Restaurant Review - Asado Gaucho Grill

With friends visiting from the UK along with several evening commitments this last week, things have been a little quiet in the Erbe's Kitchen. Tuesday had us out diving and then pub quizzing. Wednesday I hosted the wine tasting "favourites" at the Green Man pub, on Thursday night Thomas hosted their pub quiz and so on Friday we opted to make a second visit to the newly opened Asado Gaucho Grill, an Argentinian style restaurant just down the road from us in Chalong Bay.

We've been waiting for this new grill to open as frankly having a decent restaurant within walking distance is a godsend but also their menu intrigued me. Our first visit was just after Thomas returned from Indonesia and we loved it so much we suggested a repeat visit with Duncan and Ruth.

The restaurant has a brick, wood-burning grill outdoor covered seating and indoor restaurant tables and bar with a/c. The whole ambience and set up is really great, you can see plenty of thought and attention has gone into the decor and the furnishings - high backed chairs are really comfy and little hooks at the bar for your bag are those little extra thoughtful touches that elevate a restaurant from basic to grand.

But really we're not here for the style or decor but the promise of succulent steaks which most certainly Asado delivered! The chefs are still getting a little used to cooking steaks on the open grill so owners Aaron and Simon hover around checking everything is coming out to the diner's satisfaction. Thomas, Ruth, Duncan and I all "mmm'd" at every bite and there was much discussion of this possibly being the best steak ever; though for both visits my steak was a touch under medium, the meat was so tender and soft in the mouth that I've decided to order medium-rare from now onwards. 

All the sides dishes were a step beyond the norm. Typically when ordering steak you would expect some sort of mixed salad and fried potatoes to accompany it, but at Asado you can choose any 3 side dishes you wish from a selection of 10 inventive options. Spiced carrot and coriander, pumpkin and rocket, tomato and onion have thus far been my favourites. I wasn't a fan of the wilted spinach, but the mixed veg kebab was tasty and the homefries absolutely divine... Sorry Duncan got talked out of a portion! The added benefit is that if, like me, you try to limit starch-based carbs you can enjoy the different salads and dine relatively guilt free. I say relatively as I still slather the scrumptious blue cheese sauce over everything.

There are numerous wonderful sounding appetisers, we particularly liked the special of steak tartar, chicken liver pate, polenta and herb fries and chorizo with mojo sauce, an old favourite from our days in the Canary Islands. 

For drinks there is a decent selection of red wines by the glass or bottle, we ordered a very drinkable Malbec for just 790 thb, and yes 4 bottles later we'd all agreed it was very drinkable indeed. For lager lovers there is beer on tap and for something a little special there is a small selection of Belgian beers served in their own specific glasses.

The ambience was fun and friendly, with decent music in the background and most importantly the service ladies are helpful and attentive. On Friday there were small groups and couples dining but not just open to diners, Asado also catered to a large group who were enjoying drinks and snacks at the bar.

I'm already looking forward to returning, the half baked camembert sounds fabulous and fingers crossed the "Papas Arugadas" or wrinkled potatoes will be available and I can indulge in some extremely decadent treats, washed down with a glass of that Malbec.

Our meal for 2 consisted of chorizo with mojo, polenta herb fries, 2 steak platters with side dishes and 2 bottles of Malbec. Total price 3,600 thb for a wonderfully enjoyable evening.