November 2010 marks the opening of Gaucho's flagship international restaurant in the Middle East's cosmopolitan hotspot, Beirut. Bringing the best in Argentine food and wine with the sophisticated glamour of Buenos Aires, Gaucho is the ultimate dining destination.
Located at Phoenix Tower in Minet El Hosn, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, Gaucho Beirut is only a few minutes from the city's business and banking district, a short walk from the ever lively "Down Town" with its designer shops and within close proximity to the city's most popular night clubs; a convenient location for client lunches, relaxing shopping breaks and chic nights out.
Gaucho will bring its distinctive menu to Beirut's 120-seat restaurant, featuring the award-winning Argentine Ceviches – 'the new sushi', traditional Empanadas and renowned steak cuts from the finest free-range Argentine Aberdeen Angus Beef. "We source all our meat and many of our ingredients from Argentina, because we don't compromise on authenticity," says Executive Chef, Fernando Trocca. Considered the best beef in the world, the Argentine steak cuts are cooked in the traditional Argentine way. They are cut to order, flash-grilled and turned only once to seal the juices and enhance the flavor, providing greater caramelization. To add to its exquisite food offering, Gaucho also maintains the largest Argentine wine list in the region with an elite, hand-picked selection of over 80 wines.
"It's a restaurant concept that will be doing lunch, afternoon, pre-dinner drinks, dinner and events; a concept that is quite unique to Beirut and further enriches its culinary offerings," says Ryan Hattingh, Gaucho's International Operations Director.
"At Gaucho, we are committed to offering our guests a varied choice of the finest quality dining options along with impeccable service, an ideal combination that distinguishes us from any other dining hub, while bringing in an added dimension to dining in Beirut," he adds. To ensure Gaucho Beirut is run at full speed right from the start, a team of Gaucho's top personas from London were brought in to launch the Beirut operation.
Commenting on Gaucho's unique design features, Ryan says, "Beirut's menu and restaurant follow Gaucho's trademark style with design by 'Conceptualise' a London based design team headed by Patsy Godik and Grant White." In the restaurant, a mix of cowhide leather, mirror panels and statement sparkling chandeliers combine to make an impressive dining space matched with a sophisticated ambience. For a more intimate affair, the glamorous Private Dining Room, which seats 12 diners, creates an exclusive private party setting and can also act as a private wine tasting room.
Through meticulous design and direction, the Gaucho brand has evolved into an award winning restaurant group. Gaucho Beirut, the first international Gaucho restaurant, will be adding its own Middle Eastern touch to the group, serving the locals and tourists of this bustling city the finest of Argentine cuisine.
