Savor a traditional Gaúcho feast surrounded by the lush nature of the Serra
A Sunday to live without rush, where time gains new meaning among the crackling firewood and the ancestral flavors of the rich cuisine of Serra Gaúcha
Serra Gaúcha is much more than vineyards and a European-style climate. It’s a land of deep-rooted traditions, where fire, the countryside, and hospitality turn into pure experience. Renowned for its unique culture, the region harbors countless gastronomic secrets. It’s the land of “fogo de chão” (ground fire cooking), slow roasts, and flavors that tell stories passed down through generations. Amid green valleys and centuries-old araucaria trees, the local cuisine celebrates simplicity with mastery, turning rustic ingredients into true masterpieces.
In this setting, São Francisco de Paula emerges as a surprising destination. Known for its proximity to the stunning canyons of Cambará do Sul and the Aparados da Serra National Park, the town retains a bucolic and authentic charm. The city’s cool climate invites comforting meals, and the legacy of the tropeiros (traditional muleteers) still echoes in its customs—including the art of slow-roasting meats over an open flame.
It is in this magical atmosphere that A Ferro e Fogo takes place, an experience that turns the simple act of eating into a sensory spectacle. Held at Parador Hampel, the oldest hotel in Serra Gaúcha, the event combines a banquet of premium cuts, ancestral cooking techniques, and 50 hectares of untouched nature. Get ready to dive into this unforgettable experience!
FROM THE FLAMES TO THE FEAST
In an enchanting Serra Gaúcha setting, Parador Hampel—the region’s oldest hotel—opens its doors for a Sunday celebration of flavor, fire, and the joy of life. Surrounded by native forest, trails, a lake, and waterfalls, the experience begins at 10:30 am and unfolds throughout the day, inviting you to embrace a slower, more sensory pace. The rhythm slows, nature surrounds you, and your senses are awakened by the delicious aromas rising from the ground fire, heralding an unforgettable journey.
Right on arrival, the warmth of the welcome is expressed in handcrafted choripán, seasonal broths, and a shot of locally made cachaça. Over the next few hours, you’ll embark on a sensory journey through eight culinary stations—each a true celebration of taste and tradition.
The appetizers captivate from the first glance: golden, crispy pork crackling, cured cheeses with local honey, all paired with handpicked cachaças to elevate the experience. Then comes the slow-roasted beef rib, cooked for 8 hours over a gentle flame, offering melt-in-your-mouth meat and creamy bone marrow. Premium cuts like picanha and flank steak are served to perfection, with that golden crust only true fire mastery can achieve.
And there’s more! Crispy-skinned roast suckling pork and caramelized ribs challenge your palate, while organic lamb, seasoned with fresh local herbs, delivers deep and distinctive flavors. Poultry delights with the classic galeto al primo canto, golden-skinned and irresistible, along with crispy gizzards and buttery liver that win over every guest.
Vegetables are not left behind in this banquet. Smoked zucchini, grilled eggplant with honey and rosemary, garlic-sautéed mushrooms—these are just a few of the delicacies waiting for you. All dishes are served on rustic camp stoves, accompanied by true Gaúcho cuisine classics like tropeiro beans, caramelized squash with a hint of cinnamon, creamy cassava, and melt-in-your-mouth polenta.
To drink, you’ll enjoy cold craft beer, freshly made natural juices, and special cocktails to complete the experience. And for the perfect ending, the desserts bring comfort and nostalgia: warm churros filled with creamy dulce de leche, caramelized apple pie, and homemade preserves reminiscent of afternoons at grandma’s house.
GOOD TO KNOW!
Vegetarians and vegans can also enjoy the experience with exclusive, flavorful dishes prepared with the same care and attention to detail. Live music by local artists creates the perfect soundtrack for this feast.
IMMERSION IN NATURE
How about exploring the nature around you? There are 50 hectares where you can walk among trees, breathe in the pure mountain air, feel the breeze on your face, and lose yourself in the silence of the trails. The paths lead to crystal-clear waterfalls and a private lake perfect for a refreshing dip.Even pets are part of the celebration. They can run freely through the fields while their humans indulge in the flavors. It’s an event for all ages, with a kids’ area, cozy resting spots, and an atmosphere that blends sophistication with the warm hospitality of the countryside.
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW!
Chef Marcos Livi is the creative force behind each dish, turning every bite into a love letter to Gaúcho tradition. The event takes place every Sunday from 10:30 am to 4:00 pm. Reservations are limited—after all, an experience like this deserves to be savored slowly and deeply.
Wear comfortable clothes for walking and sitting on the grass, and don’t forget a light jacket, as the mountain weather can be full of surprises.More than a meal, A Ferro e Fogo is a deep immersion into Gaúcho culture, where every detail—from the melt-in-your-mouth beef rib to the smoked vegetables—is designed to celebrate tradition with mastery. It’s for those who want to live an experience that lingers on the palate and in the heart.
HOW TO GET THERE
Salgado Filho International Airport (Porto Alegre)
Hugo Cantergiani Regional Airport (Caxias do Sul)
By car: From Porto Alegre, take BR-116, RS-235, and RS-020 to São Francisco de Paula.
By bus: Viação Citral operates the route Porto Alegre/São Francisco de Paula.