When trying to impress the possible future mother in law, who happens to be Argentinean, it is a risk taking her to a restaurant that was meant to reflect her countries finest cuisine. Would it lead to a long and lasting marriage? Upon arrival, the restaurant presents itself as a rustic and authentic atmospheric steak house, which was combined with a delightful aroma of grilled steak wafting through the air, as we were lead to our table.
Whilst the mother in law passed a critical eye over the menu, I was left to order the wine, with some good advice from the waiter; I received a Merlot 2004, Mendosa. A mop of the brow and cautious look to the other half, we then went on to order the starters, delectable sliced ox tongue, empanadas (which surprisingly matched the incomparable standard of my Cornish heritage, pasty eating). The starters, short of the empanadas, were light and yet prepared you in a bold carnivorous manner for the focal point of the evening, the main course.
I have always been cautious when coming to ordering meat, blue rare, particularly after working as a waiter during my student days, in many “clean” kitchens. However, feeling comfortable, we all ordered the Argentine Fillet Steak. It truly guaranteed the marriage proposal; the steak was succulent, tender and extinguished any thought that Argentine beef is not the highest quality of meat available.
Feeling delightfully satiated and brilliantly serenaded, the evening cemented the relationship. My only regret is that we did not hear the live tango music. I guess we will have to go next week.