View Full Version : Buenos Aires - Restaurants and Bars
Please select "Add New Report" to start this section.
OttoGraham
04-27-03, 17:55
Welcome to Uncle Otto's Chez Argentina!
Foodie that I am, and knowing many of you are looking for good places to eat while in Buenos Aires, I asked our man Jackson to open up a separate section for Buenos Aires Restaurants and Bars. It's my hope that visitors to our fair city can break free from the "Recoleta Restaurant Row" habit and sample many of the great restaurants and bars that make BsAs such a great place to visit.
Below I've cut and pasted some personal recommendations from one of my former posts. Feel free to share!
Dining
Your Uncle Otto fancies himself an epicurean. Thus, the highlights of his trips to any destination are finding terrific restaurants for a nice dinner with a lovely companion. Simply stated, Buenos Aires is a meat-eaters paradise. But there are other options to be had, too! Some suggestions:
1800, 1665 Defensa, San Telmo, tel. 4307-2746. A terrific, old-fashioned BsAs parrilla, a meal with wine and several courses of half-orders of dishes came to a grand total of 28 pesos. I was astonished at how inexpensive it was for a restaurant where almost everything is home made, including the pasta and the limoncello.
Dashi, Fitz Roy 1613, Palermo Hollywood, tel. 4776-3500. An excellent Japanese restaurant with excellent sushi and other dishes. I've eaten here on each of my most recent trips and found it outstanding. Per person with wine ~ 60 pesos.
El Mirasol (3 locations, including Puerto Madero). I usually dine at the branch found at 1032 Posadas (intersection with 9th of July Avenue), Recova, 4326-7322. Modern parrilla, to be contrasted in decor and style with 1800, although excellent in its own right. Per person with wine ~ 60 pesos.
Next to El Mirasol on Posadas are two excellent restaurants called Piegari, (both under the same management) one of them is also a parrilla, the other an excellent Italian restaurant. I've eaten at both and also highly recommend them.
For a "splurge," try the Sofitel Hotel's new restaurant, called Le Sud. Arroyo 841, Retiro, tel. 4909-1454. Elegant and more expensive than the other restaurants listed here ~ 85-100 pesos a person for terrific French-inspired food in an elegant surrounding. Dress neatly please - no t-shirts or blue jeans. I really liked this place, and on a price versus quality measure, it's a bargain! A place like this in New York would run you US$200+ a person for dinner. They occasionally have "theme" nights, this such as a recent chamber-music concert accompanied with a prix fixe five-course dinner for about 160 pesos if memory serves correctly.
A lunch recommendation: Patagonia, in the food court of the Galeria Pacifico mall, on Florida Street in downtown. It has excellent luncheon plates, quiches, and local micro-brewed beers, in a decor reminiscent of southern Argentina.
Bon Appetit!
-Uncle Otto
JackDaniels
04-27-03, 18:44
I am just copying over my post from the BsAs board.....
On the subject of food and drink - there is a really smart bar called Gran Bar Danzon on Libertad just moments off Santa Fe. It is not on street level but on the first floor (American second floor) up a staircase. It is not easy to see the entrance from the street.
This is a really smart bar full of beautiful people (no providers here). Excellent wine, great sushi and the best spring rolls I have had anywhere.
A couple of glasses of wine, sushi and spring rolls should not be more than about 60 pesos.
Anyone else been there ?
Cheers.
Ferolga777
04-28-03, 02:46
Thanks to Otto and, of course, Jackson for this category.
This is my short list of restaurants in BsAs that I find worthy of recommendation.
1. Tomo 1
I found it mentioned at www.economist.com. It's an expensive place, but, it's a first class establishment. The manager speaks English.
http://www.tomo1.com.ar/
Hotel Crowne Plaza Panamericano
Carlos Pellegrini 525 - EP
(1009) Buenos Aires
Argentina Tel: (54-11) 4326-6698
TelFax: (54-11) 4326-6695
info-tomo1@tomo1.com.ar
2. Restaurante Errazuriz
This cozy restaurant is located on the grounds of the Museo Nacional de Arte Decorativo. Their steak in wine sauce is superb. Cash only.
Its hours are from 12.00 a 19.00. [12 pm to 7 pm]
phone 4806-8639.
http://www.mnad.org/
Address: Avenida Del Libertador 1902
[corner of Pereyra Lucena]
(Palermo Chico)
Capital Federal, Buenos Aires 1425
3. Chiquilín
Excellently prepared traditional Argentine food. You can have a beef dish, or, you can have a pasta dish. In Argentina the tomatoes are superb, so, you can have that too.
Sarmiento 1599 (Centro) At Corner of Montevideo.
Telephone 4373-5163
[As far as other places to go, The Time Out Guide: Buenos Aires is an excellent guide.]
Member #4211
04-28-03, 05:51
I second the recommendation of Ferolga: Tomo 1 is the best Argentine traditional restaurant in Buenos Aires.
For French food, I heard that La Bourgogne in Alvear Hotel ranks among the best in BA. It is, perhaps, the most expensive restaurant in BA, though.
As I mentioned in ohter posts, some neighborhoods of the city host different styles:
- The "Las Cañitas" zone near the polo field in palermo hosts many parrillas and pasta houses (and a couple of good German restaurantas as one called "Bodensee"). I remember a very good Thai restaurant called Lotus Neo Thai, at 1800 J Newbury St.
- The San Cristobal restaurant zone (Venezuela St and San Jose St area) host some good Italian and Spaniard restaurants: Prosciutto, Plaza Mayor, Campo dei Fiori. I really recommend Prosciutto.
- Don't miss the Rodizio at the Costanera or the one at Callao Av and Juncal St. Don't expect to "hobby" after such "meat feast" :-)
- The Old Palermo area near "La Placita" (Cortazar Square in Serrano St and Honduras St) has many "new wave", trendy restaurants and bars of Mexican, Thai, Vietnamese, add-your-own-country food.
- A VERY good mexican restaurant is (or was) Frida Kahlo, located in Ciudad de la Paz 3100-3200. It used to be expensive but really superb. Nice Margaritas and Cuban Mojitos, also.
- The area aroound Avenida de Mayo host several Spaniard restaurants, among them La Casa del Jamón, El Globo and El Imperial. I recommend El Globo for a good "puchero" (a dish made of boned-beef and vegetables that became a classic in the Argentine homes, specially for winter).
There are many, many more to recommend. I suggest to buy a "Guia de los Restaurantes", as the one by Fernando Vidal Buzzi, in any bookstore of Florida St.
Hope this helps,
Andres
MeGustaBoliches
04-29-03, 12:30
Andres,
Isn't "Globo" slang in Argentina for a condom? I gotta go to this condom restaurant...and try "puchero".....hehehe
Andres,
Thanks for the great restaurant reviews. I want to add two great restaurants to the list with your help since I can't remember the name of one of them. At the old Hipodromo, Andres, I ate at a restaurant that once was literally one of the stables and inside they still had the stall doors and there were tables separated by the old stall doors. This was a parillada restuarant with the regular Italian pastas and Pollos al verdeos, etc., that you so commonly see around Buenos Aires, but this one was really unusual since it was formerly a stable. Do you remember the name of this one? The food was excellent here, the ambience great with flowers all over the place and they had a tremendous wine list as well.
The second one is Rio Alba in Palermo, just down the street from Hotel Cristoforo Colombo. When I first ate there lots of the hotel workers recommended this place as one of the best parilla restaurants in Buenos Aires and I recommend it highly too. It's a few blocks away from a Jumbo store which is another French owned Walmart type store where they easily have 60 cashiers, all cuties wearing nylons and short skirts while they check your merchandise out. DownBA
Member #4211
05-01-03, 04:40
DownBA:
1) The restaurant at the Hipódromo was facing Libertador Av. or inside the Hipodromo facilities? I guess that I saw its name in the F. Vidal Bussi guide, and perhaps is one of those who belong to the local cheff Francis Malmann.
2) Rio Alba... a GREAT place, my favorite to bring girls to eat parrillas. Cerviño Av and Oro St, 2 blocks from the American embassy. I remember having eaten a 2 people parrillada, 1 serving of salad, 2 servings of fries, flan, coffee and limoncello for ar$50. The problem is that, after a couple of years living in the States, I lost the enzimes that digest such a good meat. Now, I need an ambulance after a parrillada...
Hope this helps
Andres
MiddleAgeGuy
05-01-03, 14:54
Great Restaurante reviews. I will be near the Rio Alba late next week and will take up your recommendation in this area which is a bit out of the way from the ussual.
Can someone help me with a location/name of the following? 2 years ago, I went to a New York Italian place off 9 de julio down one of the avenues. Had a New Yorkish kind of name, a fresco of the Brooklyn bridge or something inside. They had the best calamari I have ever had; large pieces smoothered in butter and garlic. Have not had the time to find it since.
I doubt it is too chica friendly, but for those off days, or after partaking in a fine bottle of American high test Listerine, it can work.
Jackson and others, hope to see you sometime on the May 19 week when I return from the provinces. I will keep a look out for who is around.
Thanks,
middleageguy
Member #4211
05-01-03, 15:08
middleageguy:
You are talking about Broccolino, located at Esmeralda St between Viamonte St and Cordoba Av.
Hope this helps,
Andres
Andres, the Hipodromo facing Libertador is the new one I believe or maybe I'm mixing up which one is the new one and the old one but I can tell you that this restaurant is nowhere near the Hipodromo on Libertador, it's near another one far away from the Libertador one. Sorry I can't recall the name because it's really a restaurant that I highly recommend and one that would be great to take a nice chica to. If you think of it let me know as I'd like to go there myself my next time in BA. Thanks, DownBA
Member #4211
05-01-03, 18:42
DownBA:
You may be talking about the San Isidro racetrack. As far as I know, there are only 3 big racetracks in the BA area: Buenos Aires-Palermo, San Isidro and La Plata.
Anyway...
Another restaurant that I mentioned several months ago and that deserves to be mentioned again is Nihonbashi, located at Moreno St near Rincon St. The perfect place to bring a "geisha" for an afterwards "tea ceremony"...
From my point of view, the best Japanese restaurant in BA: Each table is a tatami isolated form the other ambiences by sice-paper walls, and decorated with Shogun swords and other Japanese handcrafts.
I remember having eaten soem nice vegetable/tofu entrees, its main dish (Shabu Shabu: you cook your emat and vegetables in a Swiss-stile marmite with boiling water, which builds as a broth for cooking noodles), seasoned with abundant sake and aduki jelly dessert. Very expensive (US$160 for 4 persons) but its'really worth a visit. Many japanese embassy employees come often.
Hope this helps,
Andres
MiddleAgeGuy
05-01-03, 19:27
Originally posted by andresg1967
middleageguy:
You are talking about Broccolino, located at Esmeralda St between Viamonte St and Cordoba Av.
Hope this helps,
Andres
MiddleAgeGuy
05-01-03, 19:29
Originally posted by andresg1967
middleageguy:
You are talking about Broccolino, located at Esmeralda St between Viamonte St and Cordoba Av.
Hope this helps,
Andres
Thanks Andres,
That would probably be it, as I think I was at the nearby Aspen Suites that time.
middleageguy
OttoGraham
05-01-03, 19:58
Andres mentions the San Isidro race track in his post, this reminded me of another good restaurant recommedation:
Villa Hipica, also known as the Jockey Club, which is by the racetrack, address is Diego Carman 222, San Isidro. Tel. is 4763-5533.
French cuisine (the roasted quail is excellent), also with the requisite Argentine grilled meat selection. A great place to eat in connection with a day of wagering the ponies.
Since the San Isidro track is about 15 miles from downtown BA, you'll probably need to have a remis bring you here, it's a good idea to have transportation arranged by your hotel concierge. English-speaking staff at the restaurant can arrange a return taxi ride as well.
-Uncle Otto
Your maitre 'd
Sounds as if the sex in BA may be almost as good as the food. ;-)
MeGustaBoliches
05-01-03, 20:18
Originally posted by Guillermo
Sounds as if the sex in BA may be almost as good as the food. ;-)
Guillermo: both are world class but after making my way through the list of restaurants provided here, I may change my screen name to megustaparillas.....
Amantelondres
05-05-03, 15:30
As one who enjoys his food I can strongly recommend the following:
El Desnivel:In San Telmo in Defensa street near Independencia junction. Doesn`t look much from outside but trust me, terriffic food, mainly parrilla but others too. Gets very crowded and used by many airline crews who know how to search out a good deal. Meal for three cost 60 pesos and that included a good wine, water which accounted for 20 pesos. The bife de lomo was big enough for two and that´s saying something coming from me!!
Sucre: An "in" place in Sucre street in Belgano ( they also own the Gran Bar Danzon in Libertad 1161.) Very big, spacious, modern with a very long bar. Good place to take your favourite chica as it´s the place to be seen!!
Oviedo, in Ecuador street, is a classic Spanish restaurant in the Barrio Norte. Excellent food and wine. Good atmosphere.
Piegari, the restaurant as opposed to the grill in the Recova has been reviewed and I think it is a great place. Gets very full and the portions are fantastic. They will even give you a doggy bag to take the leftovers home!
Buen provecho...now off to see Wendy of Platynum...a great favourite of mine...have her as your desert!!!
anyone know if they allow corkage in b.a.?
i'd love to bring back my 6 bottle allotment on my upcoming trip, but i want to try bottles before buying 2-4 of any one of them... thus it would be good to be allowed to bring a bottle into a restaurant.
thanks!
OttoGraham
05-12-03, 16:28
Leo, I'm not sure where you're from. And I've never heard of any BsAs restaurant allowing you to bring in your own wine. But I suppose it is possible, especially if you call to ask beforehand.
However, if you like Argentine wines a lot, let me tell you what I've done when returning to the USA with wines from Europe - I simply declare them on my customs form. You are allowed to bring back as much as you could reasonably carry, you just have to declare them and pay the excise tax, if any. There is NO problem with doing this. You will NOT get in trouble for bringing more than the "limit" into the U.S. You simply have to pay the tax, which is minimal.
I brought back two cases of wine (24 bottles) from Europe a while back, the total excise tax was US$5.00. Bring your receipt to show the value of the wine of course. I didn't need one, but it can be useful if they ask. Taxes are calculated on the prices paid for the wine.
This is a great way to stock up, very cheaply, on good wines you probably won't be able to find at home in most any wine shop.
-Uncle Otto
Originally posted by OttoGraham
You are allowed to bring back as much as you could reasonably carry. . .
Tio Otto,
Not sure what you're saying. Did you hand carry 2 cases of wine?
Or did you check them along with the rest of the baggage and cross your fingers they would arrive at the other end?
Thanks,
Guillermo
Guillermo,
Last November I brought back 22 bottles of wine all nicely packed in wine boxes by the fellow in the nice wine store around the corne from the Etoile on Quintanas and the first intersection behind the Etoile (Alvear possibly) and I didn't have a lick of trouble except you have to try to distribute the weight of the boxes evenly in your suitcases to avoid paying an excess weight fine with the airlines. As Otto said, I declared the wines since the total of what I paid came to about $100.00 US (and these were all very, very, good wines) and nobody even blinked back in the states. DownBA
you're correct in your amazement in why one might want to bring bottles of wine into argentina - i certainly wouldn't!
please allow me to provide more definition of what i mean by "corkage", which is a common practice at finer restaurants in the u.s.
you pay a small fee, currently $10 or $20 in the u.s., to bring each bottle to the restaurant, to be sure that you'll have a bottle that meets your tastes available. not all nice restaurants have exactly what you want on the winelist (well aged and quality controlled, specific region, specific verital). often it's customary to offer a glass to the chef.
my plan would be to select from a wine store (like near etoille, or i know good ones on at puerrydon/juncal or one on junin or uribururu near peña) maybe 4-5 bottles that i may wish to bring back to the u.s. and try one of each of them during my 4-5 days there, confirmed which i like and don't, before committing to bringing back quantities of any.
thus, i'm asking if finer ristorantes in b.a. allow you to bring your bottle of just locally-bought wine with you, and pay a small fee like ar$5 maybe.
OttoGraham
05-13-03, 15:07
guillermo,
i usually stuff a case of wine or more into a carry-on. remember that in ba, as well, you'll be able to bring two carryons, i've never seen anybody confronted about hand baggage.
also, downba is right, packing boxes will protect wine completely.
i wouldn't suggest bringing back two boxes of the usual mediocre wine, but something that offers really good value for money. personally, that usually means sparkling wines and dessert wines brought back from europe. i've never tried to bring back more than a couple of bottles from argentina. the standard malbec reds, etc... aren't so special that i need to import a couple of cases.
otoh, i do like very much the baron b series of sparkling wines, and they do represent an excellent value, able to be gotten for about ar30 a bottle or less, when a comparable bottle here would be us$25 or more.
there are several wine bars in buenos aires that will allow you to try a great variety of wines, one of the best i visited was a place called winery which is on alem, just across the street from the two tall skyscrapers next to puerto madero - if you go to bsas you'll know where i mean. nice place, highly recommended.
-uncle otto
Thanks guys,
Let's see.... wine, food, clothes, shoes, and ..... what was the other reason we wanted to go the BA?
Oh yeah, women!
MeGustaBoliches
05-16-03, 02:08
Hey Uncle Otto, based on your reccomendation I took a group of work mates to 1880 Parilla......all I can say is wow...I impressed my compadres while enjoying one of the finest steaks <i have eaver eaten.....
....the total bill for the 4 of us came to less than 80 pesos....80 pesos for 4 steak dinners, wine, coffee, and lemoncello....
Any fool can find Cabana las Lilas or el Mirasol....but I have not found 1880 listed in any guide book apart from uncle otto´s guide....
gracias, gracias, gracias.....
more to come as i eat my way through Buenos Aires....
MeGustaBoliches
05-17-03, 20:13
Here is a great seafood and traditional Argentine fare restaurant in Retiro, very near downtown and several boliches....
Dora. Leandro N Alem 1019 y Marcelo T. Alvear. Seafood & Argentino cuisine.
Good seafood is not easy to find in a city known for its beef. Dora is an exception. Shrimp Dora is a superb dish, tender shrimp swimming in a sauce that marries fish stock and a rich cream sauce with just a touch of saffron. The cheese sampler appetizer includes a butter smooth roquefort among several other pleasing cheeses that were unfamiliar to me.....a 15 year old red blended wine from bodega de Lopez was a perfect, albeit pricey at 85 pesos per bottle, companion for the cheese....
top it off with an icecream that is half dulce de leche and half liquer flavored, washed down with a cafe cortado....
At $25 dollars each, our meal was much more expensive than sex with a Clarin girl....and more satisfying......
I love Argentina...
Member #4211
05-17-03, 20:34
Very close to Dora (at the corner of Paraguay and Reconquista, next to the boliches) is located Morizono, a West Coast style Japanese restaurant. It used to be slightly expxensive, but the food was supreme. I remember having ordered a kind of teishoku dish made of salmon that really rocked.
Hope this helps,
Andres
Member #4211
05-24-03, 03:21
Tonight, I feasted like a beast with my family at "La Brigada" (Peña St and Pueyrredon Av), an upscale parrilla.
We ordered mollejas (cow spleen), fries, house special salad, two bifes de chorizo and one buffalo beef, all irrigated with a San Telmo Syrah. Service is superb and the ambience quiet and cozy (patrons average 40 years old). We ordered small desserts (custard and cooked apples). All for ar$40 each.
Hope this helps,
Andres
[QUOTE]Originally posted by andresg1967
We ordered mollejas (cow spleen),
Andres, disculpáme por favor, but I have to play the highly unusual part of being an American gringo correcting an Argentinian native on one of the best parts of Argentinian cuisine: mollejas. I eat them like they're going out of style while in Argentina and here in the greater NYC area (they're plentiful in this area, by the way). Mollejas are sweetbreads and sweetbreads are not the cow spleen, they're from the thymus gland of a cow and unless I'm mistaken the thymus gland is in the neck of the cow, not in the torso.
Very high in cholesterol from what even Argentinians tell me but I can't get enough of mollejas, I'm totally hooked. If any of you gringo visitors haven't tried them barbequed yet I highly recommend them. Try them with lemon juice or chimichuri or just pop them in your mouth plain and I dare you not to say "mmmmmm".
OttoGraham
05-24-03, 23:11
MeGusta,
I just saw your post that you found 1800! It is terrific, isn't it? I knew I had to share this gem of a place. 1665 Defensa, San Telmo is the address.
DownBA,
I'm glad you called sweetbreads by their given name here, I think "cow spleen" isn't so appetizing, even if the words come out of a Spanish-English dictionary! ;)
By the way, I was at my (relatively inexpensive) local butcher today buying steaks for a Memorial Day cookout, and guess what they're charging for sweetbreads - US$10 a fecking pound! Eat as many as you can in Argentina, my friend!
Don't worry about their health qualities - high cholesterol foods don't necessarily raise your cholesterol. Or so says the late, great Dr. Atkins!
-Uncle Otto
From a culinary standpoint, sweetbreads can be either thymus gland, pancreas, or both. Pancreas is thought by many to be more desirable, known as "heart" or "kernel" sweetbreads. Thymus is known as "throat" sweetbreads; these are much thinner. Although many vertebrates have these organs, normally in finer cooking only calf and lamb sweetbreads are used.
Hope this helps.
Uncle Otto,
Now we're in the most intersting linguistic area where you find that every Latin American nation has their own words for things and also where you find that dictionaries vary widely in their definitions - Argentinians say "living" for "living room", "palta" is used in the north for "avocado". This list is practically interminable and especially prevalent in sex and food talk.
Tell an Argentinian "vamos a la juerga" and you'll get a blank stare and a "huh?" but beyond a doubt, when you order "mollejas" in the typical parilla restaurant in BA or anywhere throughout the Miami or Greater NYC area you get the mollejas from the neck of a cow. Ditto with Uruguayan restaurants. If you order "corazon de mollejas" in BA you get a much fatter, jucier piece but I'm not sure this isn't just a different cut from the same part of the cow the neck mollejas come from. But cow spleen, no lo creo.
I just checked two Spanish-English dictionaries myself - the time-honored Cassell's, which said nothing about cow's spleen but did mention "sweetbreads" and Miriam-Webster's which simply defines molleja as "gizzard".
Dickhead, "haute cuisine" really doesn't have much to do with BA mollejas....BA's about slapping a blanched piece of cow thymus on a grill, sprinkling it lightly with salt and letting it get browned, then popping it in your mouth and moaning delight! Ask a BA asadero to tell you where his mollejas come from and he's going to point to the neck. DownBA
Then I am betting that "corazón de mollejas" is the pancreas and just plain mollejas is thymus. I don't like organ meat, or much of any meat any more, but I will have one of my minions order some when I am down there and make a full report. I do know my sweetbreads, though, and normally blanch them in water with a little lemon juice, shock them in ice water to stop the blanching, and then braise them. That's for pancreas. For thymus it is not as necessary to blanch them first, although I often do; just for five minutes instead of fifteen. Definitely if you are going grill them, I would think thymus would be better. Grill the thymus and blanch the pancreas ...
I think I'd rather have some merluza right now.
I meant to write: "Grill the thymus and braise the pancreas." DH
Dickhead, yes, I think you're right about the "corazon de mollejas" being from the pancreas because I did a quick search in Google and one article said that "hearts of sweetbread" come from the pancreas. The same article, by the way, said you should blanche the thymus ones too.
I don't care where "corazon de mollejas" comes from - they're AWESOME!! And they definitely do grill them as they do the neck ones in the BA parillas. Try them next time in BA if you haven't....they melt in your mouth. DownBA
A great new restaurant that we all went to was called Dominga in Palermo Hollywood. It's a trendy spot right now. I really liked it and the restaurant was full all night. We were there several hours. It's not expensive either. Most tables had 2-4 people but we had about 4 tables pushed together and at least 16 people. The menu isn't the typical menu in BA. Kind of ecclectic menu that ranged from Rib Eye with potatoes to Sushi.
It was nice to try a new place outside of Recoleta or Puerto Madero. The address is Honduras 5618. The phone number is 4771-4443. Reservations are recommended.
Good luck.
Dickhead, I checked with my Argentinian friend about "corazon de mollejas" and he told me it's just a different cut of the same part of the neck of a calf - closer to the center of this part of the animal, but by no means is "corazon de mollejas" from the pancreas. Nor is it even remotely related to the cow's spleen as Andres suggested. DownBA
DownBA. I'm not sure about the "corazon de mollejas" nor do I care since I would never eat it but it's funny how you wrote that "you checked with your Argentinian friend" especially since Andresg1967 is a native Porteno. It doesn't get much more Argentinian than that.... ha, ha.
Originally posted by saint
DownBA. I'm not sure about the "corazon de mollejas" nor do I care since I would never eat it but it's funny how you wrote that "you checked with your Argentinian friend" especially since Andresg1967 is a native Porteno. It doesn't get much more Argentinian than that.... ha, ha.
Saint - I'm surprised at you for saying you'd never eat them - seems like you've adapted to so many other things in BA and virtually adopted BA as your second home - happens that mollejas are some of the best things about Argentina right up there with Argentinian women, beef and soccer; they're unbelievably good and you'd probably love them if you gave yourself the chance as have all my American friends that I've turned onto mollejas. Does the old saying "when in Rome do as the Romans do" strike any cords with you Saint?
Come on God dang it Saint, dump a dishful of chimichuri on some mollejas and go to town! DownBA
OttoGraham
05-29-03, 15:21
DownBA, I think our friend Saint is a lost cause for Argentina. He's down on Argentine women, down on mollejas, I betcha he now prefers the salsa to the tango! Brazil on the brain is what he suffers from!
By the way, in addition to mollejas, the three El Mirasol restaurants serve up some really excellent riñones and creadillas. Mmmmmm mmmmm good!
-Uncle Otto
Otto, just can't quite understand Saint's reticence toward trying some of the best eatins in the whole goddamn world! Surely if the Saint can gobble the best porteño concha down 3-4 per day for weeks on end he can manage to scarf down some of the best edibles in South America, no?
By the way, what are creadillas? Have to admit you've caught me off-guard with that dish but will definitely try it my next time down. Have you tried any Pollo al Verdeo in BA? To DIE for!!! Otto, I can just tell that you and I would have the greatest time eating, drinking and screwing our way around BA together since it seems like we both have an unending gusto for the fine wines, food and women down there. Bife de chorizo, bife de lomo, chinchulines, mollejas, ensalada mixta con palmitos, pollo al verdeo.....AYYYYYY Viva Buenos Aires!!! Vivan Las Porteñas!!!!! DownBA
Member #4211
05-29-03, 21:56
DownBA:
Criadillas are bull testicles. I never tried them :-)
Andres
OttoGraham
05-31-03, 14:35
Heh heh heh heh, I knew somebody would pick up on that!
They taste like chicken! :D
Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!
Really, they're pretty bland, need to be seasoned to be tasty. I'm certainly glad to say I've tried them, but wouldn't rave about them the way I will about sweetbreads.
-Uncle Otto
i also like dominga very much (mayri comes thru again!). prices were in the ar$15-20 range for entrees, if i remember correctly. numerous wines (cabs) were ar$20-40.
for others wanting to visit palermo hollywood but looking for something less nice, more casual, i've eaten at unico before - it's right on the corner next to domingo, and is a good spot for potentially meeting straight girls.
both of these spots, along with all of palermo hollywood or palermo viejo are good hits on your way to las canitas, if trying to meet non-pros is your thing. i particularly like voodoo bar there.
Here's some info on a super low price restaurant around the corner from Etoile.
COMER
I found a new spot for the very budget minded! Comer is around the corner from Etoile on Guido between Ortiz and Ayacucho.
It's a buffet place, all you can eat. I liked it not only due to low price, but I like to grab a quick coffee when I wake up (noon?), and I like to eat protein in the morning, and I want something really fast! Here, all the food is ready for you, so I could get my immediate eats with my coffee.
ar$7 weekday lunches, not more than ar$11-13 for dinners anynight.
The place is huge, with 2 cold/salad buffets and 1 hot food buffet.
Granted, the buffet food is only average, but I only wanted pure of batata or pure of pumpkin, spinach and veggies (and they had plenty of all this).
The real gems were the made to order / short order counter, where you can get rabbit/chicken/fish/beef/pastas all made to your order, and the parilla in the rear of the place, with all types of meats.
And last, they had a dessert buffet, which included 6 different types of ice cream.
The service is typical Argentine top-level... and for a buffet? - the waiters are always attending to the food, and they wipe down your plate and glass before they let you use them, typically pouring you more soda/beer before you can reach for the bottle, etc.
Drinks cost extra, but for about ar$10-15 including beverage and tip, this place is a nice find.
MeGustaBoliches
06-02-03, 18:29
Here is a third vote of confidence for Domingas....I have been back several times....great food....relatively inexpensive.....trendy kind of place....the black pasta and salmon teryaki are great....total cost pp...40 to 45 pesos, including wine and tip...
Another two "eat as you can" restaurants:
Grant's: In Recoleta, near the corner of Las Herras and Junin. It's very similar to "Comer" which Leo described. Prices: 11AR$ at nights, with free salads, meats, pastas and deserts, and not free drinks. Not the best food, but a nice place if you like to eat as much as you can...
Siga La Vaca: In Puerto Madero, De Justo st. (If you come from the city centre, you'll have a long walk until you get there). Here, the food is better than in most "eat as you can" restaurants. The salads are free, but more important, the parilla is free, and the meat is fantastic. 20 AR$ for free salads and meats, 1 liter drink and one desert.
MeGustaBoliches
06-26-03, 21:33
Here is a restaurant you wont find listed in your guide book....
Bella Italia....Arabe Siria 3300block...near Libertador....Limited but excellent menu.....try the Portobelo Mushrooms in a rich, dark wine sauce for an appetizer...the grilled trout on a bed of steamed vegetables as a main....and the tiramasu for dessert....with wine, 35 pesos....My amiga had a pasta dish that was equally delicious......
For lunch, try the menu del dia for 12 pesos at this Thai restaurant
Empire Bar. Tres Sargentos y Reconquista downtown....
OttoGraham
06-30-03, 19:26
La Brigada
One of a chain of three steakhouses, I ate at the one located in Palermo. Excellent all-around introduction to the traditional Argentine parrilla. Steaks, wines, salads, a special favorite I've not found anywhere else was a "provoleta" (grilled cheese round), but this one was made of goat's cheese.
Dinner for seven, including several courses, several bottles of excellent Malbec and decent Chandon sparkling wine, as well as dessert, came to a reasonable 500 pesos.
Brigada; La (Parrilla) Estados Unidos 465 4361-5557 (San Telmo branch)
Brigada; La (Parrilla) Av. Entre Rios 678 4381-0205 (Palermo branch).
-Uncle Otto
OttoGraham
06-30-03, 19:29
1880
I've previously reviewed 1880 which is located in San Telmo at 1665 Defensa. It remains the best bargain restaurant in Buenos Aires. I ate at this traditional parrilla twice in recent days, one weekday lunch and one weekend lunch. Each time, several courses, a bottle of wine in one of them. Excellent service and recommendations from the waiter.
Tab for two without one wine on a weekday lunch was a whopping 31 pesos.
For four on a weekend, with a nice bottle of Chardonnay recommended by the waiter: 100 pesos.
-Uncle Otto
OttoGraham
07-05-03, 20:02
El Mirasol Puerto Madero
Snuffy and I had dinner last Saturday evening in this previously-reviewed establishment. It continues to maintain its high standards as one of the premier parrillas in Buenos Aires. Dinner for two with a bottle of very good malbec and several courses including my recent favorite, roasted intestines, ran to about 100 pesos.
-Uncle Otto
Hi, sexy gourmets!!!
I want to recommend some places I tried myself, and plus this they are located in some different areas of Buenos Aires worth to be visited.
GRAN BAR DANZON: Libertad 1161. tel 4 811 1108. Super fashion and modern, excellent food and drinks, music a little loud but full of genuine Argentine beauties in their twenties and thirties, educated people and no pros. Reservations are a need.
SPIRIT: Serrano 1550. tel 4 833 5331. It's in Palermo Hollywood, a new and designed area, young people everywhere, full of bars and restaurants. This one is small, no expensive and the food is great!! Specially the tapeo de mare, an assorted dish of sea food to share.
POSITANO: Boulevard Olleros 1760. tel 4 772 7539. It's located in Belgrano, a beautiful neighbourghood after Palermo. This Italian restaurant has some nights, opera shows, but with fun and a cross-dresser actor and really good singers from our Opera House, Teatro Colon. The food is very good, specially the Italian bread and of course the wine. You need to make a reservation.
TE MATARE RAMIREZ: Paraguay 4062. tel 4 831 9156. It's in Palermo Viejo, and is restaurant with aphrodisiac food and they have some nights a lesbian show, so you need to call to make a reservation. The food is great too. www.tematareramirez.com
EL ESTABLO: Paraguay 489. tel 4 311 0607. Traditional Argentine restaurant, good prices and for me better meat than in Puerto Madero restaurants, great salads and of course the Argentine wines.
This is a restaurant suggested by Mayra, she told me it's beautiful and they serve great Norwegian food and more than 50 different kinds of vodka!!!
Its name is OLSEN, and it's located in Gorriti 5870, Palermo neighbourghood, the telephone number is: 4 776 7677.
Bon apetit!!!, your Queen Roxana.
Fat Bastard
07-10-03, 01:55
OttoGraham and others who desire fine culinary delights,
I found a nice classy restaurant worthy of mention. The name is Bengal (as in Tiger). Address: Arenales 837 (Puerto Madero side of
9 July). Phone: 4394-8557.
A sister and two brothers are the owners. Specializes in Indian and Italian, but has many other dishes.
This place is small and exclusive…you HAVE TO make a reservation. Reason? It is so popular and limited in space, it is guaranteed to fill up. I went two nights ago with Roxana, Mayra, and another friend at 8:30. Early by latin standards, late for my appetite’s standards. Upon arrival, you will find that the door is locked….and old man will let you in…be nice to him, he’s the owners’ father. When entering, we found a very nicely appointed room. Since we were the first ones there, we struck up a conversation with one of the brothers (Marcelo)…he and the sister speak English. BTW, I noticed that every table in the restaurant had a reserved sign. Our waitress, Rocío (the Spanish word for Dew) also speaks English. She handed us menus, but then asked if we would rather just let Marcelo make up a meal for us. We agreed and never even looked our menus. While drinking wine and listening to Roxana and Mayra carry on, the seven course meal began. Excellent food throughout the evening. The total bill for four people with wine and other alcoholic drinks was $280 pesos before propina, about $25 dollars per person.
FB
FB,
I also tried Bengal last November. May be it has improved now or I went on an off night. I tried 3 different Indian dishes and all of them were consistently bad.
If you want to try Indian food, a better bet would be Katmandu (Cordoba 3547 - Phone: 4963 1122). Though the food is not that great, they are more authentic and is a welcome change if you ever get bored of bife de lomo! (like that's gonna happen!)
Fat Bastard
07-10-03, 04:15
Maddur,
I don't know what to tell you except that the place seems to have a good reputation by the clientele attending and the definite need for reservations. On a personal note, we all agreed on how good the food was. Like you said, maybe it was an off-night. As with chicas, I guess YMMV with food too.
I have been to Katmandu's and enjoyed our food immensely. I highly recommend the curry.
FB
There is a new restaurant in the Buenos Aires Design Center. It opened around the first of June.
The Name is Prima Fila and it is a couple of doors away from the Hard Rock Cafe.
I ate there a couple of times and liked the food. I had a pasta dish once and the other time several things wrapped in a crepe.
It is somewhat trendy, but the prices aren't that high. I paid around AR$50 for salad, entree, dessert, wine and coffee.
On Recoletas restaurant row, I liked the bife de lomo at Pepe Pomo.
It is located 5 or 6 doors away from the Newport bar.
Greetings Airplane,
As a neighborhood resident, I can attest to the fact that Pepe Lomo's has the best beef on restaurant row. Pepe Lomo's is easy to find: it's the restaurtnat with the full size plastic cow standing in the sidewalk.
Jackson
For those staying at the Dazzler, I just found a nice 'Tenador Libre' (self service buffet) around the corner on M. de Alvear. Turn left from Dazzler on Libertad, left on M. de Alvear, middle of block on left. M. de Alvear 1256.
The name is 'Deleite'. Lunch buffet is 12-15:30, dinner is 20:00-00:30. The other hours it is a normal cafe.
Lunch is $8M-F, $10S, $12Sun. Dinner is $10M-T, $12FS, $10Sun
The salads and hot dishes have an oriental slant. There is a good parilla. For an all you can eat buffet, the quality is excellent, with some shrimp and fish dishes.
For a salad lover like me, it is great for a late brunch. It also had the first broccoli I have spotted in Buenos Aires.
I really enjoyed the Bife de Lomo at Tenorio's on "the row" in Recoletta. It is few doors down from Newport and had some cute waitresses and good atmosphere. They also have a combo act that plays and sings.
I am going to try the place in the design center if I can find the appropriate "date" LOL
Mickey Mouse
08-31-03, 18:00
If you like Greek Food, try Mykonos on Boulevard Olleros 1752 in Belgrano. Great food, wine and entertainment complete with music, dancing and even some plate smashing. Had a wonderful time with a couple special friends!
Another, Piegari, an Italian Restaurant which I believe has been reviewed before.
Neither is cheap (@ 100p for 2 including bottles of wine and all courses) by Argentine standards, but the food and experience was well worth it.
Had dinner with Roxana and my novia at a place in Puerto Madero recently.
The resturant is named La Caballeriza on De Justo 580. The food was wonderful and they have a great wine list. They actually grill you meats in plain view and it is interesting to watch. A nice view as well.
I would highly recommend this place if you want a little change of pace in a different part of town....
Amantelondres
09-27-03, 20:25
When I was a little toddler, the best meat restaurant and the most famous in BA was La Cabana. This closed many years ago but , having been acquired by the Orient Express company it is opening (or by now should have) in September in the recoleta area. Although I won't be able to try it till November, take your chica there and she'll tell her mum where she ate and will be very impressed!! Let me know how it is. Thanks guys
Yes, La Cabaña is open. It is located in Av. Rodríguez Peña, between Posadas and Alvear, on the left side when coming from Posadas. It is just excelent, I was there a few days ago on a business occasion.
When going there, beware: it is a very classy place, and your and your company's attire should reflect that fact. Maybe the best meat in Argentina, which means, the world.
El Aleman
Went to a resturant/club last night for dinner with some new American friends and a couple of friends from this forum. We went to Asia, which is located next door the Hilton in Puerto Madero.
The entree's vary from beef to sushsi and everything in between. All have a name that is sensualy suggestive and while the food was good the service was quite slow.
After dinner they clear the tables and open the dance floor for continous house and techno music. It really got crowded about 1:00am
This is a legit night club, although about a month ago a freind pulled two young ladies out of the club and they rocked his world until lunch the next day...all it cost him was an empty mini-bar...lol
One really fun thing about this place is they have a spectacular belly dancer and two ladies that do any aerial show from the ceiling while suspended over the dance floor.
Thanks for the info. Sounds great
The place is called Asia de Cuba.
When staying friday nights in the Hilton, best idea is to go there, as you will hear the music anyway if you have a room towards the city...
El Aleman
EZE_Amante
10-20-03, 15:50
I just want to 2nd the what Roxy mentioned about El Establo. It is just a block or two from Orleans, and has very reasonable prices probably because they don't go overboard on the decor. This place was recommended to a friend of the board by the now MIA Sandy, and we all loved the food. Great steaks, good wine list, great place for a late lunch or early dinner. If you sit by the window, you can enjoy your meal and the beautiful Porteñas that walk by.
EZE :)
I can recommend Broccolino, also on Córdoba and I believe the cross street is Maipu (or thereabouts; it's on the same side of the street as Mi Casa or My House and the opposite side from Excedra). Huge portions, excellent food, friendly service.
Also I like Tasca Tancat tapas bar on Paraguay half a block from Florida towards 9 de Julio. Some stuff is cheap and some is rather expensive but there is a nice variety.
Member #4211
10-20-03, 23:38
Broccolino: Esmeralda St between Cordoba Av and Viamonte St
Andres
MiddleAgeGuy
10-21-03, 03:42
I also give high marks to Broccolino, the garlic and butter squid being excellent! Thanks Andres for reminding me where it was some time ago. There is one guy in there that always seems to remember me and will not let me get a word of Spanish in as he dazzles me with his English. Nice people. As the place is pretty close to Hooks, etc., it is a good place to go prior to clubbing in that end of town.
Another area one might want to venture to for eats is Las Canitas, in Palermo. It will cost you 8 pesos or so for a taxi from centro but then you have about 3 blocks worth of eateries from which to chose. It can get very crowded here also. Some places have dancing/shows also, some with a minimum charge meal + show. A nice diversion from Recoletta and Centro.
A classy place in Puerto Madero is Happening. For impressing the chica, it's great, as is the food and service. A little pre-warning to the chica is in order so that she can dress nice. The last time I went there, mi novia said there were a few celebs around, not that I could tell the difference.
Provecho
MAG
I had a wonderful dining experience this past Saturday evening at place called Morena. It is on the water near the downtown airport. I went with my novia and another good friend, which I am sure added to the pleasure of the evening.
This place sits on the water and is dark and very romantic. You can see the lights of the city twinkle on the water from your table.
The service is wonderful and I had scallops in a wine sauce, both of the ladies enjoyed their dishes as well.
This is not a place to meet someone, but I cannot imagine a lady not enjoying being wined and dined at this establishment.
I suspect that you might want to make reservations on Saturday night, but the rest of the week it shouldn't be necessary. They have a small bar and a combo that plays on the weekend.
A great way to spend the first part of an evening and set the tone for the fun to come later.
Enjoy!!
p.s. I great way to make brownie points with the B & C without having to explain......or having your attentions diverted by other "eye catching" diversions......lol
Hi, Perverted Gourmets!!!!
I went to a great restaurant near Puerto Madero, really it's located in front of it and as it is on the top of Comega Building, on the 19th floor, you have a beautiful view of the Docks. The name of the restaurant is AZZURRA, and it is on Corrientes Avenue 222. You need reservations, so their tel. number is: 4315 8381. Also they have a sushi bar on the 20th floor. The food is great, they offer sea food, good pasta and meats. Don't expect a barbecue there, it's modern mediterranean cuisine.
Bon apetit!!!!
Roxana.
OttoGraham
11-13-03, 19:49
Exon123 introduced me to an excellent restaurant that I have not eaten at previously.
Estilo Campo is found at Moreau de Justo 1840, in Puerto Madero. It is located in what I believe is the most southern/eastern old converted warehouse in the row that makes up the Puerto Madero complex.
It is an Argentine parrilla similar in style to the previously-reviewed Cabana las Lilas and El Mirasol, each of which are located in other Puerto Madero buildings.
Dinner for three, with several beef and accompanying courses, wine, and some mixed drinks came to about 220 pesos.
If you like parrillas, as I do, this is an excellent addition to your list. A local friend also tells me another branch of Estilo Campo is found in the suburbs out near San Isidro.
-Uncle Otto
OttoGraham
11-13-03, 20:03
Updates on my old favorites
On my recent long-weekend trip, I ate at a number of restaurants which I have already described in this thread. Since I do believe in repeating a good thing, this was an easy decision for me to make.
El Mirasol with three different locations in town, is an excellent parrilla with good service and decent prices. I had a luncheon for 5, which consisted mostly of appetizers shared amongst us (empanadas - meat pies; provoletas - grilled cheese; sausages; salads; desserts; and a couple bottles of good chardonnay). Total - about 200 pesos.
Le Sud, located in the Sofitel in the 800 block of Arroyo. Elegant French dining, with a varied menu and an excellent wine list of moderately-priced and higher priced wines (try the 2000 Zapata Chardonnay for 90 pesos, one of the best chardonnays I have had!). Appetizers, entrees, and desserts for four, with coffee and 2 bottles of the aforementioned Zapata - 400 pesos plus a tip.
Piegari, which is actually two separate restaurants located across from each other on Posadas, intersection with 9 de Julio. Lunch in the parrilla for 2 - 70 pesos. Light lunch in the Italian restaurant for 3, about 100. I think the Italian branch is getting overpriced for Buenos Aires. The prices were the same as I would pay in the U.S. for a similar meal. Not bad (in fact, the homemade pastas are excellent!) or expensive, but as a relative value for this town, a bit pricey.
1880, another parrilla found at 1665 Defensa, in the San Telmo neighborhood. This is the best value-for-money restaurant I know in BsAs. Good parrilla food, good service, decent low-end wines which are very inexpensive and drinkable. Dinner for 7 of us, including several courses, lots of desserts, many bottles of beer and wine - a whopping 192 pesos plus a 40 peso tip. Highly, highly recommended!
A note about tipping
Some friends think I tip waiters in BsAs too much. However, I am the kind of customer who likes to be doted upon, and am constantly sending my servers back to the kitchen to fetch another small plate of some morsels. I frequently ask them to make recommendations, and chat it up with them as much as my poor Spanish allows. Given all this, I don't think I am being overgenerous when I tip 20 or 25%.
The waiters work hard, I appreciate their business, and as I found both at Estilo Campo and 1880 - if you are a generous, friendly Gringo, the waiters WILL remember you the next time you visit and they will treat you very well. Being a waiter in BsAs is pretty much a permanent, full-time job, so these fellows (and occasional ladies) will work there for a long time, unlike most restaurants in the U.S., where there is a lot of turnover.
I like living it up, and this is one of the ways I enjoy doing so! :D
Bon Appetit!
-Uncle Otto
Uncle Otto,
I absolutely second on your opinion that Piegari is overpriced (and the quality not up to the prices asked).
right across the street, also in the restaurant complex under the highway extension of 9 de Julio, is another italian restaurant, (I think) Sorrento. I was in both (Sorrento and Piegari) within a few days, with the same lovely lady.
We both agreed, that the quality of our food was significantly better in Sorrento, at a significanty lower price (As far as I remember, $250 vs. 400 for 2 full, 3 course meals plus wine).
In Piegari, we had the impression that the restaurant is patronized by a special, yuppyish sort of people - and this group all over the world goes to the expensive places, not necessarily the good ones.
El Aleman
OttoGraham
11-14-03, 15:08
Hey, ElAleman, I don't think Piegari is bad - just the opposite. The home made pastas which I and my companions had for lunch were excellent. (My personal favorite were the home made "sorrentinos," a kind of ham-stuffed ravioli in cream sauce.) And the prices were the same as I would pay for pasta at an Italian place at home, or even a hair less. My point was just that for Buenos Aires, it seems the prices here have gone beyond what the competition charges. Please don't let my comments dissuade anybody from eating there, as I like this place very much. It's just not the bargain that, say, 1880 is. But thanks for the tip on Sorrento, I shall have to try it my next time in town.
-Uncle Otto
Uncle Otto,
The last thing I want to do is discourage you to further comment on Bs.As. fine eating places. I ow your tips MANY tasteful hours - and that I tried Piegari was due to your recommendation. Btw. Piegari is good.
I was just adding some recent experience (Sept. this year) about 2 restaurants very close together, and had the impression that the other one was better, certainly as far as the price / return ratio is concerned.
And, as you observe, prices at Pieagari are about the same as you would pay in the U.S (or I would pay in Europe), and that is certainly too much.
Tip to you, as mentioned in a previous post: the new La Cabaña is open. It is located in Av. Rodríguez Peña, between Posadas and Alvear, on the left side when coming from Posadas. Try it.
El Aleman
EZE_Amante
11-16-03, 05:33
Otto,
Do you know if 1880 is open Sunday's, say for late lunch? I planned on ending one of Rox's tours there at the market, and I'd like to take the ladies there if it is open.
EZE
Hi, Guys:
I tried the other night a restaurant with some friends and I can highly recommend it. It's located in Palermo Hollywood on Gorriti 5099, corner of Thames street. It's a restaurant, bar and terraza and the good thing is that they put on, different shows. When I was there, they had a very good jazz group with a great young singer, I was there with a friend who is an addict to the music and he was surprised for the quality of the group. We were more surprised when we ordered the food and it was simply great, really I didn't expect that level there. Good wines also, of course, we are in Argentina!!! The restaurant is beautiful and full with people and it's a good idea to start visiting other areas than Puerto Madero, Recoleta and San Telmo. Palermo is a restorted neighbourhood, full of bars, restaurants and design stores and it's easy to get there for the local taxi drivers. The name of the restaurant is SPLENDID and you need to make reservations at: 4833 4477/ 4833 3535.
Bon apetit, Roxana.
Thanks Roxana. :)
Moondog
MeGustaBoliches
11-16-03, 21:56
EZE, I am not Otto, but I know the answer to your question...Of course 1880 is open on Sunday afternoon....but you will need a reservation. The place is full of locals with families on Sundays....children, grandparents,etc. laughing and enjoying life! I love 1880 on Sunday...I feel completly immersed in the culture.....
Micky Mouse & I, plus Carolina decovered the best Restruant in Argentina --- Its called La Brigada --- Phone number 4361-5557 --- Its absoultely outstanding --- You´ve got to try it --- Exon
La Brigada
I'm always up for taking advantage of the fine dining in BA. Tell us more about your experience at La Brigada and why you think it's the best.
OttoGraham
11-20-03, 18:33
La Brigada
One of a chain of three steakhouses, I ate at the one located in Palermo. Excellent all-around introduction to the traditional Argentine parrilla. Steaks, wines, salads, a special favorite I've not found anywhere else was a "provoleta" (grilled cheese round), but this one was made of goat's cheese.
Dinner for seven, including several courses, several bottles of excellent Malbec and decent Chandon sparkling wine, as well as dessert, came to a reasonable 500 pesos.
Brigada; La (Parrilla) Estados Unidos 465 4361-5557 (San Telmo branch)
Brigada; La (Parrilla) Av. Entre Rios 678 4381-0205 (Palermo branch).
-Uncle Otto
The above is a copy of my post from last June!
Mickey Mouse
11-20-03, 18:49
La Brigada,
The desserts are a specialty also. I had the pears cooked in a Red Wine sauce that were Out of this World. I have never had anything like it before and probably never will again. Highly Recommended!
Its a must try experience --- Micky Mouse and I are going back tonight
I've been to this tenedor libre today and found it has a great selection of meats, fishes and pastas, on top of excellent cold dishes and desserts. The place is super-clean and nicely decorated in estancia style, and I really recommend it. Just few steps off the green-line subway at Puerreydon and Santa Fe. $10 everyday, a bit more on weekends.
I also want to give my own defense about the superior logic that there is in dining frugally in BsAs, even when in company of a fine chica.
First of all, when going to a good place like the above mentioned, the quality and selection is really the same than the one in any other restaurant. Consider that the Argentinean cousine is not built on sophisticated dishes but rather of robust servings made of first-class ingredients. So a free buffet and parrilla comes out naturally enjoyable as opposed to, e.g., Italian cousine that has hundrends of first and main dishes that must be individually prepared just to taste right and poorly matches the buffet presentation.
Second, believe it or not, you're hardly impressing anyone (except yourself maybe) just by dining in an expensive restaurant. That gringos have money and (some have) sophisticated tastes, is already a given for the chicas here. And expecially to the eyes of the ones that comes from the poorest areas, any money spent on superfluous things like luxury foods, is really wasted. Expecially because you´re eating it, rather than potentially giving to her. Many times it happened to me that mentioning the price of something, I was be told by the girl how she know where to get the same for less. Because their culture and common sense, be willing to save a little will gain you more respect than a tendency to dissipate money. And I think that makes a lot of sense, as you will be able to decide later how to spend the savings, with repeats, side-trips or whatever.
Stoly, you make an excellent point here and I want to strongly second it. You are absolutely right.
For all of the big spending, heavy tipping people: What kind of message do you think you are sending when you negotiate a woman down to $100ar short time or $300arTLN and then proceed to take her out and blow $100-$200ar on food and drink? It is a slap in the face. When you tip the bartender $5 or $10ar for a bar tab of $30-$100ar, what do you think you are doing to her expectations of the tip SHE deserves? What did the bartender do for you that the clerk at McDonald's doesn't do? I usually don't tip bartenders at all. My current favorita(a 22YO Paraguayan) doesn't let me tip over 5% in a restaurant. But I once paid her over $1400ar for an AWFUL LOT of time in one week, all in bed.
Many of these women have trouble affording $500ar/mo for an apartment. If she was from the class of people that could afford luxury, she generally wouldn't be doing this. She would be trying to charge someone their monthly paycheck like the other women in that class, through marriage.
I believe you will have your greatest success if you can make the women feel that you are making a little stretch to pay them, and that they are making more doing this than they could possibly make any other way. If they feel it is a lot of money for you, it will feel like more to them.
I met some of the internet girls that cater to Americans for the first time after the Thanksgiving dinner. You can easily see a difference in their attitude. That may be why I have yet to take a woman from Madaho's, and no longer go to Black.
By the way, if you insist on doing this, spend a LOT. Then the woman will just think you are crazy and it won't affect the market as much. The people who affect the market most are the ones who insist on paying 20%-50% more.
Guys, I've been trying to get the name of a restaurant that I went to in '98 for the longest time and finally I got it from a local Argentinian businessman I met here in the states recently. The place is called La Caballeriza and if memory serves me it's near the old Hipodromo. The place literally used to be a stable and now there are actually dinner tables in each of the former stalls and there are beautiful floral arrangements everywhere and the wine list is superb, literally hundreds of wines to chose from. I remember the food being top notch as well as the clientele but the check won't set you back at all. I highly recommend this place for something a little different with great food and ambience. DownBA
OttoGraham
12-01-03, 15:47
La Caballeriza is a chain parrilla, with the converted-stable motif. There is one in Village Recoleta beneath Hooters and next door to McDonalds. I've eaten there, and think it is OK. However, I think it is not quite up to the standards for steakhouses set by El Mirasol, Estilo Campo, or La Brigada, all of which are reviewed here also.
-Uncle Otto
Otto, my local Argentinian friends also recommended "Casa de la papa frita" which they claim is now almost 80 years old and not only has the best french fries in BA but also some of the best bife de churrasco. I forgot where they said it was but I believe it's not far from el Microcentro but you can't hold me to that.
Otto, are you in BA now or are you going to be there sometime this week? I arrive Wednesday morning, if you're going to be around perhaps we'll share a bottle of fine Malbec and a nice parillada, what do you say? DownBA
Member #4211
12-02-03, 12:43
El Palacio de la Papa Frita
Corrientes Av between Montevideo St and Rodriguez Peña St
Their "papas souffle" are really good.
On my last day of mongering in BA in late October, I wanted to finally try a Puerto Madera restaurant in between visiting chicas. Given the bewildering array of choices (this time I mean the restaurants, and not the chicas :) ), I decided to simply take my chances and ask a taxi driver to drop me off at Puerto Madera. I walked back and forth a number of times and finally went inside what turned out to be a wonderful restaurant.
Reading the previous posts on this section, and referring back to the brochure I was given when there, I now realized that this restaurant was the previously mentioned "Sorrento". It is a chain of three restaurants (Sorrento City, Sorrento Puerto, and Sorrento Recova). For 48 pesos, their most expensive "priced fixed" lunch menu was a tastefully presented 4 course meal with a choice of three well prepared appetizers, a salad, a choice of four main dishes (two meat dishes, 1 fish, and 1 pasta dish), and a choice of three deserts. It even included half a bottle of one of their better Malbecs or Chardonnays!
It was late for lunch (about 3:45), and the restaurant was almost empty. The waiter, a very well mannered gentleman in his 50's, stopped by my table at the end and we had a half-hour long conversation! Great service, and what a bargain for only 17USD!
James D 2004
12-04-03, 21:44
Lexton and Stoly, I already discussed the same principle on hotels. In other words, a US$100 suite is impressive but if the girls who come up only worth 100 peso, she may be impressed but what´s the point to impress her? Swallowing some 50 peso worth of food and service with you isn´t a pleasant thought for her.
By the way, don´t you know that given the choice, girls don´t like to dine. That´s almost universal. For some young girls who never saw the best resturants in town they may be interested. Girls with some brains eat very carefully to stay in the business as long as possible. I had a Thai girl and let her pick where to eat. She´s totally uninterested. For most of the day I only saw her only had a glass of water. Most hostess don´t like to drink. If you don´t force them, they only sip a mouth out of every drink. Madahos included. The only exception is the Brazilian girl in Black, who´s into heavy spirits.
SOME RESTAURANTS chosen by my chica in ba where middle class trendy people go which I went to last week include:
LOMO, Costa Rica 4661, Palermo telefono 4833 3200 This is a trendy place that looks like high design out of SoHo in New York City. Models and TV people go here. THE food is primarly meat: cow, lamb, wild game. main dishes are generally US$4 to US$6. This place has the best food that I've had in BA---elegant!!
POLO is near the Polo fields by the border between palermo and belgrano in las canitas. very, very good steak house with better prices than recoleta or puerto madero. There are no tourists here and no millionaires--upper middle class people with good taste. our waiter got another guy to help me with the menue who spoke sufficient english to get the job done with no misunderstanding and a great meal resulted. I tried different Argentine cuts of beef than the standard lomo or ojo de bief or biftec de chorizo.
ROSA NEGRO, San Isidro, just past San Vicente, is in an wealthy enclave 30 minutes from Recoleta by car. There is an English and spanish menu. The waiter spoke good English. Elegant decoration and great food. Many different styles of dishes including fish with different local sauces.
This was my third trip to BA in 18 months. I'm getting outside of the tourist zones and just beginning the scratch the surface as to what makes BA a great world class city and why it's inhabitants are so proud of their city.
POLO is actually:
La Fonda del POLO
Baez 301 c/o Arevalo
Las Canitas Palermo
4772 8946
It is located just below the polo stadium
MeGustaBoliches
12-08-03, 18:27
here is a new restaurant for our list....highly reccommended
LaCorte.Arevalo 2977. las canitas....a trendy neighborhood in Palermo, near the Polo fields....tel 4775-0909.
Extensive wine list....appetizers including duck and langostinos are outstanding....my friend had a carne dish made of very thin strips of meat served in a swirl....I had a flat green pasta and clam sauce.....The menu is not long, but every thing is fresh and the presentation is outstanding...great place to impress chicas ......
MeGustaBoliches
12-12-03, 17:14
Tequila, Costanera Norte...a dinner and dance club is a great experience....lots of 20 and 30 something Argentinos out for a night on the town...go early..11 or so...if you want to get in, especially on Wed or the weekends....Some stunning women wandered in the evening I was there....models, tv personalities, etc....food and drink are very reasonable, and you will be the only gringo in the place....
Amantelondres
12-17-03, 20:07
Was in BA last month and here's my report on my other faforite hobby!
Le Sud (Sofitel Hotel): This hotel is fairly new (within last 12 months) and Le Sud is one of the top restaurants in BA. We had a terriffic meal, excellent service, good size portions and fab. wine and a great place to take a chica. I went with an old GF. The bill came to 160 pesos.Compared to most reports on this site it is expensive but in Europe you'd pay around $us 160. What made it a super evening was that on the last friday of the month all the art galleries in that street (Arroyo, just off 9 de Julio and 5 minutes from Recoleta in a cab) have an open evening with music, drinks and a great street party atmosphere. Worth keeping an eye out and make a booking for friday 26th December.
La Bourgogne (Alvear Hotel) Rated as the top restaurant in BA. A bit more stuffy than the Sofitel but a really excellent meal. Price again 200 to 250 pesos. Quite a few well known people (eg film stars...I was wearing dark glasses!) so your chica would be quite impressed.
La Cabana in Rodriguez Pena 1967, tel 4814 0001, near Recoleta. The old La Cabana in Entre Rios closed down many years ago, was very famous and was THE place to go for bifes. The new one is a lot smarter and appropriately priced and now owned by Orient Express Company of London. It has kept some of the famous items from the old menu, for example their Baby Bifes two sizes 450gr. at 38 pesos and 1100gr. at 72 pesos!! The latter they suggest is para compartir (to share)...they must be crazy! i wouldn't share mine with anyone !!!!The younger chicas won't remember the old La Cabana but a more mature chica may. Again, pricey but an experience not to be missed.
Moving on to more reasonable priced places, not to say that the above 3 are not reasonable. They are very reasonable.
El Kozako Junin 1460, tel 4804 3527. Russian, Ukranian,Polish,and Slav cuisine. Opened last month. Very good food and an interesting alternative from the normal restaurant scene. Music at weekends and worth visiting. Price 100 pesos for two.
La Cabrera (Cabrera 5099 corner Thames St) in Palermo Viejo. A busy restaurant...must book...and specialising in meat. Start with a chorizo...fab. Very close to Splendid already reported on on this site which I also visited on my previous trip and also great.
Spirit (Serrano 1550, 4833 5331) Tapas and Oyster Bar. The oysters were big. It's a busy place in a busy area. If oysters are supposed to be an aphrodisiac.....well, I had 12 and am ashamed to say that only 10 worked!! 120 pesos for 2.
Circulo Av. Libertator 15731 in San Isidro. Quite an "in"place. Nice people, excellent food, not too big, intimate.
Piegari. Already reported on here. I like it. It's got a buzz. Good size portions. Service not as good as in April.
Finally, Gran Bar Danzon. www.granbardanzon.com.ar This is on Libertad between Arenales and Santa Fe. A very cool place. Great Bar, fantastic wines, super dining, a very good Sushi bar at one end of a very long bar, and open till 2.3 or 4 in the morning depending on how busy they are. It is super-cool and your chica will love it. See Roxana's section....she knows it and she certainly knows what's what and who's who in BA....hey R. we must meet up next time. I'm just soooooooo pissed off that I only discovered it on this trip as I live just one block away when I'm in BA.
Well, that's it for now. I can recommend all the above to you. Happy Christmas!
One Tree Hill
12-21-03, 07:43
Pte Madero:
La Bifsteak
Very nice place along the water. Lots of locals celebrating birthdays etc. This place has grilled meat and homemade pastas and lots of buffet items.
I went with my friend and our 2 chicas on a Sat night very late at like 1130PM.
I dont know if they have a regular menu or what. There is a large buffet with everything one could want: Salads, Cheeses, Fruits, hot items, Veggies, dessert etc.
Then you go to the grill area and they have the normal meats on the parilla. They also will make pasta to order.
The four of us had full meals - desserts from the menu, a bottle of wine for the chicas and 4 beers for the guys. Total bill was 120 pesos! About $10 USD each. I expected it to be about double that.
Very classy inside, the chicas liked it and the cost was great. I reccommed it. Good value.
One Tree Hill,
Correction - The place is called 'La Bisteca'
Happy New Year to all,
My novia and I tried a jazz bar and restaurant that Roxana had recomended and as usual it was wonderful. The name of the place is Uno y MeDIO, Suipacha 1025, BsAs, phone 4313-0255.
The show started at 9:00 pm and was 5 or 10 pesos per person and included a glass of wine. It was a trio that played somewhat progressive jazz, but nothing too far out and was a very good show. They played for about 90 mins and was well worth the money and time. It is interesting hearing other musicians play a uniquely American style of music and I really enoyed it. It is a small venue, about 30-50 chairs or so.
We decided to dine at the restaurant and it was good as well, nothing off the charts, but a good meal at at reasonable price and the service was good. I had a pork dish that was well prepared and we shared an appitizer of cold cuts and cheeses.
Roxana constanly amazes me with her knowledge of this great town and I have yet to go wrong with one of her recommendations. This is no different. If you want to try something off the beaten path, I would give it a whirl, it was a fun evening!
OttoGraham
01-23-04, 17:08
Posta Recoleta
In the center of Recoleta Restaurant Row, just a few doors down from New Port Pub and the corner of Vicente Lopez and Junin, Posta Recoleta is a parrilla that is notable for its fire with rotating racks of lamb and pork aligned vertically in the front window. It has a brick interior.
I had a good lunch here this week, terrific sweetbreads and an excellent steak (called a t-bone on the menu, but in U.S. terms I think it would be called a porterhouse). The filet mignon side was butter tender unlike many Argentine filets, and the sirloin side was of course tougher but just as flavorful. Salad and a drink, I think it came to 55 pesos.
Recommended.
-Uncle Otto
OttoGraham
01-23-04, 17:13
Gran Bar Danzon
I will second Amantelondres' recommendation of this combination bar/restaurant. It's on Libertad between Santa Fe and Arenales. It is upstairs through a very non-descript door which you may miss unless you know exactly where you are going.
It was packed to the gills on a Wednesday night with all the beautiful people of BsAs. In fact, I think the ratio was 2 ladies for every gentlemen, skewing to a 30ish crowd. NOT a mongering joint, but if you are a suave and handsome as I am, you might just get lucky! :D
It is loud, and is arranged in what the mood is an industrial space.
I had an excellent sushi combination, my companions an excellent rack of lamb and a tenderloin in phyllo dough in a manner reminiscent of Beef Wellington. With 3 or 4 glasses of wine mixed in, the tab came to about 120 pesos for the three of us. We all thought our dishes were excellent.
Recommended for a high-energy dinner, but beware that it is too loud for a romantic evening. You should make reservations.
-Uncle Otto
OttoGraham
01-23-04, 22:16
Sucre
Sucre is located in Belgrano Chico, address is Sucre 646, tel. 4782-9082.
Run by the same company as the also-reviewed Gran Bar Danzon, Sucre is a contemporary Argentine restaurant. Like its sister it has an industrial motif with exposed catwalks and ventilation shafts.
I had an excellent risotto, my companions beef dishes different from the common "parrilla-style" grilled steaks. Though we did not try them, the fish dishes I saw at the neighboring table appeared to be quite tasty as well. Our dinners were paired with a bottle of wine and two courses of appetizers, totalling 190 pesos.
Highly recommended, especially for those who want to get out of the Centro/Recoleta dining scene.
-Uncle Otto
OttoGraham
01-23-04, 22:25
Estilo Campo and El Mirasol
I have previously reviewed these restaurants at length in this thread. These restaurants are two of the best parrillas in Buenos Aires.
During this week I dined at each of them again. New for me at Estilo Campo were some outstanding pork chops. The only down side was that, unfortunately, the tomato salad was not up to par. Indeed, everywhere I went during recent days suggests that good, ripe tomatoes are hard to find in the Argentine summer. Everything else in Estilo Campo (Puerto Madero, address is Avenida de Justo 1840, tel. 4312-4546) was superb.
El Mirasol has three branches in BsAs. As per my usual I dined at the Recova branch, which is at the intersection of 9 de Julio and Posadas (tel. 4326-7322). Terrific.
Each place ran in the vicinity of 50-60 pesos per person for a multi-course dinner with wine. Both places are ideal introductions to upscale Argentine steakhouses.
-Uncle Otto
OttoGraham
01-23-04, 22:30
Sorrento
At the recommendation of my friend Sexplorer I had lunch at the Recova (intersection of 9 de Julio and Posadas, opposite the oft-reviewed El Mirasol and Piegari) branch of this restaurant (it has three branches in town, including another at Puerto Madero).
I had a salmon carpaccio which while presented wonderfully, was surprisingly flavorless. I followed this with ham sorrentinos (rather like ravioli in a cream sauce). I think these were inferior to the exact dish which I have enjoyed across the street at Piegari.
I think my mistake in this dinner was that I did not follow Sexplorer's recommendation to have the prix fixe meal. Fish is also a big specialty, but beyond the carpaccio I did not have a chance to try it.
Overall grade: Incomplete. I will try it again, and will focus on the house specialty of fish.
-Uncle Otto
Member #3430
02-26-04, 22:05
Hey guys
I´d like to cast my vote for the BSBA (Best steak in BsAs), hoping that someone can outdo me and come up with a better one.
I´ve been to most of the restaurants and parillas mentioned here, and for sure some are very good, but I want to find the BEST!
So far, after some research, my vote goes to....
(the envelope, please......)
Cabana las Lilas, in Puerto Madero
They raise their own beef on a farm up north, and they are GOOD!
It is the first place I have found an American-cut T Bone, and when I asked for it rare it came out RARE!
If anyone thinks they know a better place (or even as good), let´s go find out!
David
Otto & Dave-
Thanks for the reviews. Will return the favor next week.
LA LARRY
Capt Dave --- Mickey Mouse and I discovered a place called La Brigada at Pena 2475, their phone number is 4800-1110/1284 --- It was recomended to me by an Argentine couple who learned of it threw a British Airlines pilot --- Moreover Otto Graham likes it --- And if Otto like it you know its good --- Exon
OttoGraham
02-27-04, 18:28
Exon, I'm thinking about a suggestion that our next Tuesday night AMA meeting (March 2) dinner be at that exact restaurant. You're right, we had a terrific group dinner there last year. What do you fellows think?
-Uncle Otto
Member #4211
02-27-04, 19:44
Otto:
Depends on what kind of food and what time to go.
I would recommend:
- For Italian food, La Parolaccia in Belgrano (Libertador Ave. and Sucre St). Somewhat close to Nuevo Estilo. Very good Italian food, moderate prices (ar$50 each).
- For Spaniard food, El Imperial or El Globo (H Yrigoyen St and Salta St), at the hearth of the Spaniard community cultural center. Both restaurants are superb, moderately priced (unless you ask for seafood, which is expensive now in BA since much of it comes from Chile). El Globo serves an awesome puchero (Spaniard style boiled meat with vegetables) and El Imperial has very good paellas of chicken (ar$50 each, ar$70 with seafood).
- Syrian-Libanese food at the Restaurante del Club Sirio-Libanés, located at Ayacucho St and Pacheco de Melo St, 5 blocks from the meeting place). Very affordable for the quelity of the food (ar$30-40 each).
La Brigada at Peña is good for small groups. For 15+ people, becomes a little stretchy.
I have other recommendations, such as Vietnamese food ("Sudestada" in Palermo Hollywood). Let me know.
Hope this helps.
Andres
Otto --- Andres may be right --- We might wait and see how many mongers show up at the AMA meeting Tuesday night and then decide --- There is an upstairs dinning room which might accomadate us all --- One thing for sure is Im planning on dinner with you Tuesday, but remember Murphys Law as Im flying standby --- Hopefully I'll be in country on the ground in B.A. Tuesday morning --- Exon
Mickey Mouse
02-28-04, 08:46
Murphy's Law won't pose a major problem inbound, but ....... good luck on the outbound! From personal experience in January, I ended up buying a 1st class r/t out of BA on aerosargentina (sp) in order to get home and then got a refund for the return 1 week later. My 1st class ticket/1 way to JFK only ended up costing me 1.1k after the return refund (still waiting for that refund). BTW, AA was looking good for standby 1 week prior.
As it turned out, I could have been stuck (funny choice of words)for at least another 4-5 days.
FYI,
MM
Mickey Mouse
02-28-04, 08:50
La Brigada,
The upstairs dining room can hold @ 30 (imho) and I don't think a tuesday will pose a problem upstairs or down. Make sure you control the wine selection and yes, they have Beefeater! A great choice!
MM
OttoGraham
03-03-04, 22:54
SPIRIT
Found a good tapas bar in Palermo Hollywood area. Just a short 6 peso cab ride from Monger Central in Recoleta.
The setting is just off the square in Palermo Hollywood, plenty of people watching to be done in this cafe-type building with large sliding doors open for the glorious September weather here.
House specialty is seafood. Had a 12-item tapas serving, included a couple of quiches, some mussels, graved salmon, spinach fritters, crab and egg loaf. Diverse tastes, some of them were a bit too exotic for my dining companion Exon123. However we agreed the location was agreeable and the waitress (a yoga instructor earning a living as a waitress) was a hottie. Oh, she speaks English too. Uncle Otto has his wheels in motion on this one, heh heh heh..............
Glass of excellent chardonnay, three coffees, tapas which were more than enough to feed us two gordos, and a small dessert, totaled 69 pesos. Left an 11 peso tip and my phone number. Have to run back now to my hotel to check the messages............. ;)
Address: Serrano 1550, Tel. 4833-4360
Bon Appetit,
Uncle Otto
Jaimito Cartero
03-04-04, 01:57
Otto - I'm not a real gourmand so I'm not familar with graved salmon?
You'd better watch out, I'm sure that Exon slipped her 20 pesos and HIS phone number. Especially if she's blonde.
For a group of hungry guys, this Tenedor Libre (all you can eat) is off the tourist track, on Corrientes about 4100-4200.
La Generosa is a buffet type of place with quality foods, from great seafood to parrillada. Prices vary from 14 ar pesos on weeks to 22 ar pesos on Sunday. All you can eat doesn't include the wine or beverages.
It is very easy to reach by Subte (Metro), station Medrano on Corrientes line.
Amantelondres
03-06-04, 14:15
A World City Rises Again (London Financial Times,6 March)
In a fairly upbeat article on BA, the following are mentioned:
1. ."...the immensely fashionable Palermo Viejo area which houses the exquisitely laid back Bar 6, supplier of the continent's best martinis" (Can't remember the street)
2.".....if you want a fusion of South American cuisine and European sensibility, try the Gran Bar Danzon, a favourite with BA's bright young things, its decor paying lip service to Manhattan chic." (Libertad, between Santa Fe and Arenales...previously reported on.)
There's more, but having been to the above two, I can recommend them both.
Salud !!
AMA Restaurantuers:
There is an ad for a restaurant named TUCSON located at Salguero 2741. It specializes in Babyback Ribs
Does anyone have experience with this place?
I´m interested in leading an expedition there next Friday (3/12/04) around 8PM.
Please give me a PM if you are interested in a rib feed.
Jackpot
Jackpot,
Tucson is a great restaurant, most notably because they serve authentic American food including a real hamburger with site-prepared cole slaw. I highly recommend it.
Jackson
OttoGraham
03-08-04, 19:09
Just pulled the following from this month's Travel and Leisure magazine:
O has a sophisticated, Latin-Mediterranean menu with a healthy dose of seafood and local specialties: crab bruschetta, salmon with prawns, even plum soup for dessert. The arrival of three young chefs is a great addition to the neighborhood.
1626 Thames, 4833-6991.
Sounds yummy. Anybody want to provide a first-hand report?
-Uncle Otto
One Tree Hill
03-12-04, 20:39
Cheap Eats!
Tenador Libre
477 Suipacha (at Lavalle)
Restaurant Chino - 80 items including parilla.
Not a fancy place. Parilla as the norm, salad bar, hot bar with chinese and other items (fries, mashed potatoes etc.)
Cheap and filling - 7.50 pesos for all.
I have eaten here 3 times now (April, November, March) and it is not bad for a heavy afternoon meal. Again, this is not a gourmet experience. But for the price is good for lunch (not with a chica who you want to impress).
Cheers!
One Tree Hill
03-17-04, 19:41
El Establo
Corner of San Martin and Paraguay in micro center.
Had a great meal last night with D Rock. We had Bife de lomo and bife de chorizo ´"El Establo" which is to say a plate complete.
We each had full cuts of meat cooked very well - at least 24-30 oz of bife. Served with home style potatoes, green bean and carroots sauteed, and a fried egg of all things and a large thick slice of bacon - almost english rasher like.
Each plato completo was 23 pesos. Added a nice bottle of vino tinto - Valmont - for 18 pesos. Afterwards free aperatif de maison which is a lemon liquor, very sweet.
Definately recommended.
OTH
MeGustaBoliches
03-18-04, 11:35
One,
El Establo is one of my favorite downtown restaurants. If you are there in the evening, look around. Some of the women sitting at other tables are pros from nearby boliches. It is one of their favorites as well.
One Tree Hill
03-18-04, 19:23
MeGusta,
Very interesting. I will look a bit closer next time. My apt is only about 5 doors down San Martin!
Funny thing is that apparantly Dickhead was in there about the same time as D Rock and I and I did not know it!
Will eat there again fo sure.
JustGotBack
03-23-04, 00:01
So I decide to check out El Establo last night. I guess any restaurant can have an off night. It took over an hour for my food to arrive after I ordered it. I would have thought they forgot except the waiter kept coming by to appologize. That would have been OK if it was worth the wait. It wasn´t. I got the Bife Chorizo El Establo. It is a lot of food. I order apunto, rare, I got well done to the point of it being dry and chewy. I wasn´t the only one to have problems. While I was waiting a table across from me sent their steak back and while I was leaving, I heard the guy at the table next to me complaining about his steak as well. I would have sent mine back, but I didn´t feel like waiting around for another hour.
The good news, it got me downtown and hence to Catto´s. Read my report on the 2004 Reports section.
JustGotBack
03-23-04, 16:55
I´d like to recommend Tenorio Parilla on restaurant row. It´s right next to the ice cream place on the corner by Affaire. I tend to eat there a lot. Mostly it was because one of the waitresses there was by far the hottest girl I´ve seen in BA. But unfortunately she doesn´t seem to work there anymore. But the food is still good. I had bife de lomo last night and it melted in my mouth. It´s not a super fancy place, but it works for me.
Dancesw/Chicas
03-23-04, 23:16
Just got back,
Have you ever tried the restaurant "Pepe Lomo" next to
Tenorio?
Last year they had this hostess "Eliana"....Very, very sexy
girl. Of course, I made an attempt but she was reluctant
to talk anything besides the job related chat.
I thought she figured me out dinning alone, foreign,
in Recoleta etc...
The Tenorio you mentioned, I remember reading about the
hostess "Paola" who speaks swedish bla bla...
Is that the one you are talking about?
DWC
JustGotBack
03-24-04, 00:53
I´ve actually eaten at every single restaurant row restaurant. For the most part, they are quite good. Paola still works at Tenorio. I saw her just last night. She is definitely fine. I don't know if she speaks spanish though. You should see her dance. Mesmerizing.
No my hot waitress was blond and looked like a european supermodel. Paola looks like a latina supermodel.
I actually got to know one of the hostesses on the row during one trip. We emailed until my next trip and we arranged to get together. But she happened to see me walking with one of the Chicas back to the hotel the night before our date. Never heard from her again. LESSON - NEVER WALK BACK TO YOUR HOTEL WITH A CHICA!!!!!! Always take a cab.
Dancesw/Chicas
03-24-04, 02:46
Just got back,
You are that guy!!! ha! I remember your post.
The hostess you were going to go out with....Is that the one
from Pepe Lomo? Where did she work?
DWC
JustGotBack
03-26-04, 00:40
Bad restraurant review. El Parrion de Recoleta. It's the very last place on the row before you hit Village Recoleta. I can't believe I've eaten her so much. I always forget I sweared never to come here again until after I get my food. It's not that it's horrible. It's just that the quality and portions of the food is a step below the others on the row while it's prices are a step higher. Not worth it. The service, while competent, is unfriendly. They're doing a job and you know it. The tip not included statement on the receipt in various languages is another tip off. A restaurant that has good service doesn't need to ask for a tip. They'll know they'll get one.
No need to come here since better places are literally feet away.
For bife chorizo, I'd recommend La Farola on Santa Fe and Callao. For hot pastries straight out of the oven, my choice is Mr. Luna on Arenales 1679. For pizzas, I liked Pizzeria Babieca on Santa Fe and Riobamba (across the street from Towers Records).
If you want a break from all that meat, I would recommend the Morizono sushi restaurant on Reconquista and Paraguay by Plaza San Martin. Very decent sushi, sashimi and tempura.
MeGustaBoliches
03-31-04, 13:13
Justgotback,
Sorry you had a bad steak at El Establo. I have been there many times and never had a problem. I guess you are right, any restaurant can have an off night....but I feel badly for recommending a place that does not deliver!
While it should not have resulted in a well done steak (bien hecho), "a punto" is medium rather than rare. Try "poco cocido" or "jugoso" for rare.
Thanks to everyone who has given feedback regarding places to eat. It is obvious that you all share the same belief that good food is almost as good as good women. I said almost!
The two do go hand and hand don't they?
I am staying at the Dohlmen, and although I like to venture out to find great dining adventures, I usually tend to frequent the good places that are nearby. Any recommendations for steak, price is not a concern, although I am a big fan of getting a good value? Also, how do you order your steak medium-well?
One of my employees, who happens to have been born in Buenos Aires, has been telling me about the amazing empanadas her Father used to make. Where can I find the best?
I am also a huge lover of gnocchi. It was interesting to discover how the delicious potato pasta that my Grandmother used to make for me when I was a child, also has a different meaning in Argentinian culture. Where can I get the good stuff?
I am sure you all have your own opinions, and thanks in advance for sharing them!
Johnny O
MeGustaBoliches
04-02-04, 13:57
Johnny,
I like my steak medium well also. A punto is medium. Bien hecho is well done. I usually ask for "entre a punto y bien hecho,sin rosada o sangre . " Between medium and well, no pink or blood. There is probably an easier way, but this has always worked for me.
1880 Parrilla (1600block of Defensa) in San Telmo is a great spot for a steak that is superb and one of the best values in town for the money.
Try your steak with a bottle of inexpensive wine (the waiters know what's best....Casona de Lopez Malbec or Cab works)...and a grilled provolone starter and one of the excellent sides, such as creamed spinich or mashed pumpkin squash....or just a simple mixed green salad tossed in oil.
This parrilla has been written about several times on wsg, originally by Unlcle Otto, I think.
Gnoccchi is available all over town at the end of the month, when, traditionally, people are reduced to eating this inexpensive pasta because they can no longer afford meat. Try Bella Italia on Arabe Siria for a good version made from Pumpkin rather than potato, or closer to your hotel, try the well known
Broccolino, Esmeralda and Cordoba.
One Tree Hill
04-03-04, 01:27
JustGotBack,
wow cant believe El Establo was that bad. I ate there 3 times and my buddy 4 on our trip which ended 3/23. After all we lived about 5 doors down.
I had both the bife chorizo and lomo "El Establo" style. Each was perfect - probably the best Ive had in BA.
I even took L Duke there one night and he thought it was great.
As you say - night to night can vary.
As for Tenorio in Recoleta. Ate there twice. Had Bife de lomo brochette once and brochette of chicken (pollo) once. It was indeed very good and VERY plentiful. Large skewer of meat and onions, peppers and some kind of ham on it. Yes, Paula was there I believe. Flexible Horn had a thing for her (as we all do)! One good thing is there is usually good entertainment there.
OMG I miss it so!
JustGotBack
04-04-04, 17:46
MeGustaBoliches, thanks for the tip on rare. I always thought it was a punto. That explains a lot. When I say a punto, sometimes I get it medium rare and sometimes it comes medium. I got to get a English to Spanish dictionary. I like my steak squishy in the middle.
Ferolga777
04-09-04, 15:51
JustGotBack,
If the only reason why you would spend your hard earned dollars on a dictionary is to be able to order your steaks rare then let me save you a couple of bucks:
I want my steak rare.
Quiero mi bife vuelta y vuelta.
cheerio,
ferolga
Ferolga and JGB,
I use "inglesa" as well as "veulta y vuelta" as there is an idea in SA that the all Englishmen eat beef rare.
TicToc
Another Wonderful Week!
Just returned from fourth trip in five months. Sorry I have not have had the pleasure of Tuesday mettings, but you all have been a true guiding light, including the gracious " El Jefe".
Reviews of eats. Tried Lomo in Palermo, Sunday afternoon instead of the I'm sure hopping Saturday night. Found food interesting, but menu somewhat limited, presentation very nice, and decor very Soho like. 7/8
Grand Bar Danzon. Very nice on a Saturday night held reservation for me one hour later., perhaps Hilton helped. Service very friendly, bar hopping, menu extensive, although I was a little confused when they asked how I wanted my pig cooked, like rare was OK? Again very Soho like, brick walls, lighting,even dinner DJ. Would rate high 8.
Last trip had birthday dinner with novia and guests at a restaurant near the other airport, not EZE. You litterally are on the water and can see the planes coming through. Tent like curtains on ceiling, very romantic and food was very above par! I feel like saying the name was Palermos or something with a P. I'm sure you all know it, but just wanted to share perhaps with others how nice it was for a special night.
Finally for my money the restaurants in Puerto Madero seem to have my attention . The steak to die for is Caban Las Lilas for a total meal high 9s. Also love the Sushi place next to the Freddo Ice cream, and tried Puerto Chrystal for a nice lamb something. For me the area offers you a choice of what you may be in the mood for and the walking after dinner is nice.
Master J
<B>Bite Me<B>
First in a Series of Reports of Fine Dining in the Paris of South America.
At Jackson's request I have decided to share what I've learned living these two years in BA.
Steak bores me. It's not that Argentina doesn't have outstanding beef. It does. But how many bifes de chorizo with french fries and lettuce and tomato salad can a man eat before he feels like he's trapped in a Sizzler's Steakhouse.
For a modest cab fare you can really see what this country has to offer.
The Gaucho Grill Cerviño 3732, tel: 4805-4643
Outstanding. Creative. Excellent Value.
The owner used to run a restaurant in the U.S. He speaks very good English. He's just revamped the menu so I do if some old favorites are still around, but things I've eaten there include warn duck salad with goat cheese, venison, rabbit stuffed with sun dried tomatos, mozzarella and pancetta, lamb chops as well as a mushroom reduction that was sublime. They also have an excellent if modest selection of wines. Break out of your old habits and try the sangiovese or bonardo varietals. Don't miss this place.
Added bonus, it's in the trendy neighborhood of Palermo chico and there are some working girls in apartments not far away.
<B>Bite Me<B>
Uncle Otto,
Had a business lunch at O a few weeks ago. Top notch, want to go back for dinner.
Jackpot,
Tuscon is not bad for ribs, it benefits by it's good location in town. The definitive location for U.S. style falling off the bone baby back ribs is Kansas. No the state but a U.S. style eatery in the province. Not to fear it's in the ritzy neighborhood called Accasuso. Ave. Libertador 15089, Acassuso. Tel: 4747-0606. Unlike other BA eateries you can start chowing down as early as 1930.
If any of you gentlemen are interested in some company for the sake of sharing a meal, good conversation, a few laughs and watching each other's back on those dark streets, I'd be happy to hear from any of you.
Happy hunting
[Email address deleted by Admin]
EDITOR's NOTE: Posting of this report was delayed pending removal of email addresses in the text. To avoid delays in future reports, please do not post email addresses in the Forum. Instead, please invite other Forum Members to contact you directly via the Forum's Private Messaging system. Thanks!
I had a fantastic meal Sunday afternoon at Lola´s in Recoleta. Many of you think this may be a bit of an expensive place but let me tell you what I got for 32 pesos. A glass of good champagne, a large bottle of water, a starter of veggies and mushrooms in fried phylo dough with a very interesting sauce, entre included bits of smoked salmon and a poached salmon filet that wrapped around an admixture of veggies and mushrooms all resting on a sauce to die for, the dessert was a coffee flan with amoretta sauce and chocolate sauce. The half bottle of chardonnay was an excellent tasty cold adult beverage to accompany such fine food fare for this foreigner. As a side bar they offer similar menus for the evening meal, however, the price jumps to 45 pesos if you include the beverages.
Jaimito Cartero
04-19-04, 01:20
On the recommendation of a AMA member, I tried out Yugo's Parrilla before I left this week. It's one block away from Jackson's apartment (away from Village Recoleta), on the same street as the school.
Very nice portions, one of the best Bife de Chorizos I had in BA. I think it was 450 grams, and cost 12 pesos. Not as fancy interior as some of the restaurant row places, but the food was so very good!
They no longer accept credit cards, so the mentioned 20% discount for cash no longer applies, but the pricing is so good it's still a steal.
I'm including a picture for some reason! (Thumb not included).
Wanderer1000
04-19-04, 03:11
JC -
I'm almost certain you're talking about the place next to the pool hall. The best beef I've had in B.A. I went again a few weeks ago -after having eaten at Mirasol about four days earlier. Much better than Mirasol - and as you said, incredibly cheap for the quality and the close location to Recoleta Village. I'd say the atmosphere is very authentic feeling - not touristy at all. More noisy and less fluff in the surroundings.
I told my friend to check it out when I couldn't go out with him one night, and the next day he was like "damn - that meat was great." It's on my definite visit list whenever I'm in town.
Hey Guys,
65 days and counting!!!
MRLA
Jaimito Cartero
04-19-04, 16:13
Jak,
Yes, exactly, next to the pool hall.
I also went to the Grant's Buffet (Tenedor Libre) after going to Jackson's for a failed Commedor tour. It was the best one I've ever been to in BA. 9 pesos for a great lunch during the week. Weekends and nights are a big more (11-12 pesos, I think).
This is the biggest selection and quality that I've seen. 10 different cheeses, great parrilla selection, pasta station and lots of good things.
Marta told me that there are bigger ones out in the burbs, but I obviously haven't been to them. :)
Jaimito Cartero
04-19-04, 22:17
Here's a picture of Yugos. You can read the phone number off the sign too if you want to call. I think they're normally open to midnight.
OttoGraham
04-29-04, 16:27
Any hot, new, can't miss eating houses that I must sample on my trip next week?
I can't wait to hit "O".
-Uncle Otto
OttoGraham
05-06-04, 13:48
"O" 1626 Thames, 4833-6991.
Excellent spot, highly recommended for its seafood. Not the cheapest eats in town, but one of the more sophisticated I've seen.
-Uncle Otto
OttoGraham
05-06-04, 13:52
Estilo Campo Moreau de Justo 1840 (Puerto Madero).
This place has the most mouth-watering pork chops I've ever had. Plus the grilled mollejas are to die for.
Excellent service, with a price somewhat below its pricier parrilla neighbor, Cabana Las Lilas (which is excellent too, just not quite as good a value for money).
Those of you who are regular readers of this board might be amused to know that the manager at Estilo Campo has a photograph of Exon123 posted discreetly behind the bar, with the caption "This Customer Is Barred From This Restaurant!!!" :p
-Uncle Otto
Jaimito Cartero
05-06-04, 18:00
Sounds like it's time for Exon to get a new disguise. Poor Exon.
Say it aint so --- Please --- Exon
OttoGraham
05-07-04, 16:24
ROFLMAO! That was called a joke, people! [Rimshot!]
:D :D :D :D
-Uncle Otto
P.S. The porkchops at Estilo Campo ARE deee-lish, though, that much is not a joke. ;)
Anyone know of any Indian restaurants in BsAs? Last time I was in town went to this joint on Cordoba that had fake indians and didn't even have nan bread or Aloo Ghobi. Also who has the best pizza? Los Maestros on Uriburu? seemed real good even with the olives on top. I am not a big meat eater and don't want to be stuck eating alfajores all day.
For pizza, try Pizza Piola. They have several locations, including one near Recoleta, although I can't remember the specific street.
Mike 12,
Try Pizzeria Babieca on Santa Fe & Riobamba (i think). It's across the street from Towers Records. They have a big selection of meatless pizzas. As i recall, they also vegetables-filled empanadas.
WW
Re: Pizza Piola
It is the best I have had in BA. They are at
Libertad 1078, near the corner of Libertad and Santa Fe. This is about a 15 minute walk from Recoleta or a very short cab ride.
Stormy
Thank you fellas for your advice. Will be trying them all no doubt. If anyone is in NYC try Pizza Suprema on 31st and 8th outside of Penn Station, for the last really good pizza joint in N.Y.
Here's two I really like. 1) "Sucre" in the 600 block of the street of the same name, on the even numbered side. An added bonus is that it is directly behind Nuevo Estilo. It also has a few strong Belgian beers such as Duvel. Try the salmon rosado. They have an extensive wine cellar, although that doesn't mean squat to a Dickhead. 2) Vasco Fermin in the 1300 block of Moreno, between Santiago del Estero and San Jose on the south side (even numbered). Try the arroz especial or the gambos (shrimp). Thanks for this one goes to my current favorita.
Here are a few places I ate at that I don't think have been mentioned before.
Bereber at Armenia 1880 (Armenia & Costa Rica) in Palermo, tel.4833-5662 has Moroccan cuisine. They are open from 1230-1630 on Saturday and Sunday with a smaller and less expensive version of their evening menu. They are open only at night Monday - Friday.
All of the following restaurants are located on street corners. They are nothing fancy, but I was satisfied with what I had at them.
La Posada de 1880 (or 1820, I can't remember) at Tucuman and San Martin is always packed at lunch time. They have an AR$9 fixed-price menu in addition to a regular menu.
L'Aiglon at Callao 98 (Callao & Mitre). You can get a decent bife de lomo for AR$9. I don't recommend a glass of the house red wine, but I'm sure there are others available.
Duero at Santa Fe 2499 (Santa Fe & Pueyrredon) is one of 4 restaurants in the Rios de Espana chain. The menu goes from pizza, pasta, sandwiches to bife de lomo. I think they are open 24 hours.
Tolon at Santa Fe 3200 (Santa Fe & Coronel Diaz) near Alto Palermo shopping, open 24 hours, has a couple of fixed-price menus, in addition to a few other items. One of the menus is AR$16. The other is less expensive. It has different items that the $16 menu and doesn't include something to drink.
Hi,
This is just a suggestion, so please don't take it the wrong way.
I appreciate the details in your report, but I know from experience that a lot of people find it easier to read a report if the paragraphs are separated by a single blank line.
I know how this happens: You're banging away at the keyboard, putting your thoughts into the report as fast as you can write them. However, if you could hit the return key TWICE at the end of each paragraph, your report would be much easier to read, which would certainly be appreciated by your fellow Forum Members.
Thanks,
Jackson
If you are a Dickhead and like to eat well cheaply, try Don Galìndez in Lavalle at Esmeralda. Try the No. 5: choripàn, hamburguesa, and a good sized beer for $4.50. The complete parrilla is good also. The morcilla looks deadly but is also good. A choripàn, morcilla, or hamburguesa by themselves are each $1.50. I have eaten there about 10 times and it is always good. Hamburguesa completa with ham, cheese, lettuce, and tomato, is $2.50. Avoid the bathroom.
Another good place that even non-Dickheads can enjoy is Plaza Asturrias in Avenida de Mayo at 1200 mas o menos on the odd side across from Bar Iberia. Try the goulash for 8 pesos. Free sherry before and free limoncello after. Free sardines and olives. Lots of good bread. Provecho.
Mickey Mouse
07-01-04, 21:22
This Dickhead in training has a long way to go, but Plaza Azturrias is a great choice for either lunch or dinner and also has the fringe benefit of a couple nice asses running about.
Even though it may be a bit pricey for some, Estilo Campo still has the Best Bife de Lomo in town with excellent service and a great selection of wine. Does anyone know why Exon's photo is on a "Wanted, Dead or Alive" poster behind the Bar?
Lastly, I had dinner with friends one night at Tucson's and I was not impressed. The company was exceptional, the food mediocre and the Service was the worst I have ever experienced in BA. No wonder why it was only half full at 11pm on a saturday night. Definitely Not Worth Any Pesos!
One Mouse's Opinion Only
I ate with Saint and others at the previously recommended "1880" (not "1800" as Saint posted) in Defensa 1665. I don't know how everyone else fared but I got the shits so bad, and terrible cramps, that I could barely leave my apartment for a day and a half. I had a chicken empanada (tasty), a salad (the likely culprit IMO), and merluza which was overdone. If the fish had been bad I would have puked so my guess is the salad.
A common problem is cutting up vegetables on the same cutting board that was previously used to cut meat. You need to use a bleach solution, 50-100 ppmm of chlorine, in between (and on the knife as well). Same goes if you cut up chicken and then make hamburger patties. That will give you salmonella burgers.
If anyone else got sick then it was the empanadas. I think we all had pretty much the same ones.
On a more positive note, I just had the lentejas at Madeleine's on Santa Fe near Callao and it was very tasty and had TONS of meat in it, both pork and some kinda pepperoni type stuff. Of course it was very salty but beer will ameliorate that problem. 8 pesos IIRC.
Member #3430
07-07-04, 04:05
Dear Sr. Mouse
Without quibbling about Estilo Campos Bife de Lomo, try the Bife de Costillo (sort of a large bone-in strip) next door at Cabana Las Lilas! Or the T bone, for that matter....
Both restaurants are EXCELLENT, but I think I like Las Lilas' steaks a little better.
David
Avoid La Cabaña. On Rodriguez Peña half a block up from Posadas.
Went there after Das Rhinegold at the Colon Tuesday night.
American investment has resurrected this faded beauty with a great new interior and impeccable service.
The good news stops there.
Prices are sky high.
Onion soup 12 pesos. Two lamb chops, little meat and a lot of fat 50 pesos.
Quality is mediocre at best. My companions lomo was flavorless and overcooked.
Dessert menu was uninspired. Wine list had a 200% mark up.
Mickey Mouse
07-09-04, 21:49
Capt Dave,
I have had the pleasure of dining at Las Lilas more than once and I agree that it is Top Notch. Hhhmmmm, Estilo Campo or Las Lilas, six of one or a half dozen of the other. Both are great so it just sounds like one's own personal preference.
Have fun on saturday, wish I was there,
The Mouse
OttoGraham
07-13-04, 14:36
And as for me, it's pork chops at Estilo Campo, lomo at Cabana las Lilas. Neither are cheap, probably on the price level of an Outback Steakhouse back home. Of course, Outback doesn't have food that good.
As for 1880, sorry to hear of your distress, DH. I have eaten there many times and have never had even a touch of indigestion. It is possible you may have gotten something from the salad, since no kitchen is perfect. But with the experience that I have at the place, I have no problems with the cleanliness of the kitchen, which you can inspect with your own eyes when you enter the restaurant.
-Uncle Otto
Dickhead,
I felt fine after that dinner but I did manage to get 1 of my worst colds of the year. At least i had 6 good nights before my nightmare flight home. Never fly with a bad cold.
Starfe
It was nice breaking bread with you Dickhead. Sorry to hear you got sick. It had to be the salad. I didn't get sick there and either did my other amigos. The food there was pretty good at 1880 but probably is similar to many other restaurants in that area. I'll be looking forward to trying some new places once I move there next month.
Saint
Highly recommended: Happening at Puerto Madero.
Steaks and fish, Puerto El Carbon at 636 Cordoba, near Florida- great, cheap Italian specials and casserole dishes, and Los Chilenos at 1024 Suipacha for outstanding fish dishes, one block from the triangle.
OttoGraham
07-19-04, 18:14
While I've never been there, I do know that our dear Roxana has also spoken well of Happening.
I think it is hard for a person to have a really bad meal in Puerto Madero; there are many good restaurants there, including three of my favorites, El Mirasol, Cabana Las Lilas, and Estilo Campo, all of which are upscale parrillas.
-Uncle Otto
MiddleAgeGuy
07-19-04, 18:45
Happening in Puerto Madero is a very good restraunt with a sort of salad/cheese bar also if you want. I have been there a few times, business and non-business with an outstanding Bife de Ojo, that looks as big as a roast! A few celebs go there in the evening at times.
Los Chienos is great for fish/mariscos in my opinion also, just down the street from the Triangle.
Another place just across the street I believe from Chilenos, (maybe one block closer to the Triangle, serves great tamales, for something a little different in Arg..
MAG
Thai One On
Here are a list of Thai places in BA. I've tried all but one. Cheers.
Neo Lotus Thai Ortega y Gasset 1782 1P 4771-4449
Best of the lot. In Las Cañitas, it's in an old house and the sign is obscured by trees. Worth the hunt, Certificate of approval from the Royal Thai Ambassador, funky decor.
Empire Thai Tres Sargentos 427 4312-5706
The sign just says Empire, yes it's a block away from Cafe Orleans. Used to be associated with Neo Lotus Thai but they broke up. I'd rate their food in second place. Open for lunch, popular with the gay crowd at night. Not that there's anything wrong with that.
Sukothai Montevideo 1671 4815 4948
Was recommended to me by a Thai girl in BA. Went there for lunch. Tasty Satay. Good news stops there. Found the rest of the food closer to Chinese and not fit for a dog.
Sudestada Guatemala 5602 4776-3777
In trendy Palermo Hollywood, Open for lunch. It's really an Indochina fusion menu. Must have eaten there a dozen times. Cute waitress puts duct tape on her T-shirt and calls it post modern fashion.
Green Bamboo Costa Rica 5802 4775-7050
This one I have not been to. Heard it is more Viet than Thai. Also heard somebody got sick after eating there.
Cheers mates.
Bad Coffee Alert! Santa Fe y Dr. Tomás de Anchorena and the place is also called Anchorena or something like that. Worst coffee I have encountered and I tried the place twice, thinking the first time was an aberration. Too bad because it is located very near some good *****houses. Strange because it was very crowded with locals both times.
No excuse for this shit.
HAPPENING:
Two locations. Very, very good beef. First time I was brought there by a guy who owns a ranch and raises cattle for a living. it is one of his favorites in BA. Beautiful modern decorations, California 1980's style. I would prefer the Belgrano, on Costa Nira for the great water views. Lots of great restaurants and clubs on that section of road.
Bob
EDITOR's NOTE: Posting of this report was delayed pending revisions to add standard capitalization throughout the text. To avoid delays in future reports, please refrain from using the "chat room" style of writing with no capital lettering. Thanks!
Member #4211
08-05-04, 09:29
Green Bamboo (Vietnamese Restaurant)
Costa Rica 5802 (Costa Rica and Carranza, Palermo Hollywood)
4775-7050
greenbamboo@dmmdg.com.ar
------------------
Bandy and I had an excelent dinner there.
The place, located at a corner, has a very fine, trendy decoration suitable for bringing either chicas or fellows. Not noisy at all and not deadly quiet either. Not very cheap, though (around ar$100 for a 2 people dinner with good Luigi Bosca wine), and portions from normal to slightly small.
Food is paramount: We ordered Nem Hanoi as appetizer (a fish-vegetable roll) which was fresh and crispy, and Bo Luc Lac (tenderloin sauted with lemongrass and other spices, with sides of wrapped rice cooked with peanuts and sauted vegetables, a perfect entree for further mongering activity. As dessert, pear with chocolate fudge seated in a vanilla ice cream. Vietnamese coffee.
They provide a profuse selection of South East drinks, prepaired mainly with vodka and tropical juices. Very good and professional service (for instance, they have menus in English)
Strongly recommended.
Hope this helps,
Andres
To follow up on your coffee report:
There is a place on Puerrydon, 1-3 blocks from Santa Fe, on the right side as you walk from Santa Fe towards the river (so maybe intersection of Juncal?), that roasts beans onsite. You can't get fresher coffee.
I was thinking of hitting Azul Profundo on an upcoming visit - any update on this place? Or any comment on a similar choice?
I have a question, any input on a good Chardonnay
Thanks
Ferolga777
08-22-04, 17:12
To Johann Who in the Brazil section said that he couldn't find Japanese restaurants in BA
From The Economist website:
Restaurants
Fine dining
Ichi Sou
Venezuela 2145
Buenos Aires
Tel: +54 (0) 11 4942-5853, 4943-6442
Map it
A rash of sushi bars has sprung up in Buenos Aires in the last few years, but none has yet surpassed two popular old-timers that cater to the wealthier members of the local Japanese community: Ichi Sou and Yuki (three blocks away at Pasco 740).
Both are discreetly tucked away in an unprepossessing part of town, but the food at Ichi Sou makes it particularly worth hunting down. The teishoku set options are excellent: try the sashimi and grilled fish combination, accompanied by pickles, miso soup, spinach, mixed vegetables and as much rice and green tea as you want.
Ferolga777
08-22-04, 17:17
And for Johann who was looking for an indian plac
From www.restaurantes.clarin.com
Katmandú
Av. Córdoba 3547. Capital Federal
OttoGraham
08-25-04, 23:10
A great Japanese place in Buenos Aires is Dashi. I wrote about it many moons ago, a review and details are a few pages back in this section. I've been there since, and it remains excellent. It is not a Benihana-style teppaniki restaurant, however. That is an American popularization of Japanese food.
Uncle Otto
OttoGraham
08-25-04, 23:11
A good chardonnay is a 2000 Alta Zapata Catena. Pricey though, about 70 pesos a bottle retail.
Uncle Otto
Otto,
? on Dashi,
I really like it when the cook cuts the shimp up really quick and then pops one of the shells from the shimp on to the top of his cookng hat. Do they do that at Dashi? Many top chefs will take the shells and fling them it into the air and they will fall into their front chest pocket.
That is considered real Japanese cooking by the way. I have been to a Japanese / Korean restaurant like that in Omaha Nebraska so i should know. They says thats as close to Tokyo dining as you can get! I also like the fortune cookies after the meal. In Omaha each patron got 3 instead of 1.
Starfe
p.s. They also sold chinese eggrolls at the Omaha establishment which I found rather strange. When i asked why they replied
" its like that all over Japan " Japanese love chinese eggrolls to".
OttoGraham
08-27-04, 00:12
No, no teppaniki-style food at Dashi with shrimp in the hat. Big huge boats of sushi, though. ;)
Uncle Otto
Some questions from a BA newbie, please.
Except for a 12-hour stop on a cruise ship, this will be my first time in BA.
1. What is the dress code for upscale restaurants?
2. Is it acceptable to take a doggie bag?
3. I love classic French cooking and while I have plenty of good French restaurants at home, I like to take advantage of the exchange rate to dine at French restaurants in BA. Can you recommend one or two?
Many thanks.
Amantelondres
09-03-04, 00:28
WWLL
1. Smart casual.
2. Many restaurants will give you a doggy bag,
3. Try the restaurant in the Sofitel hotel (as you may know Sofitel is owned by the Accor group of France). Excellent food.
Also try the main resdtaurant at the Alvear Palace Hotel whose name escapes me.
WWLL/ AmanteLondres:
The Sofitel Restaurant is the previously reviewed "Le Sud". It is an excellent French restaurant serving Haute/Nouvelle cuisine with impeccable service.
Of particularly excellent value is the fixed price lunch menu, a terrific deal at 36 pesos for two courses or 48 pesos for a 3 course luncheon. The starter is an artfully presented salad or a very tasty soup, or smoked salmon. There is a choice of seafood, beef, or poultry main course, also beautifully done and presented. There are more than five items to choose for desert, all of which were heavenly. The price also includes "bottomless" red and white house wine.
Of course, as is the case with this style of dining, the portions are small but are very well paced and ample breads of different kind are offered in between.
Sterling V and I had lunch there about two weeks ago, taking the two course meal and ordering the desert a-la-carte. All courses were superb, and the attentive waitstaff kept our wine glasses full at all time. We wrapped thing up with espresso and desert, and the total damage was about AR$105. Unbelievable!!
Sexplorer
Sterling V
09-03-04, 07:51
Here's some more specific info on Le Sud. While Sexplorer and I ate lunch I grabbed some shots of the menu and some of the dishes.
Sterling V
Sterling V
09-03-04, 07:53
The Le Sud Menu. Part 1
Sorry about photo, it was dim and I couldn't use a flash.
Sterling V
09-03-04, 07:55
The Le Sud Menu - Part 2
Sterling V
09-03-04, 07:55
The Le Sud Menu - Part 3
Sterling V
09-03-04, 07:56
The Le Sud Menu - Part 4
Sterling V
09-03-04, 07:57
The Le Sud Menu - Part 5
Sterling V
09-03-04, 07:58
The Le Sud Menu - Foie Terrine
Sterling V
09-03-04, 07:59
The Le Sud Menu - White Fish Mousse with Fennel Confit.
Member #4211
09-03-04, 14:14
French restaurant at Alvear Palace Hotel: La Bourgogne.
OttoGraham
09-09-04, 15:16
Sterling V, a man who takes photos of menus and food in addition to chicas is a man I must raise my glass to.
Sexplorer seems to have been a good influence on you - or is it the other way round?
:bravo:
Uncle Otto
Amantelondres, Sexplorer, Sterling V et al
Thanks for the detailed suggestions. See you in about 10 days.
Daddy Rulz
09-27-04, 14:26
Before I started working for an airline, I worked in restaurants for a lot of years here in the States. One of the things I love most about BsAs is the food. I thought I would share some of my favorites.
Most of my favorite restaurants are in Palermo, I love this area. Palermo is the biggest of the 42 barrios in BsAs split into three parts. Gran Palermo, mostly residential, Palermo Viejo, the old part and across the tracks Palermo Hollywood. Palermo Viejo and Hollywood are sort of the center of the art environment of the city. A lot of the service people you will meet live and hang out there. It's a wonderful area for walking, don't worry about the heaps of dog shit on the ground it's supposed to be good luck when you step in it.
Restaurants,
Central:
My favorite restaurant in the city is called "Central" it's at Costa Rica 5644 phone 4776-7370. It is a small place and kind of loud due to it's modern design and cement walls. There is a long bar on the right and a long couch on the left with tables. The couches look like a great idea until you try to eat, then it sucks because you can't eat more than a sandwich laying back on a couch. Unless you have brought a date I suggest the tables. I prefer the taller tables as it gives me a great view of the room. I would suggest without reservation any item on the menu and have never received anything less than outstanding food. Some items I suggest, the pate is great and when in season they do a warm salad with scallops that's out of this world. The torta for desert can not be avoided. Roxanna and I had a great dinner there. I eat there at least once or twice when in town for lunch and dinner. Ask for Fransisco, his English is not great but He's a great guy and his service while not professional is warm and friendly. You can tell him the guy from Texas that works for an airline sent you. He may or may not remember me. If you do ask for him and reference me please leave a little more than the standard 10%.
Lomo:
Lomo is also on Costa Rica but on the other side of the tracks in the old part of Palermo. Costa Rica 4659 again it's a must visit when I go. The only bad meal I ever had was in April when the chef takes vacation. This last trip I took a friend and between us we had 3 appetizers, 3 entrees coffee and desert. The damage was 130 pesos, high for Argentina but considering the exchange dirt cheap. They have a rooftop garden there and in the spring or fall call ahead for a reservation. I would recommend any entrada or plato principal but the seafood ravioli is fucking killer. Skip desert because they suck. Instead walk to the cafe on Plaza Serrano I recommend later.
Interesting side note, on my first visit it was late fall and getting a little chilly at night. My friend and I asked to sit outside. the hostess took us upstairs and there was a young couple having sex at one of the tables. She was wearing a short skirt and bouncing on his lap. The were just about ready to hit the high note I would guess and oblivious to anything around them. Without skipping a beat our hostess said, "perhaps you would prefer a table downstairs tonight" and turned us around and walked back down the stairs. At the bottom of the stairs she put a chain across the stair case and apologized to us. I told her not to worry and because I had once been young and in love myself. She smiled at me and kissed my cheek, telling me at heart I was a Porteno. A little while later they young couple came downstairs, both looking as if dinner had agreed with them.
Te Matare Ramirez:
Two locations, Paraguay 4062 in Palermo and one in San Isidro, I have only been to the one in Palermo. This is an unusual restaurant. The theme is sex, sex, and more sex. The dishes are not named literally on the menu but rather they are called figuratively. IE "My two little virgins in their first embrace" is two medallions of tenderloin. On Wednesday night they do a spoken word show by a male and a female actress. The VERY pricey menu IMHO is justified to listen to her re-enact her first experience with anal sex or his poem to his pene. the show is good natured in blindingly fast Castillano and very funny. The food is exceptional and extraordinarily well presented. Plus you can buy salt shakers that look like sperm for 15 pesos. My only ***** is the chairs are not very comfortable. I like the Chinese sesame stir fry with lomo, very good.
Comega Azzurra:
Corrientes 222 P19 4315-8381, The food is acceptable and the service outstanding. The major claim to fame is the view. The restaurant is on the 19th floor and it overlooks Puerto Madero and the city. On the 20th floor there is a sushi restaurant. The sushi is acceptable, fresh and good presentation but they put this mayonnaise sauce in their rolls and you should ask they not use it. It will impress the chicas but again the food while good is not inspired.
La Estancia:
It is on Lavalle on the walking side just off Carlos Pelligrini. There are several of them in the city but I like this one. The building used to be the Presidents house (according to the doorman) a long time ago. The "Lomo La Estancia" is a piece of tenderloin the size of your head for about 22 pesos. The service is hit or miss because the waiters seem to hate yanqui's but the meat is great and for my money the best Chimichurri in the city. On weekend nights they do a show upstairs, with singing and different styles of dance, Tango, Provintial, and a VERY bad Caribbean number. The singers are good and the dancing entertaining. For 50 pesos a person you get the house menu which is an appetizer, a mixed grill, a few sides, dessert, coffee and a glass of champagne and wine with dinner. I'm sure better steaks can be had but I like the place.
Cafes,
Lots has been written about La Madelaine on Sante Fe and it is an excellent place to go for in-expensive food. If you want a great place for an Argentinian sandwich walk up the street about a block (against the flow of traffic) and on the same side is a little cafe called "King something" the service is GREAT and the food good and cheap.
On Plaza Seranno at the red light there is a little cafe, very small, that is one of my favorite people watching places at this time of year. It is right at the light but I can't remember it's name. It has very old wooden tables and a lot of art on the walls inside. There are a ton of cafes on Plaza Serrano but this one is kind of by itself at the only red light at the intersection. The have great coffee, and they have a cake that translates as "Million or thousand leaves" it's dulce de leche and cake with a white topping that is really good. I have taken a whole series of photos while sitting at that cafe watching the Sunday afternoon go by. No trip of mine is complete without spending three or four hours just sitting there.
I don't remember most of the cafes I stop in because when I'm hungry and I go past a place that smells good I eat.
Bon Apatite (sorry my French is as bad as my Castillano)
Dr
Buenos Aires Dance Clubs
From time to time, several of you have inquired about dance clubs in BA. More often than not those questions go unanswered.
I recently ran into this website that seems to have a very comprensive list of dance clubs, the scene, the best nights, the type of music and the type of clientele that these clubs attract.
http://www.almesberger.net/fun/night.html
This information maybe useful for those of you who want to check out the regular clubs and bars in BA.
This isn't technically a bar or a restaurant but I'll put it in this section anyway. There is a really quaint little cafe that I go to study most weeks. It does serve food and drinks/coffee/desserts though and pretty tasty too. I like it for the environment though. It's never too busy and you can't access it from the street. It is sort of underground so the entrance is on the side and you walk down some stairs.
It's fashioned as a little library and it's usually quiet and nice for a little break or to just read a book. The name of it is called La Biblioteca and it's located at Marcelo T. de Alvear 1155 near Libertad. It's one block from the Dazzler Hotel.
Enjoy!
Saint
This large restaurant is on Carlos Pellegrini in the 1500 block on the east side. That is down the hill towards Retiro. I thought it was quite good and reasonably priced. A large menu, mostly meat of course, and a free salad bar with any entree or other food purchase over ? pesos. Wine list is not extensive but is reasonably priced. The service was quite good and attentive and there are lots of hotties working there.
The salad bar comes with any order of more than 8.50 pesos. The hotties are both employed there and as customers. This is big restaurant and an excellent value IMO. One might want to skip the Malbec at 14 pesos and go with the Trumpeter Malbec at 28. But I quibble.
address is Pasaje del Correo Local 11 Vincente Lopez 1661.
A little pricy for Dickhead, but what the hell I was buying and came highly recomended my Dickhead's nameless attorney whom is always in his shaddow.
Now comes Highly Recomended by Exon whom Love's good food.
A must try, and that means you too Otto next time your in town.
Exon.
Hi,
Will soon be on my first trip ever to B.A. and I think I've got the monger part of the trip pretty much down pat :-)
Question:
Buying beer or drinks, should I stick with the local brand, thinking that U.S./European beers might be very expensive, say at restaurants, etc?
And what *is* the local brand there?
What about drinks and mixed drinks, say at the clubs like Madahos / Shampoo / Blacks - are the vodka drinks expensive? Should I stick to the house brands?
And finally, I'd like to get a bottle of local wine. Any recommendations for good ones that are easy on the wallet (that the locals enjoy as well)?
Thanks guys,
Beckset
Member #1164
11-19-04, 11:49
Would love to attend the Thanksgiving dinner but I can not. Does anyone know any restaurants here in bs that have a turkey dinner type thing?
Hi #1164,
I'm courious, can you elaborate on why you wouldn't be able to attend the dinner party at the Mansion? The reason I ask is because the primary reason guys give me for not being able to attend functions at the Mansion is because they are traveling with their wife and/or girlfriend, and they think that bring them to the Mansion would be like bringing them to a brothel, thus potentially exposing them (the guys) to a lot of problems.
In any event, please let me assure you that there in NOTHING about the appearance of the Mansion, the people attending the functions at the Mansion, or the conversations between visitors at the Mansion that would offend the sensibilities of a "regular" visitor. In other words, it's just a civilized dinner party, it's not an orgy.
Yes, I know that Capt Dave makes it sound like there are naked chicas around every corner and people having sex in the hallways, but I can assure you that the dinner parties that I host are perfectable suitable for guys to bring wives and/or dates, and that they will feel welcomed and that they will enjoy themselves as they would at any regular dinner party between friends.
Thanks,
Jackson
Alliwantislove
11-21-04, 21:49
The latest National Geographic Traveler has an article on BsAs and says "one of the best places to try excellent Argentine wines and catch a jazz or instrumental tango concert ($5 admission) is Club del Vino in Palermo Viejo(Cabrera 4737, 4011-2582)."
I am looking for places to enjoy quiet, romantic jazz and would sure appreciate any reports on any such places.
Thanks, Bob
Here are some local brands and my personal opinion on them:
Quilmes: I think this is the most popular brand. I don't like it. I think it is too light. Think Coors. A lot of the chicas like it.
Brahma: My favorite. Think Budweiser. A bit cheaper than Quilmes in the stores.
Isenbeck: A bit more of a distinctive taste. Great on tap but sometimes tastes funny to me in bottles. Better in cans than Brahma, IMO (Quilmes in cans is virtually unbearable to me). Isenbeck tastes a little hoppier. Costs a bit more in the stores than either Brahma or Quilmes.
Palermo: A lighter beer but not so light as Quilmes. Not bad.
Biekert: I don't like this one too well. It comes in a couple of versions including D'Oro which is OK.
Schneider: The Pabst Blue Ribbon of Argentina, normally the cheapest thing you can get.
If you get Budweiser or Heineken here, it will be made in Argentina. Another one that is popular is Warsteiner, also made here. I don't like it. These beers aren't significantly more expensive than the local beers, although Heinken is a bit more just like it is in the US.
I have noticed that a lot of times mixed drinks aren't that much more than beers, at least in the regular bars, and the bartenders often make them really, really strong, like half and half or even stronger. One thing that is popular here is Fernet, which is a 90 proof herbal liquor. Think Jaegermeister but I like Fernet better. Try it with Coca Cola.
Local whiskey: Old Smuggler and Criadores are the two most popular. Neither is too good but I like Criadores better. It is supposedly Scotch but tastes sort of like halfway between Scotch and Canadian Club to me.
Local gin is to be avoided IMHO. Local vodka I have not tried.
Imported liquor will be quite pricey in most bars. Some of the Irish bars have okay prices on Jameson's: 7 pesos in Shamrock, 9 in Kilkenny and The Clover, and 10 in The Temple.
Try Buller's in Recoleta (Restaurant Row) for micro brews. They got some powerful shit there!
I am not a wine expert but there's tons of great wine here, very cheap. I like Nieto Sintinider (sp?), Concha y Toro, and Norton, (reds) all around 8 pesos or so in the store and maybe 18-20 in a restaurant. Anything Malbec, it's hard to go wrong.
Hope that helps.
DH
OttoGraham
11-23-04, 00:33
In any event, please let me assure you that there in NOTHING about the appearance of the Mansion, the people attending the functions at the Mansion, or the conversations between visitors at the Mansion that would offend the sensibilities of a "regular" visitor. In other words, it's just a civilized dinner party, it's not an orgy.
Yes, I know that Capt Dave makes it sound like there are naked chicas around every corner and people having sex in the hallways.....
Thanks,
Jackson
What? No sex in the hallways? Sorry, I shall not be able to make it, Jefe.
Uncle Otto
Jackson,
Thanks for clarifying your policy on Mansion dinners (see edited post in blue below). It might be helpful to make that an "official post" in The WSG Mansion section where everyone else will see it.
You might also want to give us a "heads up" on future dinner announcements as to whether the specific event is to be safe for "civilians", or strictly for battle hardened vets.
You have to admit, some of the reports that come out of the dinner parties are pretty salacious. Which is fine, that's what we all look forward to hearing about. The thought that the Sanctum Sanctorum of the WSG would be anything else would probably never occur to us.
Guillermo
Norman Stormin
11-24-04, 01:05
If you´re into the grandure of the turn on the century, try this place. It was abandoned for years and three years ago a Spanish Company bot and restored it. A true work of art. They claim it was built in 1884. It may be true that Las Violetas has been there, but the architecture of the upper floors is definitely of the 1930 era. Notwithstanding, the interior design is a masterpiece of stained glass, bevoled mirrors, and inlaid woods.
The menu and prices are comparative to most confiterias of the city. However, the quality and presentation are on a par with what one would find at the Sofitel or Alvear hotels. Lunchoen for two (a la cart) with wine 40 pesos.
Recently I recommended this wine, having tried the Malbec on a number of occasions. I just tried the '04 Cabernet Sauvignon and it was terrible. So avoid that one.
When you get tired of being ripped off at La Biela, try this place on Juncal near Montevideo. No, it does not have an outdoor patio where you can watch the chetos go by, but it does smell great from half a block away. Coffee and pastries and light fare. Try the facturas with ananá (pineapple). The place is dirt cheap. My prostitute had café con leche and I a café doble. She had two medialunas. I ordered two facturas but they were huge and I could only eat one. Fortunately she was able to choke down the other one after commenting that she was over 45 kg again (99 lbs). The bill was 4.60 pesos. They have all kinds of cakes and meringues and fruit tarts and and and. You can get fresh bread there 24 hours a day. Yum.
Yeah La Biela IS expensive but it's really a great place. I've met some great people over the years there and had some really great business meetings there in the outdoor cafe. I really love the place and the area. I live just a few blocks from the cafe and make it there every chance I get. I was just there today having lunch and the area can't be beat.
Mickey Mouse
11-29-04, 22:17
This must have been the "Worst" dinner I have ever had in BA.
The Service was Atrocious and my Lomo was well overdone (first time ever in BA)!
1. I knew we were in trouble the moment we walked in and the staff spent most of their time chatting and getting their s**t together instead of serving.
2. It took almost 15 minutes to get our drink (wine) order.
3. Our dinners were on the table waiting when we got back from the salad bar with our salads
4. There were 6 entrees (instead of four) on our check for the four of us and two other entrees were incorrect (description and price).
5. Thanx to DH for getting La Cuenta straight and no thanx to the staff who acted insulted and was rude about it. Result: 0 peso tip and buyer beware!
I'll let the others put their two sense in,
This Mouse reporting
Yep, two bad experiences out of three there. Second trip the mollejas weren't very good and the bill wasn't right. Third time the service was terrible and the bill wasn't right AGAIN by quite a wide margin and when I asked to speak to the manager and told her this was the second time they had tried to overcharged us she was very defensive. AND then the re-adjusted bill was STILL wrong AND they never came back to check so I figured the correct bill based on the menu prices and we left that amount of money exactly and split.
So fuck that place.
Ferolga777
11-30-04, 06:45
Yeah La Biela IS expensive but it's really a great place. [...] I was just there today having lunch and the area can't be beat.
Love La Biela.
At the end of my trip I sat at the counter and ordered a set of cups to bring to the USA. The waiters gathered round me and bid me goodbye. One asked, "So, where in the world have you met the hottest girls."
I smiled and said, "It's the man that makes the woman hot. A woman can be hot with me and cold with you."
The waiter pumped his arm and said, "Cold with me?! Never!!!"
Good times.
JackDaniels
12-07-04, 19:37
I am just copying over my post from the BsAs board.....
On the subject of food and drink - there is a really smart bar called Gran Bar Danzon on Libertad just moments off Santa Fe. It is not on street level but on the first floor (American second floor) up a staircase. It is not easy to see the entrance from the street.
This is a really smart bar full of beautiful people (no providers here). Excellent wine, great sushi and the best spring rolls I have had anywhere.
A couple of glasses of wine, sushi and spring rolls should not be more than about 60 pesos.
Anyone else been there ?
Cheers.
Well the spring rolls and the wines are as good as they were on my first trip. 2 servings of spring rolls and 3 glasses of wine for 62 pesos. Not bad considering the kind of place this is and the unique ambience of the place. One day, I will open a bar like this in London and charge GBP 62 for the same :).
I just got back from my 4th trip this year. I am not mongering anymore but this site is still good for things. So, thanks guys. I have been to one mexican place in buenos aires and it was horrible. When down there for a few weeks I actually miss mexican food, which I have 2-3 times a week in the U.S.. I love argentine food and that is great but we all have our standard pleasures. Does anyone know of or have a favorite authentic mexican or even salvadoran place in buenos aires?
Oh, and for those that helped me in the discussion of buying land/property -- thank you. I am in the process of buying a beachouse in Villa Gesell and I bought 4 hectares near Lujan. A buenos aires apartment or two is next, para inversion.
Thanks.
Will
Flexible Horn
12-08-04, 00:29
Cabana Las Lilas
Alicia Moreau de Justo, 516
Tel-4313 1336
www.laslilas.com.ar
I can not speak highly enough of the quality of the food at this restaurant.
Without doubt, the BEST steak I have ever eaten, and those few people who know me I love my food (Fat so & so).
The cost was the most expensive meal I have had in BsAs, 300 pesos for two people,with beer's and a 80 pesos bottle of wine. Where I'm from its a very cheap meal, I highly recommend this restaurant & would be shocked if any one did not enjoy themselves, great food !!!!!!!!!!!
Amantelondres
12-08-04, 00:55
Hi Jack Daniels
You'll note from a previous post that I'm a great fan of this place on Libertad. It's owned by the same people as Sucre which is also a great restaurant. The sushi at Danzon is fab and on my recent trip to BA from London I was sitting next to a super looking girl who told me that Happy Hour has now been replaced by After Office as the latest fad in BA and that Wednesday is the busy day and not so much Thursday or Friday. Give it a year or two and it'll be Monday!! Let me know about your plans for a London branch....great minds think alike!!
www.granbardanzon.com.ar
JackDaniels
12-10-04, 21:39
Thanks for the link, AmanteLondres.
I tried to get into this place again twice this week but it was packed with people. Looks like it is better at weekends.
Well, after all the hype I went to Gran Bar Danzon last night with one of my friends. I gotta say that I was impressed with the place. It´s small and that is why its so packed. My friend is a regular here and has a lot of pull here. We arrived at about 11 PM and it was packed with many people waiting. He went up to the hostess and told her that he was here and she got us a table within 10 minutes. I was impressed.
I have been to Sucre which the owner also owns and this place is smaller but the food is wonderful. I had both white wine and red wine and they were both fantastic. We had oysters, sushi and spring rolls for appetizers and they all were very good and fresh. I had the duck for the main dish and it was very good. The portion was small but with all the appetizers it was enough. [My friend ordered 24 oysters!]
JackDaniels called my cellphone and so I invited him to join us after we ate. He said he wasn´t feeling well but he sure perked up fast. Talk about getting a second wind. My friend had an amiga with him and she liked JackDaniels. I asked her in the taxi on the way to Madahos if she was going to have sex tonight and she looked at JackDaniels and said, maybe with your friend. Ha, ha. You gotta love living here. She was a non-pro.
Anyway, we had a fun night. I highly recommend this place. I will check it out more during happy hour after work. It´s not far from my office. It´s not a cheap place when you have good wine, appetizers and the main course but the atmosphere is great and there are lots of hotties there. Has anyone been to the 3rd restaurant-Bar Uriarte that the same owner has?
JackDaniels
12-11-04, 17:09
I wish it could have been her.
I had one too many whiskeys, picked up the wrong girl and the sex was not too good. Just woke up with a hangover.
Norman Stormin
01-04-05, 21:58
At least I thought it was when I went there last week. Rolling shutters on Avenida de Mayo were down. I assumed it was closed for the holidays. Today I happened to go in a locotoria on Rivadavia and saw someone go in the back door. I followed.
Billard affectionados rejoyce. It's still open. They are remodling the ground floor but the basement is open and accesible from Rivadavia. I inspected the work, fearing they might harm that 100 year old inlaid wood work. To my amasement, they were very aware of this historical monument and were taking great legnths to protect it. They are replcing the ceiling with drywall. Argentina has finally discovered plaster and paint does not do well in this humidity.
They will be reopen March
Young & Restless
04-30-05, 15:34
Cabaña Las Lilas
Av. Alicia Moreau de Justo 516 (Puerto Madero)
Puerto Madero C1107AAL
Tel.: (54-11) 4313-1336
http://www.laslilas.com/estructura.htm
I’ve read so many reviews on this restaurant and was expecting something spectacular. I ordered the bife de chorizo, fried provoleta and a chiquitito of San Telmo Malbec.
The appetizer plate (couverts?) that they bring to your table was very good, but they charge you AP $13 for it. Also, watch out for the pan de queso (cheese bread), it is the best that I’ve ever eaten and if you don’t pace yourself with this stuff, you’ll find yourself full before your food gets to the table.
The bife de chorizo had not let me down while I was in BsAs, but I didn’t really notice any thing too special about it here. While it was a really big steak, I thought it was somewhat bland. The fried provoleta could have been better too, as it was a little dry and overcooked.
I liked Cabaña Las Lilas, but after going to a few other parrillas (steakhouses) before I came here, this place just seemed to be the Outback of Argentina.
Total price for everything mentioned above, plus a bottle of water was AP $115,80. Notice that for ½ a bottle of San Telmo Malbec, they charged AP $31. That is painfully overpriced since that same bottle sells for about AP $5 retail.
Again I had a good meal here, but I wouldn’t say that this place is a must try, even if it is your first time in BsAs.
El Palacio de la Papa Frita
Lavalle, 735 (Centro)
Tel: 4393-5849 / 4394-7060
http://www.elpalacio-papafrita.com.ar/index0f.htm
This restaurant's trademark is their puffed french fries that they serve. I had the bife de chorrizo con milanesa(??). I've heard the term milanesa used in Brazil also and I'm still not exactly sure what it means, but this milanesa was a thin slice of ham with melted white cheese on top of the steak. Delicious! I was shocked when the bill came and the total was only AP $45. You would be lucky to get this same meal for twice that amount in the US.
My recommendation is to come here and order the bife de chorrizo con milanesa, give your heart the middle finger and pour lots of salt on the papas fritas, and wash it all down with a nice bottle of Malbec. Definitely add this restaurant to your itinerary.
La Chacra
Av. Córdoba, 941 (Retiro)
Tel: 4322-1409/4393-4581
http://www.restaurantlachacra.com.ar/
This was hands down my favorite parrilla. While I was reading all the restaurant reviews before I came to BsAs, this place is what I had envisioned an Argentine parrilla being like.
You walk in and to your right they are grilling huge steaks and sausage on the parrilla. The aroma will have your mouth watering. The atmosphere here was nice too. It's a white table cloth restaurant with old rustic wooden architecture.
La Chacra is the place that got me started on my bife de chorrizo trend. The chorrizo that I ordered was listed as the house specialty on the menu, if I'm not mistaken. The steak is brought to your table on a grill and good luck finishing it, as it is about the size of a metropolitan phone book.
Dinner also included an empanita (best one I had in BsAs), bread and a house salad.
I am hardly the wine connoisseur, but I always looked for San Telmo Malbec on the wine list when I went to restaurants. It won't be mistaken for Château Lafite, but it did the trick for me every time. I even brought a case of it back home me (hehehe).
With the wine, my bill came to AP $70. While that may sound somewhat expensive, you cannot even get a steak like this at Ruth’s Chris, but if you could, rest assure it would cost more than 23 bucks.
There are about a gazillion parrillas in BsAs, but of the ones that I went to, this one was my favorite and I highly recommend it.
Lomo
Costa Rica, 4661 (Palermo Viejo)
Tel: 4833-3200
http://www.lomorestaurant.com.ar/
This is a good place to bring a chica to. It's very casual here and the food was really good. The girl that I met from Kilkenny's and myself both order the beef ravioli dinner along with a bottle of vino rosado. The ravioli dinner comes with about 8-ravioli made from fresh pasta and Argentine lomo. Highly recommended if you go!
Also, try to get a table on the roof-top. When we went there were only a few other people and the setting was really cool. One possible strike against having a romantic dinner here is that they played a lot of 80s pop and new wave, but if you're into 80s retro you'll be in heaven.
Both of our dinners and a bottle of wine was around AP $70. Talk about a cheap date... This is a perfect place to come if you want to have dinner with your chica at an upbeat place with good atmosphere and excellent food.
Pizza Piola
Libertad, 1078 (Retiro)
Tel: 4812-0690 / 4815 – 4746
Mon thru Fri 12pm – 3am
Sat 7pm – 3am / Closed Sundays
http://www.piola.it/
I've read that this is THE place to go to for pizza in BsAs and have to say that I couldn't agree more. I normally like my pizza loaded with everything, but thought that might be a bit too adventuress while in Argentina.
I decided that you can't go wrong with good 'ol pepperoni, but it was no where to be found on the menu. That’s because they don't have pepperoni in BsAs. That's right, no pepperoni... however, after describing it to my waitress, she hooked me up with their version which according to her is called ‘cantimpalo’ aka ‘chorizo colorado’.
A more common name for it that I later found out is 'calabresa'. Both cantimpalo and calabresa tasted very similar to pepperoni, but a little more tangy.
I ordered the cantimpalo topped with fresh parmesan and basil leaves(??). According to the menu I ordered the small pizza, but it was just barely smaller than a medium in the US.
The pizza and my usual bottle of San Telmo Malbec was AP $33.85. Notice that Piola charges AP $11 for a ½ bottle of Malbec. That’s a lot more practical for a 5 peso bottle of wine.
Also, be sure to bring the address with you. As popular as I thought this place was, I didn’t bring the address with me and NOBODY had any idea where it was at. After going back to my hotel and writing the address down, my taxi had me there in less than 5-minutes.
La Continental
Vicente López, 2124 (Recoleta)
Tel: 4374-1444
I told my girl from Kilkenny's how good the pizza was at Piola, but she insisted that this one was better. This place was much smaller, but more casual that Pizza Piola. Again, there was no pepperoni on the menu, so I requested ‘cantimpalo’.
The waitress seemed a little confused, but a kind caballero from New York that was setting at the table across from me told her that I wanted ‘calabresa’. Amigo, if you read these forums, thanks for your help that day! According to my girl, ‘calabresa’ is definitely the most popular equivalent to pepperoni.
The small pizza here was the same size as the one at Piola (almost a medium in the US). I took a break from the wine and had a Quilmes. Total price was between AP $15-20. It was really good, but I think Piola has the edge.
La Biela
Av. Quintana, 596 (Recoleta)
Tel: 4804-0449 / 0432
Here's another place that I read so much about before coming to BsAs and had to stop by.
I ordered a panqueque de la manzana (apple crêpe) and café con leche. Sweets aren't really my thing, but I have to say this was excellent. It was nice to kick back at this outdoor café, but La Biela has other customers besides tourist... pigeons.
The pigeons here were unbelievable. They didn't fly on my table while I was there, but they were all over the sidewalk and if you leave any food on your table, it's like an Alfred Hitchcock movie.
Despite the uninvited guest, I enjoyed the scenery here and thought the food was excellent. Just be sure to bring a newspaper and an umbrella with you.
Café Tortoni
Av. de Mayo, 825 (Centro)
Tel: 4342-4328
http://www.cafetortoni.com.ar/
This place was really impressive. The first time my chica and I tried to come here they had a line going outside the door so we took a rain check, but the next time we just walked right in.
Again, I'm not crazy about sweets and usually don't make a special trip for them, but after reading all of the rave reviews about Café Tortoni, I felt obligated to drop by. Sweets are a big part of the menu, but they had sandwiches and other things available too.
The inside of this place is pretty amazing. The wood architecture inside was unreal. They didn't have any pigeons here like at La Biela, but there were plenty of people taking pictures and walking around the café with camcorders. Personally, I liked the pigeons better. Less annoying...
My date ordered apple pie and I ordered strawberry cheesecake. I have to say that this was the best strawberry cheesecake that I have eaten in my entire life. It wasn't as expensive as I thought it would be. For both of our deserts and two café con leches, the bill was about AP $22.
If you're in BsAs and have not been here, I would definitely recommend checking out this place.
il Gran Caffé
Florida y Av. Cordoba
Tel: 4326-5008
Two words... sexy waitresses!!! If you are walking to Café Orleans coming from Maipu, you have to walk in front of this place to get there. Whoever selected the attire worn by these lovely young ladies deserves a medal. All of the waitresses here wear a conservative white blouse and a yellow skirt that comes up a few inches above their knees and hugs their body in such a way that shows off some really mouth-watering curves.
Obviously, it's a look, but don't touch kind of place, however there's nothing wrong with dropping by for a cold beer and seeing what's on the menu. I had to mention this place, since females seem to make up the minority of wait staff personnel in most restaurants in South America and the ones here are really hot!
Cinema
Av. Santa Fe, 1798
Tel: 4811-5002
I had to mention this place. This was my ritual stop after each visit to Santa Fe 1707. They always had the coldest and best tasting beer in BsAs. I’ll admit my workouts at Santa Fe might have encouraged my thirst… hehehe. A balon (large beer) here is only AP $4,50.
It’s an indoor café, but if you would rather drink one outside, there’s another one right across the street called Reyes Bar & Resto which is also very good. Bottles here are AP $5.
Greetings everyone,
The Argentina Forum has been moved to:
www.ArgentinaPrivate.com
If you were a WSG Senior Member OR if you had ever posted in the Argentina Section of the WSG prior to April 1st, 2005, then you are already registered as a member in the new Forum.
If you are not already registered at ArgentinaPrivate.com, then you are invited to become a member. Registration is free, and new member activations are done every day.
Thanks,
Jackson
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.1.4 Copyright © 2024 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.