Brazilian steakhouse Fogo de Chão opens in Pasadena
By Kamala Kirk
Fogo de Chão recently opened its newest location in the Historic Pasadena Bank Tower on Colorado Boulevard. Founded in 1979 in Southern Brazil, Fogo is known for its elevation of the centuries-old churrasco cooking technique, which consists of roasting high-quality cuts of meat over an open flame.
“For over 43 years, Fogo has made a name in providing authentic Brazilian hospitality and creating incredible experiences or our guests from Brazil to the United States and all over the world,” says Barry McGowan, chief executive officer of Fogo de Chão. “We’ve had a strong affinity for the Los Angeles market in our 20-year history and we look forward to expanding our Southern California footprint with our grand opening in Pasadena, giving the local community an exclusive look at what’s next at Fogo.”
The Pasadena location features an expansive dining room centered around an open-air churrasco grill. The interior also has soaring wine cases, a white Carrara marble Market Table, dry-aged meat lockers for in-house aging, two private dining rooms, and an indoor Bar Fogo area.
“Fogo’s unique churrasco experience includes all premium and classic cuts, the fresh seasonal Market Table and Feijoada bar, and authentic Brazilian side dishes,” general manager Clair Pizzi says. “Our guests will be able to enjoy our open-air churrasco grill and watch the gaucho chefs butcher, hand-carve and grill high-quality cuts of meat over an open flame, including ribeye, lamb chops and the house specialty, picanha, the prime part of the top sirloin. It is a dining experience like no other.”
Fire-roasted, simply seasoned proteins are at the heart of the churrasco dining experience, where guests can enjoy a wide variety of cuts and flavors including premium filet mignon, beef ribs and lamb chops, as well as house specialties like picanha and fraldinha (bottom sirloin with strong marbling for robust flavor).
Aside from the full churrasco experience, which is the signature prix fixe menu selection that includes all premium and classic cuts, along with the Market Table and Feijoada Bar, the restaurant also serves weekday lunch, weekend Brazilian brunch, and Brazilian-inspired seafood options à la carte.
Guests can enjoy all-day happy hour every day in the main dining room, patio and Bar Fogo area featuring $9 Brazilian-inspired
cocktails, $7 glasses of South American wines, and $5 beers. The Pasadena location provides an elevated experience with Bar Fogo, a contemporary bar area with dedicated staff that serves small plates and churrasco meat boards.
For those looking to celebrate a special occasion or host a corporate event, the restaurant has a dedicated sales manager and offers customizable menus and private/semi-private dining spaces. Fogo de Chão also offers to-go options and catering for events.
Children 6 years old and younger enjoy complimentary dining, while kids ages 7 to 12 can dine at half-price for the full Churrasco experience.
“Fogo de Chão is all about providing our guests with an unforgettable dining experience, and we’re looking forward to sharing the culinary art of churrasco with Pasadena residents,” Pizzi says.
Giving back to the community is also an important part of portion of Fogo de Chão’s mission, and the first week’s sales in September were donated to the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association, which supports nonprofit organizations in the Pasadena area, funding sports and recreation activities, visual and performing arts and education programs.
Fogo de Chão
234 E. Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena
626-556-9222