403412 Sun May 20 15:47:56 -0700 2007 2 56 South America 0 2586618 On our last full day of Buenos Aires, we headed up to San Telmo to wander around, soak up some atmosphere (i.e. get catcalled by a pack of middle school boys during their recess time), etc. After wandering up from Plaza de Mayo, we were tired from the heat, and from two weeks of nonstop eating and shopping (yes, I know, waaah, don't cry for us Argentina). A quick flip through Time Out revealed that we were only a block from Cafe San Juan. We were maxed out on beef and empanadas, and while we weren't quite ready to go out for Japanese or Indian food, Spanish sounded appealing. The Time Out review highlighted the use of seasonal vegetables, and as all of us were craving veggies at this point, we trooped over. As it turned out, there were only two non-reserved tables - virtually every table had a "Reserved" placard on top. Unusual, I thought, for an attractive but still humble-appearing restaurant. As lunchtime progressed, the room filled up, almost entirely with suit-wearing businessmen (aside from one other woman, we were the only female customers). The menu is written in chalk on a blackboard that is carried from table to table and split into tapas and mains. We had four tapas, all very similar - each had a base of a slice of excellent potato tortilla on toast. The four toppings were 1)marinated red pepper 2)mushroom 3) jamon crudo with tomato 4) eggplant. All were delicious - while the marinated vegetable tapas were more vinegary than I ordinarily like, they were really refreshing on this particular day. With three pieces per order, and each generously sized, we were actually pretty full by this point. We had, however, also ordered a main of pasta with vegetables and feta to share - and I'm so glad we did. It was by far the best pasta I'd had on this entire trip - perfectly cooked fresh pasta with that elusive elastic snap, sauced with a mix of tomatoes, mushrooms, and zucchini, topped with cubes of firm feta. We finished with an excellent chocolate semifreddo with candied hazelnuts, and the best coffee I had in my entire time in Argentina. We left refreshed, rejuvenated, reborn believers in al dente pasta, ready for that final sprint of shoe shopping and steak-eating. Cafe San Juan San Juan 450 (San Telmo) Sun May 20 15:47:56 -0700 2007 44059 daveena 1 4144778 I just got back from Buenos Aires where we had several great meals, but I have to say that Cafe San Juan was a "do not miss". The staff is friendly and the food is delicious. Small restaurant but fills up fast, so definitely make a reservation, especially for dinner. You are cheating yourself if you don't try the tuna empanada and I also had an excellent fettucini dish with mushrooms, pancetta, squid, and tomatoes which was excellent Sun Nov 02 15:07:32 -0800 2008 2586618 236854 lnazz 1 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. Wed Nov 05 17:53:56 -0800 2008 2586618 26708 sidwich