The staff at Chima Brazilian Steakhouse in Center City fell in love with our signature sandwich, so much so that management decided to create their own "cheesesteak" and add it to an already-generous menu.
General manager Fernandez Neto told Action News his staff came up with a compromise...Brazilian-style prime beef the house roasts on a spit.
For the cheesesteak, the beef is layered with creamy provolone cheese and a healthy dose of garlic. The result is a meat entrée the gaucho-style servers hand-carve at your table like the other 15 meats on the menu.
There's no roll. There's no fried onions, either. But a growing legion of Philadelphia diners are making this upscale cheesesteak part of their dinner routine.
Chima here is part of a chain with restaurants in Fort Lauderdale, Charlotte, and suburban Washington, D.C. So far, the other locations haven't picked up on this cheesesteak, but management knows what's going on in Philly. They might consider adding it elsewhere.
Chima's concept is simple. You pay one price for dinner, then enjoy as much as you like of anything you wish from the menu.
There are 16 meats, including plenty of beef cuts, but also chicken, pork and lamb. There's a salad bar groaning with an abundance of greens and accompaniments. There are appetizers, too. The "gauchos" roam the dining room with meats fresh off the rotisserie, and will hand-carve anything you select at tableside.
Dinner costs $49.50 per person, but remember, you get as much as you want of anything you select...seconds included, and thirds. You get the idea.
Chima is open nightly for dinner only...weeknights at 5:30 pm and weekends starting at 4:00pm.
For more information or reservations, visit their corporate website, where you may also purchase gift cards. Click on the Philadelphia icon.
You may also phone the Philadelphia location directly at 215-525-3233. Valet parking is available at the door, and garage parking is discounted with validation. The restaurant is an easy walk from many Center City offices and from 30th Street Station.