Independent restaurant operators City District Group, founders of Fazenda Bar & Grill, opened the doors to their first Scottish restaurant on Friday 23rd February. The £2m refurbishment of the George Street site includes 175 covers incorporating a 40-cover bar, plus a private dining room. The interiors feature banquette seating in tan leather upholstery with Brazilian flourishes reflected in the golden glow of traditional-style chandeliers. Wine is prominently displayed throughout restaurant, with dramatic displays forming a central theme. Co-founder, Tomas Maunier said: “It has been an amazing start for us in Edinburgh. People have welcomed us with great feedback and we feel the city is a perfect match for us. Our unique dining experience is something the city has never encountered before and it’s quickly becoming a favourite for both locals and tourists.” 
The authentic gaúcho experience embraces rodizio dining, a unique Brazilian way of serving a selection of grilled meats carved at the table. The set menu showcases successions of prime cuts, among them chicken, lamb, pork and beef A highlight is Fazenda’s signature picanha offering- a juicy, tender and flavourful cut from the cap of the rump, popular in Brazil. Fazenda ensures the experience is easy and enjoyable by allowing diners to eat at their own pace via a start/stop control card on every table. Fazenda Edinburgh Diners are also invited to visit Fazenda’s outstanding gourmet sides bar offering an extensive selection of salads, sushi, smoked salmon, fresh cut vegetables, cured meats, and traditional Brazilian dishes. Francisco Martinez, Executive Head Chef for the group, commented: “The high quality of our produce is essential in delivering the authentic gaúcho experience. We carefully select our meats, just as we would if we were cooking for our friends back in Brazil, and limit the seasoning to the minimum so the natural flavours and textures of these great cuts shine through. The beauty of the experience is that you don’t get stuck with one cut, you go through a culinary voyage that allows you to enjoy a rainbow of flavours.” 
Wine is also a key ingredient of the Fazenda experience, with a carefully-curated wine list offering diners a perfect accompaniment to every cut of meat. Fazenda offers a selection of award-wining wines with a focus on South America, but also including some of the great players from the old world, ensuring guests experience a culinary journey they will not forget. Tomas Maunier, continued: “We believe passion is the driving force behind a great restaurant. In South America, where we come from, life is all about sharing, and we want to share our passion for our roots and traditions with the people of Edinburgh.”
THE FAZENDA DINING EXPERIENCE
In Southern Brazil herds of cattle graze vast pastures, providing Brazil with meats for the famous churrasco barbecues – a century old gaúcho tradition. Fazenda embraces these roots and traditions, offering guests the best rodizio experience. Their dedication for providing quality ingredients with outstanding service ensures diners enjoy the true essence of the Brazilian gaúcho experience. The Fazenda experience begins with a visit to the gourmet sides bar that features quality salads, fresh cut vegetables, breads, cured meats, continental cheeses and hot dishes, including the traditional Brazilian Feijoada (bean stew with meat). Once diners are ready for the meats, they control the service with a small double-sided card placed on the table. The green side signals the chefs to bring out skewers of sizzling meats one by one, while the red side indicates a resting point. To resume the service, diners simply display the green side again, controlling the service at their own pace. Lunchtime Selection: Weekdays £19.50 | Weekends & Bank Holidays £21.50 Evening selection: Mon – Sun £32.50 Children: Under 5 yrs Free | 5 – 8 yrs £6.70 | 9 – 12 yrs £10.30 Vegetarian / Vegan / Fish Lunchtime Selection: Weekdays £18.50 | Weekends & Bank Holidays £20.50 Vegetarian / Vegan / Fish Evening Selection: Mon – Sun £23.60
SOURCING
Fazenda is committed to using the very best cuts of prime meats in all its restaurants, and whenever possible, Fazenda Edinburgh sources produce from Scottish suppliers, such asMillers of Speyside. At Fazenda Edinburgh there is always a Scottish Butcher’s Choice, a special cut of meat chosen by Fazenda’s butcher, including Beef Rump, Sirloin and Lamb Cutlets, which changes according to availability. Due to the quantity of meat required and the desire for quality and consistency of the offering, a large portion of Fazenda Edinburgh’s meat is sourced from farms in UK, Spain, Argentina, New Zealand and Germany, who we know well and are been with us for many years. All salmon sourced is certified by Scottish Salmon Producers Organization. Executive chef Francisco Martinez continues to meet local suppliers to develop the offerings to include as many Scottish ingredients as possible. He has sourced salad dressings from Gusto Artisan, an Edinburgh-based condiment business that produces small-batch handmade products. All bottled water served is from Scotland. The bar features a large premium selection of Scotch malts, spirits and beers, alongside bespoke cocktails with a Scottish twist.
Fazenda 102 George Street Edinburgh EH2 3DF Website: https://fazenda.co.uk/edinburgh/ Twitter: @FazendaGroup Facebook: /FazendaEdinburgh Instagram: @Fazenda.Group
