To be LISTED on the LIST OF TOP 100 PLACES to EAT in the U.S, YOU GOT to BE GOOD!
Back to basics – It all starts with one of mankind’s first great innovations, fire. Fire in general creates a level nostalgia that draws people towards it. For ages, a lot of people have cooked their meals over an open fire.
Owner Anthony Falcon has taken this fundamental philosophy of cooking over an open flame to create Gaucho Parrilla Argentina, which was rated on Yelp’s 2015 list of the top 100 places to eat in the U.S. Gaucho Parrilla Argentina features Argentinian-style wood-fired meats, sandwiches, salads, and other menu items. The demand is so high to dine here that you need a reservation, no walk ins. Let us breakdown in detail why this restaurant juggernaut is so darn good!
The flavor – As important as it is to cook the meet correctly, it is just as important to buy high quality meats and ingredients. Gaucho purchases the highest quality meats and produce from local suppliers. The secret to the taste and flavor is the meats are cooked over an open fire at high heat over hardwoods such as traditional hickory, oak, and cherry which creates rich and smoky flavors. The owner and staff also have extreme passion for putting a tremendous amount of love into the food. Couple these elements with a fun atmosphere and you have the perfect formula for great food!
Appetizers – Start your meal with a shareable and trending item, the Charcuterie Board. The selections change daily while making sure all the key elements of a Charcuterie Board are met. The key elements are cured meat, hand selected and aged cheeses, bread, sweet items such as jams and honey, and savory items such as olives and assorted nuts. Another popular appetizer are the Empanadas which are beef with olives, chicken, and chorizo.
Dipping sauces – A lot of people will argue you do not dip high quality meats in dipping sauce, Gaucho however, is the exception. Their dipping sauces are made from scratch which further elevate the flavor of the foods. Their staple dipping sauce is the Chimichurri, which is also served over steaks. It blends garlic, oregano, parsley, olive oil and white vinegar to give any of the food on the menu the ultimate flavor pop.
The steaks – If you are looking to go big and experience all the different cuts of steak, go with the Asado Platter which features flank steak, New York strip, sirloin, ribeye, and filet mignon. These cuts of meat can also be ordered individually as well and are served with grilled ciabatta toast and your choice of La Casa Salad or pappas.
Other signature items – Other favorites are the Bondiola De Certo/Roast Pig. This dish features roasted, pulled pork which is served with caramelized onions, Dijon mustard, casa salad, and ciabatta toast. The Paella, intended to serve multiple guests, features mussels, shrimp, sweet chorizo, shallots, peas, tomatoes, charred lemon, and saffron rice.
Sandwiches – Gaucho takes it up a notch when it comes to sandwiches. The most popular on the menu are the Braised Beef and Carne Steak. The Braised Beef Features Garlic Rosemary Shredded Beef, horseradish sauce, and caramelized onions on grilled ciabatta. The Carne Steak utilizes flank steak, the house chimichurri sauce, caramelized onions, and grilled peppers on ciabatta to create a wonderful layer of flavor.
Score
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Taste and Flavor
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Portion Size
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Ambience
4.8
Summary
My final take – Before moving to downtown, Pittsburgh, there is a reason that it was normal to see lines of people extending out the door onto the 16th street bridge in the Strip District, the food is that good. What is also top notch at this restaurant is the staff. Take notice while dining here, the staff operates like a well-oiled machine, and everyone is happy. They have also added a rooftop level where you can dine outside creating an added level of ambience. Believe the hype, Gaucho Parrilla Argentina has earned being listed as one of the top 100 places to eat in the United States of America.