LOMA LINDA

México DF, México

Restaurante Loma Linda is a historical restaurant in Mexico City's Chapultepec area. After overdosing on seafood for a week, I was excited to go to this reputable Argentinian steak place. We had made reservations at the semi-covered terrace, but we were 15 minutes late, so the table was given away. They seem to be quite strict with timing tables in Mexico, as several times on this trip we lost our spot when we were a bit late. After some discussion we managed to get another table in the beautiful and green pergola area. The terrace seating is very popular not only because of the warm weather, but because you are still allowed to smoke in these in Mexico. We started with a dish I had heard about before going to Mexico, called chori-queso, which consists of lots of melted cheese with bits of chorizo in it. You simply put it in a soft taco, and enjoy greasy deliciousness. We then shared two different cuts of steak. Both were served on a hot plate, so we quickly threw all of it unto our plates to make sure the rare beef didn’t overcook on the table. Next to it were fried onions with green chillies that should not be mistaken for Spanish padrón peppers. I was luckily warned that they were very spicy, so I stayed away. As sides we had crispy fries with truffle oil and a simple salad with lots of crunch and freshness to the vegetables. As with most of our lunches in Mexico, the food was accompanied by lots of classic margaritas on the rocks, and the ones at Loma Linda were served to an archetypal perfection. This restaurant also prides themselves on their homemade desserts. We were all very full, so we only shared one piece of cheesecake between the four of us. It was very good, but I generally prefer lighter desserts after a meal like this. I was so happy with all of the food that I forgot to photograph it until I was full, thus you only see the reject pieces of meat that cooked a bit too much on the sizzle platter. I loved Loma Linda, both for the consistency of the quality of the dishes and for the peaceful setting. Lots more posts from my trip to Mexico to follow. 

www.lomalinda.com.mx

GAUCHO

Gaucho is an Argentinian Grill with numerous branches around London. It is one of those restaurants I have heard so much about, but never actually gone to since all of my friends seemed to have been there already. The interior is very recognisable throughout the chain; dark black walls with cowhide chairs and lavish chandeliers. I went to the Hamsptead branch, which stands out in that it has an outdoor barbeque area. My friend wasn’t very hungry and was not feeling up for having steak, but I really did, so I forced her to come with me. She decided to go for the burger, which the waiter strongly advised against (you should have steak in a steak restaurant), but she was allowed in the end. The burger is a blend of their four cuts of beef, topped with bacon. Even though this sounds somewhat like a minced patty of leftovers from the steak cuts, it was very good. We were shown the selection of cuts before the meal, and I chose a medium-rare Ancho, meaning Rib-Eye, and perfect Baby Gem Salad on the side. To start I had a Salt Water Trout Ceviche, delicately presented and really refreshing. Out of everything I tried at Gaucho, the steak was actually the least memorable. I loved the sides and the starter. The steak was good too, but I’ve had better. The service was overly attentive, I would prefer it if they gave us some time alone to enjoy the meal. I overall enjoyed the dining experience and would definitely like to go to Gaucho again, but I wouldn’t call it the best steak in London.

64 Heath Street, London, NW3 1DN