New Fire Of Brazil Hosts A Community ‘Meat’ & Greet

     With so many great restaurants to choose from in the western communities, you would think there are enough already. That is unless you’ve tried the authentic Brazilian steakhouse food and enjoyed the exciting atmosphere of the newly-opened Fire of Brazil, which now occupies the former Prezzo’s location in the Mall at Wellington Green. The unique, upscale eatery is owned by the Gilbertson family of Atlanta, Georgia. Lucky for us, this is the first location in Florida.

     If you’re a meat lover, this is the place for you. And if you’re not, it’s still the place to go to enjoy the most extravagant, appetizer-filled salad bar, loaded with delectable culinary treats such as mussels, paella, vegetables, marinated portabello mushrooms, smoked salmon, melon wrapped in prosciutto, baby greens and every salad accompaniment you can think of — almost too much to choose from with only one visit to the table. Luckily, you can make a second and even a third trip to make sure you’ve tasted everything the salad bar has to offer.

     For meat aficionados, be ready for an overload of meats perfectly seasoned and slow-roasted over an open flame. All-you-can-eat selections of filet mignon, leg of lamb, pork sausages, chicken breasts wrapped in bacon, pork loin, beef ribs, top sirloin and (one of the most popular menu items) picanha, a rump steak seasoned just right with garlic.

     The churrascaria, simply put, is Brazilian barbecue. Besides the flavorful food, the second best thing is the floor show. Gauchos parade around the restaurant in a constant flow, serving slices of whatever your heart or stomach desires. Every diner gets a small card which is red on one side — meaning stop, I’ve had enough — and a green side — which means keep it coming. It is really amazing how observant the servers are, with four or five coming to your table at a time offering their different selections.

     You begin your meal at the salad bar for an appetizer. Believe me, keep your card on the red side because you’ll definitely be making more than one trip. Turn to the green when you’re ready. Aside from the meat selections, your waiter quickly shows up with plates of side dishes — fried yucca, rice, pinto beans and delicately-breaded fried whole bananas. Don’t let the word “fried” deter you from enjoying any of it. The fried items are grease-free and very delicious. The price-fixed dinner, at just under $40 per person, is well worth every penny. Not a meat lover? You can enjoy the salad bar alone for just under $20. Children aged five to 12 can enjoy dinner for half price. Alcohol, dessert, tax and gratuity are not included in the fixed price. But don’t make the mistake of passing on dessert. Leave some room for the creamy flan, crème brulee, papaya cream or another succulent selection.

     Large parties are always welcomed, and you can also relax at the bar before tackling the menu.

     The Wellington location will be open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. until September for dinner only, but will be open for lunch after that. Reservations are highly recommended. Call 333-8101 or make a reservation online at www.fireofbrazil.com, where you can also find out everything you could ever want to know about this new addition to an already great list of local restaurants.