OCHO LATIN GRILL
Reguliersdwarsstraat 8
Tel: 020-6250592
www.ochogrill.nl

We first visited Ocho in February of 2006, during a 4 day visit to Amsterdam. It was listed under the dining guide provided in our hotel room, and had received favorable reviews, so I decided to check it out.
As we entered the restaurant, we had to pass by the kitchen and were able to see the chefs in action. Our waiter seated us at a wooden table, in the lower part of the dining room, which was decorated in a decidedly southwest flavor. Dark wood accented with burnt orange walls and quirky lampshades decorated with Tabasco bottles, completed the homey atmosphere. As I studied the menu, which was very simple with a focus on Argentian style steaks, our waiter returned with a frosty margarita, tangy and salty the way it should be. I asked him a few questions about the meats, and he was very knowledgeable in helping me come to a decision. The filet was the cut I chose, done med rare, served with home fries. Wow! Biting into my succulent steak, which I could cut with a fork, I silently thanked the gods above. This was literally the best steak I had ever had in a restaurant, and the crisp fries were the perfect accompaniment. When I expressed my compliments, our server relayed my opinion to the chef who actually took the time to come out to our table. His name was Woody, and he explained how he got the meats right from the Pampanos region of Argentina. As it was the end of the night, he then gave me a tour of the kitchen and showed me the large slabs of the various meats which he cut fresh to order. I returned to our table and Drew and I ordered coffee and deserts, even though we were completely full. Dining at Ocho was an enjoyable experience, with great food, good service and a personal touch. I highly recommend it, and can’t wait to return!

August 11, 2006

Return to Ocho

When Drew asked me where I would like to have dinner on my birthday, I didn’t hesitate for a second in replying “ Ocho, of course” ! I had been dreaming about that steak for months, and now that we were back in Amsterdam, here was my opportunity.
We arrived at Ocho around 8:00 p.m. on Friday evening, and we could see through the windows that it was very busy. Undaunted we entered and asked for a table. Passing by the kitchen I could see Woody who smiled at us with recognition. He greeted us and I told him that we were here to celebrate my birthday, and that I was looking forward to another great steak. After the hostess has seated us, our server took an order for two margaritas. When he returned with them, he said they were compliments of the chef.
Looking at the menu, it seemed to have a few new items, like fajitas but I was in the mood for some serious meat so we decided on the mixed grill . It was a combination of all the steaks, lamb chops, pork, chicken, chorizo sausages, three dipping sauces, served with fries and a salad. When the food arrived at our table, the grill was piled with tender chunks of meat; there was a large plate of salad greens in a tasty vinegeraitte dressing, and a huge plate of fries…enough for 3 or 4 people. I was in heaven with each bite, and fell in love with the wonderful chutney, cleaning the bowl and wishing I could get the recipe. After I had gorged sufficiently, I had to sit for a few minutes unable to move.
What a feast! Ocho has successfully proven that a simple plate of meat, cooked right, and served with basic fresh sides is the perfect combination for those in search of a home-style meal. Our total bill came to 48.00 EU and worth every penny!