Fogo de Chao for my birthday

I spent part of my birthday Friday dining with a generous pal at Fogo de Chao. It was my first visit to this brazilian-inspired eatery. The focus is on the meat and they roast a variety of meats over an open fire pit (but not in view of patrons). They call the method churrasco.

I enjoyed the ambiance of the restaurant and the attention you receive from the waiters/waitresses and men, referred to as Gaucho chefs, who bring the meat directly to your table. And yes, they actually wear gauchos as part of their attire. The chefs who were working on our visit were handsome Latin men with accents.

We were provided with a cardboard circular disk with a red side and a green side. When we turned it to green, the chefs brought mini roasted chicken drumsticks, slices of top sirloin, bottom sirloin, filet mignon, beef ribs, lamb, as well as, pork offerings to the table. The sirloin and filet were great. I could taste the true flavor of the meat because it was free from sauces or reductions that other upscale restaurants favor. I also enjoyed the seasoned mashed potatoes and the golden brown doughy goodness of the rolls. Other side items included the crispy hot polenta (it reminded me of cornbread) and the fried bananas (which neither I nor my pal sampled).

Regarding beverages, they have a wine list; some of the bottles line the wall near the tables. The soft drinks available include Coca-Cola in the glass bottle, which the waiter pours into a glass while at your table.

I believe we received even more attention because a former friend was on the wait staff and he basically appeared with plates, advice, proper menu item pronunciation whenever we needed him (and even a few times when we didn't). It made me think how amusing it is when people from my past just pop up unexpectedly. In honor of my birthday, he gave me a slice of key lime pie with a candle. It was a nice ending to a marvelous meal.