Gaucho Grill Marks Spring with Seasonal Specialties and Al Fresco Deck
By Morris Gut – My recent visits here have confirmed that Gaucho Grill in White Plains has become one of the most dynamic and compelling restaurants in Westchester. This Argentinean/Latin/Italian themed venue consistently offers vibrant food and atmosphere in a casual yet sophisticated environment.
Proprietors Alan Nussbaum and his wife Maria Rubiano are amiable hosts who watch over their sprawling 225-seat multi-faceted establishment with a diligent eye. To mark the arrival of spring, they have opened their 60-seat open-air umbrella deck overlooking bustling North Broadway, and are also offering a variety of enticing seasonal kitchen specialties.
The culinary here is strong. I have followed talented Chef Angelo Magno’s career through his years at the former Tango Grill, his stint at the former Milonga in North White Plains to his arrival at Gaucho almost four years ago. His titillating signature specialties can run the gamut from hefty steaks, classic Italian dishes and beautifully plated Latin favorites. The professional staff does their part well, too.
Right now, great hot and cold starters include: delicious savory Argentinean Empenadas stuffed with beef or chicken; mind-blowing Pan-Seared Scallops, served with a citrus reduction zucchini and carrots; three flavorful fresh Ceviches: tilapia, tuna or shrimp; Roasted Duck Wrap in a flour tortilla with sautéed onions, fresh avocado, mixed peppers and Chubut; a decadent version of Eggplant Rollatini, with ricotta, mascarpone, spinach, mozzarella and cognac sauce; Pulpo a la Brasa, grilled octopus; Gaucho’s Crab Cake mixed with lump crab, lobster, honey mustard sauce; and Burrata Caprese, with heirloom tomato, balsamic glaze and basil infused oil.
Refreshing fresh salads include: Insalata Bandiera, baby arugula, fresh mozzarella, shrimp, avocado, cherry tomatoes, Italian vinaigrette; and Tuscan Been and Beet.
Pasta and risotto specialties include: a classic version of Gaucho’s Seafood Paella, loaded with lobster, shrimp, clams, mussels, calamari, chicken, chorizo, saffron rice; Garganelli with a fennel pork ragout, ricotta salata; house made Lobster Ravioli, cognac sauce, asparagus and sun dried tomatoes; and a twist on Linguine Vongole served with a brandy-chipotle sauce.
Carnivores can hunker down on hefty steaks and chops ‘a la parilla’: there is a tender Porterhouse served sliced and seasoned; New York Strip Steak Silhouette, served sliced with roasted potatoes, sautéed onions, peppers, shrimp with scampi sauce; Argentinean Parrillada, a mixed grill that includes skirt steak, Mendocino, hanger steak, sirloin, pork filet mignon, sausage, yucca and potato; Roasted Rack of Lamb served with grilled asparagus and mint jelly; Cowboy Steak, bone-in rib eye served with potato wedge and Gaucho steak sauce; and Mendozino Steak, with chorizo, caramelized onions, Portobello mushrooms and sliced potatoes. A classic Surf & Turf pairs a 7 oz. lobster tail, 8 oz. filet mignon and drawn butter.
Traditional main courses served with style include: Salmon Dijon with caramelized Brussels sprouts; Pork Chop Valdostana, stuffed with prosciutto, caramelized onion, Portobello, fresh mozzarella in a marsala sauce; Oven-Roasted Chicken with Amaretto mashed sweet potato; Sesame encrusted Chilean Sea Bass with spinach, capers and fresh tomato; and Grilled Colossal Shrimp served with saffron rice.
At lunch there are such reasonably priced options as: a 10 oz. Gaucho Burger, Gaucho’s Crab Cake Burger, and pressed Panino Cubano.
Leave room for the delightfully decadent desserts: Dulce de Leche Crepes prepared tableside; the house Flan, or the Mixed Berry Napoleon.
I attended their Technicolor Latin Sunday Buffet Brunch served 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and it was an impressive sight to behold. There were dozens of self-serve choices laid out beautifully in the lounge area along with a chef-manned carving station. And it’s all you can eat.
There are private and semi-private party facilities for up to 80 guests for all types of occasions. The private banquet room is beautifully appointed. Management would be delighted to customize your special event.
Special Hint: Daily Happy Hours in the bar/lounge keep things buzzing are great for networking.
Gaucho Grill is located at One North Broadway, White Plains. Open 7 days for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Prices at lunch: $7 to $28; 3-course prix fixe lunch served Monday through Friday: $19. Dinner options: $12 to $45 for the Porterhouse Steak. Sunday Buffet Brunch: $26.95 per person. Daily Happy Hours in the bar/lounge. Private party facilities. Major credit cards. Proper casual dress. Valet parking. Reservations accepted: 914-437-9966. www.gauchogrillnewyork.com
Morris Gut is a restaurant consultant and former restaurant trade magazine editor. He has been tracking and writing about the food and dining scene in greater Westchester for over 25 years. He may be reached at: 914-235-6591. E-mail: gutreactions@optonline.net.
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