Maraya
San Telmo Market
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Past Posts for 'This Week in the City'
Monday 27th April 2009
Buenos Aires Book Fair
La Rural Exhibition Centre
Juncal 4431
www.larural.com.ar
Daily from 23rd April - 11th May 2009
Sun - Thurs: 2pm - 10pm / Fri - Sat: 2pm - 11pm
Cost: FREE!!!
Buy books in all different languages, sit in on readings, conferences (including past examples of History of Jazz, History of Argentine Art and Scriptwriting, for example) workshops, debates and book signings. There are also loads of stuff for kids to do too. Book worm’s heaven!
Monday 4th May 2009
Books, Books, Books!
La Feria del Libro continues this week. Monday 4th May in the evening includes a reading by Danilo Albero. The feria is located in La Rural on Avenida Santa Fe and Sarmiento. More information can be found at http://www.el-libro.org.ar/
Art and Cinema
On Thursday 7th May @ 6pm, there is a talk about the links that exist between art and cinema at The Malba Museum. The event is entitled ‘Encuentro cara a cara’ and the entrance is FREE. Therefore, it’s got to be worth a little look, no?
Live Music
For the past couple of weeks, members who have passed through the office have been enquiring about underground, alternative spots for music here in the city. I’ve been doing some digging and there is plenty going on. However, so as not to overload you all with too much information in one go, I’ll make some suggestions week by week. This week, I suggest the following:
IMPRO SHOW
Seven surprise musicians improvise every Tuesday as part of an event entitled, ‘El fantasma de la Tonica.‘ The weekly event is held at La Paila Stage, Costa Rica 4848 from 9pm onwards. This Tuesday I don’t have time to head down there myself to check them out, so I’d welcome any feedback that anyone has. Send your thoughts to me at buenosairesclubhouse@gmail.com
Monday 11th May 2009
Have you ever seen Blind Theatre?…. You don‘t see it, you feel it!: ‘La Isla Desierta’
If you’re a fan of the theatre like I am, then I strongly suggest you check out the performance entitled, ‘La Isla Desierta,’ an interpretation of the famous opera by Roberto Arlt, performed by a group of blind theatre artists called Grupo Ojcuro. The group have been working together for more than 7 years and produce theatre that communicates through feel, sound, smell and touch. The performance takes place in the dark.
‘La Isla Desierta’ is directed by José Menchaca
Thursdays and Fridays at 9pm, Saturdays at 9pm and 11pm
@ Zelaya 3006 (nearest subte is Carlos Gardel, line B)
Book tickets by calling the box office on (011) 63798596 (Mon - Sun 7pm - 10.30pm)
Music Event
A few members have emailed to say that they enjoyed the live music mentioned lat week and so I have decided to advertise it again this week too. Seven surprise musicians improvise every Tuesday as part of an event entitled, ‘El fantasma de la Tonica.‘ The weekly event is held at La Paila Stage, Costa Rica 4848 from 9pm onwards.
International Decorative Art Fair
Eniarte is the International Decorative Art Fair here in Buenos Aires. Approximately 300 international artists display their work at the beautiful Palacio San Miguel (Suipacha 84) and there is also the opportunity to join in with impromptu art classes with professionals throughout the day. There is also a voting ballot to decide on the favourite piece of work on display at the fair. All the details can be found at http://www.eniarte.com/ The event is running from 11 - 14 May 2009, from 1pm until 9pm every day and the entrance is 15 pesos.
Buenos Aires Book Fair
La Rural Exhibition Centre
Juncal 4431
www.larural.com.ar
Daily from 23rd April - 11th May 2009
Sun - Thurs: 2pm - 10pm / Fri - Sat: 2pm - 11pm
Cost: FREE!!!
Buy books in all different languages, sit in on readings, conferences (including past examples of History of Jazz, History of Argentine Art and Scriptwriting, for example) workshops, debates and book signings. There are also loads of stuff for kids to do too. Book worm’s heaven!
Monday 4th May 2009
Books, Books, Books!
La Feria del Libro continues this week. Monday 4th May in the evening includes a reading by Danilo Albero. The feria is located in La Rural on Avenida Santa Fe and Sarmiento. More information can be found at http://www.el-libro.org.ar/
Art and Cinema
On Thursday 7th May @ 6pm, there is a talk about the links that exist between art and cinema at The Malba Museum. The event is entitled ‘Encuentro cara a cara’ and the entrance is FREE. Therefore, it’s got to be worth a little look, no?
Live Music
For the past couple of weeks, members who have passed through the office have been enquiring about underground, alternative spots for music here in the city. I’ve been doing some digging and there is plenty going on. However, so as not to overload you all with too much information in one go, I’ll make some suggestions week by week. This week, I suggest the following:
IMPRO SHOW
Seven surprise musicians improvise every Tuesday as part of an event entitled, ‘El fantasma de la Tonica.‘ The weekly event is held at La Paila Stage, Costa Rica 4848 from 9pm onwards. This Tuesday I don’t have time to head down there myself to check them out, so I’d welcome any feedback that anyone has. Send your thoughts to me at buenosairesclubhouse@gmail.com
Monday 11th May 2009
Have you ever seen Blind Theatre?…. You don‘t see it, you feel it!: ‘La Isla Desierta’
If you’re a fan of the theatre like I am, then I strongly suggest you check out the performance entitled, ‘La Isla Desierta,’ an interpretation of the famous opera by Roberto Arlt, performed by a group of blind theatre artists called Grupo Ojcuro. The group have been working together for more than 7 years and produce theatre that communicates through feel, sound, smell and touch. The performance takes place in the dark.
‘La Isla Desierta’ is directed by José Menchaca
Thursdays and Fridays at 9pm, Saturdays at 9pm and 11pm
@ Zelaya 3006 (nearest subte is Carlos Gardel, line B)
Book tickets by calling the box office on (011) 63798596 (Mon - Sun 7pm - 10.30pm)
Music Event
A few members have emailed to say that they enjoyed the live music mentioned lat week and so I have decided to advertise it again this week too. Seven surprise musicians improvise every Tuesday as part of an event entitled, ‘El fantasma de la Tonica.‘ The weekly event is held at La Paila Stage, Costa Rica 4848 from 9pm onwards.
International Decorative Art Fair
Eniarte is the International Decorative Art Fair here in Buenos Aires. Approximately 300 international artists display their work at the beautiful Palacio San Miguel (Suipacha 84) and there is also the opportunity to join in with impromptu art classes with professionals throughout the day. There is also a voting ballot to decide on the favourite piece of work on display at the fair. All the details can be found at http://www.eniarte.com/ The event is running from 11 - 14 May 2009, from 1pm until 9pm every day and the entrance is 15 pesos.
Past Clubhouse Events in BA
Monday 27th April 2009
‘MATEN AL MOSQUITO’
Come to our party!!!
On Friday 1st May 2009 @10pm, Caffarena 84 (La Boca), we are hosting a fundraising party to collect donations for the people in Chaco, a northern province in Argentina. At present, Dengue Fever is rife in the region and the people who live there desperately need help fighting the disease.
You can pay on the door or send us an email at www.buenosairesclubhouse@gmail.com to reserve a spot.
AR$10 (members) with donation
AR$15 (non-members) with donation
Hope to see you there to enjoy the musical delights of:
Valeria Cini (an acoustic guitarist. Visit her website at www.myspace.com/valeriacini)
Camila Lopez
Sarah Hebe
Together we can help to ‘Maten al Mosquito!!!!!’
*SPANISH CONVERSATION CLASS* (EVERY) Wednesday . Next lesson Wednesday 29th April at 3:30pm @ the clubhouse! Learn how to string your words together! Join us every Wednesday in an informal conversation class with our favorite teacher from ELE BAIRES. RSVP encouraged.
Members: FREE, Non-members: $8 pesos
Email us at: saebuenosaires@gmail.com
Monday 4th May 2009
*SPANISH CONVERSATION CLASS* (EVERY) Wednesday.
Next lesson: Wednesday, May 6th at 3:30pm @ the clubhouse.
Learn how to string your words together! Join us every Wednesday for an informal conversation class with a teacher from ELE BAIRES. RSVP encouraged.
FREE for members and $8 pesos for non-members.
Email us at: saebuenosaires@gmail.com
Monday 11th May 2009
Cinema Event at the Clubhouse
Tuesday 12th May 09 @ 3pm in the clubhouse
The film: 'Entre Los Muros' (translated... 'Between the Walls.')
This event is truly going to be a lot of fun! You must come! At 3pm, meet us in the clubhouse where there'll be a lot of information for you to read so you can get clued up about the film. 'Entre Los Muros' is actually a French movie, with Spanish subtitles, which will be good language practice for all concerned. However, the most interesting thing about the movie is that it was filmed by Laurent Cantet using an improvisational style - not too disimilar from the likes of Mike Leigh (for all you film buffs out there!). The film is set within a French inner city school full of teenagers with discipine problems. The children in the film are NOT actors. They are real children, living lives like the ones depicted in the films and were encouraged to simply improvise infront of the camera throughout a fair portion of the film. Really....this is not an event to miss!!!
After the film, which is being shown in the beautiful Arteplex cinema next door to the clubhouse, we invite you to take part in a discussion about the film in the cinema's fantastically eclectic cafe. (Read about the cafe and the Arteplex cinema and little further down in this newsletter in the 'Top Place of Interest' section.
All in all, this should be a fantastic afternoon, including culture, language practice and plenty of good, old-fashioned chat! Don't mss out!
SPANISH CONVERSATION CLASS* (EVERY) Wednesday.
Next lesson: Wednesday, May 13th at 3:30pm @ the clubhouse.
Learn how to string your words together! Join us every Wednesday for an informal conversation class with a teacher from ELE BAIRES. RSVP encouraged.
FREE for members and $8 pesos for non-members.
Email us at: saebuenosaires@gmail.com
‘MATEN AL MOSQUITO’
Come to our party!!!
On Friday 1st May 2009 @10pm, Caffarena 84 (La Boca), we are hosting a fundraising party to collect donations for the people in Chaco, a northern province in Argentina. At present, Dengue Fever is rife in the region and the people who live there desperately need help fighting the disease.
You can pay on the door or send us an email at www.buenosairesclubhouse@gmail.com to reserve a spot.
AR$10 (members) with donation
AR$15 (non-members) with donation
Hope to see you there to enjoy the musical delights of:
Valeria Cini (an acoustic guitarist. Visit her website at www.myspace.com/valeriacini)
Camila Lopez
Sarah Hebe
Together we can help to ‘Maten al Mosquito!!!!!’
*SPANISH CONVERSATION CLASS* (EVERY) Wednesday . Next lesson Wednesday 29th April at 3:30pm @ the clubhouse! Learn how to string your words together! Join us every Wednesday in an informal conversation class with our favorite teacher from ELE BAIRES. RSVP encouraged.
Members: FREE, Non-members: $8 pesos
Email us at: saebuenosaires@gmail.com
Monday 4th May 2009
*SPANISH CONVERSATION CLASS* (EVERY) Wednesday.
Next lesson: Wednesday, May 6th at 3:30pm @ the clubhouse.
Learn how to string your words together! Join us every Wednesday for an informal conversation class with a teacher from ELE BAIRES. RSVP encouraged.
FREE for members and $8 pesos for non-members.
Email us at: saebuenosaires@gmail.com
Monday 11th May 2009
Cinema Event at the Clubhouse
Tuesday 12th May 09 @ 3pm in the clubhouse
The film: 'Entre Los Muros' (translated... 'Between the Walls.')
This event is truly going to be a lot of fun! You must come! At 3pm, meet us in the clubhouse where there'll be a lot of information for you to read so you can get clued up about the film. 'Entre Los Muros' is actually a French movie, with Spanish subtitles, which will be good language practice for all concerned. However, the most interesting thing about the movie is that it was filmed by Laurent Cantet using an improvisational style - not too disimilar from the likes of Mike Leigh (for all you film buffs out there!). The film is set within a French inner city school full of teenagers with discipine problems. The children in the film are NOT actors. They are real children, living lives like the ones depicted in the films and were encouraged to simply improvise infront of the camera throughout a fair portion of the film. Really....this is not an event to miss!!!
After the film, which is being shown in the beautiful Arteplex cinema next door to the clubhouse, we invite you to take part in a discussion about the film in the cinema's fantastically eclectic cafe. (Read about the cafe and the Arteplex cinema and little further down in this newsletter in the 'Top Place of Interest' section.
All in all, this should be a fantastic afternoon, including culture, language practice and plenty of good, old-fashioned chat! Don't mss out!
SPANISH CONVERSATION CLASS* (EVERY) Wednesday.
Next lesson: Wednesday, May 13th at 3:30pm @ the clubhouse.
Learn how to string your words together! Join us every Wednesday for an informal conversation class with a teacher from ELE BAIRES. RSVP encouraged.
FREE for members and $8 pesos for non-members.
Email us at: saebuenosaires@gmail.com
Editor's Weekly Note
Monday 27th April 2009
Hello there! I’d like to warmly introduce myself to all of you SAE Members out there. My name is Tracey and I’m the new writing intern here in Buenos Aires. From today, I hope to be making your time in BA as interesting, care-free and unique as possible by keeping you updated weekly through this newsletter. As I get more settled into the post, I hope to develop the newsletter’s content and style in order to better serve the needs and interests of both travelling and expat SAE members in a fun and amusing way! Suggestions from you about how to improve this service and things you’d like me to find out for you on a weekly basis can be sent to my email address buenosairesclubhouse@gmail.com and that way, together, we can really bring all the wonders of BA and Argentina to your fingertips.
Once again, great to meet you all and here’s to the start of a fruitful partnership!
Tracey
Monday 4th May 2009
Hi guys! I hope you all took advantage of the national holiday ‘El dia del Trabajador’ on Friday 1st May. The weather was good and so there was no real excuse not to enjoy the extra day free from work (speaking primarily to all you expats out there, of course!)
The capital is still beautifully warm at the moment and sunny days prevail, which definitely puts me in a good mood. A few of you have been asking when you need to start taking your umbrellas out during the day. I can safely say that I think you’ve got at least a few more weeks of trustworthy weather yet, so don’t be feeling the winter blues too soon.
This week’s newsletter is, as always, packed with things to do and important information for expats and travellers alike, but remember that you can always email me at buenosairesclubhouse@gmail.com or pop into the office if you have any unanswered questions. So, scroll down and get clued up!
See ya!
Tracey
Monday 11th May 2009
Hi guys!
Here we are.... another week passes and yet it feels barely like a few hours. After having been in our new location (Roque Saenz Pena, 1142) for just over a month now, I can safely say that we are well and truly back on track here. Take a look at the great Clubhouse Events section to see what we've got lined up for you all and you'll see what I mean. Watch this section closely from now on, as it's going to be full with great things to do every week and I'd hate for you to be missing out on anything. As always, I remind you of my email address buenosairesclubhouse@gmail.com where you can contact me with further questions or share some of your own knowledge about the city. I am always very happy to hear from you.
Lastly, a very important note for members.
Any luggage that is stored with us is not held at the clubhouse itself as our premises here are just too small. Therefore, if you wish to collect any stored items or if you intend to store any items, please email us at saexplorers@gmail.com to organise a time to meet us at our secure location (which is nearby).
Ciao!
Tracey
Hello there! I’d like to warmly introduce myself to all of you SAE Members out there. My name is Tracey and I’m the new writing intern here in Buenos Aires. From today, I hope to be making your time in BA as interesting, care-free and unique as possible by keeping you updated weekly through this newsletter. As I get more settled into the post, I hope to develop the newsletter’s content and style in order to better serve the needs and interests of both travelling and expat SAE members in a fun and amusing way! Suggestions from you about how to improve this service and things you’d like me to find out for you on a weekly basis can be sent to my email address buenosairesclubhouse@gmail.com and that way, together, we can really bring all the wonders of BA and Argentina to your fingertips.
Once again, great to meet you all and here’s to the start of a fruitful partnership!
Tracey
Monday 4th May 2009
Hi guys! I hope you all took advantage of the national holiday ‘El dia del Trabajador’ on Friday 1st May. The weather was good and so there was no real excuse not to enjoy the extra day free from work (speaking primarily to all you expats out there, of course!)
The capital is still beautifully warm at the moment and sunny days prevail, which definitely puts me in a good mood. A few of you have been asking when you need to start taking your umbrellas out during the day. I can safely say that I think you’ve got at least a few more weeks of trustworthy weather yet, so don’t be feeling the winter blues too soon.
This week’s newsletter is, as always, packed with things to do and important information for expats and travellers alike, but remember that you can always email me at buenosairesclubhouse@gmail.com or pop into the office if you have any unanswered questions. So, scroll down and get clued up!
See ya!
Tracey
Monday 11th May 2009
Hi guys!
Here we are.... another week passes and yet it feels barely like a few hours. After having been in our new location (Roque Saenz Pena, 1142) for just over a month now, I can safely say that we are well and truly back on track here. Take a look at the great Clubhouse Events section to see what we've got lined up for you all and you'll see what I mean. Watch this section closely from now on, as it's going to be full with great things to do every week and I'd hate for you to be missing out on anything. As always, I remind you of my email address buenosairesclubhouse@gmail.com where you can contact me with further questions or share some of your own knowledge about the city. I am always very happy to hear from you.
Lastly, a very important note for members.
Any luggage that is stored with us is not held at the clubhouse itself as our premises here are just too small. Therefore, if you wish to collect any stored items or if you intend to store any items, please email us at saexplorers@gmail.com to organise a time to meet us at our secure location (which is nearby).
Ciao!
Tracey
Question of the week
Monday 27th April 2009
Why is Rod Stewart so popular in BA? Somebody please tell me! It doesn’t matter where I go (restaurants, bars, hostels) Rod Stewart is always on the airwaves? What is this strange obsession?
If you find out the answer, PLEASE email me at buenosairesclubhouse@gmail.com
I will forever be indebted to you!
Monday 11th May 2009
What is your favourite radio station here in BA and why? Write in and let us know. Share the knowledge people!
Why is Rod Stewart so popular in BA? Somebody please tell me! It doesn’t matter where I go (restaurants, bars, hostels) Rod Stewart is always on the airwaves? What is this strange obsession?
If you find out the answer, PLEASE email me at buenosairesclubhouse@gmail.com
I will forever be indebted to you!
Monday 11th May 2009
What is your favourite radio station here in BA and why? Write in and let us know. Share the knowledge people!
Top Expat Knowledge
Monday 27th April 2009
How to find somewhere to live in BA
Living as an expat myself in BA, I know how difficult and frustrating some of the most simplest things can be to work out in a foreign land. I also understand how much happier I feel when the basic elements of my life fall into place; finding somewhere to live, for example. Therefore this section of the newsletter will be devoted to all those people living, working or studying in BA and will aim to make your lives just that little bit easier!
This week I offer helpful advice for trying to find somewhere to live. Two of the most useful and productive websites are www.compartodepto.com and www.craigslist.com Both websites are easy to use and free to join. You receive updates about available rooms every day and I have found it extremely useful.
Failing that, there are shared houses and shared residences, which are kind of like small hostels, but the people who live there are not simply passing through. Maybe they’re studying, working or simply enjoying life in BA for a lengthy period of time. One example can be found at www.casasantelmo.com However, if you want to come in to the clubhouse, we have many more ideas and places for you to try.
We also have a lot of information about the legalities of renting rooms and apartments on a more fixed term basis here in the clubhouse. For example, many landlords will ask for a garantia. What is that, you may ask? Come in and find out!
Remember to look through all of our archived newsletters for this section, as every week something different has been covered and so past newsletters may be of real use to you.
Monday 4th May 2009
How do I know when I’ve been given a fake peso note?
Not something that you really want to be thinking about when travelling or when trying to start a life in a foreign land, but these things do happen. Therefore, straight from the well-versed mouths of two Argentine friends of mine, this is how you can check to see if your pesos are real or not. (Normally, you only need to be careful with notes over AR$50 denominations).
1. If you tilt the note backwards and forwards in your hand underneath the light, the denomination written in the corner should change from a green to a blue. If it stays the same colour, then you might be holding on to a fake.
2. When you lift the note up to the light, an exact watermark reflection of the face printed on the note should be clearly seen on the left hand side too. If not, it could be a fake.
3. If you scratch the hair on the figure presented on the notes with your nail, the paper in this area should be slightly raised, giving you the impression of actually being able to feel the hair itself. If you cannot feel any difference in the paper, particularly if it is new, it is probably a fake.
4. Lastly, on each note there are a series of small, blue coloured diamonds. When rubbed against a piece of paper, a little ink should leak from these diamonds. If not, you may well be holding on to a fake.
Hopefully, you’ll never feel the need to use this information, but it’s obviously worth bearing in mind and I will post this section onto our blog at http://www.buenosaires.blogspot.com/ so that you can forever have a reference to it.
Monday 11th May 2009
SpanglishBA.com
If you’re in BA and you haven’t heard about this group, then you really are missing out. Last Thursday evening I decided to take myself on over to the Thursday meet held in Palermo between 7pm and 9pm and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
SpanglishBA.com is an informal language exchange session organised by two expats from the states (one of which happens to live in my building I found out on Thursday… the world really is a small place). The idea and format of the session is truly ingenious and fairly unique here in BA. Basically, everybody meets in the designated venue organised by the directors (Argentines, travellers and expats alike) and for the price of AR$15 you get two hours of language exchange in English and Spanish and a free dink from the bar.
The first half an hour is very relaxed as people slowly arrive. I spent some time chatting to three very nice people (an expat from the states and two Argentines) and then the organised fun began. I was given a table number to find and then a series of different conversation starters were handed out to each pair. My partner and I spoke in English for five minutes and then in Spanish for five minutes, thus practicing both languages in an informal and relaxed way. But the great thing was that each time I had to move round to my next partner (or victim, depending on how you look at it) I found that my Spanish was more fluid and that I could communicate with more ease, re-learning how to think in Spanish again after a full day of communicating and writing in English at the office. I also got to meet a number of really nice and diverse people. (One Argentine was particularly attractive - a George Clooney lookalike girls! I certainly enjoyed my ten minutes talking with him, particularly as he was as charming as his onscreen persona too!) As a newcomer to BA, I really felt like I got a lot out of the evening.
There are three different venues (Palermo, Microcentre and San Telmo) and the event is organised 4 times a week. I cannot speak for the other two venues, but I really liked the Palermo venue. The lighting was soft, there were a number of large, white sofas dotted about with tempting smoking bombs placed on adjoining tables and both the music and food made for an all-round inviting atmosphere. You’re welcome to stay on after the event has officially finished and so I spent an extra hour talking in Spanish with a very nice lady originally from Cordoba before walking home feeling invigorated and more integrated into this huge capital city.
Therefore, if you haven't been yet, check it out. Look them up on google and reserve a spot. I think you'll b glad that you did.
How to find somewhere to live in BA
Living as an expat myself in BA, I know how difficult and frustrating some of the most simplest things can be to work out in a foreign land. I also understand how much happier I feel when the basic elements of my life fall into place; finding somewhere to live, for example. Therefore this section of the newsletter will be devoted to all those people living, working or studying in BA and will aim to make your lives just that little bit easier!
This week I offer helpful advice for trying to find somewhere to live. Two of the most useful and productive websites are www.compartodepto.com and www.craigslist.com Both websites are easy to use and free to join. You receive updates about available rooms every day and I have found it extremely useful.
Failing that, there are shared houses and shared residences, which are kind of like small hostels, but the people who live there are not simply passing through. Maybe they’re studying, working or simply enjoying life in BA for a lengthy period of time. One example can be found at www.casasantelmo.com However, if you want to come in to the clubhouse, we have many more ideas and places for you to try.
We also have a lot of information about the legalities of renting rooms and apartments on a more fixed term basis here in the clubhouse. For example, many landlords will ask for a garantia. What is that, you may ask? Come in and find out!
Remember to look through all of our archived newsletters for this section, as every week something different has been covered and so past newsletters may be of real use to you.
Monday 4th May 2009
How do I know when I’ve been given a fake peso note?
Not something that you really want to be thinking about when travelling or when trying to start a life in a foreign land, but these things do happen. Therefore, straight from the well-versed mouths of two Argentine friends of mine, this is how you can check to see if your pesos are real or not. (Normally, you only need to be careful with notes over AR$50 denominations).
1. If you tilt the note backwards and forwards in your hand underneath the light, the denomination written in the corner should change from a green to a blue. If it stays the same colour, then you might be holding on to a fake.
2. When you lift the note up to the light, an exact watermark reflection of the face printed on the note should be clearly seen on the left hand side too. If not, it could be a fake.
3. If you scratch the hair on the figure presented on the notes with your nail, the paper in this area should be slightly raised, giving you the impression of actually being able to feel the hair itself. If you cannot feel any difference in the paper, particularly if it is new, it is probably a fake.
4. Lastly, on each note there are a series of small, blue coloured diamonds. When rubbed against a piece of paper, a little ink should leak from these diamonds. If not, you may well be holding on to a fake.
Hopefully, you’ll never feel the need to use this information, but it’s obviously worth bearing in mind and I will post this section onto our blog at http://www.buenosaires.blogspot.com/ so that you can forever have a reference to it.
Monday 11th May 2009
SpanglishBA.com
If you’re in BA and you haven’t heard about this group, then you really are missing out. Last Thursday evening I decided to take myself on over to the Thursday meet held in Palermo between 7pm and 9pm and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
SpanglishBA.com is an informal language exchange session organised by two expats from the states (one of which happens to live in my building I found out on Thursday… the world really is a small place). The idea and format of the session is truly ingenious and fairly unique here in BA. Basically, everybody meets in the designated venue organised by the directors (Argentines, travellers and expats alike) and for the price of AR$15 you get two hours of language exchange in English and Spanish and a free dink from the bar.
The first half an hour is very relaxed as people slowly arrive. I spent some time chatting to three very nice people (an expat from the states and two Argentines) and then the organised fun began. I was given a table number to find and then a series of different conversation starters were handed out to each pair. My partner and I spoke in English for five minutes and then in Spanish for five minutes, thus practicing both languages in an informal and relaxed way. But the great thing was that each time I had to move round to my next partner (or victim, depending on how you look at it) I found that my Spanish was more fluid and that I could communicate with more ease, re-learning how to think in Spanish again after a full day of communicating and writing in English at the office. I also got to meet a number of really nice and diverse people. (One Argentine was particularly attractive - a George Clooney lookalike girls! I certainly enjoyed my ten minutes talking with him, particularly as he was as charming as his onscreen persona too!) As a newcomer to BA, I really felt like I got a lot out of the evening.
There are three different venues (Palermo, Microcentre and San Telmo) and the event is organised 4 times a week. I cannot speak for the other two venues, but I really liked the Palermo venue. The lighting was soft, there were a number of large, white sofas dotted about with tempting smoking bombs placed on adjoining tables and both the music and food made for an all-round inviting atmosphere. You’re welcome to stay on after the event has officially finished and so I spent an extra hour talking in Spanish with a very nice lady originally from Cordoba before walking home feeling invigorated and more integrated into this huge capital city.
Therefore, if you haven't been yet, check it out. Look them up on google and reserve a spot. I think you'll b glad that you did.
Top Argentine Focus
Monday 27th April 2009
Mate
Submersing yourself within a different culture is all part of the holiday or travel experience. Therefore, this section is all about supplying you with ideas and information about how to do just that.
Have you tried the Argentine mate? If not, why not? And if you’re an expat or a student or a long term traveller staying in BA, buy your own mate. This weekend you could take your mate to a park in Palermo and sup away whilst relaxing on the grass. Or you could do as the Portenos do and drink mate on the go whilst shopping this Saturday afternoon.
On a similar note, we have some very interesting information on the origins of the Argentine mate here in the clubhouse. If you’ve got a spare minute, come on over with your mate and relax on our sofa whilst reading up about one of the most traditional Argentine activities you’re ever going to find.
Monday 11th May 2009
Has Cristina made another promise that she is not going to keep?
Since arriving here in Buenos Aires, I have unfortunately heard very little in support of the Argentine president from the locals. In fact, many people are very disappointed with their president and her government (perhaps a world-wide story?). They have no faith in her abilities to deliver what she promises to deliver and are awaiting the day in two years time when they may well be able to rid themselves of her leadership. Having said that, like a number of South American countries, an actual opposing candidate doesn’t really exist and so the alternative to Mrs Fernández de Kirchner is infact an empty space.....not particularly a favourable idea.
As anyone living in Buenos Aires knows, the public transport (while I have to say economical, reliable and frequent) is a very frustrating affair. Travelling by subte turns the commuters into sardines for half an hour and sometimes it is actually impossible to get on (or off!!!) at all. The alternative is a bus system which demands that you have the correct change. There is no means of paying with notes and I have found myself having to go to a number of different ’Open 25 hours’ outlets to buy one sweet for 20 centavos with a 2 peso note in each shop in order to fund my bus fare home. Naturally the shop owners have been less than pleased and have sometimes let me have the sweet for free, preferring to keep a stash of change for themselves, which really has done very little to help me reach my own personal objective.
A while back, a series of machines were installed on all of the buses with a view to introducing a card system (a little like the monedero used on the subte) whereby each passenger would simply top up their card and thus get around the annoying problem that the city lacks coins. (Incidentally, nobody really knows why there is a lack of coins, but a few years ago the amount in circulation began to decrease and now everybody spends their time fervently guarding their change). However, the obvious fundamental problem with the card idea was the fact that the buses in Buenos Aires are privately owned. Each bus line is owned by a different company and therefore there is no standardisation between the lines. This effectively meant that it would have been necessary to have a completely different card for each bus route. Simply hopping on a bus wherever you happened to be wouldn’t have actually been a viable option, thus making this system practically unworkable.
However, about 3 or 4 months ago, Argentina's president made a promise to the people of Buenos Aires. The promise was to install a standard machine inside each and every bus so that the use of one solo card could be achieved. This would rectify the problem concerning the lack of change in the city and would probably encourage more people to use the bus system to travel to and from work every day. It’s conceivable that this system would even help to reduce the amount of people pushing themselves on to the subte during rush hour too, which can only be a good thing. In short, de Kirchner’s proposal was one that would really have helped to improve the lives of nearly every porteño on a daily basis and would have probably helped to improve the reputation of the president amongst her people at the same time. Excellent!
Unfortunately, the promise has not been kept. The buses still require the use of change and are full of machines that have been installed but are completely useless (a clear waste of public funds) and therefore, people like me who refuse to be a sardine but never have any change, are still making a walking trip of 1 hour and 15 minutes every morning. I actually enjoy the walk and am not complaining, but as the winter approaches, I don’t much relish the thought of doing the same trip in the pouring rain. And anyway, it would be nice to actually make the decision to walk rather than being forced to due to the poor nature of the public transportation on offer.
The future? Who knows? But, I write the article to keep you informed of the situation so that, by the slim chance that something good may come of this idea in the not too distant future, you’re aware of the changes and can perhaps take full advantage of what has the potential to be a really good system.
Mate
Submersing yourself within a different culture is all part of the holiday or travel experience. Therefore, this section is all about supplying you with ideas and information about how to do just that.
Have you tried the Argentine mate? If not, why not? And if you’re an expat or a student or a long term traveller staying in BA, buy your own mate. This weekend you could take your mate to a park in Palermo and sup away whilst relaxing on the grass. Or you could do as the Portenos do and drink mate on the go whilst shopping this Saturday afternoon.
On a similar note, we have some very interesting information on the origins of the Argentine mate here in the clubhouse. If you’ve got a spare minute, come on over with your mate and relax on our sofa whilst reading up about one of the most traditional Argentine activities you’re ever going to find.
Monday 11th May 2009
Has Cristina made another promise that she is not going to keep?
Since arriving here in Buenos Aires, I have unfortunately heard very little in support of the Argentine president from the locals. In fact, many people are very disappointed with their president and her government (perhaps a world-wide story?). They have no faith in her abilities to deliver what she promises to deliver and are awaiting the day in two years time when they may well be able to rid themselves of her leadership. Having said that, like a number of South American countries, an actual opposing candidate doesn’t really exist and so the alternative to Mrs Fernández de Kirchner is infact an empty space.....not particularly a favourable idea.
As anyone living in Buenos Aires knows, the public transport (while I have to say economical, reliable and frequent) is a very frustrating affair. Travelling by subte turns the commuters into sardines for half an hour and sometimes it is actually impossible to get on (or off!!!) at all. The alternative is a bus system which demands that you have the correct change. There is no means of paying with notes and I have found myself having to go to a number of different ’Open 25 hours’ outlets to buy one sweet for 20 centavos with a 2 peso note in each shop in order to fund my bus fare home. Naturally the shop owners have been less than pleased and have sometimes let me have the sweet for free, preferring to keep a stash of change for themselves, which really has done very little to help me reach my own personal objective.
A while back, a series of machines were installed on all of the buses with a view to introducing a card system (a little like the monedero used on the subte) whereby each passenger would simply top up their card and thus get around the annoying problem that the city lacks coins. (Incidentally, nobody really knows why there is a lack of coins, but a few years ago the amount in circulation began to decrease and now everybody spends their time fervently guarding their change). However, the obvious fundamental problem with the card idea was the fact that the buses in Buenos Aires are privately owned. Each bus line is owned by a different company and therefore there is no standardisation between the lines. This effectively meant that it would have been necessary to have a completely different card for each bus route. Simply hopping on a bus wherever you happened to be wouldn’t have actually been a viable option, thus making this system practically unworkable.
However, about 3 or 4 months ago, Argentina's president made a promise to the people of Buenos Aires. The promise was to install a standard machine inside each and every bus so that the use of one solo card could be achieved. This would rectify the problem concerning the lack of change in the city and would probably encourage more people to use the bus system to travel to and from work every day. It’s conceivable that this system would even help to reduce the amount of people pushing themselves on to the subte during rush hour too, which can only be a good thing. In short, de Kirchner’s proposal was one that would really have helped to improve the lives of nearly every porteño on a daily basis and would have probably helped to improve the reputation of the president amongst her people at the same time. Excellent!
Unfortunately, the promise has not been kept. The buses still require the use of change and are full of machines that have been installed but are completely useless (a clear waste of public funds) and therefore, people like me who refuse to be a sardine but never have any change, are still making a walking trip of 1 hour and 15 minutes every morning. I actually enjoy the walk and am not complaining, but as the winter approaches, I don’t much relish the thought of doing the same trip in the pouring rain. And anyway, it would be nice to actually make the decision to walk rather than being forced to due to the poor nature of the public transportation on offer.
The future? Who knows? But, I write the article to keep you informed of the situation so that, by the slim chance that something good may come of this idea in the not too distant future, you’re aware of the changes and can perhaps take full advantage of what has the potential to be a really good system.
Top Place of Interest
Monday 27th April 2009
Recoleta Cemetary
You’re in BA and you’re on a time limit. What must you see? This week I recommend Recoleta’s Cemetery. Yes, it’s in all of the guide books and so I’m not telling you anything that you don’t already know, but if you’re in town on a quick schedule, I really do think this is a place you must not miss. I have never seen anything quite so extravagant. I felt like I was wandering around a lost city, what with all the trees and the lampposts inside. Also, some of the tombs resemble the tops of churches or cathedrals. One even reminded me of St Paul’s Cathedral in London! The place is also swarming with cats, which I’m sure the guide books don’t tell you, and it gave me a very eerie feeling. There was one cat that looked almost dead…..but it wasn’t, thank goodness!
I suggest spending an hour or so in the cemetery, followed by a spot of lunch at one of the nearby restaurants, an hour’s laze about on the grass in the sunshine (while you still can before the autumn really arrives) and, if you’re a cinema buff like me, slotting in a quick early evening film in the Recoleta Village cinema complex opposite the cemetery is a nice way to end the day. Then you can head back into the centre for a night out on the town. Now that’s a itinerary!
Monday 4th May 2009
Centro Cultural Ricardo Rojas, Avenida Corrientes 2038
Whether you live in Buenos Aires, are working or travelling here for a lengthy period of time, or you are simply passing through on one of your many travel spots in South America, I suggest that you check out Central Cultural Rojas. http://www.rojas.uba.ar/
There are many different cultural centres here in Buenos Aires and they all offer some excellent programs and services. However, I think that the Rojas is particularly impressive in terms of its variety and being situated on the roaring Avenida Corrientes puts it in a fantastically easy location for all. Therefore, recommend it to you strongly as a place of interest.
You can sign up for a number of different courses in language, art, cinema, dance, philosophy… the list ever. The people is endless. You can enjoy cinema evenings of rare showings of films from all around the globe. You can watch live theatre, dance and wander around a variety of interesting exhibitions. It is a gem of a place and well worth your time.
I also like the gritty feel of the place. It has nothing of the tourist world about it what-so-who make use of this centre live and work here in Buenos Aires and the centre works to provide services for those people. It lacks glitz and glamour, but the taste of real city life oozes out from its very pores. I passed by just this week to enquire about the dates for the next dance class inscriptions (of which there are a variety to choose from, including choreography, contact improvisation and tango for beginners, for example) and didn’t want to leave. I felt really inspired by the look and feel of both the building and the calibre of people circulating within its four walls. It reminded me (for those of you who may know of them) of The Place in London and The Merce Cunningham Studios in New York.
If you’re a culture vulture and want to get out of the tourist traps and into the heart of the city, deep into its heart, then just pass by and have a look. You’ll need to employ your Spanish though. Like I said, this is the real Buenos Aires!
Monday 11th May 2009
Arteplex Cinema and Cafe, Roque Saenz Pena and Cerrito
About two weeks ago, I went to see a German film entitled, ‘Nunca es tarde para amar’ and had a fantastic all round experience. Not only was the film well worth my 12 pesos, but the cinema, the in-house café and the history behind the development of the Arteplex Cinema here in Buenos Aires, all helped to make my Saturday afternoon one to remember. For that reason, I strongly recommend that you pay a visit to this cinema, located on Roque Saenz Pena with Cerrito (almost next door to the BA Clubhouse wouldn't you know!) and take a look for yourself.
The Arteplex Centro was slowly built into a cinema famed for its desire to show films that had been rejected by the mainstream cinema distributors by a man called Alberto Kipnis and today retains that same reputation. Kipnis began by working in the ticket office of The Lorraine Cinema, using the job to fund a career in music. However, by the age of 23 he had organised his first cinema cycle, presenting undervalued films and supporting the work of underrated directors who had met with resistance from the mainstream cinemas of his day.
However, in this week’s newsletter, it is enough to bring to your attention the cinema itself, which is this week screening a very interesting French film entitled, ‘Entre los muros,’ that documents the attempts of a secondary school teacher in a very difficult inner city school aiming to enthuse and interest a regular group of teenagers who are approaching a life of crime and misdemeanour. The children in the film are not played by actors, but are real children living in France who were allowed to improvise during the making of the film at a number of given points. This gives the film a real gutsy feel.
I also suggest you arrive a little ahead of schedule if you choose to check out what’s on offer, simply to enjoy the wonderfully eclectic cinema café before the screening itself. The café is located on the bottom floor, next to the screen entrance, and is adorned with huge cut-outs of famous film actors on every chair and film-orientated nick-nacks placed on each table. The coffee, it being BA, is also nothing to turn your nose up at and, therefore, not only does the cinema screen an excellent selection of foreign film, but the whole experience of submersing yourself within the cinematic world is just enchanting. I passed a good hour at the end of the film, making notes on what I’d just seen and enjoying a coffee in the café’s inspirational environment and if there are any more film lovers out there like me, you really should go. You’ll have a blast!
Recoleta Cemetary
You’re in BA and you’re on a time limit. What must you see? This week I recommend Recoleta’s Cemetery. Yes, it’s in all of the guide books and so I’m not telling you anything that you don’t already know, but if you’re in town on a quick schedule, I really do think this is a place you must not miss. I have never seen anything quite so extravagant. I felt like I was wandering around a lost city, what with all the trees and the lampposts inside. Also, some of the tombs resemble the tops of churches or cathedrals. One even reminded me of St Paul’s Cathedral in London! The place is also swarming with cats, which I’m sure the guide books don’t tell you, and it gave me a very eerie feeling. There was one cat that looked almost dead…..but it wasn’t, thank goodness!
I suggest spending an hour or so in the cemetery, followed by a spot of lunch at one of the nearby restaurants, an hour’s laze about on the grass in the sunshine (while you still can before the autumn really arrives) and, if you’re a cinema buff like me, slotting in a quick early evening film in the Recoleta Village cinema complex opposite the cemetery is a nice way to end the day. Then you can head back into the centre for a night out on the town. Now that’s a itinerary!
Monday 4th May 2009
Centro Cultural Ricardo Rojas, Avenida Corrientes 2038
Whether you live in Buenos Aires, are working or travelling here for a lengthy period of time, or you are simply passing through on one of your many travel spots in South America, I suggest that you check out Central Cultural Rojas. http://www.rojas.uba.ar/
There are many different cultural centres here in Buenos Aires and they all offer some excellent programs and services. However, I think that the Rojas is particularly impressive in terms of its variety and being situated on the roaring Avenida Corrientes puts it in a fantastically easy location for all. Therefore, recommend it to you strongly as a place of interest.
You can sign up for a number of different courses in language, art, cinema, dance, philosophy… the list ever. The people is endless. You can enjoy cinema evenings of rare showings of films from all around the globe. You can watch live theatre, dance and wander around a variety of interesting exhibitions. It is a gem of a place and well worth your time.
I also like the gritty feel of the place. It has nothing of the tourist world about it what-so-who make use of this centre live and work here in Buenos Aires and the centre works to provide services for those people. It lacks glitz and glamour, but the taste of real city life oozes out from its very pores. I passed by just this week to enquire about the dates for the next dance class inscriptions (of which there are a variety to choose from, including choreography, contact improvisation and tango for beginners, for example) and didn’t want to leave. I felt really inspired by the look and feel of both the building and the calibre of people circulating within its four walls. It reminded me (for those of you who may know of them) of The Place in London and The Merce Cunningham Studios in New York.
If you’re a culture vulture and want to get out of the tourist traps and into the heart of the city, deep into its heart, then just pass by and have a look. You’ll need to employ your Spanish though. Like I said, this is the real Buenos Aires!
Monday 11th May 2009
Arteplex Cinema and Cafe, Roque Saenz Pena and Cerrito
About two weeks ago, I went to see a German film entitled, ‘Nunca es tarde para amar’ and had a fantastic all round experience. Not only was the film well worth my 12 pesos, but the cinema, the in-house café and the history behind the development of the Arteplex Cinema here in Buenos Aires, all helped to make my Saturday afternoon one to remember. For that reason, I strongly recommend that you pay a visit to this cinema, located on Roque Saenz Pena with Cerrito (almost next door to the BA Clubhouse wouldn't you know!) and take a look for yourself.
The Arteplex Centro was slowly built into a cinema famed for its desire to show films that had been rejected by the mainstream cinema distributors by a man called Alberto Kipnis and today retains that same reputation. Kipnis began by working in the ticket office of The Lorraine Cinema, using the job to fund a career in music. However, by the age of 23 he had organised his first cinema cycle, presenting undervalued films and supporting the work of underrated directors who had met with resistance from the mainstream cinemas of his day.
However, in this week’s newsletter, it is enough to bring to your attention the cinema itself, which is this week screening a very interesting French film entitled, ‘Entre los muros,’ that documents the attempts of a secondary school teacher in a very difficult inner city school aiming to enthuse and interest a regular group of teenagers who are approaching a life of crime and misdemeanour. The children in the film are not played by actors, but are real children living in France who were allowed to improvise during the making of the film at a number of given points. This gives the film a real gutsy feel.
I also suggest you arrive a little ahead of schedule if you choose to check out what’s on offer, simply to enjoy the wonderfully eclectic cinema café before the screening itself. The café is located on the bottom floor, next to the screen entrance, and is adorned with huge cut-outs of famous film actors on every chair and film-orientated nick-nacks placed on each table. The coffee, it being BA, is also nothing to turn your nose up at and, therefore, not only does the cinema screen an excellent selection of foreign film, but the whole experience of submersing yourself within the cinematic world is just enchanting. I passed a good hour at the end of the film, making notes on what I’d just seen and enjoying a coffee in the café’s inspirational environment and if there are any more film lovers out there like me, you really should go. You’ll have a blast!
Top Food Spot
Monday 27th April 2009
Cafe de la Ciudad, Corrientes con Carlos Pellegrini
When I’ve been travelling for a while, I sometimes just want to know where I can find good, solid grub! Therefore, this week, I’m suggesting Café de la Ciudad, 900 Avenida Corrientes (on the corner of Carlos Pellegrini opposite the obelisk). It may not be the fanciest restaurant in town, but it serves great chips (hard to find anywhere, in my opinion!), an excellent selection of coffees (including little alcoholic numbers) and is topped with a service and presentation that would be hard to beat.
The individual pizzas, which cost around AR$18 are perfectly cooked. I’ve tried the classic ham and pineapple and was pleasantly surprised to see whole rings of pineapple as part of my meal, with a few sneaky olives for decoration. Good old egg and chips (a British favourite) is also on the menu for roughly the same price and we all know how difficult it is to prepare a good fried egg. Dipping the best chips I’ve tasted in BA into the perfectly cooked yoke was a real treat, I can tell you yourself, to pour the amount of chocolate you want (not to mention the complimentary side serving of sweet biscuits), was a real treat. I felt like a queen. And when I ordered the chocolate brownie with vanilla ice-cream, I was heartily impressed to be served not only TWO brownies (with just the right level of chocolatey devilishness) and very creamy vanilla ice-cream, but fresh strawberries and four sweet wafers as decoration as well…. Everyone likes a freebie, don’t they!
One thing to bear in mind though… be careful of paying too much heed to their translations. The ‘Flan Casero’ is translated to ‘crème brulee’ on the menu and crème brulee it certainly is not. It is a simple house flan and was therefore swiftly returned with a disappointing look. However, if a poor translation is the only thing I’ve got to complain about, you can be rest assured that to dine at Café de la Ciudad puts you on to a winner from the start!
Most importantly though, Café de la Ciudad has become one of my favourite places because it is a place where you can catch up with old friends, enjoy an indepth conversation with your travel buddy in peace, sit on your own and watch the world go by or feed an unbeatable hunger at the end of a night out on the town. Last week, my friend and I managed to while away seven beautiful hours. We drank coffee, snacked and put the world to rights. The next morning I realised that seven hours is actually a full day’s work for most people and I was amazed at how the time had flown. Equally, I was amazed that we were able to stay in the restaurant until 5.30am, especially when the waiter had already told us that the restaurant closed at 5am. We were not once asked to hurry up, to pay our bill and get out. In fact, two other girls were allowed to come in and order at 4.59am (and that’s not an exaggeration! They were still supping coffee when we left!) The atmosphere was very relaxed and the food (as I have now been back a further three times) is always excellent. Who would have thought that a place so good could be found in the middle of BA’s central hub, amongst the tack and the over-priced tourist traps? I was certainly surprised.
Monday 4th May 2009
La Continental: Empanadas, Empanadas, Empanadas!
Ok, so last week I picked out the late-night opening ‘Café de la Cuidad’ hot spot for its great coffees, excellent service and added freebies with many of the dishes. I have to say it’s still a favourite of mine and popping by to say hello to the staff is always a pleasant thing to do to get out of the whirlind that is the microcentre for a while. However, this week, I decided to go on the hunt for the best empanadas.
Empanadas are not just an important part of the staple fast-food diet here in BA, but in South America as a whole. For this reason, I decided to do a little research and have spent the week annoyingly procuring the opinions of born and bred porteños on the subject. It would have been far too easy to simply eat lots of empanadas and make the decision myself. So I decided to approach the subject more objectively.
The winning empanadas, after much questioning, deliberation and enthusiasm on the part of all the porteños I’ve spoken to are sold at any of the La Continental outlets (of which there are many) in the city. They received the top vote for taste, price and variety. Therefore, get yourself over to one of these spots and try one for yourself. The interesting thing to note about this chain of restaurants (two outlets are listed below for your convenience) is that most people I have spoken to have said that the majority of the food on offer is less than appetising. Apparently, if it weren’t for the empanadas (of which, the meat variety get the winning vote) La Continental would surely lose a lot of custom. Again, my suggested food spot this week is not one of all-round excellence or of top-notch wow factor, but one of simple tastes. If you’re looking for an empanada to eat on the run, this is the place to go to and it’s nothing more than that.
By all means, write in to me at buenosairesclubhouse@gmail.com to share your own thoughts on the subject. Having lived in South America for a year, I know how important the topic of empanadas really is and so I welcome your thoughts with open arms!
Enjoy!
Cafe de la Ciudad, Corrientes con Carlos Pellegrini
When I’ve been travelling for a while, I sometimes just want to know where I can find good, solid grub! Therefore, this week, I’m suggesting Café de la Ciudad, 900 Avenida Corrientes (on the corner of Carlos Pellegrini opposite the obelisk). It may not be the fanciest restaurant in town, but it serves great chips (hard to find anywhere, in my opinion!), an excellent selection of coffees (including little alcoholic numbers) and is topped with a service and presentation that would be hard to beat.
The individual pizzas, which cost around AR$18 are perfectly cooked. I’ve tried the classic ham and pineapple and was pleasantly surprised to see whole rings of pineapple as part of my meal, with a few sneaky olives for decoration. Good old egg and chips (a British favourite) is also on the menu for roughly the same price and we all know how difficult it is to prepare a good fried egg. Dipping the best chips I’ve tasted in BA into the perfectly cooked yoke was a real treat, I can tell you yourself, to pour the amount of chocolate you want (not to mention the complimentary side serving of sweet biscuits), was a real treat. I felt like a queen. And when I ordered the chocolate brownie with vanilla ice-cream, I was heartily impressed to be served not only TWO brownies (with just the right level of chocolatey devilishness) and very creamy vanilla ice-cream, but fresh strawberries and four sweet wafers as decoration as well…. Everyone likes a freebie, don’t they!
One thing to bear in mind though… be careful of paying too much heed to their translations. The ‘Flan Casero’ is translated to ‘crème brulee’ on the menu and crème brulee it certainly is not. It is a simple house flan and was therefore swiftly returned with a disappointing look. However, if a poor translation is the only thing I’ve got to complain about, you can be rest assured that to dine at Café de la Ciudad puts you on to a winner from the start!
Most importantly though, Café de la Ciudad has become one of my favourite places because it is a place where you can catch up with old friends, enjoy an indepth conversation with your travel buddy in peace, sit on your own and watch the world go by or feed an unbeatable hunger at the end of a night out on the town. Last week, my friend and I managed to while away seven beautiful hours. We drank coffee, snacked and put the world to rights. The next morning I realised that seven hours is actually a full day’s work for most people and I was amazed at how the time had flown. Equally, I was amazed that we were able to stay in the restaurant until 5.30am, especially when the waiter had already told us that the restaurant closed at 5am. We were not once asked to hurry up, to pay our bill and get out. In fact, two other girls were allowed to come in and order at 4.59am (and that’s not an exaggeration! They were still supping coffee when we left!) The atmosphere was very relaxed and the food (as I have now been back a further three times) is always excellent. Who would have thought that a place so good could be found in the middle of BA’s central hub, amongst the tack and the over-priced tourist traps? I was certainly surprised.
Monday 4th May 2009
La Continental: Empanadas, Empanadas, Empanadas!
Ok, so last week I picked out the late-night opening ‘Café de la Cuidad’ hot spot for its great coffees, excellent service and added freebies with many of the dishes. I have to say it’s still a favourite of mine and popping by to say hello to the staff is always a pleasant thing to do to get out of the whirlind that is the microcentre for a while. However, this week, I decided to go on the hunt for the best empanadas.
Empanadas are not just an important part of the staple fast-food diet here in BA, but in South America as a whole. For this reason, I decided to do a little research and have spent the week annoyingly procuring the opinions of born and bred porteños on the subject. It would have been far too easy to simply eat lots of empanadas and make the decision myself. So I decided to approach the subject more objectively.
The winning empanadas, after much questioning, deliberation and enthusiasm on the part of all the porteños I’ve spoken to are sold at any of the La Continental outlets (of which there are many) in the city. They received the top vote for taste, price and variety. Therefore, get yourself over to one of these spots and try one for yourself. The interesting thing to note about this chain of restaurants (two outlets are listed below for your convenience) is that most people I have spoken to have said that the majority of the food on offer is less than appetising. Apparently, if it weren’t for the empanadas (of which, the meat variety get the winning vote) La Continental would surely lose a lot of custom. Again, my suggested food spot this week is not one of all-round excellence or of top-notch wow factor, but one of simple tastes. If you’re looking for an empanada to eat on the run, this is the place to go to and it’s nothing more than that.
By all means, write in to me at buenosairesclubhouse@gmail.com to share your own thoughts on the subject. Having lived in South America for a year, I know how important the topic of empanadas really is and so I welcome your thoughts with open arms!
Enjoy!
Monday 11th May 2009
Give me the Meat!
O.k. I've recommended late night hot spots for whiling the hours away with a good friend, I've recommended top-notch Argentine snacks on the go and this week I've decided to go really traditional. Yes, I'm talking about one of the main attractions of Argentina in general..... the meat!
Frequently, we are asked where the best places are to go for a steak that is going to blow your mind, without blowing a hole in your pocket. Therefore, I am this week suggesting TWO places in which to dine. Both parilla restaurants serve great cuts of steak (it's generally recommended that you stay away from the 'lomo' cut as it can be thicker and therefore a little tougher wherever you go) and both are guaranteed to satisfy even the hardcore carnivores out there.
I recommend TWO restaurants to you as one is a little pricier than the other and perhaps offers a little more of the finery and adornments with each plate that make for a very special evening, including a variety of side dishes and sauces to bring out the flavours of the meat. Therefore, you can take your pick of the two as, and I have to repeat quite clearly here, that the quality of the meat is very high in both restaurants. The first (and pricier option of the two) is La Cabrera, located on Cabrera 5099 in Palermo. The second, slightly cheaper option, is called Las Cholas, located on Arce 306 in Las Canitas, which also has a vast selection of very reasonably priced wines..... has to be worth a visit!
In La Cabrera, it is advisable to share a plate between two, as there is no skimping on the portions in this place. Or, if you're anything like me, you'll order your own plate and then ask to carry the huge amount of meat that you simply cannot eat home in a box to snack on for the following week to come! And let me say that if you're not really a big red meat fan (should I really even utter those words in Argentina?!) there are some excellent chicken dishes to choose from too. In La Cabrera, the chicken with orange and vodka is always a dish that strikes out at me from the menu; the flavours sound weird but wonderful and if there's anyone out there that takes the time to try it, I'd love to here back from you!
Both restaurants can be found easily on the net through google and then you can book a table ahead of schedule if you want to be sure of a seat. However, Argentines never start dining before about 10pm anyway and so if you're someone who, like me, still has to eat at a reasonable hour, you're not going to have any problems securing a quiet little spot in either of the two.
Enjoy!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
