Restaurant Review: FOGO DE CHAO

 I received a free meal, in exchange for an honest review – all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Carnivores, I hope you’re ready for this review because it’s all about meat from steak and lamb to pork and chicken FOGO DE CHAO is every meat eaters dream come true. FOGO is a Brazilian Steakhouse with restaurants located in Brazil, the United States, Puerto Rico and Mexico. They prepare meat the Gaucho way, which means they use centuries-old grilling tradition of churrasco, cooking the ingredients slow and exposing their natural flavors to give you the best tasting meat. My favorite cuts of meat included the filet mignon, parmesan-encrusted pork loin filets and the bacon-wrapped chicken breast. Before you begin eating all the meat your body can handle, take a trip to the Market Table for seasonal salads (try the basil dressing – so good), fresh fruits and veggies, imported meats and cheese, a bacon bar, artisan breads and so much more. FOGO DE CHAO is perfect for date night, girl’s night out and even dining with the family. Have your ever dined at a Brazilian Steakhouse before? If so what did you think? 

Let\’s Eat: Detroit

Detroit is home to one of the hottest foodie scenes, and us Michiganders couldn’t be more excited. I recently spent some time searching the interwebs looking into what restaurants in Detroit were getting rave reviews. Here is the list I came up with, and I’ll be honest – I have only been to six restaurants on this list. If you know of any Detroit restaurants that I must try, leave a comment below to let me know. *Restaurants are listed in alphabetical order
1. Antietam
Cozy, dark spot with an art deco bar and French-inspired menu. Brunch on the weekends.
2. the Apparatus Room
New American fare in an industrial-chic space at the Detroit Foundation Hotel.

3. Cadieux Café
Family-run Belgian spot in a former speakeasy known for mussels, beer, feather bowling & live music.

4. Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails
ever changing menu (I’ve been here – it’s amazing)

5. City Bakery – just opened in the Fisher Building
famous hot chocolate with rectangular marshmallows

6. Craft Work
Stylish, retro eatery – brunch & New American cuisine.

7. Dime Store
Hip, airy spot offering creative spins on brunch favorites.

8. For the Love of Sugar
they have French macarons flavored like Swedish fish and Fruity Pebbles cake – enough

9. Gold Cash Gold
Thoughtfully sourced regional cuisine served in a vintage former pawn shop.

10. Green Dot Stables
Slider joint with a chill vibe serves bite-sized eats. (love this place)

11. the Hudson Café (the graham cracker crusted french toast is my fav)
Clean-lined cafe specializing in updated brunch dishes.

12. Iridescence (dessert is to die for)
Glam New American go-to with soaring 16th floor view offers fine dining.

13. the Jamaican Pot
Basic counter-service eatery offering typical Jamaican fare such as jerk chicken & curry goat.
14. Lady of the House
New American fare with Irish influences.
15. La Feria
Lively restaurant featuring traditional Spanish small plates.

16. Mercury Burger & Bar
Upbeat grill with a modern diner vibe turns out creative burgers, plus hot dogs, poutine & shakes.

17. Parks & Rec Diner
Airy stop for elevated breakfast plates & drinks, decorated with reclaimed wood & large windows.

18. Selden Standard
Seasonal, locally sourced small plates are the focus at this stylish New American.

19. Small Plates
Small space popular before the game or opera, offers an extensive menu of New American cuisine.
20. Standby
Creative American cuisine served in a relaxed, dimly lit dining room.
21. Sweetwater Tavern
Original 1880s brick walls surround this eatery famous for marinated wings & housemade sauces.

22. Takoi
Trendy, compact dining room with an open kitchen offering elevated Thai plates

23. Townhouse Detroit (great food)
Fusion of tradition and culinary innovations.

24. Traffic Jam & Snug
Pub grub & a diverse menu of global dishes in a multi-level dining spot.

25. Union Street Detroit
Art deco eatery serves American classics with a twist.

26. The Whitney (Ive only been to the Ghost Bar for appetizers)
Iconic lumber baron\’s mansion with exquisite garden serving upscale New American cuisine.
27. Wright & Company
Creative small plates with a seasonal focus in polished vintage surroundings.

Five Things – A\’s Birthday Edition

Have you ever met someone that complements your life, someone who runs at the same energy level as you, and just gives you all the butterflies and feels in the world? Up until this point I didn’t think that was something that existed, and let me tell you it does and I am experiencing it first hand everyday when I get the sweetest good morning messages. In honor of A\’s birthday today  (by the way he hates birthdays and I don’t actually know if he reads my blog…..so hopefully this one gets through without being noticed, ha), I thought I would use five things as a way to highlight my five favorite moments with him. Don’t get me wrong, there are so many more than five, however these five moments really stick out to me.  Happy Birthday, Gravy – don’t hate me for this  xoxox
 

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2. Pet names are great especially when they’re completely out of the box. Like “Biscuit” and “Gravy”. These names came while out on a bike ride, and then speaking using them when we got back to the car to load the bikes back in we both couldn’t contain our laughter and literally couldn’t even lift the bikes to get them into the back of the Cherokee – seriously haven’t laughed like that in forever. 

3. Our first trip together was to Forestville where we stayed at his uncle’s cabin, cooked our first meal together and learned that we actually work great in the kitchen. Oh and he woke up with me to sit outside on the beach and watch the sunrise.


4. Greenfield Village Holiday Nights offers an old time Christmas experience, and really gets you in the spirit of the holidays. It’s one of his favorite things to do during the holiday season and I am so glad I was able to experience it with him, because that smile was everything.

 

5. Riding in the fire truck! Yes, that’s right I got to ride in the front seat of a fire truck – such a fun experience. He’s a volunteer firefighter, and invited me to an event the station was hosting, that evening he was driving the truck and I was lucky enough to get to accompany him, such a fun memory that I will never forget.

Highlights of 2017


Just like that it’s February, and I just realized that I never talked about 2017 – ooops! So let’s get to talking, for me personally 2017 ended on a terrible note, which is why I keep saying over and over what an awful year 2017 was. In reality it had its fair share of bumps but was actually a good year as a whole. Instead of dwelling on the negatives – for instance my bff and I drifting apart and losing my grandma (who I am insanely close to) on Christmas day, I want to highlight some of my favorite moments. These positive moments made for a fabulous year, and I cherish the memories that were created throughout 2017. Without further ado here are my top 15 moments of 2017:


• Went to Chicago with Cookie and her family – got the hookup with some amazing views and a super fun night out


• Bought a bike – and put on some serious mileage


• Visited Ludington multiple times, and explored with Cookie

• Met a bunch of TIU girls in the woods



• Walked 60 miles in 3 days in support of Susan G Komen 3 Day, and met two amazing ladies that became my “ 3-Day Besties”


• Went boating on Lake St Clair for the first time

• Headed to Chicago for the TIU tour with my TIU bestie


• Tried some amazing restaurants, and new (to me) foods



• Went for a ride on the Detroit Princess

• Visited Lake Huron for the first time



• Took my first trip to the “thumb-area”

• Helped put up Christmas lights that I redid three times

• Checked out Greenfield Village Holiday Nights for the first time


• Rode in a fire truck (thank you!)

• Met a great guy, who has flipped my world upside down

Here’s to a great New Year with plenty of new memories and opportunities

Harsens Island Schoolhouse Grille

 

Of course, our Harsens Island adventure ended with a trip to the Schoolhouse Grille. This restaurant actually used to be a schoolhouse from 1934 to 2005, and in 2009 it was renovated into a restaurant, offering a unique and fun experience with amazing food. The meal started with rolls that paired nicely with their delicious garlic butter. He got a bowl of carrot soup; neither of us had ever tried carrot soup before and we were actually impressed by the taste. For our main course we split Baja Chicken Tacos (on special for the day), and an order of sweet potato fries. The tacos were filled with blackened chicken, lime cabbage, fresh papaya, pineapple, avocado and spicy mayo – so good! We concluded the meal with Tropical Pie – it had a key lime base, and since a certain someone (him not me haha) is a huuuuuge key lime fan we couldn’t pass up the pie.