November 2002

Brazilian fare arrives in Atlanta's Perimeter area
by toni m. lublin

A new Brazilian steakhouse named Fire of Brazil opened November 14th in the Perimeter area in what was formerly a Canyon Cafe location. 

The owners, a family team of four which includes Brent Gilbertson, R. J. Gilbertson, Terry Gilbertson and Wilma Gibertson, are seasoned restaurateurs. Father and mother, Wilma and R. J. Gilbertson have 40 years of experience running and owning restaurants, while sons, Terry and Brent grew up in the business. Each take a part in the front and back-end of the house. Other familar family venues are the Checkered Parrot Bar & Grill and Kazoo's Bar & Grill located on Jimmy Carter Boulevard in Gwinnett. All the Gilbertson venues can be visited through www.checkeredparrot .com.

"Our Fire of Brazil concept is simple. A one-price menu entitles our guests to select from fifteen types of meats. A gaucho comes around with a sword of meat and you eat until you are satisfied," says son Brent Gilbertson. 

Fire of Brazil's menu selections (which will vary at lunch) include: Picanha - it's one of the most popular menu items and is from the rumpsteak, it's also served with garlic; Costela - tender, juicy beef ribs; Filet Mignon - cut from the tenderloin and seasoned; Linguica - pork sausages; Lombo - from the pork loin, sizzling with flavor and served with parmesan; Alcatra - cut from the top sirloin and seasoned; Fraldinha - cut from the bottom sirloin and seasoned; Cordiero - fresh, young leg of lamb sliced off the bone and served as chops; Costela de Porco - tender pork ribs that have been slow-roasted; and Frango - a variety of cuts including chicken legs and breasts wrapped in bacon.

The restaurant also has an extravagant salad bar which is offered with the meal. These items will vary daily and could include Romaine lettuce, radicchio/mesculin salad, in-house dressing, smoked bacon ceviche, cucumbers, tomatoes, brussel sprouts, sun-dried tomatoes, baby corn, buffalo mozzarella, roasted eggplant, portabella mushrooms, potato salad, cold pastas, cous cous, sweet red bell peppers, manzanilla olives, herbe sweet onions, sliced beets, hearts of palm, artichoke hearts, jumbo asparagus, prosciutto, pepper salami, imported chesses, squash and broccoli.

The one tier price for lunch (which starts December 2nd) is $22.50 and dinner is $39.50. These prices do not include dessert, alcohol, tax & gratuity. Children 5 to 12 years eat for half price.

The Fire of Brazil decor is executed in natural woods, which impart a southwestern, Brazilian flair. The 6,000 square foot space can accommodate up to 200 guests. A private room which seats 30 is ideal for business luncheons and private parties and is equipped to accommodate video presentations. A large wine list, offering up to 50 varieties from around the world, and full bar service are available. You can also round out your evening with an extensive selection of after-dinner liquors. Desserts include Brazilian cheesecake and papaya cream among many others.

The hours of operation are from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for lunch and from 4:30 to 11 p.m. for dinner Monday - Sunday. All major credit cards are accepted.

Featured on this month's cover are (from left front) Filipe Monteiro, Ray Stanjevich, Wes Devine, Brent Gilbertson, (from left back) Terry Gilbertson, Francis Rodrigues and R. J. Gilbertson.