Great Restaurant Experience In Chicago

[hlm34]

Just thought I would share the great experience I had at Fogo de Chao! My brother-in-law desperately wanted to go to this restaurant last night.

Its one of those brazilian places where they have all this meat and the employees go around serving to your table right off this giant skewer. They have like 15 kinds of meat and you have this little card next to you - one side is red and one side is green - when you flip it to green - they practically swarm you with tons of meat until you flip your card to red to stop. They also have this amazing "salad bar" though its a much better salad bar than i have ever seen. Asparagus, artichokes, tabboleh, all sorts of stuff. Anyway - I called ahead and they told me that I would be fine to eat there - just ask to speak to a manager when i got there. Anyway, when i got there I met with the manager, Ryan. He was as sweet as could be. He personally gave me a tour of the giant salad bar and pointed out to me what i couldn't eat. The only thing i couldnt was the tabboleh, the dressings (i brought my own) and like one other thing. Then when it was time for the meat he told me that the only meats that were not seasoned with just salt and pepper were the lamb and chicken. So all the other meats were fair game (though i stayed away from the sausage - because i am just never sure). Then he asked if I would like a special skewer of lamb or chicken that they would not season - and cook on a safe grill!! I dont like lamb - but i did get the chicken and they brought it out just for me! it was great. i was so happy. They also put side dishes on the table - fried polenta, plantains and mashed potatoes. He let me know that the potatoes had milk and butter only. I was in heaven. Ryan was so nice and very knowledgeable. It was wonderful! I had to share! I believe they have some locations in Texas, Atlanta, DC, and LA. If you are visiting Chicago - its a great place to try - and make sure to ask for Ryan!

[VegasCeliacBuckeye]

HLM,

I had a similar experience here in Vegas.

The Mirage Casino has a Brazilian Steakhouse called "Samba"

My waitress had a mother that was Celiac and the Chef knew all of my concerns before I sat down.

He instructed each waiter (each carrying different food on a spear) to tell me which entree I could have and which I could not.

It was a great experience and delicious!!

Open Original Shared Link

Bronco

[jenvan]

Hey girl--that's great to hear! Have you ever tried Vinci's in Chi-town?

[hlm34]

Hey girl--that's great to hear! Have you ever tried Vinci's in Chi-town?

OMG!! Looooooooove Vinci's. Have you been there? wow - it made me feel like a real person again. i went to wildfire and ordered off their "gluten free" menu - but my steak was just a plain ole steak with no sauce - it just looked like a dried up piece of you know what. but at Vinci - i got a half order of pasta for my appetizer (which was so good) and then the beef medallions and eggplant for my meal. my plate looked like a normal person's plate you know? sauce and garnish and everything! it looked like something anyone would want to eat! i also had the creme brulee for dessert. it was phenomenal. if you havent been there i highly recommend it. If you are in town and happen to go there- you should let me know - i would happily meet you there. Its my new favorite restaurant!!

[jenvan]

yes--Wildfire! so good! we need ones of those here in Indy...it would go over so well. guess i need to start writing

[once and again]

Adobo - 2 locations in Chicago - Old Town and Wicker Park - also has gluten free menus and very tasty. No plain broiled, no garnish, etc. Delicious food.

Flat Top Grill will also accomodate gluten free diners. They have several locations. This is the typical, choose your own ingredients and have them hot grilled. You put a special marker in your food to show your need for special handling. They clean the grill before cooking your food. There aren't as many choices for seasonings, but it still can be very flavorful, especially if you like ginger and garlic!!!