FOGO DE CHAO NOT FOR THE FAINT-HEARTED

Fogo de Chao is a Brazilian steakhouse and a meaty steakhouse it is. It is an American import to the UK, with branches in Brighton, Soho, Clapham, Wimbledon and Kensal Green. I’m sure that the propensity for gluttony is real in all the branches!

There are only three menu options and all three are allyou-can-eat with the first option consisting of a full grill (10 + types of meat) plus an additional six meats and prawns. The second option being the full grill plus all you might want from the extensive salad bar which again includes cold cuts such as prosciutto and a huge Iberian ham, stews, cheeses... and so the list goes on.

The third option, for those cardiac-aware patrons, is only the salad bar. I say ‘only’ but the salad bar has an ample choice of sides, colourful and beautifully laid out. I did find most of it quite underwhelming on the taste buds though. Reminiscent of the all-youcan-eat seaside hotel buffets, I’d say. Then again Fogo de Chao is all about the meat, and those were impressive.

We opted for the second choice - full grill and sides. The lovely server gave us a card with one side showing yes, we want more and the other side might as well have said, ‘please stop’. I now know what Joey from Friends meant with the meat sweats.

Our gloriously tropical cocktails arrived quickly as we helped ourselves to the sides and soon our Brazilian trained Gaucho chef was standing next to our table carving succulent slices of peppered bavette, fresh off the grill and still warm. We’d hardly tucked in when he was back with mouth-watering sirloin. I generally like my meat on the medium rare side while my partner chooses well-done. Not a problem, our chef simply carved from the correct area to grant our demands. Before we knew it he was back with lamb, pork, ribs, chicken. I believe you get my drift; it’s as much meat as you can eat.

The concept is ‘the Gaucho way’, meaning meats are grilled slowly to expose their natural flavours.

We tried the restaurant in Brighton. I found the premises slightly cavernous but then again, we were only a party of two at our table. I can see how this steakhouse can be great for larger parties and for something a bit different from your normal dining experience. It’s great value for money if you have a ferocious appetite, that’s for sure. Not so much if you’re only going to be picking at your food.

http://fogodechaorodizio.co.uk

VAN GOGH ALIVE: THE EXPERIENCE

Brighton

Vincent Van Gogh’s works have been exhibited and admired for over a century – but never like this. Van Gogh Alive gives visitors the unique opportunity to immerse themselves into his artistry and venture into his world. From start to finish, visitors are surrounded by a vibrant symphony of light, colour, sound and fragrance as they wander around the exhibition and absorb it from every possible angle.

The Dome, Brighton

From May 12th https://vangoghaliveuk.com/brighton