Last week, Philly EDGE dined at Chima, the new Brazilian steakhouse located at 1901 JFK Blvd. Philadelphia; 215.525.3233. The event was part of a VIP night which served as a launch for a Lorraine Bracco-branded wine and celeb.spotting.

 

Here are the 5 Things You Need To Know About Chima

 

1-     It’s elegant without pretension. The very modern décor and structure, with curved walls and vast open space, gives the establishment a multi-level feel though it is essentially only on one floor. Ambient lighting and warm earthy colors throughout provide an intimate experience.

 

2-      Service is attentive. It took the time to explain to us, twice, the unique-if-you-haven’t-been-to-Fogo-de-Chao-style Brazilian tradition of allowing you to fill your salad bar first…and then having men clad like gauchos amble to your table with huge broiled meat in one hand and a machete in the other. Your two-sided round card is the control; orange means bring the meat/ black means hold that sword, dude. Then dessert.

 

3-     Don’t fill up on the salad bar and sides. The salad bar is comprised of very diverse offerings from soup to nuts to lettuce to cheese. All ingredients were extremely fresh and presented in a very accessible manner for any diner interested in partaking. The sides of deep-fried bananas, Brazilian mashed potatoes and polenta were all well done starches, but they took up too much tummy room.

 

4-     You may not eat all 16 meats. We can say for certain that we didn’t see all the varieties (no fish or lamb and only one pork dish), but those we did try – with the buttery and tender Filet Mignon and the savory and juicy Bacon-Wrapped Chicken as the highlights – were of substantial quality. The Flank Steak was the only less than spectacular offering, but it was still tasty, though a bit tough.

 

5-     It’s very affordable. Dinner is all-you-can-eat for under $50.