There was a bit of déjàvu as I stepped through the door of Flame & Fire at the Palladio. After all, I had been to this exact spot almost three years ago to the day for a review of a Brazilian steakhouse.
I was struck with a sense of familiarity—a beautiful, sizeable space, pleasant music, and an inviting bar with patrons drinking wine, sangria, and creative cocktails. Beyond that was the bountiful market table, and from just out of view came the perfume of something primal and addicting: fire-roasted meat. I digress…

Yes, there’s a new (Folsom’s only, in fact) Brazilian steakhouse in town—Flame & Fire, the sister to Roseville‘s restaurant of the same name. And you don’t have to be a carnivore to love this place. The market table is a vegetarian’s delight, and I made it a point to spend as much of my feasting capital at this side of the restaurant (it’s a buffet, by the way) before I sat down for the main event: Caligula’s party of meat on a skewer. Not that I don’t love roasted meat on a sword being sliced tableside…I could eat it until I explode.

The market table on the night of my visit provided, among many other things, hearts of palm, roasted beets, asparagus, charcuterie, deviled eggs, seasonal gourmet salads, smoked salmon, cheeses, Brazilian specialties, and all the makings for a fresh green salad, including dressings and sauces (I loved the chimichurri) aplenty. A banquet for everyone!

But the reason most of us come to a Brazilian steakhouse is obviously for the meat. And at Flame & Fire, there is no shortage of succulent proteins. But first, and worth mentioning, came their soft, warm cheese bread rolls: pão de queijo. I then sampled bacon-wrapped chicken, parmesan-crusted pork, pork ribs, leg of lamb, sirloin, Brazilian sausage (linguiça), tri-tip with cheese, and their delicious beef rib—all expertly carved by the restaurant’s gauchos. Most of the meats were seasoned with a salt mix that paired well with the roasting process.

There were also delicious, house-made desserts on the menu (if you can manage another bite), including brigadeirao, (flourless chocolate cake), Brazilian-style flan, cheesecake, crème brûlée, and passion fruit mousse.

The true test came a week later when I returned and a woman I met was waiting for her Brazilian friends to join her. We exchanged numbers, as I wanted to hear her friend’s comments about their experience. Turns out, they raved about it, which is testimony enough for me! 

Hours: 1-9 p.m. (Sunday); 4:30-9 p.m. (Monday-Thursday); 4:30-10 p.m. (Friday); 1-10 p.m. (Saturday)

Try This: Shrimp Cocktail, Rodizio, Passion Fruit Mousse, Mineiro’s Café, Rio Colada

Drinks: Full bar; cocktails, beer, & wine

Tab: $$$

Heads-Up: Happy hour Monday-Friday (4:30-7 p.m.) and Sunday (3-6 p.m.); private dining room; vegetarian and gluten-free options; attire is upscale casual; 10% discount with military, police, and/or firefighter ID; children up to 5 eat complimentary, and 6-10-year-olds are half price