Reservation
Caminitos Argentinean Steakhouse – Northampton, Massachusetts
A reservation is necessary at the Caminitos Argentinean Steakhouse, which is located on a quiet side street of downtown Northampton. The restaurant sits on top of a small hill, and though it may be small in size, it packs quite a culinary experience.
The rich and fragrant smell of red wine and seared meats filled the air as I walked into the small dining room where the floors were checkered black and white. Half of the walls were painted red, the other half white. In the corner a small piano sat beside the bar, wine glasses hanging overhead. On the walls were Argentinean themed paintings and pictures. We were seated below a picture of a map.
The menu was extensive. Warm bread and butter were brought to the table in a basket with a dark red cloth napkin. I ordered the Raviolis de Langosta and received six large homemade raviolis stuffed with a creamy lobster filling, swimming in a brown butter and lemon sauce. The creamy inside of the slightly al dente ravioli mixed with the earthy rosemary and lemony butter put my taste-buds on a never-ending rollercoaster ride; it was the most attractive meal I have ever laid eyes on.
I also tried bites of the Lomo a al Monstrata, a 9 oz piece of steak, sitting atop a mound of noisiette potatoes (little balls of fried potatoes) and a mustard crème sauce. The steak was juicy, tender and flavorful to the max, dipped in the creamy and tangy mustard sauce; the noisiette potatoes were crunchy and creamy on the inside, an impeccable combination.
I sampled the Bife con Gorgonzola, a 13 oz piece of steak topped with tangy, melted Gorgonzola cheese, which was served with velvety asparagus wrapped in prosciutto, as well as the the Noqui, small potato dumplings on a bed of Marinara sauce topped with a provolone Alfredo. The combination of the dumpling with the cheesy marinara was a decadent combination of flavors.
Appetizers included baked provolone cheese topped with spices, home-made chorizo dipped in chimmichuri, and lemon pepper shrimp skewers. Hearty and rich soup of vegetable and meats and ingredients and flavors blending into an array of salads can also be found on the menu for a lighter option or starter.
Entrees offer an array of pork, chicken, seafood and vegetarian options, and but the house specialty is steaks. Steaks are topped and sauced with a variety of different flavors; the portions were just right. The sides seemed endless, from mashed sweet potatoes to scallion jasmine rice. Decadent dessert selections included chocolate mousse and flan, a baked Argentinean custard.
I loved the way Caminitos combined two distinct cultures; Mediterranean influence with a South American flavor palate. I’d recommend it for a date night, or a ladies night- just make sure you have your reservation.
