Bring on the Meat at Fogo

Every September, Bon Appetit presents Chicago Gourmet in Millennium Park. This year continues to expand on the concept with the organization hoping to plan events all week long instead of just on the weekend.

This year had the new mayor Lori Lightfoot to speak a bit at the kick off press conference on the Pritzker Pavilion stage on Saturday 9/28. The cooking demos began afterwards while taste testers waited in lines at the various vendor booths.

Mariano's meatballs and Mastro's Steakhouse were standouts with the small bites this year. The weather was colder and overcast with some light rain that threatened to make the Vanity Fair Napkins models a little soggy.

Events around town included a comedy show with lots of delicious samples at Theater on the Lake and a Hamilton experience with Rick Bayless. Thinking of fresh new events like these are going to keep this event thriving year after year.

Listen to me interview several of the Gourmet chefs at podcastone.com/non-stop-with-lisa-and-jerry.

Still hungry? Fogo de Chao recently opened in Rosemont and the Brazilian chain contains the usual coma inducing skewered meat that is expected. Located at 5460 Park Place, this steakhouse has a cozy bar that has a more relaxed feel than the other restaurants.

They have improved the lighting and brought in a statue of a gaucho along with new wall coverings to brighten things up.

Group or solo dining is always an option and there's even catering on the website at FogodeChao.com. Can I get a gaucho to bring meat to my couch?

If it's your first time at Fogo, just expect the staff to guide you along from the market table to meat skewers and finally dessert. My favorite is the juicy picanha cut of meat and the key lime pie was unforgettable, so save room!