http://www.chow.com/boards/56 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:30:50 GMT Keep track of the lastest threads on Chowhound http://www.chow.com/topics/668128#5205967 It sounds like Gero would be your best bet. I think the food is overrated but it is the closest thing to the dinner "scene" that you want that you'll find in Rio. To get the kind of atmosphere that you want I would just eat somewhere good and head to Bar Londres, Boox or Bar d'hotel after dinner. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:51:19 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668128#5205967 http://www.chow.com/topics/667439#5204421 Please report back.. I stumbled lost into a cevicheria in Jesus Maria (neighborhood) called something like Rey del Mar which I think was on Rep. de Chile near Repsol station at Arenals and Rep. de Chile. I'm sure it is just average on the scale of Lima restaurants but it was pretty good and only about $6 for two courses including a drink. Jesus Maria is a middle class neigborhood about midway between Miraflores and el Centro, only reason I was there was that I was staying nearby and got turned around looking for an ATM...I don't know that there is any reason to seek it out I'm just saying that neighborhood restaurants can be pretty good too... Tue, 24 Nov 2009 08:00:06 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/667439#5204421 http://www.chow.com/topics/593614#5204417 I don't mind that you disagree about Pucara..it was just ordinary compared to some of the other meals I had in Peru. Nothing terrible. I'm going back in May..with plans to eat my way thru Lima..not sure if I will be back in Cusco though. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 07:54:03 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/593614#5204417 http://www.chow.com/topics/668194#5202946 The Jardins are the best area for a tourist to stay. Especially if you can stay close to the Oscar Freire area where you can find beautiful shops and good restaurants, it's a great strolling area. But Sao Paulo is not a walking city so you are going to be taking cabs everywhere. I respectfully disagree with the post below about D.O.M. I liked my dinner there very much, but it is quite expensive. If you want to go for a splurge I would choose Fasano, it's better than D.O.M. Sao Paulo has wonderful food, you can't go wrong. I don't know either La Mar or Dalva. But you can find good Sao Paulo suggestions if you search this board. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:24:36 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668194#5202946 http://www.chow.com/topics/666802#5198084 There's a good, smaller book (easy to carry) from the Hippocrene Cookbook Library called Tasting Chile that's a great general introduction to the dishes and ingredients of the country. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 14:59:32 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/666802#5198084 http://www.chow.com/topics/568483#5197156 For really good steaks, great winelist and ambiance, I'd go to Don Julio in Palermo - corner of Guatemala and Gurruchaga Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:10:36 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/568483#5197156 http://www.chow.com/topics/663230#5197153 In terms of new and really good - don't miss Tegui and PozoSanto. Others that have been around awhile but you may not have tried - Urondo, Pura Tierra, Maat - all excellent. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:09:07 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663230#5197153 http://www.chow.com/topics/668651#5196739 We'll be in MV for NYE. I know Punta del Este is the place to be, but we couldn't find a hotel and we don't really care to be surrounded by a bunch of "beautiful" people, anyway. Does anyone have a recommendation of what to do in MV NYE? Thanks! Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:58:21 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668651#5196739 http://www.chow.com/topics/653363#5196303 Hi, as i said in another post, Buenos Aires is kind of empty on December, which is honestly an advantage if you are walking across the streets but regarding Christmas and New Year eve, you should book in advance a restaurant/party otherwise could be really boring and frustrating to stay at the hotel alone. However there is no reason to panic, there are plenty of activities for foreign, many restaurants will be open, and there will be many like you looking for something nice to do. You can book for example a tango dinner show, the venues have special menus and celebrations for the activities, look at this link http://tinyurl.com/ykjk8og Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:28:14 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/653363#5196303 http://www.chow.com/topics/640471#5196293 Buenos Aires is always amazing but December is kind of empty, which is honestly an advantage somehow if you are walking across the streets but regarding Christmas and New Year eve, you should book in advance a restaurant/party otherwise could be really boring and frustrating to stay at the hotel alone. However there is no reason to panic, there are plenty of activities for foreign, many restaurants will be open, and there will be many like you looking for something nice to do. You can book for example a tango dinner show, the venues have special menus and celebrations for the activities, look at this link http://tinyurl.com/ykjk8og Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:24:43 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/640471#5196293 http://www.chow.com/topics/659260#5189917 I just googled La Pasiva and found that it's a chain and they have a branch (their sole Canadian branch) in Toronto. I'm going to confirm that it's still there and maybe I'll check it out. Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:23:13 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/659260#5189917 http://www.chow.com/topics/666513#5174749 My girlfriend and I are spending our first Christmas away from our families when we travel to Argentina next month. We'd really like to do something unique and festive on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Perhaps even be around other like-minded people. Does anyone have any recommendations on where to go for good food and maybe even company? These can be general (go to this town or to an estancia in this region) or specific (this particular restaurant/hotel/estancia/activity). Thanks so much for the input! Thu, 12 Nov 2009 05:36:22 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/666513#5174749 http://www.chow.com/topics/664205#5171987 Our quote was not broken down as a fee per stop, just one lump sum per person - for the Lujan de Cuyo area (Achaval Ferer is one we are visiting) it was 100/each. He also gave us estimates for just the car and a driver if we would have rather done that and it was about $50 cheaper, but I'm sure we would easily spend that in tasting fees. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 07:34:53 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664205#5171987 http://www.chow.com/topics/666158#5171079 Hello fellow chowhounds! My husband and I are going to Mendoza, Ushuaia, El Calafate and BA for a couple of weeks, and would love some recommendations on where to eat. We were in El C and BsAs three years ago, but this is our first time to Mendoza and Ushuaia, and we would like to make the most of our meals in each place. Also, while we know the beef is phenomenal, it would be great to have some suggestions that aren't simply steakhouses/asadors. We'll be spending Thanksgiving in Mendoza, so any special recommendations for that meal would be really helpful too! Thanks very much for any guidance you can provide! Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:55:57 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/666158#5171079 http://www.chow.com/topics/665538#5164669 Hi all - my wife and I are spending a week in a lovely apartment in Palermo Buenos Aires on Oro 2835 between Avenue Cervino and Demaria . We would like to experience great food, wine, and restaurants. We tend to like really fresh, locally sourced bistro style food, I'd like to taste the best of Buenos Aires cuisine and explore the local markets. I'd like to taste and drink as many good Malbecs as possible - preferable good wine that I won't find exported to home. We have no problem spending $ in restaurants, nor do we have a problem eating street vendor food. Tend to avoid "scene" type restaurants as my focus is on great food not necessarily what is that latest hot spot - but if the hot spot has great food and wine then that is cool too. I'd appreciate recommendations and would appreciate recommendations on grocery stores and wine shops nearby. I would also love to know about markets - farmer's markets etc. if those happen at all in the city. Lastly, as Americans, I'm curious as to whether there are any restauransts serving a traditional Thanksgiving dinner and any bars/restaurants etc where US expatriates hang out. We're always travelling with the intent of finding places to retire to in our later years and BA strikes me as a place that might be a viable option. Thanks very much. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 13:10:20 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665538#5164669 http://www.chow.com/topics/665537#5164628 I'm heading to Buenos Aires in December for 4 nights and currently have bookings for: * Sirop * Crizia * Resto * Aramburu Any feedback on these choices? I've been to BA before and previously dined at Thymus, Casa Felix, La Cabrera, Social Paraiso and Casa Cruz. Of these, I'm thinking I might try to go back to Social Paraiso for a lunch one day since I have very fond memories of it. I keep hearing mixed things about Osaka. Has anyone been? Should I try to include it for a lunch or dinner? Sun, 08 Nov 2009 12:22:44 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665537#5164628 http://www.chow.com/topics/664989#5158951 This city just keeps getting better, saddly not the traffic. Had dinner at Central in Miraflores, food was superb, service was flawless, a must try. Had Sunday lunch at Punta Sal good but did not WOW me like other rest. I enjoyed Costanera 700 and Pescados Capitales much better. Lunch at Danica, good pastas, rissotos, paninis, salads but their desserts outstanding, loved Merengado de fresas. Pizza at La Linterna in San Isidro, try their signature salad. Drinks at Cala in Costa Verde, great Maracuya sour and Aguaymanto sour. If your in Lima check out Wong or any other grocery store, you'll find spices, herbs, jams, oils etc. I always get cinnamon, HierbaLuisa( LemonGrass) tea Bags, sacha Inchi Oil (48% Omega 3) , Well just browse and have fun! Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:24:15 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664989#5158951 http://www.chow.com/topics/663227#5154596 Olla. Last NYE we had a reservation for late dinner at SETTE BACCO, Agüero 2157, 4808-0021. When we arrived we learned that there was a set menu and fixed price. Somewhat disappointed as I had been looking forward to their amazing risotto, but it didn't last long. Great service, generous pouring of champagne and wine, far too much food, and then shortly after midnight, dancing to a dj. A great party. I intend to return this year. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:46:58 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663227#5154596 http://www.chow.com/topics/663410#5141831 Santiago in Jan. - suggestions? Fri, 30 Oct 2009 02:03:56 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663410#5141831 http://www.chow.com/topics/267300#5139972 The best meal I had on my last trip to Manuel Antonio (and actually the best meal I've ever had in Costa Rica) was at Kapi Kapi. The Mangos Foster and the Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi Mahi with Sweet Chili Plum Sauce (in particular) were to die for...and the restaurant is beautiful. I also really enjoyed The Marlin Restaurant down at Manuel Antonio beach. The coffeewood smoked trout with creamy dill sauce and crostini was so good I had to go back for more. The Marlin is a very laid back beach bar environment across the street from the beach with a kind of Costa-Rica-Meets-Key-West environment. Fun. Good sangria, too. I wasn't as impressed with my meal at Marlintini as the previous poster was (our seafood was overcooked), but maybe it was an off night. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:01:25 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/267300#5139972 http://www.chow.com/topics/546404#5137179 I second La Cabana, we split a large steak and with veggies and apps it was plenty. Another place sort of opposite Recoleta Cemetary is La Chicrita (the outside has a cowhide design so you can't miss it). We had a fantastic lunch there. Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:31:39 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/546404#5137179 http://www.chow.com/topics/658184#5137068 I'd add La Cabana in Recoleta and Cafe Tortoni downtown ,- you really have to see it it's fabulous. Two other cafes I love are Violetas (with lovely flowery stained glass although I don't like the waiters there!) and La Biela which has the best Chocolate Espanol in town. Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:00:45 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/658184#5137068 http://www.chow.com/topics/657934#5135443 If you go to Casa Felix (which you should--it's great--you must reserve well ahead of time) you will likely meet some local hounds. Or Diego can point you somewhere where they gather. Tue, 27 Oct 2009 21:29:07 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/657934#5135443 http://www.chow.com/topics/661507#5125199 Thank you. Will be first time in Rio staying at Copacabana 3rd week of Jan. Will go to Manoel & Joaquim and Bar Jobi. RL Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:10:07 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/661507#5125199 http://www.chow.com/topics/661535#5123558 Have never been to Buenos Aries, and I understand that NYE is not the best time to go as local celebrations are typically private parties. I also read that reservations should be made well in advance as locations are limited. Will be there Dec 30 and 31 nights. We greatly enjoy excellently prepared beef (steaks), as we live in Kansas City, and getting to explore fine regional foods when we visit other cultures. We are strong tango aficionados (watching only) and would love to go to see tango performed in a club or restaurant, vs as a stage show. Thu, 22 Oct 2009 21:44:28 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/661535#5123558 http://www.chow.com/topics/658280#5113444 it is very personal but i am a brazilian, and i´ve been there in rio and salvador so here we go: rio: sushi leblon and a tapas bar in the same block, nam thai, aprazivel and others in santa teresa, porcao rios for the best meat and view. any juice shop "Casas de suco" on the corners of every street, very carioca. salvador, been there in august 09: amado, bar da ponta, japanese over the water: soho, beautiful view, trapiche de adelaide , for tipical food eat acaraje. resto oui, best brazilian food: Paraíso Tropical, best fish: mistura, best portuguese: Conventual, cozinha contemporânea (mixture with brazilian ingredients, cant miss): Marc Le Dantec (Flat Píer Sul)- (www.marcledantec.com.br), Lafayette (www.restaurantelafayette.com.br), Porto Gourmet, french: Chez Bernard, oui (great view of the bay and bar acqua (www.ouirestaurante.com.br) - both besides soho-, icecream with brazilian fruits: Sorveteria da Ribeira, chef Douglas van der ley restaurant, cant remember the name, he is genius, sweet cotton with foie gras. stay at Zank Boutique Hotel, if you can. Mon, 19 Oct 2009 03:39:25 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/658280#5113444 http://www.chow.com/topics/539525#5111742 When I finally went on a vacation a few years ago to take my Colombian wife around Peru with a Peruvian colleague and his wife, we had cuy in restaurants in tourist cities (we wenty to places in Peru where we didn't work). It was all bone and very, very little meat, and not good at all - and tediously expensive. Then last year while working in the coffee growing area of Cajamarca, Peru, farmers served us cuy - huge, meaty and delicious. My real first time eating what cuy can be: really, really good. The downside was that on one day we had to eat three cuy meals in three communities along with lots of ronpopo (a strong, sweet pisco drink mixed in buckets with lots of sugar and hand whipped egg whites). Three cuy meals between 730 am and 100 pm. In spite of our complaints, that was really good and memorable cuy. Sun, 18 Oct 2009 12:06:03 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/539525#5111742 http://www.chow.com/topics/657446#5100910 In that neighborhood, Arpoador, there aren't many baiano options. There are so many great restaurants in Rio, but you gotta know our way around the bus and metro, which are fantastic. What other places do you prefer in the tourist area? Ipanema? Copa? Arpoador? Tue, 13 Oct 2009 23:36:30 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/657446#5100910 http://www.chow.com/topics/649409#5099471 I can't really remember anywhere outstanding there, breakfasts are good and hotels will always provide them free (usually consisting of the famous casado). The corvina or sea bass is ubiquitous and is very good. Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:39:57 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/649409#5099471 http://www.chow.com/topics/659103#5099446 I will be visiting the La Fortuna/Arenal area in a few weeks. Any restaurant recommendations for dinner/lunch? I don't see much posted for this area on the boards. We will be staying at the Arenal Nayara and will have a car to travel. thanks! Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:33:12 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/659103#5099446 http://www.chow.com/topics/591316#5093790 I know the Donde Augusto touts are aggressive (to say the least), but I had an excellent dish (corvina "rellena" which was actually sitting on -- not stuffed with -- a luscious bed of crab "mousse") at one of their restaurants (not the main one, but one of the other little branches within the market). Sat, 10 Oct 2009 21:22:24 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/591316#5093790 http://www.chow.com/topics/646010#5085791 Two rules: 1. Eat in the markets. 2. If any doubts, refer to rule 1. Wed, 07 Oct 2009 18:02:58 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/646010#5085791 http://www.chow.com/topics/652692#5084168 I'll dig through my travel notes to see if I can turn up the name of the lovely spot on a small lake where we had amazing eel. Wed, 07 Oct 2009 01:23:26 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/652692#5084168 http://www.chow.com/topics/657365#5081689 I will be visiting coastal El Salvador in the near future. Any towns/beaches with fresh fish grills (feet in the sand) or other suggestions? Simple and local is preferred. Gracias Phood Tue, 06 Oct 2009 04:26:11 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/657365#5081689 http://www.chow.com/topics/655583#5076724 Thanks for the Petropolis recs. Still thinking about going later in the week. That particular pousada is R$350/night so a tad out of our price range. We've been once before but only a day trip. This time we want to spend a night if we go. Definitely want Brazilian food. Thanks again, itaunas. Sat, 03 Oct 2009 19:47:26 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/655583#5076724 http://www.chow.com/topics/649850#5076571 Sorry if this reply is too late - in San Telmo, at the corner of Pje. San Lorenzo y Defensa, is Sr. Telmo, and they have several pizza a la parilla and pasta options that are without meat. One of my friends there is vegetarian, and she loves the grilled provoleta and fried potatoes at Des Nivel (on Defensa) but if seeing and smelling a lot of meat bothers you, then you shouldn't go inside there. Sat, 03 Oct 2009 18:10:26 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/649850#5076571 http://www.chow.com/topics/266486#5065580 FYI the ubiquitous black beans and rice are called gallo pinto. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gallo_pinto Nicas love their gallo pinto. Tue, 29 Sep 2009 02:27:04 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/266486#5065580 http://www.chow.com/topics/595274#5063376 $200 for a great meal is no waste of time, French Laundry, Alinea, Komi and many other restaurants surprise with the value that they bring in terms of ingredients, presentation and originality. However DOM falls short for that price tag and for me this was its undoing. The food was good, but not great and the service was well intentioned, but awkward. We choose the tasting menu and were a little disappointed. Perhaps an off night, but it did not live up to the hype. Mon, 28 Sep 2009 13:03:25 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/595274#5063376 http://www.chow.com/topics/649513#5062357 Could be the chef is mineiro. Nice to here of a decent option in the tourist zone. Having a choppe at Devassa on Atlantica isn't a bad deal either, I love that they have a Devassa choppeiria at Galeao and Santos Dumont. Sun, 27 Sep 2009 21:53:39 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/649513#5062357 http://www.chow.com/topics/655310#5062008 We spent 5 days in Bogota & Villa de Leyva this month, and had some excellent meals. Highlight was Leo Cocina y Cava in Bogota - Colombian fusion by chef Leonor Espinosa. An excellent meal - quality of food was outstanding, and quality of service and atmosphere not far behind. One of the best meals I have ever had. Had very good meals at Club Colombia (traditional Colombian) and Astrid y Garcon (Peruvian), and decent meals at Harrys and Harrys Bakery. Villa de Leyva is a wonderful colonial town, about 3 hours from Bogota. It obviously draws weekenders from Bogota, because dining options were very limited on a Monday night. We heard excellent reviews of a French restaurant (forget name), but it is only open on weekends like many others. Most restaurants are in (almost) hidden courtyards, close to the main square. Casa Quintero, just off one of the corners of the main square, has approximately 15 small restaurants. One of the few that was open turned out to be excellent - Tierra Buena. Fresh, traditional Colombian cooking - hearty tomato based soup, bean dish and good seafood. Sun, 27 Sep 2009 19:03:49 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/655310#5062008 http://www.chow.com/topics/650967#5042754 Sounds great - all of it. Somewhere in my pix, I have one of the butcher holding up the whole goat leg before sawing it into pieces for me. Mmmmm. Our apt's at the very southern end of Copacabana. My email's in my profile in case you want to get together. Sat, 19 Sep 2009 23:58:39 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/650967#5042754 http://www.chow.com/topics/422925#5027985 Although this topic is way in the past, it may still be of interest, and we recently came across a place that specializes in and prepares great cochinillo, Primer Corte on Venezuela: http://www.saltshaker.net/20090831/this-little-piggy-went-to-market Mon, 14 Sep 2009 13:14:06 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/422925#5027985 http://www.chow.com/topics/646860#5027981 It may be too late to help you with this, but if not, contact me and either we may be able to help you or know someone who can. Dan Mon, 14 Sep 2009 13:11:24 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/646860#5027981 http://www.chow.com/topics/637773#5021321 I went to Guido's tonight. The place is tiny and the walls are covered in photos of celebs and landscapes. As soon as we sat down, we had 4 small plates of food on our table. For AR$100, we got a 4 course meal, including wine, water, and coffee. For the first course, we had some good antipastos like pizza, polenta pizza, caponata, tomato/zucchini/mozzerela salad, and fennel salad. Pasta course was a veggie risotto that was OK and a mushroom orrchietti (little ears) pasta that was excellent. Meat course was a butterflied pork loin w/ a rich hollandaise style sauce and fries. The first wine they brought us was a 2009 malbec that was not good (the grapes must have been harvested 6 months ago and it showed). I asked for a Postale Cab for the second bottle and it was much better. I'm not sure how many bottles you get with your meal, but other tables seemed to get different wines so that is why I asked for these other bottles (I have a feeling they brought us the crappiest wine first, while giving the locals better wines). Overall, 8/10. Dinner takes 2.5 hrs although some other tables seemed to get through the meal much more quickly. We had to wait a while between courses, which seems to be the norm in BA. Fri, 11 Sep 2009 06:26:49 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/637773#5021321 http://www.chow.com/topics/585693#5020618 I just went to 647 last night (my first night in town) and I'd give it a 7/10. When we entered, we were asking each other if we thought it smelled like cat pee. Our table was in the very back of the restaurant and there were scented candles all over to try to mask that funk I suppose. Besides my group of 10 people, there were only about 3-4 other tables filled. I had the goat sweetbreads and the ojo de bife. The sweetbreads were good - rich and minerally and went well with the accompaniments. The ribeye was very tender and juicy and I enjoyed it, although some friends who ordered it said it was too cold and tough. Mine was lukewarm but I figured it was due to the medium rareness of the meat. My friends liked their lamb and I tried a little quail and it was a little tough but the spinach stuffing and blue cheese potatoes and polenta were very tasty. We ordered a malbec and a cab sauv for about 75 pesos each and today I saw them in a store for around 48 pesos. Thu, 10 Sep 2009 23:36:29 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/585693#5020618 http://www.chow.com/topics/650465#5009671 Heading to Ibague tomorrow for a week. Looking for great places to eat. Thanks! Sun, 06 Sep 2009 23:00:25 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/650465#5009671 http://www.chow.com/topics/649559#4999982 Wow, I spent several months in Peru (including Puno) two different times in the 70's and 80's and would have given anything for some kind of pizza. Ate in the markets alot and remember fishing chunos, (pronounced choonyo) black, freeze dried at high altitude potatoes out of my soup and stews,I couldn't learn to love them, Andean folks live on them. Cuisine change (and the onslaught of hungry tourists) obviously goes hand in hand with regime change, huh? Wed, 02 Sep 2009 21:05:39 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/649559#4999982 http://www.chow.com/topics/412377#4990398 Had today (Sunday) a sort'a brunch, croque madame at Croque Madame. As good and fun as it gets, both food and "ambiance". Plenty local ladies practicing their French. http://www.guiaoleo.com.ar/detail.php?ID=2919 Sun, 30 Aug 2009 18:01:46 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/412377#4990398 http://www.chow.com/topics/644822#4977631 El Santisimo is lovely - it moved fairly recently to a new location with rooftop dining - that would be the way to go as the inside space is nice but nothing spectacular. Also recommend both cocina de socorro (fancier and has best seafood rice i had in all of colombia) and casa de socorro (more casual also good but not as good as the frou frou cocina de socorro. this nytimes article discusses both: http://travel.nytimes.com/2008/05/25/travel/25hours.html for a nice, cheap dinner without many other travelers, grab a pizza at pizza en el parque - you order at the walk up counter and then eat in the park with a stool as your table - very fun and lots of locals (at least i think they were local folks). its on the tiny parque fernandez madrid. most excellent bakery (gold coated dulce de leche brownies) - La Milla. very fancy but worth it for an amazing sugar fix. Wed, 26 Aug 2009 00:11:51 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/644822#4977631 http://www.chow.com/topics/643409#4976389 Hey....! I'm actually from Caracas, although I moved in 1995.....I still go there from time to time. As Peter said, try the areperas, most of the areperas around Las Mercedes are pretty good. For a good parrillada restaurant El Aranjuez and for pizza and italian La Montanara, both in Las Mercedes as well......There's a french bistro in Paseo Las Mercedes that's pretty good, close to Trasnocho Cinema and don't miss out Aprile, an italian spot on a pretty cool 1950s modernist house. Tue, 25 Aug 2009 18:18:41 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/643409#4976389