Renée M.
Yelp
Went for my birthday brunch at this new location. It was a bit tricky because they closed both sides of the frontage road along 1604 near I-10 so we had to figure out how to get to the entrance since the turnarounds were blocked. I called to get some specifics but the gal didn't know how to direct me. She said to just use Apple or Google maps. I told her I was already using an app so she put me on hold and came back and said to use Exit 557A. I told her we'd figure it out and if we couldn't we'd cancel our reservation. We figured it out by going on I-10 by Costco & turning around, staying close to the frontage road, veering right and onto the parking lot. Just be forewarned on the weekends there may be closures.
I checked in and we were seated by the window which was nice and bright. The space is nice, airy, has a modern decor with high ceilings and music was being softly piped in until later when more people came in. We were greeted by several servers who brought water, my Mimosa and Rolf who explained the menu items & offerings. We had been to a few other Brazilian BBQ places around town but not Fogo. After we looked at the menu, we both decided to get Chilean Seabass since we had grilled Lamb chops the night before. I liked how you could order the entrees which include the "Market Bar" which includes a variety of salads, Lox, Prosciutto, cheeses like Manchego slices and Parm chunks off a wheel; also includes Beets tartare, grilled Peppers, Hearts of Palm, Button Mushrooms, a Brazilian Corn salad which was bitter, not sweet; Tomato slices w/Mozzarella & Basil; Watermelon slices, Papaya and Berries; and on the other side was Linguica sausage chunks with thick bacon that tasted like Pork Rinds in a good, crunchy way!! There was a Tomato Soup in a kettle beside the sausage and some baguette rounds and croutons with bowls w/c were easily accessible. They had a made to order Omelette station which we didn't use cos we were there for other things and they had mini Belgian waffles. I didn't have any since I was there for the entree and salad offerings. As I sipped on my Mimosa, I looked down and there was a dead Mosquito on my wine stem. I left it there and didn't make a fuss.
When the Seabass came, I was still eating my salad on another plate and waiters would come by about every 2 minutes checking on us, offering to take a plate, filling water, asking how everything was, etc. I started eating my fish and noticed it was kinda greasy and needed more seasoning. I asked one server if they had soy sauce so she checked in the back but told me they didn't have any. She offered to give more lemon slices so I said that was fine. There's a Papaya Vinaigrette which has chopped onions, Papaya, Tomatoes but the fish generally needed more seasoning. Caramelized bananas, polenta and mashed potatoes were also given. The first Seabass had thin asparagus spears which were cooked fine. Halfway thru, I cut into my fish and there was a 1" black hair strand so we told the waiter, Josiah. He took it back and I told him I just wanted 1/2 a fish so they gave me another whole one which was much more moist and less greasy but the asparagus was overdone & greasy. I think they probably do better with the Brazilian meats vs. fish dishes. The servers were apologetic, informed me how much time it would take and we were patient. We received a few apologies from the staff and I think a manager. Moving forward, I hope they can follow thru with the quality control or protocol before the dishes are sent out to customers.
That being said, the service was always helpful and checking on us and they ended up comping the Seabass. I thought that was sincere and I understand things happen. Just giving another serving would've been fine and we would've gladly paid for it. Since it was my birthday, I got a free dessert from the menu. I decided on the Molten Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream and a sliced Strawberry. Yay! It had a candle and Happy Birthday icing written on the plate. I was going to try the Chocolate Licor 43 that Alizay(?), the female employee had suggested as we were talking about Carajillos and Espresso Martinis when we first arrived, but she never came by with the sample after lunch. It's okay. Perhaps next time.
One last note...I almost fell on the slippery probably waxy faux wooden floor. I thought it was my heels but when we left, I told my husband to check it out and he said it was slippery too. He thought it might have been the cleaner they used. The bathrooms were clean and had a modern decor as well. This is an area with new developments and shops about to open. I applaud their efforts for service and except for some hiccups, the ambiance and food is good...esp. the chewy, warm Brazilian Cheese Bread which my husband chowed down on!