StyleNest review the latest steak restaurant to hit London, Gaucho’s little sister, CAU Restaurant, newly opened in Blackheath.
Whether you’ve been to London’s Gaucho restaurant or not, you’ve probably heard about it. Hailed as bringing premium Argentinian steak to the UK, Gaucho went from one to fifteen restaurants across the country, from Sloane Street to Leeds and even inside the O2.
The company has expanded once again, this time with a more affordable and family-focused, CAU. With locations in more suburban locations to that of Gaucho, Cambridge, Guildford, Tunbridge Wells and Blackheath, CAU offers a more laidback, fun approach. And StyleNest were lucky enough to try out the newest of the four premises, in Blackheath.
Taking inspiration from Buenos Aires, and what the Gaucho brand do best, the menu is big on steaks. From classic cuts of meat to Argentinian street food favourites, burgers to all-day sandwiches; the dishes at CAU are relaxed, unfussy and simply focused on good food.
In fact, each steak is shipped in directly from Argentina during which time a 6week wet-ageing process takes place. In the time it takes to get into the CAU kitchen, the meat has become perfectly tenderised and ready to eat. It’s then fired up on a traditional Argentinian grill or Josper charcoal oven for authenticity.
To begin, we sampled a few of the menu’s small sharing plates. There’s something for everyone from classic salt & pepper squid and aubergine lasagna, to the more adventurous yerba-smoked beef or belly pork tempura. We kept it classic and went for a selection of CAU’s empanadas – the Argentina street food favourite. The chorizo and cream cheese offering was packed full of flvaour, whilst the spinach, ricotto and date offered a good balance of both salt and sweet.
On to the mains, and under the waitress’ steak recommendation, we went for the tapa de cuadril. A signature Brazillian dish, this tender rump comes served up in fine sliced, flash-grilled strips. It was perfectly cooked and packed full of flavour, but we must admit we were eyeing up more meaty cuts making their way to the next table. If you are craving a big, juicy steak, stick with what you know and pick one of the many on offer, from succulent sirloin to the lomito rump, served up with guilt-fuelled blue cheese sauce.
Our dish however, was delicious and light – perfect if you’re not looking to indulge, too much.
We accompanied our steak with a selection of sides – all of them good. The triple cooked chips are a must-order and the chimichurri sauce adds a fresh heat to everything.
If you can entertain the idea of a dessert after 250g of steak, brace yourselves, as CAU’s puds are just as hearty. Cheesecakes, churros and pancakes are just a few of the sweet treats on offer, but we went for CAU’s signature dessert, the corn flake ice cream sundae. Yes, breakfast for dessert actually works, especially when layered over a mound of chocolate brownie, dulce de leche and cornflake flavoured ice cream. Also, 20p from each of these sundaes ordered will go to the local children’s hospice charity.
All in all, CAU is bringing the steak trend that big sister Gaucho brought back to London and into the 21st Century. Only now, it’s offering it in a more affordable and accessible way. With four restaurants already under its belt, we’re sure it won’t be long until there’ll be a CAU popping up on a high street near you too.
CAU Blackheath, 10-12 Royal Parade, Blackheath, London SE3 0TL. Tel. 020 8318 4200
Opening Times: Monday – Saturday: 12.00 – 23.00 and Sunday: 12.00 – 22.30