Fumaca Brazilian Steakhouse — Restaurant in Greater Strathcona

Returned after a year to celebrate an anniversary, but looks like we picked the wrong day. Had made a reservation but that was ignored and we were led to the northeast room, only to be turned around and seated back in the main area. We were hungry so we took turns going up for the buffet food (very standard fare and nothing to rave about) since we were waiting to "meet" our server...., at least the meat started coming around quickly. No server greeted us or brought water. I finally asked someone cleaning a nearby table about water and drink orders (at least 20 minutes) - they were apologetic, said they were just there 'helping out' but took our orders then went back to immediately cleaning the table. We think maybe 15 minutes later our water and drinks were going to come out but a big crash seemed to suggest otherwise. Another 15 minutes later I apparently found our 'real' server who was very apologetic, pleasant, but completely frazzled, and was also 'just helping out for today'. Drinks came reasonably soon after, so about 45 minutes into the meal. We watched as many people had to wait 10 minutes or more to be seated despite empty tables. We even saw one table send someone from their table to get utensils. Meats were hit and miss - the bacon-wrapped chicken thighs were juicy and tasty as were the drumsticks. Some of the meat was chewy, surprisingly including the filet mignon. One meat was underdone for our tastes (bloody) so the server took our request of 'well done' and came back later, but slicing in was again bloody. The meat servers passed us over many times even though we had our little "cards" turned to green. Had to request the Brazilian cheese puffs or we wouldn't have gotten any, but they were really good hot from the kitchen. Restaurant was on the dingy side, not properly cleaned - men's bathroom floor was extremely sticky and all the drink menus were greasy. Got the bill and machine asking for tip, but the amount listed made me check the receipt, where I saw an 18% tip was already added (for our party of 5, although the receipt said it was a party of 6). The server was again apologetic and didn't know that was going to happen. I've seen the 18% gratuity added automatically at other places for parties of 8 or more, but never less than that. We won't be in a hurry to return anytime soon. Too bad, as we used to like it more than Pampa, now might have to try...

Well we decided to try a new place for our wedding anniversary tonight.... The reviews on this establishment seemed good, however this must have been pre-covid. First off you enter to find a grossly carpeted dining room, next my wife goes to the bath room and says it's pretty dirty, I was like... " It's ok the food is apparently really good.

We started with the Rice, feijoada, and a salad. The rice was probably sitting in the pot for hours, it was mush and unsalted. The feijoada was black beans and pork boiled in plain water for 1 hour, they obviously don't know what salt and pepper are.

This place would be the prime example of what not to do when you can't cut table side due to the new covid restrictions. Do not place a bunch of meat on two separate cold plates. By the time we got to most of it, it was cold, and once again it lacked salt. My wife got the chimichurri and it was 3/4 cup of vinegar and herbs. The chef seemed to actually be the owner and was wearing dress pants and a dress shirt and was in and out of the kitchen. The kitchen staff came out to bring meat to the table and his uniform was very dirty and apron looked like it hadn't been washed in days.

As for Covid regulations they were none existent. There was no signage, nor any explanation on steps to commit to safety. Out of the 5 staff members working only one didn't touch his mask, the server would go to the bar, pull her mask down, rub her nose or face and touch the POS system, then make your drinks. The chef and food runner as soon as they were in the kitchen the masks were pulled down and food was prepped. The cherry on top was when the chef came out and bused the table with the same gloves as in the kitchen, then removed his gloves, adjusted his beard and put new gloves on.

My wife has worked in the hospitality industry for 10 years and I'm happy she wasn't looking at the open window kitchen. Ive decided to do two stars simply because of the wine selection and the quality of the cuts of the rump steak. Absolutely do not recommend, for the price you definitely are better off paying the extra for the main competitor, whom is doing great things...

Well I’m sorry but I have to do this. Food at best was 1 stars, meat was over cooked and not properly seasoned. They say you get 12 items but we only got 8 selections at the most and sad to say that some of the meat had that taste when you know the meat is old. The roasted pineapple was delicious, Now here’s the worst part about this establishment. We were the first ones there and it had a really bad smell of dirty mop smelling scent, like they mopped the bathroom and used the same water to mop the floors with. Sorry but it smelled of urine. Prior to leaving, my wife used the washroom and said that the bathroom smelled like urine as well. As time went on it got busier and we noticed that there were only 3 people manning the whole restaurant, the manager, waiter and a waitress. All three were extremely busy cooking, serving, and cleaning tables as best they could but service was sub par and slow. We sat with our dirty plates on the table for 25 minutes before someone finally bothered to come to our table. Last thing to mention…… the restaurant needs major renovation, carpet floors are dirty and worn out, tables are sticky, the outdoor patio is in a sad state. I’m really disappointed because this is the second time we have gone, the first time many many years ago had an excellent atmosphere, food was fantastic, with the actual 12 different cuts and seasoned perfectly, pleasant fresh clean smell and great music with it being staffed like a restaurant should be. I personally believe it’s just a matter of time before they lose what ever customers they have left. We will unfortunately not be going back. Pampas is a little pricier but the quality, cleanliness, and service is top notch. My apologies as I hated passing on this information but the truth needs to be told. Shame on the owners for letting what used to be such a great place, go...