Well, summer is always a tough time for any organized event. Indeed, only nine die-hard dinner club members set aside all other obligations or were just plain lucky enough to have a free weekend in June to come to the final dinner meet of the inaugural year. The MDC wrapped up the year at
Fogo de Chão in Washington, DC. Brazilian churrascaria has become a popular restaurant style in the Metro area and for meat-lovers, this service style is a must-try. At Fogo, all meat dishes come in two forms: meat and meat wrapped in bacon. Hooray for strong young arteries! Boo life-shortening cholesterol! Still, the price keeps places like
Fogo de Chão from becoming a weekly stop and eat for the typical American family. Thus, the gaucho-style meat-fest is perfect for celebratory dining occasions (such as the cap to fine year of dining out).

Dinner at
Fogo de Chão was nothing short of amazing. All the meat was cooked perfectly, the bacon-wrapped filet mignon melted like butter as soon as you put it in your mouth, and the salad bar was everything the hype claimed it would be. It's impossible to leave hungry and all MDC members were stuffed to the gills after dinner. Somehow, everyone forced down some dessert (also all good) and some folks even quaffed some aperitifs. The after dinner booze-peddler could really ply his trade. Though the limited menu only offered one choice of each type of drink, the sommelier of liquors had free reign to choose his own selections for that menu. From scotch to grappa, no one was left thirsty after dinner.
With the inaugural year completed, the MDC is going to take the summer off to recoup, especially since most folks are vacationing in July or early August. Next year will start up, hopefully, in late August with a new assortment of the typical four each restaurant style (4 DC, 4 VA, 4 MD). Check out the earlier posts to see what's on the table and send a comment or e-mail to input your two cents.