CAU is an Argentinian Steakhouse, inspired by the vibrancy and cosmopolitan sophistication of Buenos Aires, a city that is world renowned for its quality of beef. And so this restaurant chain (that’s run by the same people as Gaucho’s) hit Guildford back in the summer of 2011 and has been serving up delicious steaks to residents and visitors alike ever since.
CAU has prime location at the top of Guildford’s High Street (where Auberge used to be) and sits alongside the likes of Pizza Express, Zizzi’s and Prezzo in one of the most popular restaurant spots in town. As you can see from the picture at the top, the frontage looks sleek, clean and modern, with huge glass windows allowing passers-by to enviously admire the diners. And once you go inside, it really is an experience like no other, certainly in Guildford.
What you will be greeted with is a refreshingly modern twist on the dining experience; either that or a garish and tacky monstrosity- depending on your personal taste. That’s right, the interior will have heads rolling and people talking and is best described as a ‘Marmite’ environment- there doesn’t leave much scope for a middle ground argument. Whatever you think of the bobbly, black rubber floors, corrugated white fixtures, blue sky murals or space-age furniture, no one can argue that it is not unique! However, for a chain that tries to emphasise its roots in Argentinian culture, it is quite disturbingly off the mark with traditional restaurants in Buenos Aires having a much more low-key, bistro feel, where the food does the talking…
And so, on to what really matters then, the food- how does that shape up? The menu we are told “embraces Buenos Aires cuisine” which to some degree it does with a mouth-watering combination of classic and speciality cuts of beef. They range from the standard 220g Rump to the 500g Tira de Ancho (a delicious spiral cut of Rib-eye) and everything in between. If you are not sure which of these options will be best for you, then it is advisable to ask the knowledgeable staff who will be happy to help, which is nice to know. Remember when you are ordering, your cut will be cooked the Argentinian way, which means for less time than most English places- they do specialise in steak after all!
However, there is also the all too popular splattering of British favourites accompanying them on the menu to give it a rather less South American feel to accommodate the less adventurous diners. For instance, if you are looking for something familiar you will be pleased to know that you can still get Spatchcock Chicken, Lasagne or a Cheese and Bacon Burger.
Nevertheless, there are still some other Argentinian treats for you to enjoy if you look in the small plates section where you can get Yerba-smoked Beef (smoked Lomito), Empanadas (both meat and veggie) and Anticuchos Skewers (flame cooked little skewers with meat, fish or veg). And if you still have room for dessert then there are a few lovely traditional favourites like Argentinian ice cream, Dulce de Leche Pancackes or Churros (the equivalent of our donuts- just in straight lines, with no jam).
CAU is a great place to drop in for a steak sandwich and a beer or some tapas-style sharing plates over lunch if you’re with a friend. In the evening, it is the place you simply have to go to if you are looking for a high-quality, South American steak accompanied by staff that know exactly how to talk you through a menu. The restaurant has some excellent dishes- some traditional, others not so much, but all of reasonable price and quality. However, if you are looking for authentic Buenos Aires as CAU claim, your best bet is to book a flight rather than expecting to find it in central Guildford.
James Martin
Second image sourced from: http://tinyurl.com/o5tx8km