Old Dogs, New Tricks
Following an influx of international tourism after the rebuilding period post 2001 crisis, Buenos Aires has finally begun to see a spike in foreign cuisine. Thai, Indian, Mexican- foods that are actually spicy, ethnic and different have sprung up around the city and begun to do battle with their limited quality spices and ingredients.
Following months and in some cases years of experimentation many of these restaurants have begun to perfect their plates and attempts at mirroring their original recipe flavors and creations. Here are some of the new additions to some old favorites around town:
Prodeo lounge, restaurant and soon to be hotel (Gorriti 5374 and Godoy Cruz in Palermo Soho) is mainly known for the creative cocktails, attractive crowds and weekend nightlife. They have recently begun pushing their weekday cuisine with some wide variety. With an internationally awarded chef on staff its hard to pass up their “early bird specials” (glass of wine + entree + salad = $35 Pesos, Served Tue-Fri, between 6 and 9 PM). Really interesting and creative dishes here over the past couple of months.
LandingPadBA Rating: Korean meatballs, homemade Kinoto-brandy, Southern French lamb stew…this is where to go for some variety in BA.
Tandoor (Laprida y Charcas in Barrio Norte) has gone as far as importing not only their spices, but their chefs! A very legit Indian restaurant has sprung a few new surprise items on their menu in 2011. The Hariyali Prawns or Hariyali Kebab de Langostinos definitely take the cake as “seafood” and “spicy” are two words not commonly heard when discussing Buenos Aires foods.
LandingPadBA Rating: If these were a little less expensive we would rejoice. Definitely worth the price though considering the costs for quality seafood in Buenos Aires. The shrimp are actual shrimp, far from the typical tiny-town excuse for prawns they have elsewhere. Spices are seared into the shrimp accompanied with their real deal naan.
Caracas (Guatemala 4802 and Borges, Palermo Soho) is renowned for their DJ’s, drinks and open terrace nightlife. However, the Venezuelan owners have begun to perfect their Arepas (a Colombian and Venezuelan traditional food). The avocado-chicken salad arepa is muy tasty and muy addictive.
LandingPadBA Rating: If you’ve never had an Arepa it’s time you try one. It’s like baking grits into a cake, splitting it open and filling it with deliciousness. Good luck just ordering one.
The Office is a relatively new restaurant/bar that has been experimenting around with perfecting Argentinean beef* burgers with Californian twists, home style fries and traditional American bar food. The owner stumbled upon a homemade salsa creation that many Mexicans would be jealous of. Order up some “Roasted Red Sauce” a.k.a. “New Sauce” and grab an extra beer while enjoying whatever they may be showing on the outdoor projector.
LandingPadBA Rating: A generous portion with a nice blend of cilantro, roasted red pepper and spice. We had to order extra chips to make sure none went to waste.
