Oven Roasted Tomato Flatbread

Flatbreads are one of the signature dishes people come to El Gaucho to taste - it has become a sort of tradition. Because of this, we are constantly experimenting and coming up with some new creations.

However, there are some things you just don't mess with - like our steaks. When you get something right, don't change it for the sake of change. So while we are creating new combination's of flatbreads, one of them that has remained a favorite and a constant is our Oven Roasted Tomato Flatbread.

The key to the flatbread is oven roasting the roma tomatos - this is something I love to do because it traps in the flavor and actually intensifies the tomato and the sugars. Then we add a little olive oil (can't have too much of this stuff as I've said before), whole milk ricotta cheese (keeps some sweetness but is all natural) and top it off with basil. Oh yea, least I forget the light dusting of sea salt on the edge of the bread just to give it a bit more salt with the light sweetness of the tomato.

Boy, this is making me hungry - which is why this is a staple on the menu. This works for just about everyone - whether they are having steak or not - it is a compliment to any meal or by itself. Try it out and let me know what you think of the flavor - I think it rocks!!

Eastside Seafood Salad - Refreshing lunch addition

Who would have thought a place known for the best beef in town would offer such a light and refreshing seafood salad - surprise!!

When I designed this light, low-carb creation, that was exactly what I had in mind. I wanted something on our new luncheon menu that would appeal to anyone who wanted the "El Gaucho ambiance" with something light - so I created the Eastside Seafood Salad.

Besides being loaded with seafood, like prawns and crab, its secret is the very light soy vinaigrette dressing. Actually, there are only 2 tablespoons of soy in the 2 quarts of dressing we make so while you don't really taste the soy, it adds a bit of zest and life to the dressing.

We also use New England Bay Shrimp as these are extremely fresh right now and very firm and flavorful. Combined with the crab, hearts of palm and romaine lettuce, it is light yet filling. I like to use romaine that is closer to the heart of the lettuce simply because it is much more flavorful than when you get out to the ends of the lettuce leaf.

I can go on and on about how tasty this salad is - but how about you stop by and taste one for yourself. Leave me a comment and let me know what you think - I'm always looking for ways to continually entice our customers palates.