Gaucho has launched a brand-new Latin-inspired brunch experience, bringing the fiesta vibes to Newcastle’s dining scene. Newcastle Sparkles gets in on the foodie action.
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Argentinian steakhouse, Gaucho, has brought its unique Brunch Fiesta to diners in Newcastle.
Taking place on pay day Saturday every month between 11am and 2.30pm, its new brunch menu is a cut above other restaurants by serving three courses (including free-flowing starters) all accompanied by the most luscious selection of cocktails.
Throw in feel-good music and live entertainment, not to mention an ultra-classy backdrop, and you have one of the most sophisticated brunches in town.
Brunch starters
We visited the Pilgrim Street restaurant for the launch of its brunch in April.
On arrival, we were presented with a selection of freshly baked bread, including sourdough baguettini and pan de bono, with chimichurri and soft butter on the side.
For the first 45 minutes, we could then tuck into a selection of bottomless starters, which included an Argentine sausage plate with picante rojo and lemon aioli, and a sizeable burrata served with chilli jam and smashed avocado.
My personal favourite was the sweet potato and provolone empanada, which was ever so flavoursome. I never knew sweet potato could be that tasty!
Meanwhile, the beef empanada stood out for my boyfriend thanks to its generous filling and subtle kick.
The superstraccia salad, with its juicy orange segments, fennel, and basil provided a refreshing contrast in flavours and textures, and I would recommend trying to squeeze this one in, if you can!
Main dishes
Up next, we mulled over the menu’s four main brunch dishes.
I went for the restaurant’s signature spiral cut Churrasco de Cuadril marinated in garlic, parsley and olive oil, served with a bowl of chips (although you can opt for salad instead). This was beautifully cooked; one of the most succulent cuts of meat I’ve ever eaten in a Newcastle restaurant.
The brunch burger stole the show for my boyfriend – an Argentine beef patty stacked inside a glossy brioche bun with cherry tomato jam, Portobello mushroom, an oozing free-range egg and streaky bacon. As delish as burgers come!
Other options on the menu include spaghetti romesco and the classic steak, egg and chimichurri combo. Both sounded very tempting too, and made our decision all the more difficult!
Desserts
The finale, if you still have space for more, is the dessert. Choose from either chocolate brownie or mango, caramel and coconut flan with passion fruit, coconut granita and fresh lime zest.
It was brownie for us both – a chunky, dense slab of rich chocolate with a scoop of crisp white chocolate ice cream on the side and a biscuit-style crumb sprinkled onto the plate for a little crunch. A satisfying end to a thoroughly filling brunch!
Cocktails and drinks
Of course, no brunch would be complete without a variety of tantalising tipples and Gaucho has got this covered, too.
You’ll find cocktails, wine, lager, and mocktails on the brunch menu, and best of all, you can mix and match throughout your two-hour sitting. And, good news; you don’t have to order the same drinks as everyone else on your table.
The Apple Fizz and Chandon Garden Spritz were super summery and refreshing, and I ended up having two of the latter!
Entertainment
Gaucho’s brunch experience is so much more than just food and drinks, it’s also about the fiesta party vibe and luxe ambience.
At the launch in April, a pair of professional dancers (who have appeared on Strictly Come Dancing, no less) swept through the restaurant with their dramatic tango routines. It was the perfect show-stopper that certainly stopped us diners mid-mouthful! I love programmes like Strictly so this was right up my street.
At future events, Gaucho promises more live entertainment and top DJs that will bring all the fiesta feels to this new regular brunch experience, and I can’t wait to see their next line-up.
A fabulous brunch all round if you’re seeking something with a more upmarket ambience, where delicious, high-quality food takes centre stage and every sip of your cocktail tastes like true (pay day) indulgence!
For more information about Gaucho’s monthly Brunch Fiesta, priced at £65 per person, visit gauchorestaurants.com/events/gaucho-brunch.
