Its a sad fact that restaurants have really been suffering with the downturn in the economy over the past year so I was heartened to hear that local independent Argentinian steak restaurant River Plate was celebrating their third birthday and by all accounts bucking the gloomy trend by going from strength to strength. I was invited along to the anniversary celebrations.
We were treated to a cookery demonstration by the restaurant’s chefs from the open fronted kitchen and tasters from the newly revamped menu. There was then a session of wine tasting lead by Richard from the restaurant’s wine supplier Bibendum. The food was obviously gorgeous, with mussels in a light creamy sauce and beautiful tender pieces of steak. It was really interesting to learn about the wines, all from the South American region, which have been really carefully thought through in order to compliment the dishes on the menu.
While we were digesting the food we got to listen to Laura J Martin and her wonderful experimental/folky music, which was followed by samba dancing from some lovely ladies wearing nothing but huge feather headdresses and some strategically placed beads and sequins!
I had a chat to manager Tais who told me that the new menu had been put together following lots of research into traditional dishes. Potential plates were then trialled in the restaurant with only the best being kept for the final selection.
This place is really special, the new menu is diverse but concise and offers the best of authentic Argentine dishes. Coupled with the the wonderful river views, the excellent atmosphere and passionate staff its not hard to see how River Plate has managed to weather the storm. Happy Birthday River Plate, and many happy returns! (I will be returning for dinner very soon, thats for sure!)
Image Credits:
All images © Gavin Freeborn
River Plate In Leeds is the worst place I have ever had to eat it. rude staff, bad service, poor food and we got over charged.
River Plate be FAR serves THE BEST, TO DIE FOR STEAKS!!!
Myself and my guests went here on the recomendation of friends. The atmosphere was hip, young, relaxed and suoer friendly. We were greated by a stunning and very accomadating hostess who kindly took our coats and was happy to recommend wines to us. Drinks were brought very swiftly and the waiter explained about the weights of the meat and offered to show us the different cuts uncooked which was great! His knowledge of the meat and the sourcing process was second to NONE, and this made us all really appreciate the effort to which this establisment had gone to to source authentic, amazing quality beef.
We were certainly NOT dissappionted, the meat melted in your mouth. The side orders were plentyful in size which is great as you order them extra to your steak. My friend had the seabass and was blown away!!
We finished with Irish coffees and chocolate fudge cake which was everything we hoped for, warm, soft, gooey…. DIVINE!!
The staff here really made our experience special, they were fun, friendly and polite. They kindly recommended some wicked bars where we drank the night away!!!
WE WILL BE BACK VERY, VERY, VERY SOON. WELL DONE RIVER PLATE!!!!!