Gaucho Restaurant: A taste of Argentina
I never fail to notice this restaurant whenever I pass by the al fresco park on the 3rd floor of Robinsons Magnolia. The exterior is intimidating because of the tinted glass windows and the golden finish on the beautifully decorated gate below the sign Gaucho Cocina y Vinos Argentinos. Most restaurants in the Philippines offer Chinese, Italian and Western cuisines but never have I heard of one serving Argentinian cuisine –oh, and an authentic one at that.
Once I entered inside, I was more impressed by the interior. It is spacious and sophisticated: from the black and white checkered floors, the wooden dividers, the tables and chairs to the deer heads mounted on the walls and the fire pit seen through transparent glass windows. Argentinian wine bottles are beautifully lined up on the side as you walk up the stairs. The second floor is just as stylish as the indoor balcony. It is divided into two areas with more seats and comfy couches overlooking the first floor and the bar, which is smoking area.
Interior of Gaucho
The first dish they served us is the Argentinian pizza or the fugazetta (P390). It is a thin-crust, sauceless pizza made with chickpea flour and provolone topped with lightly-crisped sweet onion and oregano. The taste is mild and appetizing. I recommend this for starters, especially for first-timers because you’ll immediately realize that you’re in for a real treat.
Fugazetta (Sweet onion & Oregano) – P360
The next dish is falda a la cruz served with chimichurri sauce (assorted organic pickles) and unlimited garlic rice. The aroma of slow-roasted U.S. beef is strong and definitely appetizing. The meat is tender, very easy to chew. The different pickles gives its taste a little twist. The chimichurri is the sauce usually used by Argentinians to pair with steaks. Gaucho uses their own blend of oil and mixes it with different herbs.
Falda a la Cruz – P550
To complete this Argentinian dining experience, we were served two desserts: peras al vino malbec and alfajores. Yum and yum! The Peras al Vino Malbec is made with poached red wine pear on panna cotta and granola. The dish was nicely presented on a small plate. I like taking a little portion of each layer to make sure that I taste all the elements to savour the perfect blend. Another scrummy treat is the alfajores – shortbread cookies with dulce de leche. Most of the Argentinian desserts have dulce de leche on the ingredients and these soft cookies are simply delightful.
Peras al Vino Malbec – P190 (front) & Alfajores – P180 (back)
Gaucho is definitely one of the must-try restaurants in Metro Manila. This establishment shares the same management as the ones that handle CAV Wine Bar. They want to be the pioneers of Argentinian-themed restaurants that offer authentic Argentinian dishes and wines. Since Filipinos are naturally steak lovers, it will definitely not be difficult for Pinoys to fall in love with Gaucho.
Gaucho is also part of the limited edition DINE OUT MANILA book which was released July 1st. Make sure you inform your Japanese friends to grab a copy ASAP! I promise you, they won’t regret it. Find out the best restaurants in Metro Manila!
More information about Gaucho, go to this link: https://primer.com.ph/restaurant/?p=6227
Written by: Pa-to
