of the location’s 10 year anniversary in 2012, Fogo will continue to meet demand in the market for churrasco cuisine by offering more than 10,000 square feet and more than 250 seats in Rosemont, including private dining and event space.

ChiIL out with ChiIL Mama for your chance to win a $50 gift card and try Fogo de Chao yourself.   Just comment below for your chance to win.  Tell us if you're more stoked for steak, salivating for the salad bar or delirious for desserts.



Dessert Photo by Kris Cain who was sitting next to me

As most of you know, as a photographer/videographer I'm usually all over the original photos.   This time I didn't have my pro camera along and after the first 20 minutes or so of tweeting/Instagram/FB my phone died.   So this time photos are credited to the Fogo de Chao site unless otherwise noted.

Culinary Journey:

• A Zagat-rated top U.S. restaurant, Fogo de Chao offers customers a unique and authentic Brazilian dining experience centered around the gaucho way of preparing meat, known as churrasco, the art of roasting meats over an open fire. 

• A prix fixe menu features 16 freshly grilled meats prepared by Brazilian-trained gaucho chefs and carved tableside, as well as an extensive salad bar offering more than 30 selections and authentic Brazilian sides.
• Guests decide both the pace and the portions of their dining experience by using a small, double-sided disc that signals to the gaucho chefs that they are ready for additional service—green queuing servers to continue bringing meats and red signaling a break. 
• Fogo also offers an award-winning 200-label wine list and signature dessert options, including papaya cream, made with fresh papaya, vanilla ice cream and Crème de Cassis liqueur, and South American flan.

Authentic Brazilian Design:

• In addition to the food, the unique interior elements enhance the authentic Brazilian experience, from the Brazilian slate and Brazilian Rosewood palette to custom murals that depict the southern Brazilian culture and the gaucho lifestyle.

Q & A:

Q: What is Fogo de Chao?

A: Fogo de Chão (pronounced fo-go dèe shoun), is an award-winning authentic Southern Brazilian steakhouse, best known for its unique dining experience based on the centuries-old gaucho tradition known as churrasco, the art of roasting meats over an open fire.  A prix fixe menu features freshly grilled meats carved tableside, as well as an extensive salad bar and authentic Brazilian sides.

Q: Where is the Fogo located in Rosemont?

A: Fogo is conveniently located within MB Financial Park in the heart of the city’s thriving business district. The exact location is 5640 Park Place in Rosemont, Ill., 60018.   (It's a little tricky to find, but well worth it.   Free parking is available in the multilevel garage and it's a short walk from there.) 

Q: Do I need to make a reservation?

A: Reservations are preferred. Visit www.fogodechao.com for more information.

Q: Does Fogo have the capacity to support large parties and/or events?

A: Yes.The expansive restaurant boasts seating for more than 250 guests and offers private and semi-private dining rooms for group events, meetings and celebrations. Equipped with AV capabilities and Internet streaming, the spaces are ideal for groups, meetings and events. 

Q: What is the gaucho way of preparing meat?

A: The restaurant’s dining experience is based on the centuries-old gaucho tradition known as churrasco, the art of roasting meats over an open fire. The prix fixe menu regularly features 16 freshly grilled meats prepared by Brazilian-trained gaucho chefs and carved tableside Some examples include Picanha, the prime part of the sirloin, seasoned with sea salt and flavored with garlic, and the rib eye, an elite cut, perfectly marbled and rich in flavor. Cordeiro is an offering of fresh lamb served as lamb chops or leg of lamb sliced off the bone.

Q: Is the only option a prix fixe menu?

A: Yes. A prix fixe menu features 16 freshly grilled meats prepared by Brazilian-trained gaucho chefs and carved tableside, as well as an extensive salad bar offering more than 30 selections and authentic Brazilian sides. However, guests can opt to only experience the salad bar for a reduced charge. Fogo also offers an award-winning 200-label wine list and signature dessert options, including papaya cream, made with fresh papaya, vanilla ice cream and Crème de Cassis liqueur, and South American flan. Beverages, desserts, taxes and gratuity are additional.

Q: Is there a children’s menu?

A: Children enjoy the same experience as adults. Children six years of age and under enjoy complimentary dining. Children seven to 12 years of age dine at half price.  

Q: What really sets Fogo apart from the other Brazilian steakhouses in Chicago?

A: Fogo was the FIRST Southern Brazilian steakhouse in the Chicagoland area 11 years ago, and has been a mainstay of the thriving restaurant scene ever since.  We’ve developed a loyal customer base who continue to dine with us for the authentic Brazilian experience, which encompasses every part of our restaurant – from the Brazilian-trained gaucho chefs and the food/preparation to the servers/service and interior décor.

Q: How authentic is Fogo de Chao?

A: Very. From the food preparation to the décor, Fogo is known for its authentic and unique Southern Brazilian dining experience. Fogo currently has eight restaurants in South America (29 locations across the Americas), with a ninth location opening this Winter in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Q: Does Fogo cater to people with certain dietary restrictions (e.g. food allergies) and/or dietary habits (e.g. vegetarian)?

A: Yes. In addition to the 16 cuts of meat, Fogo is well-known for its extensive salad bar offering more than 30 selections – including grilled vegetables, prepared fish, a variety of cheeses and salads. Prior to attempting the salad bar or meats, tell your server about any dietary restrictions and he/she will share the best options for you.

Q: Isn’t the idea of all-you-can eat meat really unhealthy?

A: While the Fogo dining experience is based on a prix fixe menu, it’s really all about moderation. It’s up to the guest to control the pace of service and how much food they choose to consume.

Q: Where does Fogo source its meat?

A: The meat is sources locally within the US, with the bulk of meat shipped fresh from Texas, where Fogo is headquartered in the States.

For more information, visit www.fogodechao.com.  

And, follow Fogo on Facebook at Facebook.com/fogorestaurants.