Gaucho has been on the steak scene for a good few years now, so when I was invited to check out the Manchester Deansgate branch, I knew I wouldn’t be disappointed.
Upon entering, you’re met with truly opulent interiors. Huge chandeliers adorn the ceilings, a mirrored bar area invites you to partake in a pre-dinner drink and booths of mixed leather and cowhide hint at what’s to come. Black is definitely the new black at Gaucho, setting a sophisticated scene.
The cocktail menu is just as lavish, featuring my choice The Silly Rabbit (£9.95) - an exaggerated take on the classic Gin Sour - and a range of unusual, but enticing, Belvedere Martinis. Appetisers accompany these, consisting of warm Cheese Dough and the game changer that is chimichurri - I’ll leave that carrot to dangle.
Gaucho in Deansgate is lavish and decadent from its top to its toes.
At Gaucho, they take their meat seriously, giving each diner a demonstration of the various cuts, and advise on weights, sauces and cooking methods. All the meat is Argentinian beef, exclusively supplied to Gaucho, but the connection doesn’t end there. We chose an Argentinian Malbec from the south of the country, from a menu of Argentinian wines broken down by region and palate.
The starters at Gaucho are all light and fresh, mainly consisting of fish or vegetarian options, to help tantalise your appetite without overshadowing the steak. To start, we went for the Crispy Soft Shell Crab which is one of my all time favourite dishes - with a fresh and zingy mango and ginger salad to accompany. The Seared Scallops were equally as flavoursome, with chorizo and paprika adding richness to a usually light dish.
Of course, there are main dishes on offer besides the steaks but we immediately opted to try a different cut each. Lean, but unbelievably tender, I went for the LOMO Fillet Medallions (£30.50) with a side of thin fries and a bernaise sauce. My partner chose the much fattier Chorizo Sirloin (300g - £26.50), and was not disappointed by the taste, texture and all round juiciness of his cut. He followed my lead on the thin fries, and opted for a blue cheese sauce to accompany.
We rounded things off with a pair of truly decadent desserts. I could have written three hundred words, on mine alone; the Dulce De Leche Cheesecake (£9.95). I have no doubt this is what they serve in heaven, sans calories. The Chocolate Truffle Torte (£9.45) too, was an indulgent masterpiece with even more of that paradisaical Dulce De Leche sauce.
From rump through to sirloin, and every cut in between, Gaucho Manchester is an incredible experience for steak-lovers.
The DesignMyNight Digest
Gaucho and their distinctive brand of dining, offer an experience - and a dessert menu - you’re unlikely to forget. With indulgent interiors and mouth-watering dishes at every course, eating at Gaucho is one for every Manchester foodie's bucket list.
