You know when you have to choose a "great place" to have a celebratory meal (birthday, anniversary, etc...) and you don't know where to go? In Seattle you have a bunch of options. My personal shortlist is the Met/Metropolitan Grill (bad memories), The Brooklyn (somehow not memorable), Canlis (somehow the menu didn't do it for me), Palisade (still my all time favorite), and now El Gaucho.
Started with the Pan Seared Oysters and Divers Sea Scallops - Oysters were ok and the Scallops were phenomenal.
For the entree I had the Filet and Australian Lobster Tail (which was awesome, but $120 seemed steep even at Gaucho) - could have had both of those as entrees at Palisade for less). The lobster is already shelled and good to go, while the filet just melts.
Pictures were limited - place was dark.
Also ordered the Steak El Gaucho - recommend sticking with Filet. However, the side of Roasted Sweet Corn with Chipolte Honey Butter was ridiculously good.
In between the entree and dessert, they brought an impressive selection of fruit, nuts and cheese (which was offered as part of the meal; free I guess). It's rare I can say, "That's never happened before," with respect to dining.
Dessert was truly insane - Chocolate Bourbon Cake and Bananas Foster with some Kiona Ice Wine.
All in all, epic meal - but I'd still recommend Palisade over El Gaucho (Food is just as good with the exception of dessert) and it seems like a better value. Also, Gaucho keeps the ambiance pretty dark whereas Palisade is completely different - gorgeous and well lit.
Started with the Pan Seared Oysters and Divers Sea Scallops - Oysters were ok and the Scallops were phenomenal.
For the entree I had the Filet and Australian Lobster Tail (which was awesome, but $120 seemed steep even at Gaucho) - could have had both of those as entrees at Palisade for less). The lobster is already shelled and good to go, while the filet just melts.
Pictures were limited - place was dark.
Also ordered the Steak El Gaucho - recommend sticking with Filet. However, the side of Roasted Sweet Corn with Chipolte Honey Butter was ridiculously good.
In between the entree and dessert, they brought an impressive selection of fruit, nuts and cheese (which was offered as part of the meal; free I guess). It's rare I can say, "That's never happened before," with respect to dining.
Dessert was truly insane - Chocolate Bourbon Cake and Bananas Foster with some Kiona Ice Wine.
All in all, epic meal - but I'd still recommend Palisade over El Gaucho (Food is just as good with the exception of dessert) and it seems like a better value. Also, Gaucho keeps the ambiance pretty dark whereas Palisade is completely different - gorgeous and well lit.
