92 replies to this topic

[Gaucho]

I discovered a new parilla place in San Isidro, right in front of the Racetrack, on Diego Carman. Its called, Cabaña Oasis Parrilla. The restaurant is right next door to the butcher shop of the same name. I need to find the card of the place to post all the details, it seems that unfortunatetly they dont have a website.

[gagit]

Im not a fan of Cabania Las Lilas.  IMHO, its an overpriced and over-rated tourist trap.  Prices are still attractive if you do your math in USD's or other G7 nation currencies, but for Buenos Aires standards, the place is highway robbery.  On top of that, its hugely inconsistent in terms of food quality and service.... I frankly see very little reason to visit this restaurant.

Gaucho, I dont mean to contradict you but Las Lilas is not a tourist trap but a tourist experience similar to Joes Stone Crab in Miami. Any serious visitor to Buenos Aires should make LA Lilas there first steak experience, after that try the local suggestions and compare. Price should not be the only determining difference. On my last visit, I was told that Negra Rosa was better for steak and upon my visit I found it a real tourist trap for locals.

[gagit]

I'm back from South America(Buenos Aires and Patagonia) and had a fantastic time. Thanks to all for their recommendations on restaurants  in Buenos Aires. I was really glad to have the lowdown on parrillas, otherwise I would have naively
followed the suggestions of friends and acquaintances to go to Cabana las Lilas, Casa Cruz, Patagonia Sur, etc.
Here's a brief summary of our dining exploits:
Lunch at  bustling Desnivel in San Telmo on a Sunday afternoon-had to wait awhile for a table but it was fun people-watching. Had bife de lomo, papas fritas, ensalada completa for a very reasonable price.

We went to the tail end of the free New Years' Eve symphony concert at the Obelisco, then walked back toward our hotel in Microcentro and luckily got a table at El Establo on  Paraguay 489.  This parrilla was one of the few restaurants open and was crowded, mainly with locals.  The bife de chorizo was huge; I also had cured ham with the sweetest honeydew melon I have ever tasted.

After an amazing breakfast buffet at the Park Tower the next day, we flew to Bariloche to start our Patagonia tour. Best places we found to eat included:
In Bariloche: El Boliche de Alberto(the original one on Villegas 347)- the man who grills the meat takes your meat order. Portions were huge. We had asado(ribs) and chorizo. Excellent house wine. The bill for the 3 of us was 67 pesos(about US$7.50 each)

In El Chalten, a small town catering to trekkers and climbers, we ate 2 nights in a row at Fuegia Bistro on Av. San Martin.  We had puree of carrot soup, bife de chorizo with incredible oven-roasted potatoes and fresh vegetables, Patagonian lamb rib chops served with mashed sweet potatoes and roasted vegetables, ensalada completa, ice cream made from Calafate berries, Trapiche Malbec and Sauvignon Blanc.
This tiny bistro had a lovely atmosphere and friendly servers. Definitely a find!

In El Calafate, El Tablita  on Coronel Rosales  28 was a popular  and lively asador/parrilla. We were lucky to get a table without a reservation at 8:30 PM; people were still coming to eat and waiting for tables when we left. Here we had mixed lamb grill, lomo, mashed pumpkin and potatoes, ensalada completa, malbec  and the bill came to 121 pesos(US$13 per person)

In Puerto Natales, Chile,  we chose  Restaurant Ultima Esperanza on Eberhard 354. Finally a chance for seafood! I had delicious and very fresh small scallops with king crab sauce, while my husband and daughter had abadejo( translated as pollock or cod).

In Punta Arenas, Chile, we tried Damiana Elena, on  O'Higgins 694,a small restaurant in an unassuming old building. The interior was delightful, with beautiful antiques and lovely china. The food was outstanding- we had canneloni filled with incredibly sweet centolla(King crab), corvina(sea bass) with olive salsa, avocado salad, pureed spinach,  Valle del Maule Misiones de Rengo Sauviognon Blanc,fresh strawberries with cream, and a zabaglione-like dessert with blackberries. We were happy to find that we were the only tourists that night-all the other customers were locals. One woman arrived in a full-length mink coat(despite its being summer, it was a little chilly).

In Ushuaia, we would recommend 2 restaurants. One casual place in a small cottage, Bodegon Fueguino on Av. San Martin 859, didn't take reservations. It was bustling and had a great variety of meat and fish selections. We enjoyed  the brochette made with chicken, bacon, and lamb; abadejo(cod) with blue cheese sauce; grilled lamb with mashed pumpkin and papas fritas, washed down with  local dark draft Beagle beer.  Kaupe, an intimate fine restaurant on a hill overlooking the harbor and mountains, was our splurge. Our party of 5 had carpaccio of veal, ensalada caprese,  king crab and spinach chowder, "natural" cold king crab(I'm a purist),  merluza(sea bass) with sage and lemon, merluza with vegetables cooked en papillote, with  a Lagarde Viognier. Desserts included Marquise, lemon ice cream with raspberry coulis, and crepe. Including tip, this wonderful meal cost US$33 per person.
Back in Buenos Aires, we were able to eat at Don Julio  in Palermo Soho for lunch and La Brigada in San Telmo for dinner. The steaks at both parrillas were excellent. La Brigada was a little more upscale, more expensive( US$16 rather than US$8 per person) and had more tourists but was conveniently located, since we walked 2 blocks down Estados Unidos to Bar Sur, where we finally went to a tango show. We liked the intimate size of Bar Sur and got to toast the owner and all the musicians  celebrating the 40th anniversary of Bar Sur.
We didn't have time to eat at La Cabrera or Jangada(a restaurant specializing in  river fish) but our daughter, who is staying in Buenos Aires for 3 more weeks, had great meals at both these places.
I appreciate all the advice of egullet members on this thread and look forward to returning next year!
Roz

Has anyone tried restaurant Jangada that rhorens mentioned in her reply. I will be in BA next week with a friend who is a lover of fish and river fish really interests hima as a eater and a fisherman

[Silly Disciple]

Im not a fan of Cabania Las Lilas.  IMHO, its an overpriced and over-rated tourist trap.  Prices are still attractive if you do your math in USD's or other G7 nation currencies, but for Buenos Aires standards, the place is highway robbery.  On top of that, its hugely inconsistent in terms of food quality and service.... I frankly see very little reason to visit this restaurant.

Gaucho, I dont mean to contradict you but Las Lilas is not a tourist trap but a tourist experience similar to Joes Stone Crab in Miami. Any serious visitor to Buenos Aires should make LA Lilas there first steak experience, after that try the local suggestions and compare. Price should not be the only determining difference. On my last visit, I was told that Negra Rosa was better for steak and upon my visit I found it a real tourist trap for locals.

I think the point (which I agree with, btw) is not that Cabaña Las Lilas is expensive, but that even if you don't care about price, value for money is not worth the visit.

[gagit]

Interestingly, a friend of mine is in visiting this week and offered to take me out to dinner at Las Lilas, as he'd ready the RW Apple piece as well. I told him my thoughts, and we popped onto Guia Oleo, the local restaurant review site (www.guiaoleo.com.ar). I'd never looked up how Las Lilas was placed (the ratings, like a Zagat's guide, are based on consumer votes) - it came in 20 out of 30 points on food... 133rd position out of 311 parrillas reviewed!

Anyway, we're off to Don Julio tonight... La Cabrera was full... such is life.

I agree with you on Zagat but that is a review for fake reviewers anyone that hasnt eaten a steak at Las Lalis is missing out. expensive, noisey and popular does not make a restaurant either bad or good as far as food is concerned and Las Lilas is a must to try.

[rshorens]

I didn't get to Jangada but my daughter, who is a good judge of restaurants, ate there last January with a friend and they loved the food- it was a good option if you've already had enough steak and want some variety. Good value, too and good service. Have a great time in BA and drink a lot of Malbec.
Best regards,
Roz

[gagit]

Im not a fan of Cabania Las Lilas.  IMHO, its an overpriced and over-rated tourist trap.  Prices are still attractive if you do your math in USD's or other G7 nation currencies, but for Buenos Aires standards, the place is highway robbery.  On top of that, its hugely inconsistent in terms of food quality and service.... I frankly see very little reason to visit this restaurant.

Gaucho, I dont mean to contradict you but Las Lilas is not a tourist trap but a tourist experience similar to Joes Stone Crab in Miami. Any serious visitor to Buenos Aires should make LA Lilas there first steak experience, after that try the local suggestions and compare. Price should not be the only determining difference. On my last visit, I was told that Negra Rosa was better for steak and upon my visit I found it a real tourist trap for locals.

I think the point (which I agree with, btw) is not that Cabaña Las Lilas is expensive, but that even if you don't care about price, value for money is not worth the visit.

Value is all relative , i could not disagree more with BTW on the bigger stage Cabana Las Lilas is less than half the price than a restaurant like the Palm in the U. S. and certainly a better value. A more important restaurant like Casa Cruz should not be missed for it certainly is a restauarant on the bigger stage than only BA for food quality and taste and for $50 a person it is one of the best values compared to the best of South Beach, Miami were I live and certainly other restaurants in London and Paris of its nature that I have visited and reviewed on my website,www.gagit.net.I find that if you only listen to remarks on local restaurants you will miss out on what a city has to offer.

[Silly Disciple]

Value is all relative , i could not disagree more with BTW on the bigger stage Cabana Las Lilas is less than half the price than a restaurant like the Palm in the U. S. and certainly a better value. A more important restaurant like Casa Cruz should not be missed for it certainly is a restauarant on the bigger stage than only BA for food quality and taste and for $50 a person it is one of the best values compared to the best of South Beach, Miami were I live and certainly other restaurants in London and Paris of its nature that I have visited and reviewed on my website,www.gagit.net.I find that if you only listen to remarks on local restaurants you will miss out on what a city has to offer.

Value for money means you can either get same quality for less money, or better quality for the same money, which is the case with Cabaña Las Lilas.

I am not comparing it with restaurants elsewhere in the world, but with restaurants in Buenos Aires.

[saltshaker]

Jangada is quite good - they specialize in very simply prepared - i.e., grilled with olive oil and herbs - river fish from the Parana Delta, north and west of the city. The place, likewise, is on the "simple" side - nothing fancy - okay wine list with average prices.

I see we're once again beating the dead cow that is the pro and con of Las Lilas. I think Gaucho and I will probably stand by our assessments from local standards that, touristy or not, it just doesn't deliver on the value - good steaks, yes, generally, though inconsistent - great steaks, no, at least not in comparison to what's available here - service, quite good, which is probably its biggest redeeming factor - and it's certainly one of the top, if not the top, in price for a parrilla.

[gagit]

I will be In Buenos Aires at the end of a hiking/running trip through Patagonia over Christmas and New Years.  I love steak and am anxiously reading about the local beef.  I want to go to the "best Place". Many recommend Cabana Las Lilas.

We will be with a group so I can get away one or max two times. RR

this is for all you guys, todays issue of New York times, t syle magazineis about dining finds in Buenos Aires, featured restaurants are La Cabrero,Elles, andJangada, the place for Pacu.

[saltshaker]

A shame, since Elles closed almost four months ago... but, if you note, that article was in the style section last November, not this week...

Edited by saltshaker, 19 August 2007 - 07:37 AM.

[jbzepol]

I will be In Buenos Aires at the end of a hiking/running trip through Patagonia over Christmas and New Years.  I love steak and am anxiously reading about the local beef.  I want to go to the "best Place". Many recommend Cabana Las Lilas.

We will be with a group so I can get away one or max two times. RR

I had a steak that was paragonical (for lack of better word) at El Establo (on Florida or Lavalle I think). It's hard to find a bad meal in Buenos Aires. Don't miss Persicco for gelato whatever you do.

[skoolpsyk]

Just had to chime in as we are in BA right now. We have to say we highly recommend Cabaña Las Lilas BECAUSE it is touristy. We have been to three other restaurants for steak before going there and while good, we were getting frustrated. We like our meat rare. After ordering and explaining in both English and our limited Spanish (using the recommended words for ¨juicy¨ and red and even pointing to examples), our meat always arrived with just a little pink in the middle. It seamed to be a case of them knowing better than us the way it should be prepared.
At Cabaña Las Lilas, the cuts were very thick (which we also were not getting at the other places) and red bloody, fatty mounds--exactly what we were looking for! Plus we got pretty lucky and walked up with no reservations and got seated near the water on a beautiful night.

If you can afford it and that´s what you are looking for, then go. We were very glad and spent a third of what it would cost in the states (we didn´t order any sides or wine, we were just there for meat!). Also go to the other places too to experience Argentine style.

[piazzola]

Yeah! yeah! You people rave about yet I can't wait to sink my teeth into a nice juicy and tasteful steak. The taste is what I miss the most perhaps next Summer. Save few for me. Well what the heck! I may not make it further than Monte Grande or Luis Guillon perhaps.

[fedelst]

Through this thread there has been a continual statement that Las Lilas is crazy expensive, yet no one has ever qualified what Expensive is?

Can anyone give me an idea of what a good steak dinner in Ba would normally cost in a decent upscale restaurant? and what Las Lilas would charge for a similar meal?

Just curious....

Thanks

Ryk

Just had to chime in as we are in BA right now. We have to say we highly recommend Cabaña Las Lilas BECAUSE it is touristy. We have been to three other restaurants for steak before going there and while good, we were getting frustrated. We like our meat rare. After ordering and explaining in both English and our limited Spanish (using the recommended words for ¨juicy¨ and red and even pointing to examples), our meat always arrived with just a little pink in the middle. It seamed to be a case of them knowing better than us the way it should be prepared.
At Cabaña Las Lilas, the cuts were very thick (which we also were not getting at the other places) and red bloody, fatty mounds--exactly what we were looking for! Plus we got pretty lucky and walked up with no reservations and got seated near the water on a beautiful night.

If you can afford it and that´s what you are looking for, then go. We were very glad and spent a third of what it would cost in the states (we didn´t order any sides or wine, we were just there for meat!). Also go to the other places too to experience Argentine style.

[saltshaker]

Good question Ryk, and keep in mind that those of us who are talking about how crazy expensive it is are those of us, for the most part, who live here and live on pesos, not on dollars or euros. A "typical" neighborhood spot for steak - anywhere from 15-25 pesos for a good quality steak (this is just the steak, before anything else you might order). A "nice" parrilla, i.e., something that might be more of a treat, or more special night out, anywhere from 25-35 pesos for the steak. A place like Las Lilas, anywhere from 30 on up to 50. It's still cheap by U.S. or European standards - I mean, you're paying at most about US$15 for that steak at Las Lilas, but from our view, when you can get an equal quality or, truthfully, far better steak (and that's the key point, for the extra few dollars, you're getting a lesser quality steak, and an experience that's not at all local, but designed and marketed specifically for tourists), for around US$10... it makes a difference. On a vacation budget, it's probably irrelevant for most people.

Through this thread there has been a continual statement that Las Lilas is crazy expensive, yet no one has ever qualified what Expensive is?

Can anyone give me an idea of what a good steak dinner in Ba would normally cost in a decent upscale restaurant? and what Las Lilas would charge for a similar meal?

Just curious....

Thanks

Ryk

Edited by saltshaker, 29 December 2007 - 08:33 AM.

[TGullet]

Any Fall, 2008 updates? Thank you in advance.

[gagit]

Any  Fall, 2008 updates?  Thank you in advance.

if you have never been to Las Lilas go, its like going to my hometown Miami for Stoncrabs and not go to Joe.s. If you cannot afford $15.00 for a steak then just go to the local choices ,and know that you cannot compare the meal to Las Lilas.

[Sneakeater]

THAT will cause some hubub.

[argentinadave]

I will be In Buenos Aires at the end of a hiking/running trip through Patagonia over Christmas and New Years.  I love steak and am anxiously reading about the local beef.  I want to go to the "best Place". Many recommend Cabana Las Lilas.

We will be with a group so I can get away one or max two times. RR

I am Argentine, I would not dream of going to Cabana Las Lilas. It is definitely touristy and ridiculously overpriced. I think they charge over 20 pesos for a chorizo, which is unheard of. You can get good meat in Buenos Aires at many places, no need to go there. To add to everyone's list I recommend 2 places. "El Pobre Luis" in Belgrano, a great Uruguayan parrilla decorated with soccer jerseys. And my favorite is "Las Talas del Entrerriano", a very different type of parrilla. It is difficult to get to, out of the way in a sketchy part of the suburbs, kind of dirty and with 0 ambiance. But the meat is absolutely amazing, try the "lechon" if you go. Very cheap and no tourists.

[gagit]

I will be In Buenos Aires at the end of a hiking/running trip through Patagonia over Christmas and New Years.  I love steak and am anxiously reading about the local beef.  I want to go to the "best Place". Many recommend Cabana Las Lilas.

We will be with a group so I can get away one or max two times. RR

I am Argentine, I would not dream of going to Cabana Las Lilas. It is definitely touristy and ridiculously overpriced. I think they charge over 20 pesos for a chorizo, which is unheard of. You can get good meat in Buenos Aires at many places, no need to go there. To add to everyone's list I recommend 2 places. "El Pobre Luis" in Belgrano, a great Uruguayan parrilla decorated with soccer jerseys. And my favorite is "Las Talas del Entrerriano", a very different type of parrilla. It is difficult to get to, out of the way in a sketchy part of the suburbs, kind of dirty and with 0 ambiance. But the meat is absolutely amazing, try the "lechon" if you go. Very cheap and no tourists.

I am sorry Argentine but please understand American tastes, personally I do not like any steak in Argentina, anymore than you would like the amazing steak at Peter Luger , $80.00 for two. In Argentina, if I have to eat steak I really would like to try your local Parilla and I will try it next time in Buenos Aires.However, as a first time visitor Cabana Las lilas at $15.00 is the atmosphere of Buenos Aires that an American needs to experience just as I recommend Stone Crabs at Joes in Miami , expensive not worth it but a must for tourist.

[argentinadave]

[/quote]I am sorry Argentine but please understand American tastes, personally I do not like any steak in Argentina, anymore than you would like the amazing steak at Peter Luger , $80.00 for two. In Argentina, if I have to eat steak I really would like to try your local Parilla and I will try it next time in Buenos Aires.However, as a first time visitor Cabana Las lilas at $15.00 is the atmosphere of Buenos Aires that an American needs to experience just as I recommend Stone Crabs at Joes in Miami , expensive not worth it but a must for tourist.

[/quote]


See that is where I disagree. I have been to Peter Luger's, and I actually think that the steak there is fantastic. However, my point is that Cabana Las Lilas is not at all like Peter Luger's. Cabana Las Lilas is basically, and almost solely, a place where tourists go. Very few locals eat there, even very rich ones who can afford it. I am sure that many locals eat at Peter Luger's. My point was that if you want to travel to Argentina and get a more "local" experience in terms of where you dine, without foregoing quality, Cabana Las Lilas is not your best bet.

[gagit]

Argentinadave, All the locals I know go to Cabana ,maybe to be seen, but the only reason I see to go to a local place is to get it less expensive not to get a better steak. However, on my next trip I will give you notice and you and I will visit your local place as my treat.

[Silly Disciple]

Argentinadave, All the locals I know go to Cabana ,maybe to be seen, but the only reason I see to go to a local place is to get it less expensive not to get a better steak. However, on my next trip I will give you notice and you and I will visit your local place as my treat.

Gagit, how do you know there's no better steak than Cabaña Las Lilas, particularly when you haven't been to other places, and moreover when you say you don't really like the meat in Buenos Aires?

Both locals and visitors have already stated that Cabaña Las Lilas is an overpriced tourist trap, and have offered alternatives.
Wouldn't you think it'd be better to try a few of those before coming up with such broad generalization?

[gagit]

Argentinadave, All the locals I know go to Cabana ,maybe to be seen, but the only reason I see to go to a local place is to get it less expensive not to get a better steak. However, on my next trip I will give you notice and you and I will visit your local place as my treat.

Gagit, how do you know there's no better steak than Cabaña Las Lilas, particularly when you haven't been to other places, and moreover when you say you don't really like the meat in Buenos Aires?

Both locals and visitors have already stated that Cabaña Las Lilas is an overpriced tourist trap, and have offered alternatives.
Wouldn't you think it'd be better to try a few of those before coming up with such broad generalization?

Silly <I have eaten in other steak restaurants including Rosa Negra , that many locals told me was the best steak, where only locals go and has been reviewed on my website .I have even eaten in other so call local steak houses that were not worthy of comment. Howver, i also invite you to join Argentinadave to his favorite local steak place and then we can agree to disagree, and I do like steak but have not found one I can say I like in BA but am openminded to try more.

[fud]

Oh for joy for joy!

This thread is wonderful as my wife and I will be in B.A. for a week to sample the steaks and soak up the culture. I've made a list based on the posts in this thread and hope to snap some pictures and post a mini review when we get back.

Please keep the suggestions coming!

[Gaucho]

I am sorry Argentine but please understand American tastes, personally I do not like any steak in Argentina, anymore than you would like the amazing steak at Peter Luger , $80.00 for two. In Argentina, if I have to eat steak I really would like to try your local Parilla and I will try it next time in Buenos Aires.However, as a first time visitor Cabana Las lilas at $15.00 is the atmosphere of Buenos Aires that an American needs to experience just as I recommend Stone Crabs at Joes in Miami , expensive not worth it but a must for tourist.

...? Well, Im another Argentine... and I lived in Manhattan and was a regular at Peter Luger. I find their Porterhouse to be outstanding.

Cabana Las Lilas is not a true Argentine experience..... in Argentina, the concept of Steakhouse is just plain foreign... we can eat steak at every coffeshop if we want to. Also, its plain not true lthat at all the "normal" parrillas you cannot get your steak raw.... dont mean to hit on you, but its clearly a case of you not being able to communicate in Spanish. If you want it raw, you must say "casi crudo, apenas vuelta y vuelta". If they do not bring it like you order it, then just send it back. I assure you that when I want my meat to be alive, I order it that way and thats how I get it.

Also... my rant with Cabana is not only that its not authentic, but that its also grossly inconsistent. If you go during peak hours you will have to wait, and service will suffer.... steak getting cold while you wait it not unheard of. Their wine list is as thick as a telephone book, yet when you get into detail the vintages they offer are usually not available. Also, price for wine at this place is also highway robbery.

To end my post.... I urge those of you that love your meat rare to go to La Brigada in San Telmo... order the Baby Beef and you will be in heaven. Hugo and his team serve it alive and pretty much kicking. Even if you are not into bloody beef I would suggest you visit La Brigada.

[gagit]

I am sorry Argentine but please understand American tastes, personally I do not like any steak in Argentina, anymore than you would like the amazing steak at Peter Luger , $80.00 for two. In Argentina, if I have to eat steak I really would like to try your local Parilla and I will try it next time in Buenos Aires.However, as a first time visitor Cabana Las lilas at $15.00 is the atmosphere of Buenos Aires that an American needs to experience just as I recommend Stone Crabs at Joes in Miami , expensive not worth it but a must for tourist.

...? Well, Im another Argentine... and I lived in Manhattan and was a regular at Peter Luger. I find their Porterhouse to be outstanding.

Cabana Las Lilas is not a true Argentine experience..... in Argentina, the concept of Steakhouse is just plain foreign... we can eat steak at every coffeshop if we want to. Also, its plain not true lthat at all the "normal" parrillas you cannot get your steak raw.... dont mean to hit on you, but its clearly a case of you not being able to communicate in Spanish. If you want it raw, you must say "casi crudo, apenas vuelta y vuelta". If they do not bring it like you order it, then just send it back. I assure you that when I want my meat to be alive, I order it that way and thats how I get it.

Also... my rant with Cabana is not only that its not authentic, but that its also grossly inconsistent. If you go during peak hours you will have to wait, and service will suffer.... steak getting cold while you wait it not unheard of. Their wine list is as thick as a telephone book, yet when you get into detail the vintages they offer are usually not available. Also, price for wine at this place is also highway robbery.

To end my post.... I urge those of you that love your meat rare to go to La Brigada in San Telmo... order the Baby Beef and you will be in heaven. Hugo and his team serve it alive and pretty much kicking. Even if you are not into bloody beef I would suggest you visit La Brigada.

Order the Alamos Malbec 2005 and do not get robbed and enjoy the atmosphere, the steak is not for me anyway, I prefer the Paku at Jangada if I want to eat meat, of the fish ,of course.

[argentinadave]

I am sorry Argentine but please understand American tastes, personally I do not like any steak in Argentina, anymore than you would like the amazing steak at Peter Luger , $80.00 for two. In Argentina, if I have to eat steak I really would like to try your local Parilla and I will try it next time in Buenos Aires.However, as a first time visitor Cabana Las lilas at $15.00 is the atmosphere of Buenos Aires that an American needs to experience just as I recommend Stone Crabs at Joes in Miami , expensive not worth it but a must for tourist.

...? Well, Im another Argentine... and I lived in Manhattan and was a regular at Peter Luger. I find their Porterhouse to be outstanding.

Cabana Las Lilas is not a true Argentine experience..... in Argentina, the concept of Steakhouse is just plain foreign... we can eat steak at every coffeshop if we want to. Also, its plain not true lthat at all the "normal" parrillas you cannot get your steak raw.... dont mean to hit on you, but its clearly a case of you not being able to communicate in Spanish. If you want it raw, you must say "casi crudo, apenas vuelta y vuelta". If they do not bring it like you order it, then just send it back. I assure you that when I want my meat to be alive, I order it that way and thats how I get it.

Also... my rant with Cabana is not only that its not authentic, but that its also grossly inconsistent. If you go during peak hours you will have to wait, and service will suffer.... steak getting cold while you wait it not unheard of. Their wine list is as thick as a telephone book, yet when you get into detail the vintages they offer are usually not available. Also, price for wine at this place is also highway robbery.

To end my post.... I urge those of you that love your meat rare to go to La Brigada in San Telmo... order the Baby Beef and you will be in heaven. Hugo and his team serve it alive and pretty much kicking. Even if you are not into bloody beef I would suggest you visit La Brigada.

Thanks Gaucho, I agree with you 100% and you probably expressed it better than I could have. Steakhouses are a foreign concept in Argentina, people don't go out for steak. The concept is more "parrilla" or "asado" where steak is a part of a much larger bbq, including all kinds of offal and different cuts of meat. My suggestion, aside from going to a restaurant is to try to get somebody in Argentina to cook you an asado. Or go to an estancia (ranch) you can book them for the day or night and have an asado there. This is usually a 3-4 hour meat-eating extravaganza, done slowly and you work your way through the different parts of the cow.

[genarog]

While you will certainly have great steak in BA, I think you can also have a great steak in the U.S, both at a restaurant or at home.

I think that you get the biggest return on your money and time when you eat stuff that is not replicated in the US in the same exact way.

I suggest that you eat the following items when in a Buenos Aires Parrilla:

- Morcilla (blood sausage)
- Chorizo (pork/beef sausage)
- Mollejas (sweetbreads)
- Matambrito de Cerdo (Pork Flank Steak)
- Asado de Tira (Beef Short Ribs)