And, if one's going to go for a carnivorous carnival, then it's GOT to be Argentinian beef!
Sat on the corner of Sloane Avene and Ixworth Place, Gaucho is a long dining room with an open kitchen, and surprisingly dark despite the windows running the full length of the room. The furnishings and style is unashamedly 70's-man black, chrome and mirrors, and the 'cowhide' seats are an interesting touch...
The bread that our (fantastic) waiter brought out was a revelation, and set the tone for the rest of the meal. The Colombian 'cheese rolls' were light, cheesy and quite frankly fantastic.
We then shared a mix of three of Gaucho's signature ceviches - saltwater trout, prawn and lobster, and swordfish. All were wonderful, but the saltwater trout was especially amazing!
Then, it came time for the main course - Big Chunks of Red Meat.
Prior to choosing, the waiter actually brings a chopping board over, showing the four main cuts of beef Gaucho offer - rump, fillet, sirloin and rib-eye - along with a sample of their lamb and a marinated 'corkscrew cut' rump steak.
Gerry chose the marinated steak, and I went for a 400g sirloin.
Both were absolutely superb - the sirloin, served blue to my liking, was beautifully grilled on the outside, with those touches of slight charring that make a steak interesting, yet it was superbly tender and melted in the mouth. The marinated rump was equally well done, and the whole served with a good plate of fries, mash for The Darling G and a tasty tomato and mixed-leaf salad.
We decided not to bother with dessert, not wanting to spoil our meal by over-filling!
The service was attentive and friendly without being cloying, the branded toothpicks in their 'matchbook' holders a funky touch, and the bill a pretty reasonable £95 including service - which, surprisingly for London, wasn't included as standard!
Everything they say about Argentinian Beef is true. If you're feeling like a caveman, craving lumps of red meat - go there, you'll love it.
89 Sloane Avenue
LONDON
SW3 3DX
Tel: 0871 3327368