
1177 15th Street, NW
From a press release:
“On July 3, acclaimed chef Jose Garces unveils Rural Society, an Argentine steakhouse at the Loews Madison Hotel. The restaurant’s name draws inspiration from La Sociedad Rural Argentina, the Argentine Rural Society, which for over a century has hosted an annual agricultural and livestock show: La Exposición Rural. Rural Society reflects the convergence of rural traditions brought to the bustling, cosmopolitan city. Greeting guests upon entry is a wood-fired grill that enlivens the restaurant and evokes the traditional parrilla cuisine of South America.

Photo courtesy Rural Society
“I’ve always had the urge to explore Argentine cuisine, particularly the parrilla aspect that’s so ingrained in the culture. We want the fire to be a presence, the way it was during so many of our experiences during our trip to Argentina. We’re going to cook as much as we can over that flame,” says Chef Jose Garces.
To begin the meal, Rural Society offers Fiambres, or Argentine charcuterie, like thinly sliced Bresaola de Wagyu with a spicy kick of carrot mustard, red watercress, and charred focaccia. Feast on classics from the Tradicionales section, including Provoleta, a smoky, grilled aged provolone sandwich with peppery arugula, oregano and aji picante.
Fresh from the flames emerge top quality cuts of domestic and imported meat and fish Desde la Parrilla. From turf to surf, guests can graze on selections such as grass-fed Uruguayan rib-eye and prime dry-aged NY strip or Jidori free-range chicken and jumbo cardinal prawns, all served with house-made accompaniments including salsa criolla, merkén aioli and chimichurri. Verduras, or vegetables, are similarly flame-fresh and include Zanahorias, wood-grilled carrots with thyme, fennel seed, and whipped goat cheese.

Photo courtesy Rural Society
Celebrating the blend of Argentinian and Italian cultures that is prevalent in Buenos Aires due to a wave of Italian immigration that began in the 19th century, Rural Society rounds out the menu with house-made pasta like the Sorrentino, ham and cheese ravioli tossed in Parmesan cream, and Fugazza, or thick-crust Argentine pizzas.
On the beverage side, Rural Society offers an extraordinary range of South American wine, with more than half of the wines by the glass hailing from Argentina, in addition to an extensive collection of 75 whiskeys and 25 Italian Aperitifs. Specialty cocktails are inspired from both Argentine and Uruguayan classics, incorporating locally popular ingredients such as the bitter and aromatic Fernet Branca, which is infused with orange Yerba Mate tea to make a Gintonic. For beer lovers, South American selections include Quilmes (Argentina), Pacena (Bolivia) and Xingu (Brazil). Happy hour will be hosted daily from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. continues after the jump. (more…)