I love steak. I will try any kind, from any corner of the globe. So naturally my curiosity perked when I heard that CAU had arrived in Manchester. Now one of seventeen across the UK, I was eager to answer the question: what makes this steak place so popular? A sneaky peak at the menu prior to arrival gave some gesture as to what. Taste buds calling, I headed down the road to my now local CAU (you guessed it; pronounced C-O-W).
The Venue
Located in the small yet lively suburban village of East Didsbury, I was keen to see how CAU has found its place in a town embracing all things modern and quirky.
Proud in its venture to assume the “vitality, passion and sense of fun” of the vibrant city of Buenos Aries, the decor creates a sense of cosmopolitan sophistication against brilliant splashes of colour. As to be expected from a contemporary steak house, this place is super swanky. With patent white padded seating and monochrome details, grassy feature walls overlooked by a blue skyline; I was in a cow’s world, yet the only cow in sight was on my plate.
Contemporary dining with something of a sleek twist is what guests can expect at Cau.
The Food & Drink
Sibling to esteemed steak house king, Gaucho, my expectations could not help but be set high.
I managed to resist the temptation of steak overload and opted for the belly of pork tempura (£7.95), delicate pieces of pork coated in light and crispy tempura and served with house own, CAUchup. For the main event, I delved face first into the Asado De Chorizo (400g, £29.95) from the speciality cuts menu; a sirloin steak marinated in smoked paprika, chilli flakes, garlic and parsley. Add to this some chimichurri sauce (£1.50), triple cooked chips (£2.95) and a heap of truffle mac ‘n’ cheese (£2.95), and you’ve got yourself a melt-in-the-mouth-party-on-a-plate.
CAU provides an extensive selection of hand-picked Argentinean wines that they recommend to accompaniment your meal. Also offering regional draft beers and elegant cocktails, I concluded my meal with an elderflower spritz (£6.50) and the chocolate fondant with vanilla ice cream (£5.95), filled with a warm gooey chocolate sauce. This was inhaled in one breath – despite my pending self-implosion.
The steak with chimichurri sauce at Cau is a far-flung dish to die for.
The Atmosphere
Polished features and shiny furnishings make this place refreshingly bright and suitable for family dining, whilst cosy spaces lit by low hanging lights provide a more intimate setting for a date night. The restaurant maintains a classy contemporary feel whilst mellow moments such as the buzz of families nattering amidst nostalgic 90’s pop classics make this the ideal place to celebrate a special occasion.
CAU claims to have captured the spirit of Buenos Aries in its food and atmosphere; I can’t say I’ve ever been to Buenos Aries, but if CAU is anything to go by I’ll add it to my to-do list.
Friendly, attentive and delicious, Cau are primed for Didsbury dining perfection.
Summary
I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to CAU; treated to distinctive Argentinean comfort food and a bustling atmosphere complete with bubbly, first-class hospitality. CAU fits seamlessly into the small town Didsbury ethos and is a valuable addition to its diverse selection of local dining.
