Chima Brazilian Steakhouse

You've probably noticed I've been on a carnivorous frenzy lately. For some reason, I have been craving some good old-fashioned juicy meat. I heard about a place in Fort Lauderdale that has several locations in the U.S. and Brazil and it caught my eye (and my appetite). It is Chima Brazilian Steakhouse located at 2400 E. Las Olas Blvd. Chima is an elegant, yet chic, rodizio restaurant, whose setting personifies attention to detail with a touch of class. From its beautiful courtyard, where an outside bar is set up for happy hour and hors d'oeuvres, to the upscale dining room, we correctly predicted upon arrival that this would be a special evening.

The first we thing we ordered when we sat down was their signature caipirinhas, Brazil's national cocktail, made with cachaca (sugar cane hard liquor), sugar and lime. It certainly awakened our palates as we made our way to the colorful salad bar. Here we piled our plates with Brazilian and American favorites such as cold cuts, a selection of salads, cheeses, smoked salmon, carpaccio and hot dishes. Although I wanted to keep going, I had to remind myself there were a group of gauchos walking around the dining room, holding skewers of meaty delights I wanted to try.

Over at the table, our attentive team of waiters brought over three dishes of small bites to start us off. We especially loved the cheese bread and the croquettes, which we dipped into the refreshing turkey spread. Within minutes, the gauchos started to come to our table with a parade of skewers. They included over 15 rotisserie meats such as top sirloin, filet mignon, bacon-wrapped chicken breast, ribs, marinated pork loin, sausage and fish. I don't think I ever turned down a piece of meat whenever they came by. Everything was so well seasoned, flavorful and juicy.

I had my favorites, like the filet mignon and the lamb chops, but each meat was grilled to perfection and had an excellent taste. Another great thing we appreciated was that the gauchos kept coming around asking us if we wanted any particular meat, and if we'd ask for any, they'd send it right over. They also made sure the cuts that came to our table were cooked to our preference. In addition to the meats, they serve a nice variety of side dishes, which by the way, were immediately replenished on our table when we made them disappear (which I'm not ashamed to say was quite frequently). These included fried polenta, mashed potatoes and fried plantains.There is also a selection of four sauces to pair with the meat that are very unique in their flavor and texture. The minty one was my vice and I thoroughly enjoyed dipping my lamb chops in it.

Although I was extremely full and had already undone one button, I wanted to try some dessert. So, we ordered the Chocolate Coconut Lava Cake, filled with coconut ganache and served with vanilla ice-cream, and a refreshing Brazilian sweet made with condensed milk and strawberries. They were both a nice way to end the meaty feast and treat the palate to a new sensation. Of the two, my favorite was the chocolate lava cake, but then again, would that really be a surprise?

Chima Brazilian Steakhouse is definitely worth checking out and a fabulous date night option. For more information, visit their website at Chima Brazilian Steakhouse Fort Lauderdale or call them at 954-712-0580.