Gaucho - an Argentinian Beef extravaganza

I've never been one to turn down the opportunity to immerse myself in a total meat frenzy so when the invitation came to attend a celebration of Argentinian Beef at Gaucho in Swallow Street, London, I just couldn't say no! I'm ashamed to admit, I've never been to Gaucho so was pretty impressed by the décor before I'd even got to sample the cuisine. Very chi chi and contemporary in style with opulent chandeliers and a very black and white shiny interior but with the key touches of cowhide, just so you know it's all about the beef.

 As this was a celebration evening, we were presented with a 9-course menu that I just couldn't wait to get my chops round (pardon the pun!). Accompanied by this was a specially selected group of Argentinian wines, chosen for their perfect marry with each particular dish. And at this point I have say, as many a critic has probably said before, the food (and wines) was phenomenal! Outstanding, perfectly cooked and presented with excellent service to complete a most fabulous evening!

To start the evening, hubby and I were given a Bloody Mary each in true Gaucho-style, all beefed up with consommé which I thought was a punchy little beginning and a good pick me up. This was followed by the signature Gaucho Traditional Beef Empanadas served with a glass of Vinalba Selección Torrontés. I was speechless whilst enjoying my perfectly formed empanada. The pastry was so delicate and filled with the incredibly moist and flavoursome beef. The wine was crisp and light and went well with this little token from heaven. The third dish, a Vitel Tone and Yerba smoked beef was served with a glass of Cristobel 1492 Sangiovese (£24.50 bottle, £6.25 glass or £10.70 in the Cavas). This was a thin sliver of meat cleverly served with a creamy tuna sauce and tangy tiny capers, apparently an Argentinian delicacy. This was probably my least favourite of the dishes as the meat was almost raw and not really my cup of meat but still good nevertheless.

Once the starters were out of the way it was time for the crowd wooing mains. Three of Gaucho's famous steak cuts were presented to us, one after the other for a total meat overload of unbelievably drooling stuff. First up was the Bife de Lomo (Fillet) served with a glass of Alta Vista Terroir Selection Malbec. Also known as Ladies Fillet, the meat was tender, melt in your mouth stuff. So light yet full of flavour. The texture was just divine. And as you can tell, it was certainly my favourite of the three. Second up was the Bife de Chorizo (Sirloin) served with a glass of Zuccardi Serie A Malbec (£34.85 bottle or £15.25 in the Cavas). The meat was juicy and flavoursome but I found it a little tough and it was my least favourite. The final steak was every man's favourite Bife de Ancho (Ribeye) served with a glass of Bressia Profundo Blend. Again, the rib eye didn't disappoint. It had a good texture and was my second favourite after the fillet. It was succulent with lots of flavour much similar to liver as hubby said.

Of course, if you thought there could be no more meat, Gaucho managed to find a way to incorporate this delicious meat into a dessert. First we were given a thin sliver of Fillet served with a Quince Jelly and Adrahan cheese and a red berry jus. This was nice and light but not so delicate enough to lost itself amongst the jelly, cheese and jus. As a second offering, and as a surprise, one of the expert chefs brought over from Argentina felt she had to bless us with her Vanilla Flan with Chocolate and Hazelnut Crumble. It was amazing, velvety, sweet and soft. A perfect little morsel of heaven just before we got served our piece de resistance. A C19^th Beef Mincemeat Empanada with crème fraîche. This was shockingly good and I can still taste it now. Just like a mince pie but with real mince and so much style and class. It was sweet, spicy, meaty, juicy, I could just go on and on. All desserts were served with Zuccardi Malamado (£3.95 glass or £20 in the cavas) which I found to be a heady port style wine of well rounded flavour and bite. A perfect accompaniment to any dessert and particularly good with chocolate.

Overall the atmosphere of the evening was buzzing and lively. The staff were extremely helpful and we were very well looked after. The only disappointment, and really just a minor detail, was the annoying back ground music which was bit housey and strange for a restaurant. Maybe they were planning to pull the tables apart later on for a club night so all the guests could work off that meat fest? Either way, hubby and I had a wonderful evening and would definitely go back for more.

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