Egypt, Brazil and the Stadium

Stepping outside of the “traditional” Dining Out format, we thought we would give you all a teaser about some of the newest eateries in our midst. In fact, all three of these establishments opened within days of each other in the last week of March. In full disclosure, we didn’t dine at any of them so we aren’t going to comment on the food from that perspective. We were on a mission to see what each of these new places were all about and did have a cocktail and talked with patrons, bartenders, servers and managers at each place.

Fogo de Chao

141 National Plaza National Harbor 240-558-7666 Fogodechao.com

The Harbor is now home to a Brazilian steak house! Located in the former McLoone’s Pier House space on the water at the east end of National Plaza, Fogo de Chao opened on March 24th. This is their sixth location in the DMV. We always intended to check out DC but didn’t want the hassle of the traffic and the parking. Now it is a straight shot from Old Town with lots of available parking space (albeit paid parking) nearby. Eating at a Brazilian steak house is a treat. If you have never been, put it on your bucket list. The restaurant features an open-air churrasco grill where guests can dine and watch gaucho chefs demonstrate the culinary art of churrasco as they butcher, prepare and grill different cuts of meat over an open flame. Having your choice of meats carved individually for you at your table is a treat. The Market Table aka extensive salad bar is a colorful palate of fresh ingredients inspired by

Elaine’s

208 Queen Street

Old Town Alexandria 571-970-0517

Elaines-restaurant.com

I was immediately drawn to Elaine’s since that is my legal first name. Right out of the gate, I know it will be a great addition to Old Town’s dining scene. Many of you may recognize the address since it was home to Bilbo Baggins for many years. Let me tell you, the build out transformed the former dark (and not exactly clean) motif into a beautiful contemporary space.

Elaine’s is named after the owner’s grandmother. Her husband told us that when