Went to dinner at El Gaucho last night with two friends and had one of the top 5 steak dining experiences of my life.
The meal opens with garlic bread fresh out of the oven and I had the French Onion Soup to start. It's rich and decadent and delicious. I followed that up with the frenched rib steak - which is essentially a rib eye on the bone. Again, an absolutely delicious hunk of medium-rare perfection.
If you go there, and I urge you to do, be sure that one member of your table gets the 'flaming sword of lamb.' This involves a sideboard being pulled up to your table which is then graced by a waiter with a three foot long skewer which he sets ablaze. He spoons burning fat from the base of the skewer over the lamb medallions and 'spills' it expertly onto the baked potato waiting below. After your meat is perfectly charred, he then pours the burning liquid into a tiny cup from about three feet in the air. It is spectacular. I guarantee it will be the best lamb you've ever had.
Dinner at El Gaucho is not cheap, but it is worth every penny (especially if you can get someone else to pay.) The service is impeccable if a little formal and the room is dark, dimly lit with piano music wafting gently in the background.
Highly Recommended
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