Era do Fogo transforms fondue into a prehistoric spectacle that combines gastronomy and entertainment in Gramado

Hector Studios Immersion, founded in 2019 in Gramado, has built its own ecosystem of themed experiences that go beyond gastronomy. The company, also creator of the magical pizzeria Ônyra and the steampunk burger joint Ferrovia Secreta, operates under the motto "We don't sell food. We deliver experiences."

The group receives thousands of visitors a week, guided by a team of around 150 collaborators selected through the Magical Collaborator Workshop, where the "sparkle in the eye" is worth more than technical skills. This philosophy is reflected in Era do Fogo (Age of Fire), their most ambitious project and the first outside the universe of the magician Hector.

The Prehistoric World

In Era do Fogo, the audience is transported to an environment that blends "The Flintstones," "Ice Age," and "Journey to the Center of the Earth." The venue presents itself as a hidden world in the Serra Gaúcha mountains, accessed through an imaginary fissure. Inside, caves, rock inscriptions, wild vegetation, and prehistoric creatures create the setting. Nothing is conventional: the bathroom becomes a bush, the staff embody characters, and the hall responds to sounds, lights, and smoke with animatronic technology developed by Brazilian and international studios.

The Spectacle That Takes Place Throughout the Visit

The experience is interactive from beginning to end. A Tyrannosaurus Rex appears during dinner, challenging guests to protect themselves with the "fire they possess." The narrative expands when the tribal couple begins a dance that transforms the hall into a spontaneous musical. The waiter-actors, trained as performers, join the choreography, creating a collective moment that entertains children, adults, couples, and groups of friends.

The Entry Begins with the Cold Hunt

The gastronomic evening begins with what's called "cold hunt," a traditional feast consisting of fruits, vegetables, and meats that evokes the raw foods of the "pre-fire" era. The presentation reinforces the Paleolithic narrative and introduces the visitor to the aesthetics of the experience.

The Salty Well as a Shared Ritual

Next comes the salty well, a melted cheese fondue served with potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, bread, fried polenta, and calabrese sausage. This is the stage that brings the audience closer to the idea of ​​sharing food as a tribe, recreating the ancestral scene of gathering around the flame to warm the food.

The Sapecada Hunt Comes to Life on the Stone

The highlight of the dinner comes when the raw meats arrive to be cooked on the hot stone. The seared game includes chicken, sausage, and pork, which caramelize upon contact with the incandescent surface. The experience is accompanied by a variety of very flavorful sauces, allowing each visitor to personalize their own cooking ritual.

The Sweet Well Closes the Banquet

The final stage is the sweet well, where fondue reappears in chocolate, dulce de leche, or the creamy mixture with condensed milk. To dip into the dessert, a fruity feast with papaya, pineapple, strawberry, and grape concludes the gastronomic journey with lightness.

The Art Behind the Experience

The costumes are created by Ateliê MAUISO. The large-scale animatronics are made by Bolinha Studio, from São Paulo, while the smaller ones were developed in partnership with a Chinese factory found at the IAAPA fair in the USA. Everything operates in sync with sound, smoke, and movement—a rare technology in the Brazilian gastronomic scene.

The Public and Tradition Reinvented

With a children's area and playful ambiance, Era do Fogo caters to families, but also attracts many adults seeking sophisticated entertainment. The concept reinvents the classic Gramado fondue, replacing the Swiss style with a complete prehistoric narrative. Hector Studios thus consolidates its style of transforming meals into theatrical experiences that combine gastronomy and fantasy.

Reporting by: Mary de Aquino.
Photo: Courtesy of Hector Studios.