Big things coming in small packages could well be a credo honored by the new owners and chefs of Gaucho Grill, as the restaurant serving the fare of Argentina in Brentwood delivers some of well-portioned – and tasty – meat dishes reminiscent of the country’s cuisine at prices that do not break the bank.
Located at 11754 San Vicente Boulevard near Gorham Avenue, the Brentwood Gaucho Grill has retooled its menu to emphasize a more Argentine dining experience. Considering the Argentine love affair with meaty dishes, the new ownership boasts new menu items they claim is more in tune with the country’s roots.
In fact, owner Adrian Amosa said in a statement the new Gaucho Grill menu “better reflects our Argentinean roots.”
So what does the new menu bring to your table?
Since meat is a major part of Argentine cuisine, the revamped Gaucho Grill menu emphasizes quality meat dishes, many of which are in the $20 price range. For example, appetizers include grilled Argentine sausage and empanadas stuffed with ground beef.
On the restaurant’s “Express Lunch” menu, which caters to those with a busy schedule, diners could order a grilled skirt steak marinated in Chimichurri or grilled chicken served with rice, black beans, salsa, and feta cheese in a bowl. (The Express Menu is designed to get a diner on a busy schedule in and out of the restaurant within 30 minutes).
Amosa added beef dishes on the new Gaucho Grill menu are now served with Angus Choice or better beef, compared to select grade beef served by the previous ownership group.
Of course, beef is not the only food served on the new Gaucho Grill menu. When this writer visited Gaucho Grill to sample the menu, he tried three appetizers and a main course.
From the appetizers menu, the Provoleta is a cheese lovers delight and features oozing provolone cheese melted with tomatoes, basil, oregano, and oil. Meanwhile, the Calamari Fritti was tender and cooked just right.
For vegetarians, the spinach-and-cheese-filled pastry features a light and flaky exterior complementing a rich interior of a green super food fused with gooey dairy.
From the main menu, the Mixed Brochette is a relatively healthy option featuring a pair of skewers with grilled meats. The menu suggests one skewer with grilled chicken and the other with grilled tenderloin, though this writer requested both skewers be served with grilled chicken. Both skewers are served with grilled vegetables.
Other menu items include: two grilled Argentine sausage choices on the appetizers menu; Fiesta Salmon Salad; Angus Blue Cheeseburger; Argentine grilled short ribs; breaded eye round steak lightly fried and served with mashed potatoes and zucchini; several grilled chicken breast dishes served each individually served with a variety of sauces; Meatballs Fettuccini; Chicken Ravioli; and, Ravioli Alfredo (vegetarian friendly).
The retooled Gaucho Grill also features a wine list with affordable bottles of Argentine wines ranging from $24 to $60. Several California wines are on the list. The restaurant also offers 20 wines by the glass, many of which are in the $10 range.
Appetizers range from $3 for empanadas to $14.95 for a sampler dish. On the main course menu, individual dishes range from $11.95 to $22.95. The Parrillada is Gaucho Grill’s most expensive menu item at $54.95 but serves two to three people and includes the grilled short ribs, skirt steak, chorizo, quarter-grilled chicken on the bone, grilled sweetbreads, chicken skewer and veggies, and two side orders.
Salads range from $5 to $16.95.
Gaucho Grill’s new ownership group also wants to cater toward families and offers a both a Kid’s Menu and a Kids Eat Free Sundays.
Happy Hour is available from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and offers $3 sangrias, $3 beer, $4 wine, $2 empanadas, $2.50 sliders, and $2 French fries.
Gaucho Grill in Brentwood opens everyday at 11:30 a.m.; the restaurant closes at 10:30 p.m. Sunday through Friday and at 11 p.m. on Saturday.
To reach Gaucho Grill in Brentwood by phone, please call (310) 447-7898.
A second Gaucho Grill is located in Long Beach.
The Gaucho Grill website is located here.
