General Restaurant Reports

Juana M---- On Carlos Pelligrini near Libertador. Across the street from La Recova where El Marisol, Sorrentos, and Piegras is located. Kinda hard to find. Its down a flight of stairs from street level in the basement of building.

Had the pork baby back ribs with very good BBQ sauce. Very tasty and good size. 32 pesos. Includes free salad bar with lots to choose from.

La Marisgueria----Las Heras 2745 near Tagle. This is a fresh fish market with a casual dining area in the second floor. Had Arrollado de Brotola Napolitana. Basically a white fish in a tomatoe sauce for 22 pesos. Not bad for a change from steak and pasta. They also have seafood empanadas as well. About a 15 minute walk from 1631 Junin 3d. So you can fuck and eat, or eat and fuck.

Dada-----A resto bar on San Martin a few doors down from Filo. Had a nice trout for lunch here. Veggies are cooked in a wok and not overcooked like a lot of chefs do here. Check their chalk board which changes daily.

La Cholitas-----On Rodriguez Pena next to Cummana near Santa Fe. Reasonably price Parilla but didn't care for their Asado de Tira---Ribs. Bland.

Slow service and they turn down the overhead lights and put a candle on the table. Need a flashlight to even read the menu. WNR.

Bonjour Pizza-----Corner of Colonel Diaz and Guemes. Very good carne lasagne. I like that they give a nice pate with the bread. Get a seat by the long open rectangular windows to enjoy the parade of chicas.

This place is on San Martin between Orleans and El Establo, on the odd numbered side. It has been advertising regularly in whatever that stupid English language paper is. It touts its all female bartending team and its 3 peso draft beers.

Went there today with a friend and there were no 3 peso draft beers but a long list of Happy Hour drinks on a blackboard, from 1700 to 2200 and we arrived at 1815. Among the happy hour drinks was Cuba Libre for 8 pesos. Bueno. We had three each and received nice service from the one and only bartender, who was female and was above average in the looks department. With each round we received popcorn, peanuts, and-or very good batatas fritas or sweet potato chips. All was good.

Until the check arrived to the tune of 102 pesos. Let us review the math. 2 guys times 3 rounds times 8 pesos. I know most of you cannot do that math but it is definitely not 102. Conveniently my much larger wing man is in the bathroom, but I question the waitress. She says and I quote, "That is for ron nacional and this was Bacardi." I said, "Did we ask for Bacardi?" and she conceded we did not. Furthermore it was NOT Bacardi. I know the difference.

So a lengthy conversation ensued between her and someone, and then someone else, and then someone else. She returned with a bright smile and a new check for 54 pesos. "Everything is okay now." I tell her, "I am pretty good with numbers and 8 x 3 x 2 is 48 and not 54." So she comes back with another check for 48 pesos and I tip her 5 pesos and then everything actually was okay.

So keep on eye on this place. I don't think it will last too long. There was hardly anyone in the place and we were there for two hours.

I hate cocksuckers that try stuff like that. I guess they figure you can't add and hold your liquor at the same time. I'd have been pissed that they didn't have the beer for 3 Pesos, either. Say hi to your tall friend for me.

Lots of prices are rising. Even L'Alliance had, "Our prices will vary today" on Monday. I asked, which ones were going to be lower? None, of course.

It's very sad to see Starbucks entering Argentina.

Hopefully after the initial publicity it's a huge failure and they'll get out within a couple of years like Wendy's, Pizza Hut and Dunkin Donuts did. Or worst case scenario two or three stay open around Recoleta.

Argentines are usually pretty good at quickly ejecting this kind of trash from their country.

Starbucks is even worse than the others because the cafe is an integral part of the Argentine culture (hamburgers aren't).

[QUOTE=Moore]It's very sad to see Starbucks entering Argentina.

Hopefully it's a huge failure and they'll get out within a couple of years like Wendy's, Pizza Hut and Dunkin Donuts did.

Argentines are usually pretty good at quickly ejecting this kind of trash from their country.

Starbucks is even worse than the others because the cafe is an integral part of the Argentine culture (hamburgers aren't)[/QUOTE]Here here. One of the many reasons I like BA is the distinct lack of fast food culture and the inherent ugliness. A few McDonalds and Burger Kings can be tolerated, but please, no mas. When I was in Mexico City, there was a fucking Starbucks everywhere.

[QUOTE=Moore]It's very sad to see Starbucks entering Argentina.

Hopefully after the initial publicity it's a huge failure and they'll get out within a couple of years like Wendy's, Pizza Hut and Dunkin Donuts did. Or worst case scenario two or three stay open around Recoleta.

Argentines are usually pretty good at quickly ejecting this kind of trash from their country.

Starbucks is even worse than the others because the cafe is an integral part of the Argentine culture (hamburgers aren't)[/QUOTE]I must totally agree with you.

[QUOTE=Mpexy]Pizza Piola.

Libertad 1078 (close to intersection of Sante Fe)

Number listed elsewhere as 4812-0690 but it's actually a cell phone so if you call with controlled landline, won't get an answer. Need to dial the 15 4812 0690 for a cell.

Saw the 2005 report and went there tonight. Very nice, upbeat, hip music playing and the crowd seemed fairly mixed with foreigners and young locals. Place was fairly packed but enjoyable - pizza was pretty darn good and great atmosphere.

They have in addition to pizzas the usual selection types of italian pasta dishes but not sure how that ranks. If it's like the pizza, a good solid score.[/QUOTE]I checked out this place recently with a buddy who is a regular here. Highly recommended. Very good thin pizza. I like the Cuartito type, but also appreciate the good, thin crust. This is apparently a world wide chain, but this the only one in BsAs. Huge place. Well run. Some groovy, hip clientele, which is nice, because I like to take a gander at groovy, hip chickidoodles. Not cheap.

This is my favorite pizza and empanada place in BA. Its been there for 70 some years, very old style. It happens to also be a favorite of Francis Ford Coppala. He has a photo with the owner on the wall.

I like it when hitting apartments in microcentro during the day. If I don't want to sit down I can just grab an empanada at the counter and get in and out fast.

Every now and then you will see someone important in there. Today there were three, what I am guessing from the uniforms were honchos in the Argentine air force. They were in a car with a police escort and they had a whole section cleared for them.

Last week I went to La Chacra, Cordoba Av. Next door to Ramiro's. For many here it's a rip off joint but I had a small parrillada (mixed grill) for two, two lomos (they still have some of the best beef in town) two flans with cream though we had beer and not wine. The damage came to 130 pesos that's about US$40 each! A damn good meal, excellent service and a nice quiet atmosphere (that is if all those eyes from the mounted heads on the walls don't put you off!

I hadn't been there for a while but I'll sure go back soon!

Also last week I, a friend and another couple went to Tancat. That's the Spanish restaurant on Paraguay (645) between Maipu and Florida. We all had shrimps in garlic (gambas al ajillo) (we all decided to have garlic so as our breaths wouldn't be offensive to each other!:)) The shrimps are big, fat and juicy, the food comes steaming hot to the table and is very well prepared. A bottle of Trapiche Malbec, a beer and some soft drinks. Four flans with cream and the damage came to 240 pesos. 60 pesos each!

Nice place, good service but the tables are a little small. A great place for taking a date!

Finally, also last week, I took a date to The Druid In (it's spelt like that!) Reconquista 1040. It was rather late (2 AM) and the waitress had to go to the kitchen to see what was available. We had an Irish stew and a Steak and Kidney pie. Both were reasonably good considering they were scraped from the bottom of the barrel! The crust on the S & K was as good as any I have ever had. 24 pesos each plate. We had imported Bass red beer and it was OK, much better than most local brews 17 pesos each. Then I had a chocolate mous (one of the best I have ever had) and my date had a flan with cream for 8 pesos and 6 pesos. Total damage 134 pesos. I am certainly going back at more decent hour to try the Steak and Kidney freshly cooked!

Also a good place to take your date. Some years back there used to be some good live shows there (mostly Irish music)

[QUOTE=Aqualung]Also last week I, a friend and another couple went to Tancat. That's the Spanish restaurant on Paraguay (645) between Maipu and Florida. We all had shrimps in garlic (gambas al ajillo) (we all decided to have garlic so as our breaths wouldn't be offensive to each other!:) The shrimps are big, fat and juicy, the food comes steaming hot to the table and is very well prepared. A bottle of Trapiche Malbec, a beer and some soft drinks. Four flans with cream and the damage came to 240 pesos. 60 pesos each!

Nice place, good service but the tables are a little small. A great place for taking a date![/QUOTE]It was everything you said. Thanks for your post. Good eats and the place has a lot of character.

[QUOTE=Sidney]Underground, difficult to see. Excellent parilla and salad bar. They even offer very good pork back ribs at 35 pesos. I hadn't been here for 3 years. Better than before. All AR crowd of young people. Mucho ''eye'' candy''! Recommended![/QUOTE]I agree with Sidney as I've been here twice and both very good experiences. Their salad bar, no meats, is very fresh and free provided your entree selection is above 26 pesos. The entree's range from 25-45 pesos and are of very good proportions as I had to doggie bag my leftovers.

The service was very good both times and all of their waiters are women, most of which are pretty hot. Repeat, I said most - not all. They do aim to please and very friendly.

Patrons are 99 % portenos with business clientele dominating lunch. The eye candy increases at night and weekends but they are mostly with their family.

Regarding the sauce known as "chimichurri", I transcribe here this interesting article in Wikipedia: [url]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chimichurri[/url]

[I]
Chimichurri is a sauce and marinade for grilled meat originally from Argentina but used in countries as far north as Nicaragua.[1]

[b]Origin[/b]

Chimichurri (also spelled Chimmichurri) originated from Argentina and Uruguay, is a popular sauce used with grilled meat in many Latin American countries.[2][3] It is told that the unusual name comes from 'Jimmy McCurry', an Irishman who is said to have first prepared the sauce. He was marching with the troops of General Jasson Ospina in the 19th century, sympathetic to the cause of Argentine independence. The sauce was popular and the recipe was passed on. However, 'Jimmy McCurry' was difficult for the native people to say. Some sources claim Jimmy's sauce's name was corrupted to 'chimichurri', while others say it was changed in his honor.[4]

Other similar stories involve Jimmy Curry, an English meat importer; a Scot, James C. Hurray, travelling with gauchos; and an English family in Patagonia overheard by the group of Argentinians that were with them while saying "give me the curry". All the stories share an English speaking colonist and the corruption of names or words by the local population.

[b]Preparation[/b]

Chimichurri is made from finely chopped parsley, minced garlic, vegetable oil, white or red vinegar and red pepper flakes. Additional spices, such as paprika (pimenton dulce), oregano, cumin and bay leaf (laurel) can be added or removed based on the region . It is usually the only seasoning for steak and chorizo sausages in Argentine asados. It can also be used as a marinade for grilled meat. Chimichurri is also available bottled or dehydrated for preparing with oil and water.

The preparation is likely a mixture of Spanish and Italian methods, a general reflection of Argentine society as a whole. The essential elements of chimichurri are common to both Spain and Italy. The overall compositions, taste and preparation are clearly derived from Genovese pesto, and is also similar to French persillade.

[b]Dominican Chimichurris[/b]

In the Dominican Republic there is a dish called chimichurris, which has a different meaning. It is a twist on the hamburger recipe popular in the United States, substituting cabbage for lettuce and adding herbs, spices, and various condiments to flavor the meat. The bread used is called "pan de agua." The name translates into water bread and it has a texture and flavor similar to French bread, but is sized for an individual. As with the hamburger, many twists are added to the basic recipe on a regional or sometimes individual basis. The chimichurris are popularly sold out of panel trucks in the Dominican Republic and in the United States in places as diverse as the Washington Heights district of Manhattan and Lawrence, Massachusetts, north of san antonio.[/i]

I think I am enjoying the food more than the sex. It depends on what time of day you ask me.

I think I found the answer to food in BA. You look for restaurants that have waiters in bow ties and a 1940's decor. You can't go wrong.

I have been eating like a king for around $15/20 US.

IMHO forget about the trendy joints. You pay for ambience not food.

The old school joints have a vibe of their own.

Tenedor libres (all you can eat) are ok I guess but as a tourist you are crazy not to spend $15/20 for an excellent meal.

The ice cream the chocolates the cakes etc. Everything is excellent.

Can someone tell me the location of Juana M? I stay at the Intercontinental. Or maybe another good salad bar type place?

Thanks

[QUOTE=Billnyc]Can someone tell me the location of Juana M? I stay at the Intercontinental. Or maybe another good salad bar type place?

Thanks[/QUOTE]It's accross the street (Carlos Pelegrini) from ¨Mirasol¨or ¨El Mirasol¨ as you are walking down Pelegrini towards Libertador.

It's in a basement so you need to look for the long vertical sign above the stairs to the entrance.

Same side of the street as La Madelaine about (6) blocks away walking as the traffic flows.

Decent salad bar. Avoid the milanesa, BBQ ribs a bit greasy but good enough for you I'm sure.

I'm a Texan so they are NOT acceptable!

Been there quite often lately.

When the fucking sidewalk BEGGAR asks you for $2.00 pesos you will know that you have arrived!

The son of a ***** demands $2.00 pesos. Nothing less!

TL

Yeah, I don't think there was another restaurant there so it has to be pretty easy to recognize.

I ordered brochettes (shishkabobs basically) which should be grilled, and consist cubes of beef (usually lomo) and chicken (mixed) onions, bell peppers, and thick chunks of smoked panceta.

They brought me out a plate of sliced, over-cooked pieces of some kind of beef and chicken, with thin strips of plain panceta, all obviously cooked a la plancha (on a gridle) The only good thing was the onions and bell peppers on the side - they were sauteed and had a decent flavor.

It was really bad overall. Not worth the 75 pesos we each paid.

Serves me right for going blind to a tourist trap area restaurant.

The steak was ok, but but Argentina standards 'ok' is a bit below par when it comes to steak. The San Hubert Dulce wine was rather nice at 55 pesos for 500 ml. The meal came to 145R and I would say it was worth half that. If that.

Of the vegetables, two out of four arrived almost cold. The service was servile, patronising, self-important and attentive only when it wanted to be - or dragged to the table with red hot pincers. The staff attitude was it is nearly home time and they wanted to eat themselves.

I have never been so tempted to replay the fricking coffee scene from Mulholland Drive. I very nearly did.

I went there yesterday. Mediterranean french restaurant. Good price around 40 pesos for main course, sprite and coffee. They told me this is a school so they only open for lunch. Very good experience.

[QUOTE=Christopherd]Serves me right for going blind to a tourist trap area restaurant.

The steak was ok, but but Argentina standards 'ok' is a bit below par when it comes to steak. The San Hubert Dulce wine was rather nice at 55 pesos for 500 ml. The meal came to 145R and I would say it was worth half that. If that.

Of the vegetables, two out of four arrived almost cold. The service was servile, patronising, self-important and attentive only when it wanted to be - or dragged to the table with red hot pincers. The staff attitude was it is nearly home time and they wanted to eat themselves.

I have never been so tempted to replay the fricking coffee scene from Mulholland Drive. I very nearly did.[/QUOTE]Next time you need to try MY Resto-Bar Next Door!

Lálliance.

Cordoba 945

Right next to the Tourist Trap Rip-Off Joint!

And yes, it would have been about half the price for a much better meal.

Served by the owner and in English!

Plus my deserts are a great ride!

Hope you can make it soon!

TL.

P. S - I am re-opening tomorrow for lunch but I think that it will take a abuot 10 days to get the kinks out of the deal.

Trying new wait staff and meat providers, etc.

[QUOTE=Christopherd]Serves me right for going blind to a tourist trap area restaurant.

The steak was ok, but but Argentina standards 'ok' is a bit below par when it comes to steak. The San Hubert Dulce wine was rather nice at 55 pesos for 500 ml. The meal came to 145R and I would say it was worth half that. If that.

Of the vegetables, two out of four arrived almost cold. The service was servile, patronising, self-important and attentive only when it wanted to be - or dragged to the table with red hot pincers. The staff attitude was it is nearly home time and they wanted to eat themselves.

I have never been so tempted to replay the fricking coffee scene from Mulholland Drive. I very nearly did.[/QUOTE]You could have had agreat meal at my place right next door for about half the price dude!

Served in English by the owner!

I am going to re-open on Wednesday afternoon.

Limited menu and it may take a few days to work-out the kinks but I think you will enjoy it.

Plus my deserts are a GREAT RIDE!

Lálliance.

Cordoba 945

In the heart of ALL the action!

TL

Tancat

Paraguay 645

Outstanding food done properly.

I have eaten there three times now and it's always busy and the quality is outstanding.

Had the salmon twice.

Seems popular with the local gormonds.

Beezer

Went to lunch at Bennihanna's Japanese Terriyaki, Alto Palermo. This is a chain of show restaurants from the US. The cost for a duet (beef and shrimp) was $ar49, included salad, fried rice with veggies, soda, shrimp and beef, and dessert (ice cream) I've been to a number of these types of restaurants in the US. This one opened in late November 09. The cook / chef looked like he had his first lesson in showmanship that morning. I rate the show a 2 out of 10. The food was Ok, the server was polite and spoke English well. While the price and food was good (compared to the US) the show was poor at best. They're new, so they probably need more time to master the juggling, knife work, and fireworks. The Argie with me liked it.

Anyone know of a place that serves a really good breakfast?

Maybe a cross between American and Argentinian?

When I was at Sugar bar in Palermo Soho for the world cup I saw what looked like some pretty good egg plates being served. Omelet's looked great as well.

Sysco

I enjoyed dinner one night at Cafe Ditali, which came at the recommendation of a member and is located downtown at Maipú 902, at the corner of Paraguay. The steak meal I had included artichoke hearts and asparagus. The meal and a water ran me about 89 pesos before the tip.

Off of Santa Fe, on the way to Palermo, is La Aguada, at Bilinghurst 1862. They're also at ww.laaguadacocina.com.ar
This place delivers as well.

A good indian curry?

Authentic please.

Don't mind paying a good price, as long as the quality is good also