What´s going on in Buenos Aires

Must see places and information of Buenos Aires and Argentina: http://www.bue.gov.ar/home
General information in English, Spanish and Portuguese: http://www.sectur.gov.ar

SAFETY
Crime in B.A. is down, but as in all big cities, especially those with large disparities in their residents' incomes, random purse snatching and pickpocketing do occur, particularly in tourist spots. Even if you're staying at the finest hotel in tony Recoleta, it's a good idea to carry just one credit card and smaller bills for cabs and to stow valuables, including jewelry, in the hotel safe. When leaving restaurants, have the front desk call ahead for safer radio taxis, and when on the street look for trusted names, like Premium (011-54-11-5238-0000). Ask at your agency for names of other recommended taxi companies.

PINK POINT BUENOS AIRES NEW INFORMATION CENTER
On the second of September (2010) PINK POINT BUENOS AIRES opened its doors in Lavalle 669. Pink Point is a gay and lesbian tourism office (hetero friendly) in the centre of Buenos Aires. A walk-in centre to get information about gay cultural life, gay pride groups, tourism agencies, all gay (friendly) businesses in Buenos Aires and Argentina in general, excursions, clubs, design & fashion, restaurants, gay (friendly) language schools and other services. The idea is basically coming from Amsterdam where they opened the first Pink Point stand during the Gay Olympics in 1998, although Pink Point Buenos Aires will be slightly different. Pink Point Buenos Aires will be the first gay and lesbian tourism office in this continent. Buenos Aires, where there is no special gay-area, will have its place where gays (national and international) can go to get all the information they need. Next to flyers, tickets for free drinks and discounts for gay and lesbian bars and restaurants, the information center sells all kinds of gay related souvenirs (and unique Pink Point items), people can book several excursions and/or tours. Pink Point is open between 09.00 and 20.00 hrs. from Mondays till Saturdays. Pink Point is planning to organize several cultural events during this upcoming season which will be published in the office and on the website:
Address: Lavalle 669, local 24 (50 mtr from Calle Florida)
Email: info@pinkpointbuenosaires.com
Web: http://pinkpointbuenosaires.com

Teatro Colon
After four years without guided tours, you can enjoy again a visit to one of the greatest Theaters in the world. The tours are guided in Spanish and English, every 15 minutes, (alternate in every language) from 9 AM to 3:45 PM. 15 dollars per person. Tours in French and Portuguese are also available upon request.
Address: Cerrito 618
Tel: 4378-7344
Web: https://teatrocolon.org

CITY TOUR BUSES TO THE BEST PLACE IN BUENOS AIRES
The service of tourist buses of Buenos Aires has worked since April 23rd, 2009. The vehicles – with two floors and open-top roof – are decorated with images that represent some of the most important attractions of the city: tango, sports, books, bars, art and design. The buses, with a capacity for 50 people, have a guide specializing in city’s tourism and travellers receive information printed in Spanish, English, Portuguese and French. Buses go around the city from 9am to 5.30pm. They depart every half hour from the corner of Florida and Av. Roque Sáenz Peña. The complete tour takes people 2 hours and 45 minutes but passengers can get off and on the bus in any of the stops. There are tickets for one and two days and there also are promotional prices for families. Handicapped people and children under 4 can take the bus free of charge. Tickets shall be bought on the bus or at two Centres of Tourist Information belonging to the City`s government, on Florida 100 and Dock 4 in Puerto Madero.

Palermo Flea Market
The Mercado de Pulgas (Flea Market) is located on the corner of Dorrego and Niceto Vega, on the Northern edge of Trendy Palermo. The large, hanger-like building houses stall after stall of vendors, some selling their own hand made or hand discovered goods, others selling whatever furniture hunters turn up. It`s full of old treasures, but if shoppers hit it right and have the right accent (i.e. no foreign accent at all) good deals can be found. One may also find anything from polished furniture to old 70`s-style television sets, playing the World Cup games just as good as new ones. The Flea Market is known to offer-up small, hand-designed wooden side tables for $30AR, aa well as country home-style coffee table trunks for $225AR. One can also find anything from lamps and paintings, to jewelry and sofas, and even rustic picture-framed mirrors, all with varying prices and quality. Come on weekdays to get the best deals possible as the vendors tend to be bored and are more willing to chat, possibly bartering prices down. A good attitude, a smile, and a genuine interest in the people selling their goods will get you much further than a stiff upper lip. If bargain hunters aren't able to get the right price, they can at least enjoy the great exchange rate while splashing out thier hard earned foreign currency on fancy road signs, old chairs, and other stylin` decorations.
Address: corner Dorrego and Niceti Vega

Chinatown
Popular Really... there is a Chinatown in Buenos Aires? It's true. Recently Buenos Aires, Argentina has had a strong influx of East Asian immigrants. I highly recommend visiting Argentina Chinatown is aptly referred to as Barrio de Chino (which is Spanish for Chinatown). The Chinatown in Buenos Aires, Argentina is so new that even some of the locals do not know it exists. However, it does and despite its small but ample size, Barrio de Chino (Chinatown in Buenos Aires) is conveniently located in the Belgrano neighborhood and has a lot of great grocery shopping and restaurants to offer locals, visitors, expats and vegetarians of all kinds. Although the Barrio de Chino (Chinatown in Buenos Aires) only occupies a few blocks, you can easily spend an entire afternoon amusing yourself by browsing, shopping and eating. Barrio de Chino (Chinatown in Buenos Aires) is easily accessible by El Subte (the subway). To get yourself to the Barrio de Chino (Chinatown in Buenos Aires) just take the green line, letter D, to the Juramento station. Walk down Juramento towards the railroad tracks, the addresses will get lower in number. Barrio de Chino (Chinatown in Buenos Aires) begins on the left after the railroad crossing right before the 1600 block. The walk down Juramento is lovely as this avenue is lined with cafes and large shade trees. In case you are not a fan or are not close to the Subte you can take bus numbers 15, 42 or 29.

Restaurants

• Bio
Humboldt 2199, || Palermo Viejo
4774-3880 || Organic Vegetarian
In a nation where meat reigns supreme, finding an organic vegetarian restaurant is nearly impossible. Bio, opened in 2002, is the exception. The "meat" is made on the premises from wheat, then marinated to add more flavor, making for an elevated, tasty variation on a hamburger. All the ingredients are organic, grown or produced strictly in Argentina. Piles of organic cheese line the counters near the chefs, who explain the processes by which they work. Quinoa, the ancient Incan grain, is used in many dishes, some described as Mediterranean-Asian fusion. Try the quinoa risotto, one of the restaurant's specialties, though everything here is simply delicious and fresh. A small shop sells organic chips, teas, cheeses, and even organic wine, and it's a great place for veg-heads to buy snacks. You can also get takeout -- a delight if you want to bring something home with you.

• Casa Coupage
Soler 5518 || Palermo
4777 9295 || Reservation || Closed door restaurant
CASA COUPAGE. What an great evening!!! This is a "Chef´s Table" experience of note. The owners are Santiago and Inez, it is difficult to decide which is best, the presentation of the food, the creativity of the dishes, the knowledge of the wine and food pairings or the warmth, friendliness and hospitality. Don´t forget to indulge in their "guess the aroma" challenge!!! The taster menu is 250 pesos and they offer winepairings (3, 5 or 7 labels; 80, 130, 150 pesos respectively). They also offer a la cart. This is a by reservation only restaurant and I would advise 9:30-9:45 pm as reservation time (Argentinians eat late). The restaurant is open from Wednesdays to Saturday

• Cocina & Cia
Avenida Santa Fe 2461 || Recoleta
4823-4431 / 4821-2386 || Middle Eastern.Jewish cuisine
"Family kitchen, with quality gourmet food prepared on the basis of the grandmother's recipes, including dishes from the Middle Eastern cuisines, Jewish cuisine,

• El Preferido de Palermo
Jorge Luis Borges 2108, || Palermo Soho
4774-6585 ‎ || Cocina Espanola
Classic old bodegon putting the shiny new Palermo spots to shame with low low prices and good good eatin'. There's basically two options here. The dispensary type section with the high tables and the limited menu on the corner, which is cheap and fast and delicious, vs the slightly more formal restaurant section adjacent to it. The restaurant is more expensive, though the plates are huge and splittable, but the smart money is on the cheaper, less formal part of the operation. Get the hearty Fabada Asturiana bean stew and a moist, thick tortilla de papa then go home and pass out.

• Evita Museum Restaurant
J.M. Gutierrez 3926 || Palermo
4800-1599 || Reservation || Great local food || $$
The Evita Museum Restaurant is a truly lovely respite from the busy city atmosphere that you encounter just steps from it’s front door. Whether you’re enjoying a quick coffee break after touring the museum, or making a special trip here for a relaxing lunch, this place is well worth a visit. The indoor cafe area is almost Parisian in ambiance, and is equally enjoyable when it’s quiet and empty or bustling and packed. The beautiful garden patio is a perfect place to stop for lunch on a sunny day. The black and white tiled floors and rustic white-painted walls give it a nostalgic energy, and the flowers and trees which surround the dining area create a sort of small sanctuary in the city.

• Green Bamboo
Carranza and El Salvador || Palermo Hollywood
4775-7050 || Reservation || Vietnamese Dinner || $$$
Best Asian eatery in Buenos Aires. Billed as a Vietnamese/Asian-Fusion restaurant, Green Bamboo provides an intimate setting for an amazing meal. As you pass through the front door into a dining room which holds at most 20 tables, the aromas of ginger-and-garlic accented dishes entice your senses. Once your eyes adjust to the dimly lit interior, you notice the Asian-inspired décor which includes little Asian dolls that line the bar, a dragon hanging from the ceiling, and strategically placed paper screens. Without a reservation, diners may have to wait hours to be seated. This is not a problem, however, as there is room at the bar to grab a traditional drink, or one of Green Bamboo’s original creations. Whether you choose the former or the latter, you will witness an artist at work as the full-time bartender masterfully chops, shakes, and stirs to create cocktails that are not only unique and delicious, but beautiful as well.( Ralf from ba4u loves that place )

• Jangada
BONPLAND 1670 || Palermo
4777 4193 || Fish... Please make sure to book in advance.
Jangada, in the Palermo area of BA, is a great place for fish. It is a fairly but not painfully trendy restaurant so book ahead or arrive early (8.30). The speciality is fish parrilla which turns out to be a large grilled riverfish, shared by two people, with grilled vegetables and rice. Nicely spiced and prepared.

• Kensho
El Salvador 5783 || Palermo
47780655 || Clean, Green Dining .
Kensho may be the newest kid on the block, having opened its doors at the end of August, but it is by no means the newest in town, having moved from its previous location. In fact, Buddhist founder and chef Máximo Cabrera has nearly a decade of cooking experience under his belt, having cut his teeth in the kitchen at Bio, Buenos Aires’ first organic restaurant, in 2002. After a few years, Máximo founded Kensho, which began as one of the first closed-door restaurants in Buenos Aires. He then opened Kensho publicly a few years ago in Villa Ortuza, before moving to the current location in Palermo. www.kensho.com.ar

• La Cabrera
Cabrera 5099 || Palermo Soho
4831-7002 || Reservation || Parilla Lunch or Dinner || $$$
La Cabrera is on of the best places to sample Argentinian beef done in the grilled style. The atmosphere is pumping from about 9pm til late. You should choose the "Bife de Lomo" or the "Bife de Chorizo". The dishes come to the table as a big chunk of meat and you cut off what you want to eat. The plates are shared with your dining companions. Leave a Comment

• La Olla de Felix
Juncal 1693 || Barrio Norte
4811 2873 || Reservation || French bistro
Happy and productive, and Felix wouldn’t want it any other way. This is Felix of La Olla de Felix a 30-some seat French bistro that he has been running for just over a decade. Rumor has it he was the former lauded chef of the Ritz hotel in Paris, but that at some point he simply wanted to go off and do his own thing. He’ is quite popular with the neighborhood crowd, especially the gay, ex-pat crowd. The menu is simple and short, and consists of whatever Felix felt like cooking that day (open for lunch and dinner, Monday through Saturday) http://olla-de-felix-buenos-aires.com

• LAS PIZARRAS
Thames 2296,Plaza Italia || Palermo
4775-0625 || Mediterranean ,Argentinian
Las Pizarras's colourful, quirky decor doesn't draw you in, the constantly changing selection of gastronomic delights on its oversized blackboards (pizarras) will. This new, stylish but laid-back restaurant has no menu, just a list of creative concoctions made from whatever owner and chef, Rodrigo Castilla (ex chef tournant to Gary Rhodes), has bought fresh from the market that day. Expect tasty home-made bread and pasta; simple Mediterranean classics (think fried squid with aïoli); and Argentinian favourites with a sophisticated twist (bife de chorizo in rosemary jus with roasted vegetables and croquetas de humita were on the board at time of writing). If you can't make your mind up and are feeling adventurous, ask Rodrigo to order for you. Main courses AR$26-$38 Open 10am-12.30am Tue-Sun Address: Thames 2296, Palermo

• Little Rose
Armenia 1672, 1er piso || Palermo Soho
4833-9496 || Japanese Dinner || $$$
Located on the second floor in Palermo Soho, Little Rose offers Japanese cuisine catered toward the Argentine palate. Quite frankly, this might be the single sexiest dining room I have seen so far in Buenos Aires. Everything is black: the walls, molding, ceilings, and carpet. The walls are decorated by eerie pictures of vampire-esque children with bright red lips and eyes that seem to follow yours everywhere. The lighting was focused such that while the restaurant was incredibly dark, the food on the table could be easily seen. Each table was wrapped in an intimate curtain of darkness which at times, made me feel like I was the only person eating, even when the restaurant was completely full, even when I could practically touch the table next to mine. It was very romantic, and very sleek at the same time. Even though people seemed to be talking loudly, the restaurant was quiet … must have been the vampire children on the walls working their magic. In the back of the restaurant lies the sushi bar illuminated by a cool blue glow. Very cool space. However, this is certainly not a place for diners seeking an authentic sushi experience; if that’s the case you will leave extremely unfulfilled. But, if salmon is all you seek, be prepared for a special dining experience.

• Lotus Neo Thai
Ortega y Gasset 1782, || Belgrano
4771-4449 || Thai
The only Thai restaurant in Buenos Aires at this writing charms with its homely, hippie-ish space that inhabits a re-done apartment. Enormous flower decorations and trippy music seem straight out of Alice in Wonderland, and if you want, you can dine sitting on pillows on the floor. Tropical frozen cocktails hit the spot; among main courses, curries are best. Although the Thai food doesn't excel by international standards, it's a spicy break from the city's norm, and it's a good choice for vegetarians. Credit Cards: AE, DC, MC, V Closed: Closed Sun. No lunch Metro: D to Ministro Carranza

• Lupita
Báez 227 || Las Canitas
5197-5149 || Mexican
Modern Mexican cuisine awaits at Lupita, an almost religious experience with its giant image of the Virgin of Guadalupe (hence the name) overlooking the bar. This dinner-only restaurant has nine kinds of guacamole, various combination platters, and delicious gourmet tacos and quesadillas. Desserts are a riot of creativity from pastries mixing peaches and corn to chocolate flan with banana topping. At night, the restaurant's two levels are lit throughout by candles. The menu of alcoholic drinks comes on a board with crazy decorations glued all over it -- more Virgins and plastic Day of the Dead skeletons and tiny sombreros -- and it lists the enormous tequila collection, among other liquors. Owner Diego Sicoli has worked at nearby Novecento and uses his skills to great effect here.

• Milion
Paraná 1048 || Recoleta
4815-9925 || Reservation || Modern Arg Dinner || $$$
Milion is a mansion in 1913, has not been modified, still retains the same spirit, has a tapas bar and food on the ground floor, with a large garden, and a projection room where he also you can drink and eat. On the first floor is the dining room, bar drinks, and a second floor where there are six rooms, with sillones.Milion has been described by Newsweek International as one of the six best bars in America, and Elle magazine recently named her U.S. secrets and exclusive 21 places in the kitchen mundo.

• Miranda
Costa Rica & Bonpland || Palermo Hollywood
4771-4255 || Parilla Lunch or Dinner || $$
Come to Miranda for classic Argentine cuisine with ambiance. House specialties such as fresh pastas with a choice of sauces, Patagonian beef, and parrilla are the name of the game. Many are drawn to the classic ambiance, which includes outdoor seating in the summer months. Inside you find high ceilings, classy wooden tables, and a large bar. Located in the heart of Palermo's night scene, you'll be hard pressed to find a table on weekend nights. Come before 10pm or after 12am if you don't want to wait. Miranda is open daily for lunch and dinner and accepts major credit cards.

• Natural Deli
1672 Laprida, bw Juncal and Beruti streets || Barrio Norte - Recoleta
+5411.4822.1228 || Organic and Natural Food || $$
Natural juices and smoothies, tasty breakfasts, a wide variety of salads, wraps and muffins. All natural and organic food in a quiet ambience, just a few blocks from the noise of Santa Fe Avenue, this is an oasis ideal for breakfasts, brunchs or early dinners. website: www.natural-deli.com

• Olsen
Gorriti 5870 || Palermo Holywood
4776-7677 || Reservation || Brunch,lunch and dinner || $$$
Scandinavia has landed in Argentina. Olsen is built into what was once a warehouse, and it soars to churchlike proportions and has a mezzanine with a few tables overlooking the main dining area. The interior, complete with a central round metal fireplace, has a 1960s mod feel to it with blonde woods, straight lines, and funky dish settings with orange, brown, and black circles on them. The place is set apart from the street by a large wooden fence, which leads into a patio garden overgrown with vines, complete with a metal sculpture fountain on an adjacent wall. It's an extremely tranquil space, with only a few chairs and tables set out here. They sink into the grass, giving the feeling of a living room that has succumbed to nature. Olsen is very popular with tourists and locals alike, and each of the extremely attractive staff speaks English. Starters are fun and meant to be shared, such as an excellent selection of bagels, tiny pancakes, smoked salmon, smoked herring, caviar, and flavored cheeses and butters. Fish is the main point of this place, and a few of the meat dishes, though flavorful, tend to be on the dry side. Many people come just for the bar, and there is an enormous vodka selection. Absolut rules this part of the restaurant and is available by the shot or the bottle. On Sunday, try their brunch, which begins at 10am.

• Oro & Candido
Guatemala 5099 || Palermo Soho
|| Modern Argentinian
Do yourself a favour and visit Oro & Candido in Palermo. It's a great cafe/bistro. A place where you can hang out and enjoy the atmosphere. A good selection of hot and cold food and daily specials - including "El special" sandwich .

• Pura Vida Juice Bar
Reconquista 516, || Micro Center
4393-0093 || Juice Bar || inexpensive
When the steak, empanada (pasties) and wine diet begins to take its toll, refreshing relief beckons at Pura Vida juice bar. The Juice Bar has a goal: to keep your body healthy and your stomach happy. They accomplish this goal by providing high quality, refreshing juices, smoothies, and foods that are delicious as well as healthy.

• Quimbombo
Costa Rica 4562 || Palermo
4305-1701 || Reservation || Healthy Indian / Vegetarian || $$$
Best vegetarian restaurant of Buenos Aires in all aspects. Just opened beginning 2008. Lovely ambiance, original menu and way of presenting, different places to lounge, lunch or dinner on different levels of building, highly recommended. In same building is a Yoga school.

• Restaurant "Guidos"
República de la India 2843 facing the Zoo grounds || Palermo Chico
48022391 || Reservation || Italien
Amazing restaurant - pure Italian! No menu, it is what it is depending on the owner's whims. Small place, detail is in the food and hospitality of the owner and his staff! Loved it

• Sette Bacco
Aguero 2157 || Recoleta
4808 0021 || Reservation || Italian || $$$
Brick Walls, muted lighting and warm tones, make dining in Sette Baco comfortable and intimate. This restaurant, set in the Recoleta neighborhood, has plenty of old world charm and is perfect for a nice romantic meal. While you conjure up some magic with your date, let Chef Daniel Hansen ( good looking ) work his magic on a range of antipasti, pastas, risottos and other such delicious Italian fare. After the flavorful Italian fare satiates you, enjoy the wine and the sublime desserts like the Passion fruit Mousse. Enjoy your perfect meal and perfect company! The place is open from 12:30 PM to 04 PM and from 8.30 PM from Monday to Friday and from 8PM on Saturday. www.settebacco.com.ar

• Tea Connection
Uriburu 1595 || Recoleta
4805 0616 || Great Healthy Breakfast and Lunch place || snacks AR$19-25
Tea lovers in BA no longer have to settle for plain black leaves anymore. At this attractive corner café are 30 kinds of tea to choose from, including various kinds of black, red, green and infusion teas. The menu even instructs how long to soak the teabag and the ideal temperature. Sandwiches, salads, vegetable tarts and creative rolls all make healthy good snacks, and breakfast is also served.