Gaucho heads to Beirut

Gaucho has announced Beirut as the location for its first branch outside the UK. The Argentine steak restaurant is due to open its flagship venture in the Lebanese capital next month.

Located at Phoenix Tower in Minet El Hosn, Gaucho Beirut overlooks the city’s Mediterranean coastline, but remains within close range of its business district, designer shops and famous nightlife.

It’s certainly an edgy choice. Lebanon’s political situation remains uneasy and the restaurant is opening just a stone’s throw from the site where Prime Minister Rafic Hariri was assassinated in 2005. However, the recent launch of Time Out magazine there has helped to confirm Beirut’s reputation as a rising star among those in search of a lively, if still rather alternative travel destination.

Gaucho will be introducing Beirut residents, together with the hoards of wealthy Gulf state visitors who descend on the city, to its repertoire of prime Argentine-sourced beef, empanadas, ceviche and a list of more than 80 wines, as well as the chain’s distinctive cow hide and mirrored interior design.

In order to ensure a smooth opening, a team from Gaucho’s London restaurants has been brought in to launch the Beirut operation.

Ryan Hattingh, Gaucho’s international operations director, provided further detail. He said: “It’s a restaurant concept that will be doing lunch, afternoon, pre-dinner drinks, dinner and events; a concept that is quite unique to Beirut and further enriches its culinary offerings.”

Phoenix Tower
Minet El Hosn
Beirut
Tel: +961 (0)1364801
Beirut@gauchorestaurants.com

Gabriel Savage, 19.10.2010