http://www.chow.com/boards/56 Tue, 06 Jan 2009 23:40:09 GMT Keep track of the lastest threads on Chowhound http://www.chow.com/topics/585693#4302774 I wasn't sure to skip the place in my Feb trip. Now I am. Thks! P.S.: it'll be fun to watch the upcoming shill campaign right below this post. Wed, 07 Jan 2009 04:24:16 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/585693#4302774 http://www.chow.com/topics/582418#4300734 We shared a bottle of the Errazuriz Reserva Carménère at Pacha Papa a few months ago.....delicious. Tue, 06 Jan 2009 18:01:10 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/582418#4300734 http://www.chow.com/topics/574975#4299854 I do not agree with Ericandblueboy's comments. Apparently, they have been at the Alfresco in San Isidro. There is another one in Miraflores (Malecon Balco), which I usually vist a couple of times during my regular visits to Lima, mostly for lunch. The ceviches and the food in general is excellent. Also, I have never seen tourist buses or a lot of tourists in there. All in all, I must have been to the place more than a dozen times and it was always excellent. Besides Alfresco, my choices for best restaurants in Lima are the buffet at Costaverde, the seafood at La Mar as well as, of course, Astrid y Gastón and, when it is not too crowded, Gloria. Try to avoid Rosa Nautica. Though the food is not bad, it is rather conventional, and the service is lousy. The last time I visited the place with a client, they even tried to charge me with 5 or 6 additional desert items we never ordered . In addition, they still started arguing about it. Tue, 06 Jan 2009 11:55:19 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/574975#4299854 http://www.chow.com/topics/585394#4298941 On a trip about 5 years ago, a colleague who lived there took us to a chain specializing in spit-roasted chicken - it might've been a chain but it really hit the spot. I'm not sure if it was called Rosti Pollo or that's just a nickname based on their specialty. If you know what I'm talking about, can you give me locations? Or alternatives in San Jose for good roast chicken? In San Jose, we'll be in the Av 5/Calle 40 area but spending time downtown. We're also willing to cab it. Also looking for suggestions for home-made tasting, tico style restaurants in Manuel Antonio area, and in the Dominical or Uvita area. Tue, 06 Jan 2009 01:03:55 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/585394#4298941 http://www.chow.com/topics/546404#4297564 Although I am travelling to Bs.As. for more than 30 years,and have tried many, many parillas, I only made it to the 647 Dinner Club in San Telmo last year. It really was a memorable experience. I prefer, though, another steak restaurant, the Happening, on Costanera Norte, alongside the river, near the city airport Aeroparque Jorge Newberry (there is another one in Puerto Madero, which is not nearly as good...better avoid it). At the Happening, they have excellent steaks, not too many tourists, a very good service, nice and different antipasti and a good wine selection. Las Lilas, though, even has a better wine selection, but sometimes there are too many bus tourists and then the service sucks. Also, I do not like that they only work with one credit card (I think it is MC). Btw: Las Lilas actually belongs to the Brazilian restaurant group Rubaiyat (The Rubaiyat at Alameda Santos in São Paulo is definitely my first restaurant choice for meat worldwide) and not to the Swift Armour group, who only purchased the meat brand Cabana Las Lilas some years ago, as one post somewhere else on this site suggested. Other places I can recommed include Don Julio, Ramona (for Costela), Hereford (also on Costanera Norte) and La Cabaña. But in general, you can get a good Bife de Chorizo almost everywhere, even at smaller restaurants and even in some of the tourists traps. Bom appetite! Mon, 05 Jan 2009 18:24:02 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/546404#4297564 http://www.chow.com/topics/380492#4295333 My husband and I spent four of the most glorious nights ever at Cavas two years ago. Our travel agent persuaded us to take the all inclusive package, which wasabsolutely the right choice. I was,at first, apprehensive at being 'forced' to eat at Cavas or around and about it, but once we arrived we were enchanted by the rooms,the food at Cavas,and all the wine and not-wine activities we encountered. I remember with great fondness a superb dinner we had at Francis Mailman. We requested a special table in the courtyard and dined under a glorious tree at a table for two. We spent one of the days white water rafting and horseback riding-a nice contrast from all the wineries. We have returned to Argentina two times since then and travel quite extensively, but we remember with great warmth the days we spent at Cavas. Sun, 04 Jan 2009 22:07:29 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/380492#4295333 http://www.chow.com/topics/187269#4290163 Just to update an old thread...and spark some local response. Come on Valley chowhounds...speak up! I know you’re out there! (Am I just talking to myself here?) Some of the best places in and around Harrisonburg, just to name a few, are: 1. The Blue Stone Inn is still a wonderful place to dine. Rustic decor, small dining room, friendly service. 2. Unfortunately, I heard Simple Pleasures is closing. 3. Edelwiess in Greenville has excellent German food. 4. The Joshua Wilton House is a B&B with fine, elegant dining. 5. Clementines – hip, metropolitan atmosphere with a varied menu. H’burg has a growing, diversified population and now there are a greater variety of restaurants. For example: Pho Ha – Vietnamese Inca Delight – Peruvian La Pupuseria – El Salvadoran Blue Nile – Ethiopian Xenia – Mediterranean/Middle Eastern There is also at least one Middle Eastern, Latin and Oriental grocery somewhere in town so we have sources for some hard to find foods and spices. Fri, 02 Jan 2009 19:44:41 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/187269#4290163 http://www.chow.com/topics/583237#4287960 I don't have any recommendations, but I'm hoping you'll post wehn you get back. We're going to Panama in February and I'd love some up to date recommendations. Thanks in advance. Thu, 01 Jan 2009 20:42:03 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/583237#4287960 http://www.chow.com/topics/521165#4287938 Just arrived in Cartagena and looking for recommendations. Especially anything that might be on the cutting edge side of things, or any cant miss street food, etc, etc. Thu, 01 Jan 2009 20:33:55 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/521165#4287938 http://www.chow.com/topics/582235#4287005 Toot, tnx and yes we know...we've been there. The regional cuisine is truly wonderful. We're moving to Joao Pessoa though and one thing we would miss is the SE Asian cuisine we've become so accustomed to over the last 15 years. Maybe we'll have to do our own cooking for awhile. Thanks for the Guinza tip. Thu, 01 Jan 2009 04:40:05 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/582235#4287005 http://www.chow.com/topics/583623#4284073 Hi UpscaleTO, We ate in quite a few places on your list and would like to add a few more for luck! We had similar experiences in some of your choices and different in others but i will leave you with our experiences and some extras. Osaka- good sushi experience but definately not the type we are used to at home in LA. Very buzzy with good tasty food that left us with the urge to return. Cabana Las Lilas - i can only call this place the ULTIMTEtourist destination which we did not like. I ordered Salmon which perhaps was a mistake in a Parilla and was a little dry. Only recomended for people who like to see lots of other Americans. 647 Dinner Club The night we went there was a lot of people and we had a good experience. I ordered the rib eye which was excelent and really loved the look and vibe of the place. Park Hyatt Totally loved the location, an amazing building with beautiful grounds. The lunch buffet is great. Oui Oui Great french style cafe in Palermo, very cool and hip. Ideal for a relaxed lunch any day of the week.(we went 3 times!) I leave some more tomorrow. . Tue, 30 Dec 2008 23:56:32 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/583623#4284073 http://www.chow.com/topics/573018#4278983 I heartily agree with your great post! I was there this past summer, and will go back next summer. I've some more photos and a write up at: http://aninsatiableappetite.blogspot.com/2008/08/leo-cocina-y-cava-top-restaurant-in.html The octopus was THE best, and the Roman Kola should not be ordered by those over 12 years old. I also loved Andres Carne de Res, outside of Bogota. It's a 1,000+ seat restaurant whose decorator was on hallucinogenics, and the food is great! When I asked my Colombian hosts where else was great food, they replied that it's at peoples' own homes or at private clubs! Over the next week,I dined with them and learned they were right. While it's safe (as safe as parts of NYC) to go about the city now, years ago, the threat of kidnapping led many to "cocoon" and hire or train darn good cooks. Now they are coming out, and restaurants are back...So I look forward to learning other placs chowhounds have visited in Bogota, and the rest of Colombia Mon, 29 Dec 2008 06:02:26 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/573018#4278983 http://www.chow.com/topics/582588#4278074 Thanks for the input. Ww will definitely try lunch at La Rural and at least visit Lopez and Zucccardi. Estancia el Puesto looks really nice, but we have already made reservations at Posada el Monje near San Carlos. Last year when were in Mendozda we visited two outstanding wineries - Carinae and Melipal - plus had lunch at Ruca Malen. We had such a wonderful time we are heading back this January. Thanks for the help. Sun, 28 Dec 2008 21:48:34 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/582588#4278074 http://www.chow.com/topics/360864#4276294 We're just back from a trip to Ecuador and went in search of Indochine one night. We found a Vietnamese restaurant by the name of Uncle Ho's on Jose Calama. Is this the same restaurant as the one referred to as Indochine? The food was decent and a nice alternative to a steady diet of the local cuisine. There are a few (but not many) vegetariain dishes on the menu and the chef was willing to replace the chicken in one dish with tofu. But it's really not what I would call a mecca for vegeterians. In fact, on Monday nights, the restaurant makes a big deal of offering a nightly special of steak and mash. We enjoyed the filet mignon and pork ribs as well as several of the fried and cool rolls. The prices were very reasonable. Sat, 27 Dec 2008 21:52:24 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/360864#4276294 http://www.chow.com/topics/499689#4269256 I know this is a bit late, but i just came back from Cusco and ate at Cicciolina which was superb. get the guinea pig app, it's truly unique and delicious. Tue, 23 Dec 2008 19:38:18 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/499689#4269256 http://www.chow.com/topics/582394#4269198 We have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the restaurants in Santiago, Chile. In 2006 and 2007, we created our complete Santiago, Chile Restaurant Reviews and Recommended Wines. They are posted on Chow at http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/409727. It includes restaurant recommendations that we never had a chance to try. The following restaurant reviews are those that we enjoyed in September 2008 when the exchange rate was CLP$.512 = US$1. 1. Our Favorites (in alphabetical order) 1.1 Astrid & Gastón (cocina peruana), Antonio Bellet 201, Providencia, (56-2)650-9125, www.astridygaston.com We spent CLP$48.200 plus tip and had a near perfect meal. The restaurant is beautifully decorated with whimsical artwork and an open kitchen. The tables are beautifully set and far enough apart for comfort. The staff is attentive, friendly and helpful. We were brought three kinds of (good) bread and bread sticks along with butter and a delicious dip of cream, onion, parsley and chili. There was no other amuse bouche. We shared everything and started with a fantastic dish called Dos erizos libertinos described as "uno en chupe con camarón, y el otro en su emulsión de rocto con ostiones" (CLP$9.800). The soup was warm and the broth/sauce intensely flavorful. The cold erizos were in a spicy lime juice that was perfect. And the erizos were perfect too. With that dish we had a (generous) glass of San Pedro Castillo de Molina Viognier (CLP$2.200 x 2) that was excellent (but that we had to wait moments too long for it to be poured). For our main we ordered El cochinillo de tres semanas described as "Confitado y laqueado. Reducción de sus jugos al cacao. Carapulcra y su pera rellena de relleno." (CLP$17.800) The kitchen split the dish for us and the portions were still large. The suckling pig was fabulous; meat tender and flavorful. The sauce was terrific. The lacquered skin was exactly as it should have been: crunchy. The stuffing of the pear was very good and so were the potatoes. With that dish we had a glass of Astrid & Gastón Ventisquero (a maker we like) Carménère (CLP$2.900 x 2). For dessert "de Astrid" we had Los picarones rellenos de plátano con miel de especias y Helado de crema (CLP$6.800). Another dish created with perfection. We also had 2 decaffeinated coffees (CLP$1.800 x 2). They came with les mignardise. The meal was a triumph. 1.2 Boragó, Vitacura 8369, Vitacura, fono: (56-2)224-8278, web: www.borago.cl. We had a very nice, creative meal and would recommend the restaurant for someone who wants to sample Chilean dishes done in innovative ways. The restaurant opened in May (I think) 2007. The service was very good and our waiter was attentive. We wanted to share one degustation menu and that was a problem. We said that all we wanted was to have each course put in the center of the table and to have empty plates in front of each of us. Our waiter said that it was not permitted. After consulting with the kitchen, our waiter said that, because they wanted to please their customers, the chef would make an exception for us. We chose the Maridaje Endémica Degustación with the wine/tea pairings (CLP$40.000). The courses were small works of art: three starters, three mains and three desserts. Here’s the menu: Sonido y parrilla…Aceite y ají explosivo, tomate y carbón vegetal. This was bread with olive oil and little explosive morsels at the bottom of the dish Mar del norte…Loco y aceite de cobre, mayonesa de huevo de campo trufada, paired with a lovely Leyda Classic Chardonnay reserva 2007, Valle de Leyda. Loco is a Chilean abalone that tends to be tough but this was not. It was very well prepared. A veces la niebla simplemente de deja caer…Ensalada de nogos indistintamente cocinadoes: gargales, enokis, papá trufada y umo de bosque, paired with a William Cole, Pinot Noir, Alto Vuelo reserva 2007, Valle de Casablanca. A few tastes that were good. Abstracción de mar de isla de Pascua…Konzo, caldo de mar rosado y papas a humo, todo condimentado con flores de borraja served with Té de guarda Pu’erh, Provenica de Yunnan, China. The fish was excellent and served in a broth; very Chilean. Congrio a la parrilla de carbón de espino, clorofila de albahaca y papá bruja (Chiloé), paired with Leyda Classic Chardonnay reserva 2007, Valle de Leyda We really loved that the menu was heavy on fish and this preparation was very good. The basil-oil essence was unique and fabulous. En medio de los silencios del bosque patagónico...Ahumado en madera de Tepu: Carrillera cocinada durante 30 horas a 70° C y queso de oveja patagónica maduro, boletus y espuela de galán, paired with Casa Patronales, Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Valle del Maule. This was a very good dish as was the wine (but now we’re starting to get full). Climas helados…helado de flores de violeta, turrón y crocante de maqui condimentado con violetas, paired with Sidra Misia Rosario, Sagrada Familia, Curicó. The violet taste was unmistakable and delicious. Nuevo coulant (caliente-frío) de chocolate cocinado a –196 ° C y rizos de avellana chilena, paired with Portal del Alto, Syrah tardio 2004, Valle del Maipo. You had to be careful eating this one! Frío glacial with Agua de vertiente, Cordillera de los Andes, Chillán. A most unusual dish. 1.3 Europeo (cuisine du marché), Alonso de Cordova 2417, Vitacura, fono: (56-2)208-3603, e-mail: europeo@tie.cl, web: www.europeo.cl, We spent CLP$38.000 plus tip. We had a lovely meal, in a lovely room with lovely service. This is a restaurant where you know there is a standard of excellence. The waiter, Eudes, who took our order, remembered us and the table we sat at over a year before. Was it because we share everything? In any event, we were impressed. The (very good) bread arrived with a paté, oil and butter. There was no other amuse bouche. For our starter, we shared Molljas de ternera rellenas con gremolata sobre confits de verduras/veal sweetbreads stuffed with gremolata over vegetables confits CLP$5.500. It was absolutely terrific and the kitchen split the dish for us (perhaps also giving us more). There were four mollejas that had been stuffed and then rolled in fine breadcrumbs that added a bit of a crunch. They were the perfect texture and the gremolata was a creative addition. We loved all of the vegetables on the dish. For our main, we shared the half order of Chuleta de cordeo Francia al horno/oven roasted French rack of lamb with vegetables, potatoes mille feuilles and thyme sauce (CLP$14.700--a whole rack would have cost CLP$22.600 and been too much for us). Again the kitchen split the dish for us. The lamb was very tasty--like Patagonian--and perfectly cooked. The sauce had a wonderful thyme taste and fresh thyme visably in it. Again the vegetables were copious and delicious. The potato pie was an unusual addition in Chile. On our "one glass of wine with dinner" regimen, we wanted to have a pure carmènére but, by the glass, they only had an ensamblaje of cabernet franc, carmènére, cabernet sauvignon from Coyam Cachapoal (200 cc for CLP$4.700 each). It was very, very good. We had two desserts. Dimitri had the Tartaleta de mirabelles carmalizadas con parfait helado de miel/home made mirabelles (plum) tartalette with honey parfait glace (CLP$4.200) and loved it, although he didn't finish the ice cream saying it lacked taste. I asked for one chocolate soufflé from the Sinfonia de chocolates. The kitchen made me 3 tiny chocolate soufflés which were wonderful (but I could only eat one) at the special price of CLP$4.200. The evening was truly enjoyable. We took a normal taxi from the Marriott (it cost CLP$2.050 there) and a normal taxi back (CLP$1.800) that we hailed on the corner of Cordova and Vitacura. 1.4 La Mar (de Astrid Gutsche y Gastón Acurio), Cebicheria Peruana, Av. Nueva Costanera 3922, Vitacura, fono: (56-2) 206-7839, e-mail: reservaschile.lamarcebicheria.cl (and the Gerente is Bogdan Piotraszewski (who speaks English) e-mail: bpiotra@lamarcebicheria.cl). We spent CLP$22.400 (with a gift of the cebiche valued CLP$9.200) plus tip. This restaurant opened on Sept. 1, 2008 and it is already a smash hit. It is owned by Astrid and Gastón from Peru (and the world) and is just as good as the La Mar in Lima. We had a great meal and a great time. It is A Phenomenon to eat there. If you are not going to be in Lima, eat at this restaurant. Very trendy (and also noisy, because of defective sound system we were told). We had to wait 5 days for a reservation! When we arrived they brought us exotic potato chips and 3 dips: Ocopa made of hualcaiwa y huacatay (my favorite), hualcaiwa y rocoto (a little spicy) and hualcaiwa y aji amarillo (also a little spicy). They also brought a basket of chullpi, a crunchy Peruvian roasted corn that I love. We ordered the Cebiche Afrodisiaco (CLP$9.200) of ostras, ostiones y erizos en leche de tigre de erizos to share. It was fabulous and too big for us to finish. We asked to take it home but they said they had nothing to put it in and, anyway, the next day, it wouldn't be good. It would be "cooking" in the lemon juice all night. For our main, we shared the Especiale Atún de isla de pascua a las brasas con glaseado de frutos del bosque y puré de habas (CLP$9.800). The dish was very good. Unfortunately we thought that the tuna wasn't the best we've had. On our new "one glass of wine with dinner" regimen we had a Chocalán Reserva Viognier (CLP$2.900) and it was very good and a generous-sized glass. For dessert we had the Picarones (CLP$3.900) tradicional fritura de zapallo y camotes con miel de higo y especias. They were excellent; crunchy on the outside and yummy on the inside. By the way, we took a regular taxi from the Marriott and back. The cost was CLP$2.540 to go and CLP$1.800 on the way back. Had we taken a hotel taxi/remis, it would have cost CLP$4.800 each way (and definitely not worth it). 1.5 Mercat Restoran, Nueva Costanera 4092, Vitacura, tel (56-2)784-2840, e-mail: info@mercatrestoran.cl, web: www.mercatrestoran.cl, also http://restaurantes.emol.com/ficha/ficharest.asp?id_restaurante=6198 Won 2nd place in the Best New Restaurant Category of the Wiken Awards. We spent CLP$41.700 plus tip. There was a delicious amuse bouche of sopa de verduras. We shared the Tartar de Atún con caramelo de soya y aceite de zanahoria (CLP$8.500). It was very good tuna and the preparation was delicious. Then we were brought a sorbet de canela to cleanse our palates and it was lovely. For our main, we shared the oil fish apanado en polvo de pistachos envuelto en crujiente de jamón serrano con ravioles de zuccini relenos con queso de campo y hortalizas al horno (CLP$11.500). This was a new fish for us (called Ecolar from Ecuador) and it was fabulous. We also ordered a Parrillada de verduras con salsa romescu (verduras de la estación) that were very good (CLP$5.500). On our new "one glass of wine with dinner" regimen we had a Chocalán Carménère that was excellent. For dessert we had Mousse de higos con cemino de chocolate (CLP$5.200). Dimitri liked the mousse and I loved the chocolate which was very much like dark chocolate fudge. We also had two decaffeinated espresso coffees (CLP$3.000). The meal was very enjoyable (particularly with the gas heater directed right at us). 1.6 Ox, Av. Nueva Costanera 3960, Vitacura, Santiago, fono: (56-2)799-0260. We spent CLP$63.200 plus tip. The restaurant has a clean modern look. We had fabulous service and fabulous food. It opened in February 2007 and the meat is fantastic. They serve an amuse bouche of 4 items on a long, sleek plate. One was a taste of roast beef in a chutney, one was prosciutto in a sweet onion, one was a crunchy brioche in a raspberry sauce and one was the classic Chilean pebre. We shared everything and started with Foie grass sellado brioche y dulce de maracuyá (CLP$14.900). It was the most sensually delicious fois gras we've had in a long time. There were blueberries in the sauce too. For our main, we had the special Filete Ox con nueso 500 g. (CLP$24.900). It was an unusual filet connected to the back bone. It was cooked perfectly and the bone was wonderful to gnaw on. We also ordered an espinaca a la vapor (CLP$4.900) and an arroz jazmin blanco & juz de carne (CLP$4.500). The au jus was very good and we used it on the meat too (and they brought us more). We each had one (generous) glass of Chocalán Reserva Carménère (CLP$2.800 each) and it was excellent. For dessert we ordered the Isla Flotante de suspiro limeño (CLP$4.500) but we didn't like it so we then ordered the churros with chocolate (CLP$4.500). The churros were great--crunchy on the outside; the chocolate was not to our liking (it was milk chocolate). All in all a wonderful evening. 1.7 Puerto Fuy, Av. Nueva Costanera 3969, Vitacura, fono: (56-2)208-8908 or 206-7391. The chef is Giancarlo Mazzarelli and he is extremely talented; this could be our absolute favorite restaurant in Santiago. We spent CLP$33.800 plus tip and had a wonderful meal, with very good service in a lovely atmosphere. This restaurant does not disappoint; this was our 4th visit. When we first arrived we were brought olive oils to taste from a company called Los Doscientos (I think). We liked the type of oil called Arbequina the best. Then we were brought an amuse bouche of a salad with queso de cabre. It was lovely. We shared everything and started with the Cangrejo cannelloni CLP$8.300/surf crab cannelloni with grana padano sauce. The crab was delicious and very Chilean to pair crab with cheese. We each had a (generous) glass of Casa Silva Viognier (CLP$3.800 x 2) and we really liked it. After our starter we were brought a cleansing basil sorbet that is extraordinary. It was a cold essence of basil. For our main we shared the Turbot with zucchini and pumpkin, potage of scallop and gremolata (CLP$14.200). It was divided in the kitchen for us (which was very nice because it was in an unusual dish). It was excellent and the sauce and vegetables with it were intensely flavorful. Then there was a pre-dessert of Maracuya sorbet with a rum coca on top. Fabulous. For dessert we had a lemon parfait with poppy seeds, pineapple carpaccio and basil and apple sorbet (CLP$5.300). We were unusually happy! The normal-type taxi from the Marriott was CLP$2.200 each way. 2. Good Restaurants 2.1 Anakena Thai Restaurant, Hotel Grand Hyatt, Av. Kennedy 4601, Las Condes, tel (56-2) 950-1234. We had a lovely light meal that cost CLP$28.950 plus tip (for Ricardo who was a great waiter). We shared a Thai maricos salad, a yellow curry with corvina and a sticky rice with mango. 2.2 Café Melba, Don Carlos 2898, Loc 1, Las Condes, fono 232-4546, e-mail: info@akaranarestaurant.cl, We had a Saturday lunch there, talking to the ex-pats at the next table. It was enjoyable and good. We had one French toast (that Dimitri said was dry) and I had a vegetarian sandwich. Also it has nice salads for lunch. 2.3 Confiteria Torres (de Claudio Soto Barría), Av. Gal. Lib. B. O'Higgins 1570 (The Alameda 1570), fono: (56-2)688-0751, claudio@confiteriatorres.cl, web: www.confiteriatorres.cl We decided to try this restaurant because it is supposed to be old-fashioned typical Chilean. We spent CLP$23.400 plus tip. The room is 19th century and pleasant, with a high ceiling and mustard-colored walls. The service was excellent and the banquette was comfortable (although we couldn't get the table close enough to the end of the seat). The owner, Claudio Soto Barría, was friendly and helpful. They bring sopapillas (deep friend corn breads) with pebre. We shared one Chupe de Locos (típica preparación par uno de los clásicos del mar chileno) CLP$7.600. It was a creamy preparation (and not too cheesy), much better than we've had before. The locos (Chilean abalone) were pounded enough to be tender. Our main was from the Puerto Montt area (but when we were there we never saw this dish on a menu). It was called Arroz Chilote de Misiá María (receta de leyenda chilota, piures y aliños sureños convierten al arroz en un misterio digno de saborear/a legendary recipe from the island of Chiloé/rice, piures (which are like a barnacle) and southern spices) CLP$6.200. It is a dish from Chiloé and more of a soup than a risotto. It was very tasty. With dinner we each had a glass of La Joya Carmènére 2007de Viña Bisquertt (CLP$2.500 each) that was good. For dessert we tried two: a Chimbo Cake CLP$2.200. It's described as "the most notorious dessert from Chile's culinary tradition". We didn't like it--it was too dry for us. The other dessert was a tapioca with blueberry sauce CLP$2.400 and much more to our liking. It was a very nice meal. We took the subway to the restaurant and a bus back. It was a long way--it took about an hour each way. 2.4 Ibis de Puerto Varas, Borde Río, Mons. Escrivá de Balaguer 6400, Loc 4, fono: (56-2)218-0111. It is very difficult to find a restaurant open on Sunday night. Ibis is open on Sunday nights; we have eaten here twice and have had good meals both times. We spent CLP$17.900 plus tip. The bread that is offered is not the kind we like but we’ve noticed it’s popular in Chile. We shared everything and started with scallops in a port wine sauce (CLP$5.800). The scallops were tasty and tender and the sauce was very good (it was more like a soup, actually). For our main we shared a Caldillo de congrio, a soup with potatoes, vegetables and congrio (CLP$6.900). It was delicious and typical Chilean. We each had a glass of Carmen Chardonnay (CLP$3.600 for 2). And we ordered a side dish of rice (CLP$1.600). We couldn’t find a dessert we wanted so we didn’t have coffee either. 2.5 Matsuri at the Hyatt Santiago, fono 950-3051. We had a very nice, light meal on a Sunday night when many (most) restaurants are closed. We spent CLP$17.200 plus tip. They give an amuse bouche which I liked. It was salmon wrapped in nori and then tempura batter, served room temperature. We each had a Chawan Mushi (CLP$4.500 x2) which was excellent. It's a traditional Japanese chicken flan with seafood of the day. Dimitri had a Nabe Yaki soup CLP$7.000 with steamed udon noodles, vegetables and shrimp. He liked it. The service was excellent. 2.6 The Gaon Korean Restaurant, Av. Manquehue Sure # 674, Santiago, fono: (56-2) 242-0082, e-mail: info@gaon.cl, web: http://www.gaon.cl We spent CLP$15.400 plus CLP$3.000 tip and had a very good meal. We had Tofu Sobaqui (CLP$4.500) which was pan-fried tofu stuffed with shitake mushrooms and was crunchy, unusual and very good. It was served with a white vinegar and a spicy hoisen sauce. We also started with Chap Chae (CLP$4.200) which was sweet potato noodles stir-fried with vegetables. The noodles were excellent but the dish was thin on vegetables. Then we had our favorite Dol Sot Bibim Bap (CLP$5.500) which is rice topped with vegetables and meat served in hot stone pot where the rice at the bottom gets crunchy. We had té verde (CLP$1.200) and Susu Tok, a rice cake with covered with a dusting of sweet bean (CLP$3.200) that was unusual and very good. Because the dessert took so long, we weren't charged for it either. 3. Restaurants that we wouldn’t recommend 3.1 Asian Bistro, Boulevard Parque Arauco,Av. Kennedy 5413, Loc 373, Las Condes, fono: (56-2) 220-1430, web: www.asianbistro.cl CLP$6.100 plus tip. We decided to give this restauarnt another chance; this time for lunch. We had one chicken lettuce wraps (CLP$3.600). The filling was bland and uninteresting. And, we had one szechuan hot and sour soup (CLP$2.500). The soup was thin, had few vegetables and, although spicy, was not sour. Again, we think that this restaurant fails to deliver--it is neither here nor there. 3.2 Sukalde (el Saber del Sabor), Bilbao No. 460 (esq. Av. Italia), Providencia, fono: (56-2)665-1017, e-mail: sukalde@sukalde.cl, web: www.sukalde@sukalde.cl. We spent CLP$25.900 plus tip and had a delicious meal but we still wouldn’t recommend the restaurant. The chef, Matias Palomo Reyes, is gifted but the restaurant has problems. The first and foremost problem is that it is a smoking restaurant. We didn’t go there in 2007 because we were told that when we called for a reservation. In 2008, I searched the restaurant’s website and found nothing that would have alerted me to it being a smoking restaurant. When I made the online reservation, I specified in the message section of the reservation request that we wanted a no smoking section. We got a confirmation (and the no smoking section request was visible) of our reservation. So we were surprised when we got to the door and saw the “this is a smoking restaurant” sign. We almost left but were told they only had 3 reservations that night. They have two rooms and we chose one and asked that they not put smokers in that room with us. No one actually smoked in the room where we were eating. The second problem for the restaurant is the location. For people on the east side, in Las Condes, it is very far and, the intersection where the restaurant is located, is decrepit. The third problem for the restaurant is the décor. It looks shabby and not well thought-out. There is a circular hole between the two dining rooms and it is not a true circle. The doorway between the two rooms is kind of rough-hewn too. The art on the walls is nothing special. We thought that the molecular food preparation was excellent. The service was proper and the banquette seats were comfortable. The temperature of the room was good. We were brought an amuse bouche that was good—a potato chip with a dollop of mole on it. The bread was not special, however. We shared everything and started with the Ostion frito in tempura morada y puré de topinambur y variación de sabors/sea scallops fried in purple corn tempura with topinambur pure (a tuber that tastes like artichoke) and flavors (CLP$6.200). The scallops were sweet, the crust was crunchy and tasty and the topings very good. The purée was delicious. On our “one glass of wine with dinner” regimen, we had a delicious Leyda Classic Reserva Sauvignon Blanc (CLP$3.200 each). For our main, we shared a fish we really like. It is called konzo and it was served with puré de hinojo y raiol de manzana y aire de camarón y albahaca/konzo with fennel pure and apple ravioli and basil shrimp air and alcayota in red wine (CLP$9.600). The dish was excellent. The piece of fish was large and flavorful, the ravioli was in a creative, transparent pasta-like wraper and we loved the fennel purée. We also ordered one dessert. Dimitri really liked the sopaipillas pasadas (CLP$3.700) which was three things (none of which resembled sopaipillas). One was a mote, a barley-like pudding, another corn-like pudding and (I think) ice cream. So the food was really good but it took us an hour each way to get to the restaurant by public transportation. Tue, 23 Dec 2008 19:19:07 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/582394#4269198 http://www.chow.com/topics/576826#4269179 Greetings, we posted our restaurant reviews on Chow for both El Calafate and Ushuaia. Have a look at El Calafate: We posted our restauant reivews in response to an inquiry. It's at http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/466446 Or look at our blog posting (which may be better organized) at: http://travelingloveaffair.blogspot.com/2008/08/2008-roadtrip-puerto-iguazu-argentina.html Ushuaia: see http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/496277 or look at our blog posting: http://travelingloveaffair.blogspot.com/2008/05/2008-ushuaia-argentina-restaurant.html And if you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask: aleanddm@gmail.com Tue, 23 Dec 2008 19:08:48 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/576826#4269179 http://www.chow.com/topics/582319#4268863 Hi there. I am from Buenos Aires myself and I have to say that the culture of street vendors (food-wise) is not particularly strong in BA. However, when it comes to meat there are some genuine places I would defintely recommend. If you head to the Costanera (the riverside promenade by the River Plate, behind Puerto Madero and way, way better) you will see some carts (called in Spanish: 'carritos') selling choripanes (chorizo sandwiches), milanesas and other similar stuff. Also, I would highly recommend that you head to Feria de Mataderos on a Sunday: it is a craft and food market in the area of Mataderos (meaning: slaughter houses) where you will find musical folk shows, dancing and some street parrillas which are really good and great value. You'll also find some vendors in Feria de Recoleta (Saturdays and Sundays by the Iglesia del Pilar on Avenida del Libertador and Avenida Pueyrredón). They sell churros, empanadas and other sweet and savoury bites. Hope this helps! Tue, 23 Dec 2008 17:30:11 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/582319#4268863 http://www.chow.com/topics/572694#4268531 And it's so easy. Unlike in the U.S. all you have to do in Rio is look at the signs on the front of the bus and you can figure out what to take. We also bought a book that gave ALL the bus lines. And the subway is great too. Tue, 23 Dec 2008 15:32:05 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/572694#4268531 http://www.chow.com/topics/582153#4266887 Can anyone recommend a restaurant for Christmas day in Buenos Aires? Will anything be open or should we stock up on candy bars? Moderate price range would be best. Thanks! Mon, 22 Dec 2008 21:52:54 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/582153#4266887 http://www.chow.com/topics/582150#4266879 I will be in Punta del Este, Jose Ignacio, or nearby on NYE and would like to eat some great food- no dietary restrictions, and cheaper is better. I will have a car and will drive pretty much anywhere for deliciousness. Any suggestions for meals in Punta and nearby towns are much appreciated! Thanks!! Mon, 22 Dec 2008 21:51:07 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/582150#4266879 http://www.chow.com/topics/493616#4266164 Did y'all make it to the Chifa? My wife and I are going this week and we would like to give one a try. Any ordering suggestions? Mon, 22 Dec 2008 18:09:52 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/493616#4266164 http://www.chow.com/topics/581932#4266095 Hi there. I'm not sure whether you are looking just to grab some food (in which case, any preferences as to what type of food or place?) or have a New Year's celebration at a restaurant which will most definetely be over $100 on New Year's Eve unless you head for a cantina or pizzeria. If you give me a few more details, I can give you a few suggestions in return. Mon, 22 Dec 2008 17:49:30 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/581932#4266095 http://www.chow.com/topics/556387#4264002 Hi, I hope you had a good trip and that you bring back recs for us Chowhounds! I would have resoonded prior to your trip if I had come across this posting. On a recent trip to Quito I tried various Ecuadorian restaurants, all good, and definately not stingy on the lime as many places here in NYC. One of my favorites restaurants which happended not to be Ecuadorian, but rather Greek, was Cafe Mosaico. It was so weird eating Greek in Quito, especially since I live in Astoria, a neighborhood filled with Greek cafes and restaurants. The view from Mosaico is amazing as it overlooks Quito. The food was authentic and the service could not have been more warm and professional. I will be going back to Quito in the near future since we loved it so much. Any suggestions? Mellie Sun, 21 Dec 2008 19:16:29 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/556387#4264002 http://www.chow.com/topics/578395#4262578 On Sundays, there is an amazing all you can eat lobster BBQ for about $25. I forget the name of the place, but it is on the other side of the island and all the locals know about it. You will need to rent a car for the day, and take a small boat through the canals in order to get there. Not to be missed. Sat, 20 Dec 2008 23:37:43 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/578395#4262578 http://www.chow.com/topics/419899#4252699 I have to echo Andres Carne de Res - I was brought there by two Colombians and recommended it by a third - food is good, not amazing but good, but the experience of it is totally, completely worth it - one of the most fun parts about Bogota. Do not miss it! Wed, 17 Dec 2008 04:00:39 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/419899#4252699 http://www.chow.com/topics/579812#4246172 Well, you are in guacho land.Did you go here yet? http://www.churrascariarodadecarreta.com.br/# Vitrine Gaucha http://www.vitrinegaucha.com.br/ O Engenho-Mineira cuisine Cachaceria Agua Doce-cachaca Cacarola-feijoada Choppe Stubel-German, many Germans in southern Brazil Bazcaria-Brazilian pizza Copacabana-Italian Calamares-Portuguese A couple of suggestions, pizza, portuguese, italian, and german are excellent options in Porto Alegre because of the rich immigrant populations. Look for wine bars featuring Brazilian wines, southern Brazil is the wine producing region of Brazil. Sun, 14 Dec 2008 21:30:03 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/579812#4246172 http://www.chow.com/topics/576932#4243930 You have to be careful with Oleo as there are a lot of reviews on there that have no relation to the reality of the place. Lai lai is very good, i discovered it 4 years ago the first time i came to BA, with my boyfriend who is a porteno. An even better chinese is Little China on Rio Bamba 1156 and the corner of Santa Fe, ...better than Lai Lai and even cheaper but the place is not much to look at. Also you must go to Sarkis in CalleThames ,Villa Cresp, the corner of Cordoba....buenisimo este lugar!!! Also for breakfast i highly recomend Oui Oui in Palermo, the service can be chaotic but the onda is great. Sat, 13 Dec 2008 16:50:27 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/576932#4243930 http://www.chow.com/topics/576785#4243643 Hey Charly Bear, theres been some good places recomended and really none bad but there are certainly the tourist hot spots appearing. Remember that places like Bar Uriarte and especially La Cabrera are almost 100% tourist dominated. I would recomend for really great food the following. Cafe San Juan is excelent, the porcions are huge and very very tasty. Resto is perfect for a slower paced lunch, they really understand food and i how to present it. 647 Dinner Club, really spectacular looking place with great food and super tasty cocktails. And lastly for Japanese, the Nikkei association in San Telmo, simple surroundings but excelent sushi. Sat, 13 Dec 2008 12:07:07 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/576785#4243643 http://www.chow.com/topics/575821#4241353 This place is really getting talked about now, when i originally reserved i thought i had found a little secret...obviousely not.. I ate in 647 Club with 3 friends about 6 weeks ago and it was superb. We did all eat the meat dishes though which are generally raved about so maybe no suprise there. The place looks very glamorous which sort of shocked us after arriving and finding from the outside what looked like an old crumbling building. We ate the tart tatin,sweet breads and the carpacio followed by rib eyes and lamb, all cooked perfectly and full of flavour. In argentina we found it was always best to stick with the meat which was always incredible as opposed to the fish which we always found at best acceptable. Fri, 12 Dec 2008 14:38:37 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/575821#4241353 http://www.chow.com/topics/578514#4239643 My husband I are in the same boat. We are from NY/NJ and we will be in BA for the New Year. I have not made reservations, but we are looking for a dining option and a party option for later on in the evening. I came across a couple party/dining packages, that were way over my price range, like 300 a couple. What restaurants are you planning to go to while you are in BA, have you decided on your NYE plans? Andrea Thu, 11 Dec 2008 21:33:05 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/578514#4239643 http://www.chow.com/topics/575639#4237295 Hey adelly, people don't realize that BA has world class Italian pastas all over the place. Pizza is an art form. Also the grilled provoleta cheese is delicious and served just about everywhere. Persicco's gelato is incredible and Freddo's is good too. You'll be there in summer so you will enjoy great salads; I love ensalata con remolacha (with beets). You will love the medialuna pastries in the morining too. To be blunt, sushi in BA sucks. It is really primitive compared to what you get at home. Don't make a special trip to any sushi place there. I admit that my 5 favorite words are "bife de lomo a punto." But you will be amazed how well you will eat without touching a steak. Palermo is a really cool place. I think I remember a vegetarian place on Gurruchaga a few doors down from the Felix boutique. I am straying from food, but I love the soap store Sabater Hermanos a few blocks down for their coco flavor soap. Thu, 11 Dec 2008 02:14:02 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/575639#4237295 http://www.chow.com/topics/572660#4235508 I am agree with you ... except in the Segundo Muelle comment. It's a good restaurant, and you can find other restaurants locations. The one that I like it's on Rivera Navarrete Street. On weekdays it's packed, because is in the middle of business center area. Another japanese food restaurant, that is very good is TOSHIRO'S. It's in Av. Conquistadores. It's a little expensive, but worth it. There's an entree made of seashells, mayo and caviar. Pretty good! Wed, 10 Dec 2008 17:21:04 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/572660#4235508 http://www.chow.com/topics/578589#4231997 Wife and I will be arriving into BA on Dec. 26 and staying in Palermo Soho for several days. Can anyone recommend options for the day after Christmas? We'll be ready to dive into some steaks and red wine. Anything with a local flavor that may be open? Thanks in advance. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:33:06 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/578589#4231997 http://www.chow.com/topics/463070#4229782 That would be known as a Mamone (mostly), Mamonsillo or a Ginnup (West Indian), depending on where you were from. They are delicious and can be found on the streets of Miami and NY City. There could be other places where you cvan get them, I don't know. There have been some web sites selling them but there have been some issues...either the order was not filled or the product wasn't good. I did get some really good ones once but they won't be selling them anylonger due to inconsistent product quality. Currently I am waiting on getting my money back from one such site...I will post the name upon completion of my refund or the non return of my refund. The mamones (mah-moe-nayes) also grow on many of the Carribbean islands, tho I haven't tasted them in order to compare vs the Panamanian variety. Hope this helps. Mon, 08 Dec 2008 19:36:31 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/463070#4229782 http://www.chow.com/topics/564280#4216728 Absolutely agree with El Cuartito and Guerrín; not only is their pizza delicious but the atmosphere is genuine, family-style, no-frills, no-nonsense which makes the experience so much better. They are also very cheap and popular but worth the wait. I heard wonders about La Mezzetta as well although I haven't been myself. If you are heading towards Boca, right opposite the Bombonera stadium is a very traditional pizzería called Banchero. Their claim to fame is to have invented the 'fugazzetta, pizza (tons of cheese and onion) and it's definetely worth trying out. Don't forget to order fainá to go with you pizza! It's a must in Argentina and absolutely delicious... Wed, 03 Dec 2008 12:40:23 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/564280#4216728 http://www.chow.com/topics/576490#4212678 Barba Roja: truly superb mahi maji cooked in banana leaf. Returned to restaurant for this entree. Also excellent grilled red snapper filet "azteca". Decent enough cocktails. Kapi Kapi: somewhat pricey, very good. Perfectly seared tuna entreee. DC had the steak, also good, on a bed of yummy potato and (?) puree. Highly recommend this place for a "special" night. Great atmosphere and service. Si Como No: Most pricey of the bunch. Had a good mahi mahi, DC had mahi mahi in a different presentation of a very sweet pineapple and mango sauce. Well prepared, but not to our taste. I had the more "famous" mahi mahi entree, sorry I can't remember it exactly, but it was very good. But, since Si Como No was more expensive than other places, not really worth it, IMHO. Coconut-drizzled flan on a nutty crust was a good desert. Wine list was not totally crazy-priced, but up there. Mamma Mia: decent enough. Good pizza by Costa Rican standards, I suppose. Very good salads. The place across the street from the Marlin at Espadilla Beach: had lunch here, decent "casado" with chicken, nothing horrible, nothing great. I *really* wanted to go to the grilled meat woman in the stands at the beach, but we really wanted a place to sit down after hiking through the park. Our loss. I've heard from multiple sources that she serves great stuff. El Gran Escape (Quepos): good drinks, huge decent sandwiches. Heard their tuna dinner entree was awesome, so was mildly disappointed in the well-done tuna sandwich. Farmer's Market (Quepos): go on Friday afternoon after they set up. We went Saturday afternoon, and you could tell stuff was tired from sitting in the heat. Not really a huge selection like in other places, but it's something. Mon, 01 Dec 2008 23:01:27 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/576490#4212678 http://www.chow.com/topics/543126#4212641 Agree with Don Rufino. Get the "Grandma's Chicken" ("Pollo de mi Abuela" or something like that.) Great mix of flavors in that packet. My DC had beef tenderloin which was also quite good. Excellent asparagus and beet soup. I also went to La Choza de Laurel. While not quite as great as Don Rufino, my Jalepeno steak was excellent, cooked perfectly. DC's Arroz con Pollo was OK, nothing to write home about. I stayed at Tabacon and was not impressed with the breakfast, even though I had the "Tipico" breakfast. I mean, it was fine, but I knew if they couldn't make a great "typical" breakfast, I wasn't going to risk the $$$ on dinner. Mon, 01 Dec 2008 22:45:49 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/543126#4212641 http://www.chow.com/topics/573286#4206920 Í'd eliminate Club 647 off your list having just eaten there several days ago. See my post under http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/575821 Hope this helps. Fri, 28 Nov 2008 20:27:37 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/573286#4206920 http://www.chow.com/topics/556751#4198448 Woojink,great to read you report. Iguatemi is a stunning mall, I found a nice cigar lounge upstairs while staying within walking distance this past April. Yeah, you were in a nice neighborhood. Baby Beef Rubayait is an elegant restaurant with world class steak, glad you made it out. Too bad you don't remember the feijoada place. Italian in Sampa, the options are limitless. Japanese?I just visited Libertade, but never dined, but the Japanese population in Sampa is the largest in the world outside Japan. Mon, 24 Nov 2008 20:03:14 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/556751#4198448 http://www.chow.com/topics/573805#4188715 la parilla If you are in Barrio San Telmo stop by La Parilla for a quick, cheap lunch. The food, like the owner, is classic and flavorful. The grill takes up half of the shoebox sized spot; the remaining space is devoted to stools that have seated almost every type of person (vegetarians excluded). Ironically, La Parilla derives it uniqueness from its absolute authenticity, their direct and affordable menu only offers steak, sausage, chicken, beer and a house red wine. O ya, their homemade chimichurri sauces, spicy and suave, make a basic steak sandwich something that will have you writing about this hole-in-a-wall place for a website. fedro It is hard to stand apart as a boutique bookstore in a city that seems to specialize in them; Fedro, a San Telmo music and literature shop, happens to do just that. The benefit of stopping into this inviting “culture shop” is the owner, Marcelo. He hand picks every product that the store stocks and carries one of the most sophisticated music collections I have ever encountered. He will be happy to answer questions about Argentine artists and can do an even better job of introducing you to new ones. Also, be sure to ask the owners about happenings around the city, they will tell you what they know – which from our short experience seems to be a lot. kanu - the best sushi in the city - really cool spot too. krishna For an Organic experience within the often contrived yet reasonably cool Palermo, enter Krishna. Do not let the name deceive you, the restaurant, although it contains some subcontinent Asian influence, happens to be owned be an Argentine who is not only devoted to the Indian God Krishna, but is also a firm believer in cooking unique vegetarian dishes with very fresh ingredients. The décor, like the concept, is one of a kind. Although you will enjoy your meal on foot high tables as you sit on even shorter stools, the cavernous feel of the colorful locale will make you feel very at ease as you enjoy dishes of exceptional flavor and quality. Walrus Books Books of many shapes and sizes but only one language, English, stock this inviting San Telmo shop. As an English only bookstore in a city of Spanish speakers, Walrus is the perfect place for an English speaking traveler to find his next read. The owner, a bookish American fellow, frequently returns home to refresh his small but pointed collection. Although he has not read every book on his shelves, the guidance he can provide makes it seem like he has. Even better than the variety, Walrus sells these used books at more than reasonable prices. demashk Almost like a drug, Shawarma can be very addictive. Unlike Europe, South America lacks the immense Middle Eastern influence, making it more difficult to get your fix. However, where Buenos Aires falters in quantity, it makes up for in quality. Demashk, a standing room only, counter service Shawarma shop is constantly packed but worth the wait. As you squeeze your way into this tiny eatery, dodge the skilled Shawarma slicer whose only question is whether you want your sandwich served spicy. The delivery of your sandwich may depend on the supply of fresh pita, which is frequently replenished from an oven in back. felino This bar is special is because it isn’t trying to be. A simple, straightforward, well lit, pre-dinner drink spot where the bartenders are also very good DJ’s. If you happen to find yourself in Palermo Viejo with some time to kill before dinner, Felino is your bar. The owners, a husband and wife, were enjoying drinks at the bar when we were there, they were happy to tell us where we should venture after dinner. thelonious If you are in Buenos Aires with a significant other… or find one on your travels, there is no better place to enjoy each others company than the strictly jazz only club, Thelonious. If the mysterious entryway is not enough to impress your date, the perfectly lit loft space and cozy couples couches (be sure to call and reserve one) will surely do the trick. Although the club mostly consists of romantic duo’s, the large amount of jazz enthusiasts goes to show that the music is just as impressive as the atmosphere. The drinks and their prices are of average caliber, also, be prepared to spend about five US dollars on entry. -pk, theculturephile.com Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:49:09 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/573805#4188715 http://www.chow.com/topics/573761#4188187 Hello, I will be spending a mini-honeymoon in La Pedrera, and am looking for Tipps on where to eat! I know Punta, and I was in La Paloma about 10 years ago, so I will be happy to hear ANY kind of recommendations, in a radius of 1 hour driving time! Thank you very much :) Thu, 20 Nov 2008 09:56:46 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/573761#4188187 http://www.chow.com/topics/570405#4187274 Thank you all for your input. Club 647 is definitely on my list, as is probably Il Mattarello. I am not going for a while but will report back when i do make it there. Casa Saltshaker, I hear what you are saying about italian in BA. After eating at Piegari, I kind of figured as much. But I still want to give it another shot. Thanks for the help. Wed, 19 Nov 2008 23:58:42 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/570405#4187274 http://www.chow.com/topics/568767#4184459 No pink won't be a problem here, it's the standard for the way meat is served, for all cuts. In alot of places, you'll have to argue to get it cooked less than that - however, if he wants to ensure it, "muy cocida" or "buena cocida" will work. (If you're looking for it less cooked - "al punto" is roughly medium and "jugoso" is rare to medium rare.) In terms of cuts of steak, there aren't a huge number that are standard - though the cuts are slightly different from American cuts, basically a "bife de lomo" is a sirloin, "bife de chorizo" is a porterhouse or t-bone, without the bone (almost all steaks are off the bone here), "cuadril" is rump steak, "ojo de bife" is rib-eye, and "entrana" is a skirt steak. You'll occasionally find other cuts, but not often. Here's a writeup I did on the differences: http://www.saltshaker.net/20080904/any-way-you-slice-it-2 Northern Argentine cuisine is quite different. While you'll still find parrillas, it's not the staple of the diet. The cuisine in the north has much more in common with Peru and Bolivia - lots of stews, grains, and different meats like llama, alpaca, vizcacha, cuy.... Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:29:56 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/568767#4184459 http://www.chow.com/topics/573297#4184438 While you would think with the Italian population here that espresso would be a big thing, it only sort of is. While nearly every place has an espresso machine, the standard here is to run water through the espresso grounds twice, creating what in size is a double espresso, but much weaker than an espresso would be in Italy, France, or even the U.S. So, espresso roasted beans are used, but you rarely get "the real thing"... some places will do it right if you ask for a "ristritto", but they're a rarity. Best coffee in the city is probably at Estacion General de Cafe, the main branch is on Pueyrredon at Arenales in Recoleta, but they also have a couple of other locations. One of the few places that imports beans from all over the world and roasts them daily. Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:20:09 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/573297#4184438 http://www.chow.com/topics/570654#4178515 Nao e uma problema.Bedros, please report back when you return. Mon, 17 Nov 2008 00:53:32 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/570654#4178515 http://www.chow.com/topics/570718#4177287 Hi Emilia, I think you got unlucky and just chose all the wrong places because BA is an incredible place for food if you listen to the good chow hounders advice. It sounds like after your long days it was to much to actaully get anywhere that was not close to your hotel which is understandable.(happens to me a lot!) I go to BA once a year and the places you mentioned above are definately not a good reflection of the food scene there but more like old tourist spots with one dating back from the 90s!! You missed the best restaurant in BA at the moment which is called 647 Dinner Club, it has become after opening well over a year ago the best restaurant n the city by far. You also missed some classics like Cafe San Juan that has food just like "mamma used to make" and a good Parilla such as La Escondida, great fish as well as steaks direct from the grill. Its tough to find the good places when you first go somewhere so i hope you get a chance to go back and discover the real food scene over there. Sun, 16 Nov 2008 12:05:23 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/570718#4177287 http://www.chow.com/topics/570695#4171153 Best restaurant by far is "Franmcis Mallman 1844" Fantastic atmosphere, surroundings and one of the largest wine lists you will see in Argentina. Food is magnificient. Thu, 13 Nov 2008 20:26:58 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/570695#4171153 http://www.chow.com/topics/568483#4171141 Piegari is a great Italian Restauant. We ate there about 3 weeks a go. Fantastic, but beware the portions are huge. 1 Plate of any of the pastas will be good for 2 people. Service was great and everything we tried was great. Nobody should miss 647, by far the best dining experience in Argentina. Thu, 13 Nov 2008 20:24:42 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/568483#4171141 http://www.chow.com/topics/403412#4152298 Cafe San Juan was the most popular restaurant at the B&B I stayed at. I think I saw everyone staying there at Cafe San Juan at least once. Very good food at reasonable prices served by very friendly staff. The rabbit, pork and appetizers were all delicious. Thu, 06 Nov 2008 01:53:56 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/403412#4152298