Chima Brazilian Steakhouse
Chima, named after a traditional Brazilian celebratory drink, chimarrao, is the sleekest of the three. Sixteen rotisserie meats including lamb chops and fillet mignon are carved from skewers at tableside in the traditional manner. For fish lovers and those avoiding red meat, swordfish and salmon are additional options. The rest of the meal is rounded out at the salad bar.
Diners have the option of selecting the salad bar only. This is not the self-sacrificing choice one might think with choices like beef carpaccio with capers and shaved Parmesan cheese or perfect jumbo asparagus and shrimp salad.
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Desserts tend toward the creamy. There is a mango cream, a walnut cream, a crème caramel, and some pretty creamy cheesecake, among others.
As of 2009, full dinner, called rodizio, is $39.50 exclusive of drinks and desserts. Salad bar only is $23.50.
Chima Brazilian Steakhouse
1901 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 525-3233
chimasteakhouse.com
Fogo de Chao
This is the Brazilian steakhouse that many Philadelphians consider the touchstone for churrascaria dining in the city. Fogo is housed in an elegant building once home to one of the city's premier jewelry stores. The dining room is adorned with tall gilt columns and elaborate chandeliers.
Fogo is not one-of-a-kind, originating in Brazil and with 16 locations in the U.S. at last count including restaurants in Beverly Hills, Scottsdale, and San Antonio. The name means "fire on the ground" but the meat here is cooked over an open flame on custom-made churrasqueiras, a grill/rotisserie hybrid.
Salad only is an option here as well. Choices include cured meats including prosciutto, smoked salmon, caramelized plantains and fried polenta.
Desserts here are aimed to please the North American palate. Turtle cheesecake is a favorite as are molten chocolate cake and key lime pie.
The 2009 price for dinner and salad bar is $49.50. Salad bar only is $24.50. Desserts and drinks are extra.
Fogo de Chao
1337 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 636-9700
fogodechao.com
Picanha Brazilian Grill
For those looking to keep prices under better control, there is Picanha. Here, a full dinner with meats served tableside--a more limited but still impressive selection--is $21.99 as of 2009.
In an interesting twist of concept, meats are also available on the salad bar where your meal, regardless of choices is priced by the pound at $6.99.
Desserts here seem more authentic. Try the traditional flan or the brazé made with cooked condensed milk formed around a chocolate center.
Picanha
6501 Caster Ave.
Philadelphia, PA19149
(215) 743-4647
picanhagrill.com
About The Author
Lois Lawrence is an attorney and freelance writer living and working in Stonington, Conn. She has written on many subjects including travel, food, consumerism, relationships, insurance and law. Lawrence earned a Bachelor of Arts in economics from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in 1976, and a Juris Doctor degree from Boston University School of Law in 1979.
