On our first evening in Buenos Aires, Argentina we headed for a top
rated parrilla in the old San Tel mo district with Samuel. It was an
adorable spot with tons of soccer posters and memorabilia as well as
an iron chandelier full of soccer balls. the menus were leather and
cowskin bound and "fluffy" as Sam calls it. LA BRIGADA (Avenido
Estados Unidos 465) was recommended by the concierge and I should have
gone with MY own instincts, as we were happy for about the first half
of the meal then it was all downhill.
The DV Catena MALBEC 2006 was divine with a smoky oak flavor and was
great with the food, but the food was the issue.
Samuel did not like the MILANESE de LOMO, here a meat slad that was
dry, breaded and served a la NAPOLITANA with Mozzarella and Tomato
sauce. The Papas Fritas a la Provenzal here were TOTAL DUDS as they
were so bland!
The appetizers were quite good with LENGUITAS (lamb tongues) as tender
as could be marinated in a light oil, red pepper, parsley, garlic--
chimichurri-like sauce. ENSALADA RUSA was an overloaded with mayo
salad of potato, egg, carrots and peas that was good, but just
overdose.
The main courses we chose from the parrilla were COLITA de CUADRIL de
BUFALO or a buffalo sirloin that was only okay, not a touch on our
buffalo here. The BIFE ESPECIAL was supposed to be the most tender
filet available. the server attempted to cut it in half with a spoon
repeatedly tableside. We kept proffering our knives which he declined.
It wasted like 10 minutes as Sam fell asleep. We tried to cut the meat
with our knives and had little luck. Nobody seemed interested in our
displeasure, so we paid and left and told the hotel concierge the
place sucked!
What a shame!
