The 852 is no stranger to a weekend brunch (or two). With countless restaurants offering free-flow packages and indulgent buffets, we asked ourselves, what makes Gaucho unique?
Famous for its sumptuous steaks and mouth-watering ceviches, Argentinean restaurant Gaucho now offers a new weekend brunch menu featuring refreshing options for everyone while retaining its traditional Argentinean flavours.
THE SETTING
As you step inside the elegant room paved with marble flooring, it’ll be hard not to miss the impressive wine collection through the tasting room’s mirrored walls. Glancing around the room, I take note of the lavish interior resembling that of its popular London branch, Gaucho City, complete with mirrored walls, dim lights and ceilings adorned with crystal chandeliers. Guests sit comfortably in plush leather booths and cowhide chairs, patiently waiting for their champagne-filled flutes to arrive.
EAT & DRINK
Upon being seated, the gourmand in me is unleashed. To start the feast we begin with an unlimited selection of starters including Mini Beef Empanadas made with carefully hand-diced beef, red peppers, Spanish onion and aji molido and Braised Back Ribs, topped with a delicious combination of hoisin, chilli orange sauce and pickled jalapeños for an extra kick. Juicy and flavourful, these meaty treats were cooked to perfection.
For those looking for something a little lighter, opt for Gaucho’s signature twist on two different Argentinian ceviches – Seabass Ceviche served with grapefruit, grilled corn, jalapeño and wasabi, and Tuna Ceviche, perfectly paired with an irresistibly creamy guacamole. It would be criminal to partake in the brunch without trying the Watermelon Salad – my personal favourite among the starters. The meat-free option packs a punch with a surprisingly moreish mixture of avocado, feta, chilli, mint and basil, topped with toasted almonds to add some crunch.
The mains offer a pleasant selection of hearty and light dishes, accompanied with green salad and chips for the table to share. Beef-lovers should choose from the Bife De Ancho (300g) – a delicately marbled rib-eye throughout, basted in home-made chimichurri, or the Bife de Chorizo (300g) – a tender yet succulent sirloin with its juicy and crackling strip. Pair these succulent dishes with the perfect red wine; Gaucho’s very own ‘G’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 from Mendoza, Argentina. While a true Gaucho experience is incomplete without its prime selection of free-range beef, non-beef eaters and vegetarians also have plenty to be happy about! The Oven-Baked Sea Bass with Torrontés confit tomatoes was not only light but deliciously fresh and flavorsome. Vegetarians may spoil themselves with the creamy Risotto with a simple yet sublime mixture of lemon and basil.
Taking a breather, I pondered the question of what beverage to choose next. For champagne lovers, Gaucho offers a free-flow package of Veuve Cliquot .Other options include house pours and select cocktails including Bloody Mary and mojitos. For those refraining from alcohol, there is a selection of mocktails including Homemade Mint Lemonade, Ginger Crush and not to forget, the refreshing Mojito, which I must note, tasted just as good without the rum.
To end the culinary adventure, treat yourself to Gaucho’s decadent and unlimited sharing platter of desserts including Mango and Passion Fruit Mess, Chocolate Brownie and the moist Dulce de Leche Cheescake – an all-time favourite with guests.
THE VERDICT
Whether you are on a health kick or continuing to dine on great food, Gaucho’s menu is a perfect mix of light and hearty dishes. However, with a number of delicious starters on offer, one must refrain from over-indulging or risk leaving the mains and dessert uneaten – which I must add, would be a real shame. The drinks, meanwhile, can’t be faulted. With classic brunch tipples, as well as a generous selection of non-alcoholic drinks, we can’t complain.
Gaucho has done a great job of incorporating its signature Argentinean dishes to form a tasty brunch menu but with Hong Kong’s cut-throat F&B scene, will it be enough to stand out? We, for one, hope that Gaucho stands the test of time.
Gaucho’s brunch is available from 12pm-3.30pm every Saturday, Sunday and public holiday. Each sitting is two hours, with free-flow packages starting from HK$350.
5th Floor, LHT Tower, 31 Queen’s Road Central. (852) 2386 8090. www.gauchorestaurants.com
Text: Hira Desai