Community Corner

Bites Nearby: Fogo de Chao

Impress a date at this Brazilian steak house.

La Cienega Boulevard has many dining options, but  is one of its best. Make sure you come hungry.

If you want to impress a date, this is the place to go. When first entering the southern Brazilian-style steak house, or churrascaria, you're greeted by a hostess standing next to a sky-high, earthquake-proof glass wine cabinet that holds 12,000 bottles featuring 700 to 800 labels. 

Then you are led to a ballroom-sized dining room. The centerpiece is a rectangular buffet with an impressive spread that includes cured meats, imported cheeses, salads, vegetables, various greens, fixings and dressings. The food is colorful, fresh and tasteful. But limit yourself to one or two trips at most to save space for the main course and accompanying side dishes.

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Every table is brought polenta, garlic mashed potatoes, caramelized bananas and a basket of cheese bread. The polenta is crisp. The potatoes are light. The caramelized bananas are sticky, sweet and just the right consistency—not too mushy. The pao de queijo (cheese bread) is warm with a delicate texture.

Men dressed as gauchos (Brazilian cowboys) walk among the tables with skewers that each hold one of the restaurant's 15 high-quality meat varieties. All patrons are given a chip. Flip it on the green side and the friendly gauchos will stop at your plate with their offering. When you've had enough, flip the chip to its red side. Ready for seconds? Go back to green. 

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There's sirloin selections, filet mignon, rib eye, lamb chops, leg of lamb, pork loin, pork ribs, chicken, sausage and more. My favorite was the alcatra, a lean piece of top sirloin. It was juicy, tender and full of beef flavor that was enhanced with a simple sea salt seasoning.

Cuts of meat are served medium to rare. Some are wrapped in bacon. All are cooked over an open flame. It's a meat-lovers paradise.

The price for unlimited buffet, sides and meat is fixed at $34.50 for lunch and $56.50 for dinner. Children 6-10 years old get half off the adult price. Those 5 years old and younger are free.

Aside from the extensive wine menu, there's a full bar. If you have room for dessert, options include flan, crème brulee and molten chocolate cake.

Fogo de Chao is located at 133 N. La Cienega Blvd. Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m, Mon-Thu 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Fri 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m, Sat 4:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., Sun 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Reservations are recommended. Call 310-289-7755. There is metered street parking available on La Cienega Boulevard. Valet costs $5.50.

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