The Gaucho (Enter Word Here): Typical Authentic Family-Style Argentinean Cuisine

Once in a while, I like to peruse (I think that’s the first time I used that word) through menus of Argentinean (+/- style) restaurants in other countries around the world to see how well it is represented. When I say represented I mean that it reflects a general consensus of the cuisine, yet not necessarily regional specific, although sometimes that does and should come into play. The focus isn’t what should be on the menu, more of how the menu shouldn’t be butchered to an extent.

“Hey, make some of that real chimichurri that everyone eats down there”. “Wait, isn’t this supposed to have chipotle peppers and cilantro?”

If I go to dine at restaurant that classifies itself as authentic German cuisine, I don’t want to see the menu filled with items such as schnitzel topped with a chile lime cilantro pecan puree with a mango juice chardonnay reduction. Nor would I want to see a Nepalese restaurant offer momo with a chipotle roasted garlic and habanero dashi dipping sauce. That’s fine if you are a trendy modern restaurant that likes to fuse cuisines but please name and label yourself as such or just leave out the labeling altogether.

I came across this menu the other day that honestly made me feel like I was looking at an English language menu culmination of various restaurants just down the street from me.

El Gaucho Grill located in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Click Here To View The Menu (PDF file)

Sandwich De Milanesa con Papas Fritas
Lomito Argentino con Papas Fritas

Ensalada Mixta (Lettuce, Tomatoes, and Onions)!
Ensalada de Zanahoria, Ensalada de Remolacha, Ensalada Rusa, that’s right!

Chorizo, Morcilla, Mollejas, CHINCHULINES

Matambre Arrollado, Lengua A La Vinagreta, Mayonesa De Ave!

Asado De Tira, Bife de Chorizo, Vacio, Costillas de Cerdo!

Tarta De Acelga con Huevos Duros!

Ok basta, that’s enough. These guys are spot on. I don’t know how about their actual food, service, preparation, etc but just by looking at their menu they received an A grade in my book as representing themselves as an generalized Argentinean restaurant that serves what is typically labeled as porteño cuisine. Does it represent various regional fares, no, but obviously the owner or whoever created the menu definitely factored in recreating a typical Argentinean menu found throughout many parts of the country.