Grand opening in Tel Aviv

The new Rio Grande steakhouse is a boon for meat lovers

By JASON MESKIN

OCTOBER 15, 2015 12:57

Updated: OCTOBER 15, 2015 12:56

Rio Grande steakhouse (photo credit: PR) — Rio Grande steakhouse

(photo credit: PR)

For most of us carnivores, there comes a time when we are really in the mood for meat.

Not the casual roast beef sandwich but a good cut of beef grilled to perfection. Rio Grande steakhouse, which recently opened on Tel Aviv’s Herzl Street, provides everything that the real meat lover seeks.

Upon entering, one is immediately struck by the warm, welcoming atmosphere. A bar functions as the centerpiece of the restaurant, and customers can sit there for a quick drink or at one of the surrounding tables We had a chance to sample a wide array of dishes from the enticing menu. First to arrive was the grilled sirloin slices in a root salad (NIS 44). The steak was a perfect balance between rare/ medium rare, and the root salad was fresh and flavorful.

This was followed by a Caesar salad (NIS 38), which was classical and fresh in every way, with whole crisp clean leaves of romaine with just the right amount of dressing, house-made croutons and thinly sliced Parmesan cheese.

Next up was grilled calamari and mushrooms (NIS 52). The calamari were perfectly grilled and very tender (no rubber here). We all know it’s easy to jack up calamari, and tough calamari is a crime. The dish was tender and not overly seasoned. It was fantastic.

Ultimately, the main courses are what the restaurant will be known for. Porterhouse, prime rib, entrecote, sirloin, rump and T-bone steak are offered, in addition to hamburgers and smoked spare ribs. All main dishes come with a side of baked potato, smoked pumpkin or stir-fried mushrooms.

There is also a choice of sauces, which include mustard and brandy, chimichurri and black pepper and cream.

For mains, we were presented with the New York sirloin steak (NIS 140). The sirloin was wonderfully juicy and flavorful. I usually eat red meat with a sauce, but I didn’t need it. I am still salivating thinking about that meat.

Not to be outdone, the next course we had was the 500 gr.

prime rib steak (NIS 160). It was a great piece of meat, generous in proportion, and the seasoning was just right and did not overpower the meat. Delicious to the very last bite The desserts were delightful.

We shared the New York cheesecake, as well as a semolina cake (each NIS 38). The cheesecake was rich and velvety, without being too overwhelming.

It had a nice cream cheese taste without the pungent bite that some cheesecakes have. The semolina was very flavorful.

However we were full by this time, so we only took a few bites.

All in all, it was a superb dining experience. The service was great, the food was excellent, and the ambience was very sophisticated for a traditional steakhouse. I must say we were in a food coma by the time we were done, but it will definitely not be our last time at Rio Grande.

The writer was a guest of the restaurant.

Rio Grande Not Kosher 4 Herzl Street, Tel Aviv Tel: (03) 573-7277