Fogo de Chao Summer Menu

Fogo de Chao is back at it with new summer menu items on offer! You'll find a Watermelon Feta salad and a Tomato Mozzarella salad, in addition to everything you'd normally find at the Market Table. And you can't neglect the myriad of meats, cut right at your table. 

Clockwise from Right: Picanha | Market Table Items | Pao de Queijo, Smoke & Honey Cocktail

New items include a succulent, crisp Grilled Pork Belly with Pineapple. Right up my alley. Like salty, gooey cheeses? Sample some of the Queijo Assado, a Brazilian-style cheese that's finished with spicy malagueta honey. 

Clockwise from Right: Queijo Assado | Coconut Creme Brulee | Grilled Pork Belly & Pineapple

These are included in your normal churrasco experience. And don't forget about cocktails and dessert! You can opt to go non-alcoholic with a new Watermelon Fresca, or a Grapefruit Elderflower Spritz and Pineapple Mint Lemonade. I went with the smooth and subtly sweet Smoke & Honey, featuring Monkey Shoulder whiskey, elderflower, and honey. And for a sweet treat to end the meal? Don't hesitate to get the Coconut Creme Brulee, topped with coconut ice cream. 

Fogo de Chao 
1337 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 636-9700

https://fogodechao.com/

Fogo de Chao Spring Menu Additions

Without a doubt, Fogo de Chao always brings back a nostalgic feeling from back in my grad school days. A bunch of the guys would get together and just dig in with all the Brazilian BBQ that Fogo has to offer! 

Clockwise from Top Right: Blood Orange Manhattan & Eulila Bled | First Plate | Market Table Spread

Just in time for Spring, Fogo de Chao has introduced 7 new additions using fresh seasonal ingredients. Highlights include a new Pork Picanha, carved tableside, with a crisp, salty exterior. Do try the new Blood Orange Manhattan - smooth, sweet, with a big of tang from the blood orange. There's also a new Eulila red wine blend of Cab Sauvignon, Carmenere, and Syrah, specially created for Fogo and tribute to Eulila Oliveira, Fogo's Chief Culture Officer.

Clockwise from Top Right: Picanha | Linguica | Pork Picanha | Meat Plate!

They also have a Carrot Ginger soup, Roasted Cauliflower salad, Brazilian Kale, and a Orange salad. Do try the Linguica pork sausage, with red pepper, onions, and garlic.

Chocolate Mousse Cake

 Try and save room for dessert. We love the chocolate mousse cake, decadent, creamy, and smooth. 

Creme de Coconut

If you're a fan of coconut like I am, they've got the new creme de coconut. It's essentially a creme brulee of freshly shredded coconut, combined with condensed milk and cream. Can't say no to the pairing of ice cream and lime zest either! 

So be sure to stop by and leap into Spring with Fogo de Chao. I haven't been disappointed yet! 

Chima Philadelphia Spring Menu Additions

If you've never tried Brazilian BBQ before, be sure to stop by my previous post on Chima! A delectable spread of delicious salads, cheeses, and meats are made even better by the gaucho servers coming tableside to carve up some of their well-seasoned and prepared cuts of beef, lamb, chicken, and salmon. 

Clockwise from Top Right: Beef Carpaccio, Brazilian Trio, Delicious Spread, Angus Picanha with Chimichurri & Jalapeno

This spring, Chima's got Angus NY Strip, Ahi-marinated chicken, & easily one of my favorites - an Angus Picanha with chimichurri & jalapeno. Perfectly marbled, it's got a good mix of acid and heat that's addictive. Pro-tip: Wednesday & Thursday from 6-8PM, Chima has live music and Happy Hour specials at the bar. Check it out! 

Chima Philadelphia

1901 John F. Kennedy Blvd

Phiadelphia, PA 19103

(215) 525-3233

https://www.chimasteakhouse.com/philadelphia-pa/

Iron Hill Brewery Center City is Open!

Iron Hill Brewery just expanded to bring craft brews to Market East! And with this, they maintain the stance that nothing's more local than beer that's brewed ten feet from your table. 

Owners Kevin Finn, Mark Edelson, and Kevin Davies note that Iron Hill is more than just a craft brewery and a scratch kitchen. In fact, their motto is "Craft Kitchen, Scratch Brewery." 

Flight of Iron Hill Craft Beers | First Pour with the Founders, Brew Master, Chef, & Management | Cheesesteak Eggrolls

After popping in for a media event, we were invited to stop by for a soft-open dinner. 

Hot Chicken Sliders | Bourbon King Stout 

I knew I had to start off with the bourbon king stout. This was definitely right up my alley - great chocolate and bourbon notes here. Paired up with the hot chicken sliders - I was very happy. The chicken was Crispy, with spicy cayenne notes. But the sweet bread & butter pickles really made it each bite. 

Gold Medal Baby Back Ribs

With a sweet Bedotter Ale BBQ glaze, I appreciated that these ribs weren't overly sauced and the spice rub came through. Fall apart tender, these were easily enjoyed. Fries were well-seasoned and had just enough crisp to enjoy the texture. 

Drunk Monk Burger

The Drunk Monk Burger was right up my alley, especially with the addition of the fried egg. Perfectly medium rare and with a well-seasoned crust, the burger was amped up by the rosemary truffle aioli and creamy brie. The Wee Heavy Ale caramelized onions provided additional depth along with the mushrooms. Pro-tip: ask for extra napkins! 

Bourbon Pecan Ice Cream

So if you're looking for craft brews and good eats, be sure to stop by Iron Hill Brewery. I'd highly recommend popping in for Happy Hour as well - especially if those hot chicken sliders are on the menu! 

Iron Hill Center City

1150 Market Street

Philadelphia, PA 19107 

https://www.ironhillbrewery.com/center-city-pa

Chima Philadelphia Review

Located at 20th and JFK, Chima Philadelphia offers up a meaty respite from the business district. With a sleek happy hour and a classic churrascaria experience, expect gauchos slicing huge skewers of meat tableside. It's all with a twist of course - Philly cheesesteak or cinnamon-spiced pineapple anyone? Chima is clearly the place to be if you're seeking to indulge in a meat feast great or a gourmet salad bar that is sure to satisfy.

Yes, please means start slicing away! No, thank you means I need a break.

Recently, Chima partnered with Hop Sing Laundromat owner, Le, to come up with signature cocktails for their drink menu. Everyone knows that Brazil's national drink is the caiprinha, with cachaca being the main ingredient. With that as the base, do try the Gaucho which features fresh muddled blackberry and lemon juice or the Gaucha with fresh raspberry. Sweet and with an underlying booziness, this is easy to enjoy. The GF was enamored with the Rio Cha, which has fresh muddled mint coupled with depth of oolong black tea, sweetness from agave nectar, lemon juice, and cachaca. Mojito flavors abound. 

Fresh salad bar including charcuterie, cheeses, salads, and soups. New Hop Sing Laundromat cocktails [$10]

Before you start the onslaught of meat, do stop by the salad bar. Freshly blanched asparagus and an assortment of greens await, along with beets, a variety of cheeses and charcuterie. Fresh mozzarella balls, hunks of Parm, prosciutto, and even a unique gorgonzola mousse are on offer.

Clockwise from Top Right: Beef Croquettes, Vegetable Soup, Turkey Salad, and of course, delectable Brazilian cheese bread

Starters also include addictive Brazilian cheese bread (I could easily down 8 of these alone!), crisp beef croquettes, and a well-seasoned turkey salad spread. We also enjoyed a root vegetable soup from the salad bar.

Clockwise from Top Right: Rodizio include Fried Bananas, Polenta Fries, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, and over 15 cuts of meats sliced tableside by your churrascos

Not to be outdone, paired with all of the meats are polenta fries, garlic mashed potatoes, and fried bananas for a bit of sweetness to cut through all of the impending meat. But really, it is all about the meat. Just flip your disc over from 'No, thank you' to 'Yes, please' and the gauchos will descend. 

Clockwise: Grilled Salmon, Beef Rib, Sliced Sirloin tableisde

We are talking about over 15 cuts of meat, including top sirloin, sausage, lamb, and bacon-wrapped filet. My favorites had to be the picanha, ribeye, and a mammoth beef rib that was so tender, it was reminiscent of pot roast off the bone. They also offer a grilled salmon that's paired with a duo of sauces. Quite a delicious glut of options here at Chima!

Clockwise: NY Cheesecake [$10], Molten Chocolate Coconut Lava Cake & Vanilla Ice Cream 

Try and leave room for dessert as well. Served with fresh berries, the NY cheesecake is smooth, creamy, and will hit all the notes you're looking for in a proper cheesecake. The lava cake will take 15 minutes to prepare, but well worth the molten deluge of chocolate and coconut ganache cascading down your plate. Served with vanilla ice cream on the side, this is definitely a sweet ending your meal. Look out for the Brazilian Trio, which also features Brazilian fudge, coconut-condensed milk, and Walnut cream served in martini glasses!

The complete rodizio experience includes the gourmet salad bar, over 15 cuts of meat, sides, and grilled salmon for $56.90 pp. Check back for the occasional special offer, especially during Restaurant Week! Kids from 7 to 11 are half off and those under 7 eat free! 

FTC Disclaimer: Thanks to Chima Philadelphia for hosting us. Regardless, my opinions are mine alone and, therefore, unbiased. 

Fogo de Chao Philly: Best of Brazil Review

Longtime readers know that I'm a fan of Brazilian BBQ, with Fogo de Chao being the clear winner in Philly. In fact, back in my grad school days, I'd set up regular "Meat Fests" with the guys. But what exactly is Brazilian BBQ? Expect quality cuts of beef, lamb, or pork grilled open-flame, in the churrasco tradition.

The founders of Fogo de Chao grew up on a traditional Southern Brazilian farm in the Serra Gaucha. They left for Rio and Sao Paulo to formalize their churrasqueiro training and built their first restaurant in the countryside of Porto Alegre in 1979. They subsequently opened their second restaurant in Sao Paulo, with the first U.S. restaurant making its way to Dallas, Texas. Of course, the expansion went nationwide, including to the City of Brotherly Love.

Clockwise from Top Left: Fresh Cheese & Salad at the Market Table | Seasonal Carrot & Ginger Soup of the Day | Fresh Fruit at the Market Table | Feijoada Bar | Leg of Jamon and Charcuterie at the Market Table

In addition to the fabulous meats, one of the highlights about the Fogo de Chao experience has to be the Market Table & Feijoada Bar. Seasonal salads, exotic vegetables, imported cheeses, smoked fish, cured meats, stews, rice, and fruit will set the stage for an explosion of fresh flavors, even before you've had your first cut of meat from the gaucho servers.

Clockwise from Top Left: Picanha, Crispy Chicken Thighs & Pork Sausage | Mammoth Beef Rib | Bottom Sirloin 

But obviously, you're here for the meat. No overnight marinade or aging is needed at Fogo - it's that fresh and allows the quality cuts to shine. Turn your coaster from red to green (duh, green means go!) and the gauchos will swarm your table, ready to cut you a slice to your requested temp! Expect plenty of sirloin steak, ribs, bacon-wrapped chicken or filet, ribeye, Parmesan-crusted chicken, sausage, and even lamb!

My favorites had to be the Picanha, which features the prime part of the top sirloin, the ribeye, and the mammoth beef rib. The lamb is also incredibly tender and wonderfully grassy, perfect to pair with some of their house-made chimichurri. You're also served plenty of sides, including some warm pao de queijo (Brazilian cheese bread), crispy polenta fries, garlic mashed potatoes, and caramelized bananas. Don't forget to turn the coaster back to red or the food will continue to come out!

If you need more than caramelized bananas to satisfy your sweet tooth, Fogo de Chao has got you covered with a slew of desserts. We enjoyed the ccreme brulee, classically prepared, with a sweet sugar crust on top of smooth vanilla custard.

This gamut of glutony equates to the Full Churrasco Experience and is priced at $54.95 during dinner. But now until the end of August, Fogo de Chao is kicking off the "Best of Brazil" for only $39! Your dinner will showcase eight cuts of Brazil's finest meats, with full access to both the Market Table and the Feijoada Bar! Seem like it's too much to handle for lunch? For only $15, they offer the Gaucho Lunch, which includes the Market Table and Feijoada Bar "only." Other concepts kicked off by Fogo de Chao include Bar Fogo, which introduces Brazilian-inspired small plates, wines, and cocktails. So be sure to stop by for Happy Hour as well!

FTC Disclaimer: Thanks to Fogo de Chao Philadelphia for hosting me. Regardless, my opinions are mine alone and, therefore, unbiased.

Drury Beer Garden Review

In the past year or so, beer gardens have been popping up all over Philly. Heck, we even have traveling ones! And if you're a Philly Happy Hour regular, you already know that Drury Beer Garden is one of the OGs. Located in the back of Opa, it offers a relaxed environment where you can post up at the bar or have some drinks while playing ping pong. All the while, you're able to enjoy the tasty Mediterranean offerings from Chef Bobby Saritsoglou.  

Bottom Right: Chef Bobby Saritsoglou holding court

Owners George and Vasiliki Tsiouris were right to bring him on a few years back. Chef Bobby's an awesome dude with an amazing personality (check out that stache!). Even more impressive is his dedication to his craft, making pretty much everything in house. As such, the GF and I were excited to stop by to try his new Drury Beer Garden menu.

Mango Tango [$8]

We started off with some summery drinks. The Twisted Tea was obviously an easy drinker - essentially a spiked Arnold Palmer. Drury Beer Garden's also got specialty cocktails pretty much on tap, along with a rotating slushie! We opted to try the mango tango, which was fruity, sweet, and hit all those seasonal notes. 

Beer Mussels [$6]

P.E.I., garlic, grilled baguette

PEI's were plump, meaty, and immersed with a light, garlicky broth that was perfect to sop up with the grilled bread.

Pita Flatbread [$7]

Ground beef, harissa, onions

The pita flatbread was housemade (of course!) and crisp, with a bright depth coming from the harissa paste. It was topped with seasoned ground beef and red onion.

Corn Dog [$7]

 

I was a big fan of the corn dog, which was deftly fried and had a wonderfully spiced sausage within. Hefty in its own right, you can also opt to go Moroccan style, topped with sauce and cheese!

Loaded Fries [$7]

Brisket, cheese sauce, fried egg

The loaded fries are a must. Crisp fries are well-seasoned, with a cheese sauce dripping between the spuds and a fried egg ready to ooze its yolky goodness. 

Chef Bobby also sent out the octopus, which was a stunner. Hours go into the prep, which resulted in an incredibly tender cephalopod. It's then charcoal-grilled to provide savoriness that was amped up by the accompanying black garlic chips. 

Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream [$4]

If you need to satiate your sweet tooth, do try the housemade ice creams, which were paired with a spiced shortbread. The cherry chocolate was light, subtly sweet, and easily enjoyable.

Honey Vanilla Ice Cream [$4]

The honey vanilla was deceptively simple, but reminded me that sometimes all a good dish needs to shine are quality ingredients. The clean, sweet flavors helped to provide the perfect bite to end our Drury Beer Garden experience.

So if you're never been, be sure to stop by before summer lets out! And you'd be remiss not to stop by Opa itself to check out all that Chef Bobby has to offer.

FTC Disclaimer: I was invited as a guest of Opa-Drury Beer Garden and Bondfire Media. Regardless, my opinions are mine alone and, therefore, unbiased. 

2016 Garces Foundation Benefit

There's only a few chefs in town that have the power to corral more than 40 chefs and vendors to support a single cause. Unsurprisingly, Iron Chef Jose Garces is one such force. And what better cause for these chefs to support than the health and education of the local immigrant community.

The GF and I are were lucky enough to have been invited to this year's Think Local, Give Local Benefit, presented by the Garces Foundation at the Loews Hotel. Tastings from the city's most accomplished chefs were on offer, along with local entertainment, live, and silent auctions. 6ABC's Alicia Vitarelli and Billy Harris were the emcees for the event.

There were plenty of sponsors, including Tito's Vodka and local Bluecoat Gin. Tito's had a cocktail that was actually on feature at the Garces Wedding Showcase - Tie Me Up, Tie Me Down. Mixed with rosemary simple syrup and lime, it made for an easily quaffable vodka cocktail. I've always enjoyed Bank and Bourbon's Secret Knock, which features whiskey, green tea, lemon, and clarified milk. Light and refreshing, it's no surprise I came back for more. But on to the food! 

Note: All dishes are described clockwise, starting from the top right. 

  

Morimoto - Cured Hamachi, Pumpernickel, Gin Creme Fraiche

Abe Fisher - Smoked Whitefish Salad, Buttermilk Ranch Potato Chip, Pickled Cucumber

Vernick Food & Drink - Salmon Poke

Double Knot - Albacore, Scallion, Onion Ponzu, Radish

 

 Zeppoli - Sicilian Octopus & Calamari Salad

Ela - Root Vegetable Scone, Smoked Bone Marrow Butter

Kanella - Pork Stew Dolmades 

Distrito PHL - Ceviche, Charred Jalapeno Oil, Pepitas, Citrus 

Laurel - Kobe Beef Tartare, Bresola, Beef Salt, Pickles 

Friday Saturday Sunday - Beef Tartare, Smoked Bone Marrow Cream 

Blackfish - Chicken Liver Parfait, Malted Parsnip, Sherry Vinegar, Caraway 

Bistrot la Minette - Foie Gras Mousse

Alla Spina - Octopus Ragu, Straciatella, Brioche  

Dim Sum Garden - Vegetarian & Pork Dumplings, Pork Bun, Scallion Pancake

Fork - Green Garlic Gnocchi, Roasted Mushrooms, Chicken Ragu

Lacroix - Celery Root Potsticker, Country Ham, Scallion

In the midst of all the tasting, there was plenty of entertainment as well. Live band American Deluxe kicked off the night with some tunes. Flamenco group De Luna a Lunares were center stage and sparked some excitement. Denise Fike was providing gorgeous fashion illustrations of the guests. Silent auction tables were littered with plenty of exciting packages, including dinner at many of the chef's restaurants. The highlights from the live auction included a Norwegian cruise for 2, a one week stay in Costa Rica, and a private dinner for 10 at Chef Garces' Luna Farm, hosted by the Iron Chef himself! The latter turned into two dinners for 10 - at a winning bid of $8,000 each! That's including access to the farm's hot tub! 

After the dizzying show of monetary support for the Foundation's cause, what better way to enjoy the rest of the evening than by continuing with the tastings!

Buena Onda - Smoked Tuna, Malanga Chip 

Distrito Moorestown - Guacamole, Roasted Jalapeno, Cotija 

Buena Onda - Esquites  

The Farm and the Fisherman - Scarlet Bean Pozole 

Townsend - Whole Roasted Suckling Pig, Sherry Gastrique 

Kensington Quarters - Maple Cured Ham, Pumpernickel, Root Vegetable Slaw, Mustard

Tinto - Iberico Bellota Montadito, Iberico Lardo, Padron Pepper Escabeche, Bellota Jam, Idiazabal

Village Whiskey - Smoked BBQ Pork Slider, Coleslaw, Pickle Chips

Sbraga - "Cubano" Country Ham, Pickle, Pickled Onion, Mustard, Ciccharon

It wasn't all a porcine pleasure paradise. There were plenty of vegetarian and vegan options as well. And who better to represent that segment of the culinary population than Vedge's husband-wife duo of Rich Landau and Kate Jacoby, clearly engaging the crowd and enjoying themselves as well. 

 Will BYOB - Arugula Vichyssoise

Garces Trading Company - Spiced Smoked Carrots

Vedge - Spicy Greek Briam Stew

Bank and Bourbon - Salt Roasted Celery Root, Truffle Cheese

 Whetstone Tavern / Brauhaus Schmitz - Marinated Beets, Sherry Vinaigrette, Feta, Quinoa, Pumpkin Seeds, Zatar

JG Domestic  - Carrot Pastrami

Honey Lavender Ice Cream Sandwich - Local Wildflower Lavender Honey, Shortbread

Butterscotch Brown-Butter Sage - Butterscotch Custard, Heritage Sage Streusel 

Dessert came in the form of Weckerly's Ice Cream, which was stationed along with Baba's Kombucha Brew, Subarashii Kudamono Gourmet Asian Pears, and Gilda's Biscotti.

All in all, if you're at all culinary-inclined, I'd keep the Garces Foundation Benefit on your radar. You're supporting the local community and getting a taste of what this great city's brightest chefs have to offer. 

Special thanks to Corie from Gloss PR and the Garces Foundation for the invite!

Khyber Pass Review [2]

The first review  can be found at Khyber Pass [1].

When the GF and I are in Old City and get a hankering for some pub grub, it's a safe bet that we'll end up at Khyber Pass. So after a few drinks at 2nd Story Brewing Company, we decided to stop by Khyber Pass for dinner with a friend. Apologies in advance for the pics that were taken on a Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge as we were out and about!

Mint Julep [$9]

Our friend decided to bring a bit of the Derby into the night. This mint julep was quite bourbon-forward, which isn't such a bad thing! The accents of mint and sugar were understated, but came through a bit on the finish.

Pimm's Cup $[7] 

It's a safe bet that the GF will always get the Pimm's. Theirs was refreshingly light, citrusy, and deceptively boozy.

Bell's Kalamazoo Stout [$6]

Regular readers know I don't regularly drink beer. But when I do, I prefer the dark stuff, especially if it's bourbon barrel aged. From Bell's Brewery, the Kalamazoo Stout is a great Michigan craft brew offering creamy chocolate, bourbon, and caramel notes. 

Fried Buttermilk Catfish [$14]
Black-eyed peas
 

Our friend went with the special of buttermilk catfish with black-eyed peas. The marinade helped to ensure the moistness of the fish, which was encrusted with a gorgeously light, yet crisp cornmeal batter. The stewed black-eyed peas came with well-seasoned and spicy collards, which really made each bite. 

Fried Green Tomato BLT [$13]
Benton's bacon, mayo, tabasco pepper remoulade, mac n cheese
 

With each of Khyber Pass' sandwiches, you get a choice of one of their spectacular sides. The GF chose the fried green tomato BLT with some of their awesome mac, much to my satisfaction! Let's start with the mac, because it's pretty spot on.

Creamy, yet al dente, the cheesy mac is well-seasoned and sharp. It's all hidden underneath a crusty layer of cheese and bread crumbs that showcases a great juxtaposition in textures and tastes. It's a pretty hefty portion for a side as well!

Their BLT is nothing to scoff at either! Especially if you've got smoky, crispy Benton's bacon on offer. And with tangy green tomatoes fried with a great cornmeal crust, you've got some extra texture there as well. Fresh tomatoes, lettuce, and a generous spread of mayo and spicy remoulade round out each bite nicely. And the bread? Fresh and grilled, it's hard to fault anything about this sandwich.

BBQ Brisket Sandwich [$12]
BBQ sauce, horseradish, "Big Ass" biscuit

Clearly I was carbo-loading fby ordering a brisket sandwich with a side of the "big ass" biscuit. It came with a pat of butter to spread on the biscuit and some fresh horseradish to top the brisket sandwich.

The sandwich was certainly hefty and savory. And while it was tasty, the brisket was a bit tough and I usually prefer less sauce, if any, on my BBQ (granted it was advertised with BBQ sauce). Regardless, it wasn't that bad because I finished it all!

And the biscuit? That was something else. Fluffy, pillowy, and buttery on its own, I couldn't help but spread some more butter on there like the glutton that I am. I was just imaging some honey, fried chicken, and cheddar in between the folds, but that would just be silly, right? (By the way, you're not imagining the extra side of fries I ordered in the background).

Clearly, Khyber Pass was the right move for pub grub after drinks. They've got the beers, the cocktails, and the food to boot. The servers are friendly, knowledgeable about the menu, and not looking to rush you out while you're catching up with friends. It's a bit dive-y, but in the best sense of the word.