A night out at Gaucho is akin to embarking on an opulent voyage of discovery of the Argentine culture.
This is the ‘show business’ of restaurants, and staff at the up-market chain – arguably Argentina’s most famous brand – put on a performance to entice you into a love of the land.
Connoisseurs of its culture, they go the extra mile to build a story around the food, putting it in the context of the country’s geography and culture.
The minute you walk into the glass-walled bar in the centre of a courtyard in Broadgate, you are plunged into a world of splendour and decadence.
The signature aesthetic blends a cow hide-fronted bar contrasting with shiny black furnishings and floors and white leather seats.
Pre-dinner cocktails make a good start to a luxurious night out in the tenebrous bar, and we went for those with an Argentine twist.
I took a delicious variation on the Mojoto, with bitter lemon and cinnamon, and my friend downed a Martini mixed with Malbec, the most famous wine to emerge from the South American country, both priced at £10.95.
Friendly staff escorted us to the lift and the restaurant hidden below, where I was surprised to discover a tardis-like sophisticated room, full to the brim with chattering diners on the Wednesday night we visited.
A floral white Torrontes wine was recommended by the sommelier, who romantically billed it as emanating from the highest vineyard in the world.
The wine was to go perfectly on recommendation with the tuna ceviche with guacamole starter, at £13.75. We also tried the 48-hour dry-aged provoleta, not a typical chorizo, the sausage is made of pork and beef.
The waitress appeared with a board of the various steak cuts and told us about their different merits. She recommended we share the 500g fillet, or lomo in Spanish, at £59.50.
Tender to a tee, it was accompanied by humita salteña – pumpkin and sweet corn served in a corn husk, comfortingly soft and sweet.
For dessert, what other than a variation of dulce de leche, the national condensed milk sweet, in a cheesecake form as well as ice cream.
This place has just launched a late night menu, opening until 1.30am to cater for 24/7 lifestyles.
Gaucho may be a chain, but it’s all about the luxury; each branch feels unique, and with such sleek ambiance, it’s perfect for a special night out.
For more information see gauchorestaurants.co.uk/restaurants/broadgate/.
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