Jet-Set Dining in Argentina with Joel Chusid—Bargains Galore! Buenos Aires has no shortage of restaurants for every taste and budget. While Argentina is indeed known for great beef, innovative salads, vegetable dishes, chicken, fish, seafood, and other meat dishes are readily available and menus are extensive. Due to the recent currency devaluation, meal prices are very reasonable and, in some cases, downright cheap. Most restaurants offer "executive menus" that include 2 or 3 courses, a beverage and dessert at ludicrously low prices. Tips need not exceed 10%. Argentina is known for excellent wines, and great ones can be found on restaurant wine lists for under $10, much less in retail outlets. Here is a selection of restaurants I sampled in February, 2002. Al Carbon (Reconquista 875, downtown) An unassuming two-story restaurant specializing in grilled meats and fish. Despite its rather ordinary outside appearance, the atmosphere is very comfortable, food selection extensive, and service excellent. A great place for lunch. Asia de Cuba (Pierina Dealessi 750, Puerto Madero East, near the Hilton Hotel) Asian cuisine (and nothing Cuban) is featured at this new hot spot, known more for its evening disco scene although lunch is elegant yet casual. We had the three course "executive menu" for only about $6 each. (website: www.asiadecuba.com.ar) Avila (Avenida de Mayo 1384) The waiter keeps bringing plates of Spanish food to your table while the flamenco singers and dancers entertain you. Other than selections offered on a scrap of paper, there is no menu. The bill is whatever the waiter feels like charging. This place has been around for awhile and is far from elegant, but a fun evening. Azul Profundo (Baez 292, Las Cañitas, Palermo area) Rather dark and blue-lit but very popular spot in a trendy neighborhood, featuring sushi, sashimi, and other types of food. You’ve heard of California Roll, but what about Buenos Aires Roll? (It’s salmon, avocado, shrimp, sesame sauce.) (website: www.azulprofundo.com.ar) Azurra (Avenida Corrientes 222, downtown) Atop an office building, this upscale restaurant is popular among business types. Great views of the city and of the Rio de la Plata. Bella Italia (República Arabe Siria 3285, Palermo area) A true find, this upscale Italian restaurant was so outstanding that I went there twice. Extensive menu with terrific risottos, meats, fish, and pastas. Prices due to the devaluation are well below what one would expect to pay. The shocker….on the wall was a Dallas Morning News review of its sister restaurant, Bella Italia at 5139 Camp Bowie Blvd. in Fort Worth! Cabaña las Lilas (Avenida A.M. de Justo 516, Puerto Madero) Raising their own beef for 70 years, this popular restaurant has some of the best beef anywhere. Eating here is an experience that should not be missed. Chandon Bar (Av. A. M. de Justo 152, Puerto Madero) An elegant urban bar that also serves light suppers. The drink menu alone is impressive, with lots of Chandon sparkling wines and champagnes and various concoctions using the same. El Claustro (San Martin & Viamonte, downtown) I decided to try this place after I read a review in the Sunday newspaper. Located in a convent right in the middle of downtown, it offers an oasis with indoor and al fresco dining. Plenty of salads and light dishes. Open 8am-8pm, that means it serves breakfast and lunch and snacks, but no dinner. (Most restaurants do not open for dinner until 9pm and don’t start to full up until 10 or 1030pm.) El Federal (Honduras 5254, Palermo Viejo) While I felt as if I was eating in someone’s home, this tiny two-level restaurant serves simple meals in the trendy "Deep Ellum" reminiscent area of Palermo Viejo. We had a simple lunch for less than $4 each. El Parillon de Recoleta (Libertador 3880, Palermo and also in Recoleta) Excellent selections of meats and salads with an Uruguayan influence. Specializes in roast baby pig. Dependable and friendly service, moderate prices. Happening (Av. A. M. de Justo 310, Puerto Madero) One of the best restaurants for grilled meats with an extensive salad bar and wine selection anywhere. Superb service. Worth checking out the unique restrooms, too! Hereford (Locations in Puerto Madero and Recoleta) Another beef restaurant, with an extensive menu featuring grilled meat, with good service. Katrine (Av. A. M. de Justo 138, Puerto Madero) Scandinavian restaurant featuring a renowned chef specializing in excellent seafood and unique desserts. One of the top places in the city. La Cabelleriza (Locations in Puerto Madero and Recoleta) Popular and large restaurant offers a many varieties of food, reasonable prices. La Fonda del Polo (Baez 301, Las Cañitas area of Palermo) Large popular corner restaurant featuring meats and salads. Great service and large wine list. Outdoor tables are great for people watching. Munich del Pilar (Buenos Aires Design, Recoleta) Just outside the famous Recoleta Cemetery, this large restaurant had an extensive menu featuring many meat cuts, salads, and other selections at very reasonable prices. Resto Carlitos (Brandsen 6999, La Boca) This place is well known, but not for everyone. Located in a rather rundown neighborhood, the restaurant has no menu, is simply furnished and the waiter just brings whatever the kitchen is cooking to your table. He also charges you whatever he feels, based on how you’re dressed. Its popularity was demonstrated to me by the fact that an ex-President of Argentina was seated at the next table. It was explained to me that this is not that unusual, since there are a lot of ex-Presidents these days. Get more "Jetset Dining with Joel Chusid" here.   Do you have any questions, comments or suggestions? Email: jwdineline@aol.com Copyright © 1998 Inter Active Media Solutions. All Rights Reserved. The interactive components of this site require that you use a current browser version of Explorer; be sure to maximize your window out so you can see the entire page. This page was created by Inter Active Media Solutions.