The Seattle Traveler

Celebrate Anything (or Nothing) with Dinner at El Gaucho

by Mary Jo on December 12th, 2006

I am, unapologetically, a carnivore.  In a world of vegetables, grains, and tofu, there are times when the call of a juicy steak cannot be ignored.

Although known for its seafood, Seattle still has a number of steak joints, including most of the better known national chains, as well as some locally owned restaurants.

My favorite of the bunch is El Gaucho.

El Gaucho is a Seattle institution.  I remember it as one of THE places to go back in the 70’s.  It’s been reincarnated, and now finds a home in Belltown, where it has been steadily carving out a niche for itself, along with a reputation for quality food and excellent service.

Walking into El Gaucho is like stepping back into the dinner clubs of the 50’s.  (I’m not that old, but I’ve seen old movies!)  It’s dark, and very sexy.  It’s not just a place for a romantic dinner, though.  While it’s perfect for a leisurely, romantic dinner with your sweetheart, you can look around and see all sorts of groups.  It’s a popular place for celebratory dinners with families and friends; it’s a favorite place for birthdays, showers, and business dinners.  It’s the kind of restaurant that doesn’t pretend to be everything to everyone, and that’s why all sorts of guests have made it their kind of place.

El Gaucho is known for it’s great service, and attention to details.  Some of the servers have been there for years, and regular diners ask for them by name.  Although it’s a formal atmosphere (white linens, servers in tuxedos), it’s not stuffy, and if you’re a regular they’ll all know your name.

What’s on the menu?  Steak, of course.  But there are lots of great things to go with it.

I usually skip the appetizer course (because I’m already pacing myself for dessert), but the Dungeness Crab Cakes ($13) and spicy Tenderloin Diablo ($11) are two good choices.

The Caesar Salad ($9) is prepared tableside, and makes for a wonderful presentation, but I’ve always preferred the El Gaucho Salad ($8) with its shrimp and blue cheese dressing tossed with greens.

Main courses are primarily steak, and include a few choices that are prepared tableside:  Chateaubriand ($115 for two), Double New York steak ($98 for two), and Rack of Lamb ($45).  A popular choice, and they make a wonderful presentation, are the flaming swords of tenderloin ($34), lamb ($28) or game hen ($19).  I don’t know if I always order the same thing because I’m boring, or because it just so darn good, but my favorite is the petite filet mignon ($39).  It’s always cooked to perfection, a job that shouldn’t be hard to do, yet it seems like it’s getting harder and harder to get a steak cooked properly.

The sides are plentiful enough to serve a table of 2-4, depending on degree of hunger.  Order a couple, you can always take the leftovers home.  My favorite is the southwest scalloped potatoes ($6).  Creamy, cheesy, with a little bit of zing, it’s a nice accompaniment to your steak.  The wild mushroom risotto ($7) and roasted sweet corn with chipotle honey butter ($8) are also both tasty.

But now we get to my favorite part of the meal – dessert.  This is what I’ve been pacing myself for all evening.  It’s why I asked for a box to take some of the side dishes home for lunch tomorrow.  I love their Bananas Foster ($9 person/minimum of 2), flambéed tableside.  It’s sweet and creamy, a little gooey, and oh, so very delicious.  There are other items on the dessert menu; I’ve just never tried them.

El Gaucho has extensive wine list, with a number of moderate selections.  Each meal ends with a bowl of fresh fruit, nuts, and a nutcracker for your end of meal nibbling.

Location:  2505 First Avenue (Belltown, corner of First & Vine).  Street parking in the neighborhood.  Valet parking is available for an additional charge.

Menu:  Steaks and other meats, specialized tableside preparation.  If you’re a vegetarian, this isn’t a good choice for you.  Prices start at $17 (oysters sauté).

El Gaucho restaurants are also located in Tacoma (2119 Pacific Avenue) and Portland, Oregon (319 SW Broadway).

Photo credit:  brokenarts (steak) & flickr (Bananas Foster)

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POSTED IN: Food & Beverage