The prestigious Navarro Correas winery has selected 15 of the best restaurants in Buenos Aires to be protagonists of a unique gourmet experience where fine dining and top quality wine meet. The event, which will promote the winery’s new line Reserva, will last six weeks and will take place in different restaurants around the city.

This Friday, Hernán Gipponi Restaurant will be in charge of offering the special Navarro Correas Gourmet Experience. The 6 step tasting menu will include delicacies such as Basque blood sausage with apple, cider vinegar and roasted peppers; catch of the day with mussels cream, roasted tomato and tofu; Patagonian lamb loin with sweet potatoes, acid beetroot and fennel; and Argentine inspired desserts, amongst others, all paired with Navarro Correas wines.

Additionally, local celebrity DJ Jimena Blizniuk will be musicalizing the  evening.

Book your place at 3220 6820 – info@hgrestaurant.com.ar

(Photo by J)

Palacio Barolo: This architectural landmark, full of references to poet Dante Alighieri, began its construction in 1919, destined to be the tallest structure in Latin America at the time. The view from the top balcony is stunning, so much so that they offer a New Year midnight tour to see the fireworks from one of the best vantage points in the city. Guided tours are available Mondays and Thursdays from 4pm to 7pm, and evening guided tours on Mondays and Wednesdays at 8pm and Thursdays at 8.30pm include tasting of an awarded wine and a national delicacy. Av de Mayo 1370 9° P. Esc. 249/52. Tel/Fax: (54-11) 4381-1885. info@palaciobarolotours.com.ar

Galeria Guemes: This historic gallery, considered to be the city’s first skyscraper, where Antoine de Saint Exupery used to spend much of his time, and where Julio Cortazar set his story “The Other Sky”, has the only 360° view of the city. Unfortunately it is not always open to the public, and will be closed until spring. Florida 165, Downtown. 4331-3041.

Hotel Panamericano: This lavish downtown hotel overlooks the 9 de Julio Avenue, the Obelisk and the Colón Theatre. It has a privileged view at the top floor where the solarium and spa are, and the Buenos Aires program “Miradores de Buenos Aires” often does tours to visit the stunning location (book your place with one of their tours at 4323-9400, int. 2756).  Carlos Pelegrini 551, downtown. 4348-5000.

Reserva Ecologica: The ecologic reserve in Puerto Madero has one of the best views of the city, albeit from the ground. This is one of the best spots to see the sunset behind the backlit city buildings, framed by leafy trees.  The ecologic reserve is open to visitors from Tuesday to Sunday and can be toured on weekends from 9.30am-4pm. One Friday a month, the closest to a full moon, a nocturnal tour of the reserve is organized. To participate you must call to sign up on the previous Monday. Av. Tristán Achával Rodríguez 1550, Puerto Madero.  4893-1588/ 4893 -1597 int. 108. reserva_cs@buenosaires.gov.ar

(Photo by Andre M.)

Don’t miss out on this special walking and culinary tour by Conde Nast!

If you find the day too grey for walking stop by the Museo Nacional Ferroviario (the national train museum) near Retiro. Monday-Friday 10:30am-4pm. Avda. Libertador 405, Retiro.

Later on, at 8.30pm, Jorge Drexler will be presenting a live show at the Teatro Nini Marshall. Perú 1401, Tigre.  Tickets here.

Tuesday

(Photo by mat-)

From the 23rd-30th of May the Human Rights Film Festival will be showcasing a selection of over a hundred documentaries, animations and fictions with the theme of Identity at different cinemas around the city. Find the full program here.

In the evening stop by Il Ballo del Mattone where you can catch some live acoustic guitar music by Jerónimo Guiraud at 8pm, and enjoy a wonderful plate of homemade pasta. Gorriti 5737.  47764247 reservas@ilballo.tv

If you’re looking for a laugh don’t miss the Grin Go! Stand Up comedy Show starting at 9pm at the Absinth Resto Bar. Bartolomé Mitre 1695, Downtown. 4371-6486. Be sure to make a reservation by emailing gringo@comicosdepie.com.ar.

Wednesday

(Photo by mauidw)

Don’t miss the new MALBA exhibit, Bye Bye American Pie, which showcases some of the most influential American contemporary art by Jean-Michel Basquiat, Larry Clark, Nan Goldin, Jenny Holzer, Barbara Kruger, Cady Noland, and Paul Mc Carthy. Avenida Figueroa Alcorta 3415, Recoleta.

In the evening stop by the Centro Cultural Recoleta where there will be a free Folklore concert starting at 7pm. Junin 1930, Recoleta.

Thursday

(Photo by Alaskan Dude)

Take a free tour of Buenos Aires with Jonathan, an Englishman in love with the city. Tours start every day at 11am at the center of Plaza Italia by the Garibaldi Horse monument and cover the areas of Almagro, Congress and the Plaza de Mayo using local transport to get around. More information here.

For a unique evening, book your place at Fierro Hotel’s Thursday wine tasting and sample some great Argentine wines, chosen by the president of the Argentine Sommelier Association Andres Rosberg and in-house Sommelier Martin Bruno. Tastings cost 25 USD per person and are limited to 7 people. Soler 5862, Palermo. 3220-6800.

Friday

(Photo by el_duende_viajero)

Head to Tigre and stop by the Museo de Arte de Tigre where the MALBA  is sharing some of its artwork from its permanent collection.  The Tigre museum also showcases local artwork and has a stunning architecture.

Later on stop by the hip Boris Club de Jazz in Palermo for a Mimi Maura concert starting at 10pm.  Tickets here.

Saturday and Sunday

Remember to make a reservation for Hernán Gipponi’s famous one of a kind brunch, now served on Saturdays too! Soler 5862,  Palermo Hollywood.  3220-6800.  info@hgrestaurant.com.ar.

Professional photographer Jocelyn Mandryk (who took Fierro’s latest photographs) and her associate Becky Hayes have taken tourist photography to a whole new level on their Saturday Foto Ruta tours.  What they propose is to get to know the city from another point of view, taking their travelers through off the beaten path locations and setting creative guidelines for the photographs so that they can explore the local colors and characters through the lens from a new perspective. The Foto Ruta tour runs every Saturday from 2pm-6pm and costs 100 pesos. More information on the Foto Ruta webpage.

Don’t miss Mora Godoy: Chantecler Tango, a tango musical directed by the British Stephen Rayne, that is being staged at the Teatro Alvear from Wednesday’s-Sunday’s. Avda. Corrientes 1659, Downtown. 4373-4245.

(Photo by travelwayoflife)

Ingredients:

White hominy corn 50g

Lima beans  40g

Chickpeas 200g

Squash 1kg

Onion 600g

Leeks 400g

Garlic 2 cloves

Smoked bacon 250g

Red chorizo 1

Pork belly 1.5 Kg

Ossobuco  1.2 kg

Ground capsicum 1tsp

Paprika 1tsp

Vegetable oil 40ml

Leave corn, lima beans and chickpeas soaking overnight. The following day pour the vegetable oil in a deep pan and sautee the bacon, pork and ossobuco. Add the chorizo, the garlic, and the chopped vegetables. When they are golden add capsicum, paprika and legumes. Cover with water and simmer for approximately 2 hours, add salt to taste.

Hernán’s tips: If you add the chorizo whole then it will better preserve its juices. Also,  add some cumin  to aid digestion and to optimize the metabolism of nutrients.

Enjoy!

(Photo by Carlos Adampol)

Friday

Don´t miss the Patriot brunch at Hernán Gipponi Restaurant on the ground floor of Fierro Hotel.  Other special Argentine cuisine menus will be offered for the occasion at some of the best restaurants in the city. Find a full list here.

25 de Mayo festivities will be celebrated at the traditional Feria de Mataderos where there will be folkloric dances, gaucho games, typical food and traditional crafts.

Throughout the long weekend the Japanese Gardens will be celebrating different culinary customs of the Japanese culture. Av. Figueroa Alcorta and Casares, Palermo.

From the 23rd-30th of May the Human Rights Film Festival will be showcasing a selection of over a hundred documentaries, animations and fictions with the theme of Identity at different cinemas around the city. Find the full program here.

In the evening stop by La Peña del Colorado for some live guitar folklore and tango music by the talented trio Gorosito/Cataldi/de la Vega starting at 10pm.

The famous percussion orchestra La Bomba del Tiempo will be celebrating their 6th anniversary on Friday and Saturday night starting 12.30pm at Centro Cultural Konex. Sarmiento 3131, Abasto.

Breoghans Bar will be hosting a special 25 de Mayo party where there will be happy hour all night for those wearing light blue and white, traditional food and folklore music. Bolivar 860, San Telmo.

Saturday

Throughout the long weekend the Japanese Gardens will be celebrating different culinary customs of the Japanese culture. Av. Figueroa Alcorta and Casares, Palermo.

From the 23rd-30th of May the Human Rights Film Festival will be showcasing a selection of over a hundred documentaries, animations and fictions with the theme of Identity at different cinemas around the city. Find the full program here.

On Saturday don’t miss the City Tango Dance Finals, which will be held in the afternoon at La Usina de las Ideas. Tickets must be picked up on Friday at Casa de la Cultura ( Av. De Mayo 575) from midday to 5pm.

On Saturday at 8.30pm Chinese pianist Lang Lang presents Johann Sebastian Bach’s: Partita No.1 in E-flat major,  Franz Schubert’s Sonata in B-flat major, D. 960 and Frederic Chopin’s twelve studios, Op. 25. at the Colón Theatre.

Blues harmonica legend Jerry Portnoy, who was part of the Muddy Waters Blues Band and now plays with Eric Clapton, will be presenting a live show at La Trastienda starting 11.30pm. Tickets here.

The famous percussion orchestra La Bomba del Tiempo will be celebrating their 6th anniversary on Friday and Saturday night starting 12.30pm at Centro Cultural Konex. Sarmiento 3131, Abasto.

Sunday

Throughout the long weekend the Japanese Gardens will be celebrating different culinary customs of the Japanese culture. Av. Figueroa Alcorta and Casares, Palermo.

From the 23rd-30th of May the Human Rights Film Festival will be showcasing a selection of over a hundred documentaries, animations and fictions with the theme of Identity at different cinemas around the city. Find the full program here.

Join the special Bicicleteada de Mayo on Sunday and pedal your way around the city center with an enthusiastic crowd. The  bike event kicks off at the obelisk on Av. 9 de Julio at 11am.

The city continues to celebrate its different collectivities and this Sunday Syria is on the spotlight. Head to Av. De Mayo and enjoy traditions and typical foods from this Middle Eastern culture.

Starting at 4pm the cumbia-tango fusion group Los Bandos will be playing at the Botanical Gardens in Palermo. Av. Santa Fe 3951, Palermo.

If you’re looking for you party quota for the day then don’t miss the ska and reggae by Dancing Mood at Niceto Club from 9pm onwards.  Niceto Vega 5510, Palermo.

(Photo by J-Cornelius)

On Friday the country will be celebrating one of its most important national holidays, the 25 de Mayo, day in which the Viceroyalty of the Rio de la Plata was overthrown and replaced by the First Assembly; one of the turning points in Argentine independence.

On patriotic dates as this one and the 9th of July (which is the official date of independence) typical foods including locro (a hearty soup made from maize, vegetables and meats), empanadas, and pastelitos (sweet treats filled with quince and sweet potato jam) amongst others, are enjoyed by the Argentine people.

Those who want to sample the best of typical Argentine cuisine should not miss the special patriot brunch that Hernán Gipponi Restaurant will be serving for the occasion.  The menu will feature pastelitos and torta frita, locro of course, and other local delicacies such as tongue and quince with  cheese.  The 9-step brunch menu will cost 120 pesos and includes different juices, coffee and tea.

Book your place at 3220 68 20 – info@hgrestaurant.com.ar

(Photo by bittermelon)

Nothing screams for warm sweet hot chocolate with crunchy comforting churros like a rainy Buenos Aires day in autumn. The pair is a classic for locals seeking refuge from humid cold streets and is a must try for sightseeing visitors. But what are churros? They are crunchy fried pastries covered in sugar, sometimes filled with dulce de leche, and occasionally coated in chocolate. Try them at any of the following places:

La Giralda is an understated cafe on Corrientes Avenue that specializes in chocolate with churros. It is the place to go for this local delicacy and their hot chocolate is one of the best in town, made with top quality Fenix chocolate. Av. Corrientes 1453.

Nearby to La Giralda is El Gato Negro, often overlooked but well worth knowing not only for its traditional chocolate and churros but also for its spices and coffee varieties. Av Corrientes 1669.

Another place to go for superb “chocolate espejo” (dark hot chocolate) and churros is Cafe de Los Angelitos. Plus, the traditional cafe, popular with tourists because of its tango shows and history, is beautiful and worth visiting. Av. Rivadavia 2100.

Cafe Tortoni is another classic city cafe that most travelers will end up in at one point or the other. Not only is the cafe gorgeous and historically relevant but also their churro-chocolate combination is one of the best in the city. Av. Mayo 825.

Finally, for those who want churros delivered, try El Topo. They only start making the churros once the order has been placed so they’re as fresh as they come. Plus, they make varieties filled with lemon custard and also salty versions!

(Courtesy of arteBA Fundación)

The city’s most important art fair, ArteBA, which will be open until Tuesday, is a great opportunity for art enthusiasts and collectors to see the latest Argentine art on the market.  Open from 1pm-9pm. More information here.

In the evening the renowned Cuban orchestra Buena Vista Social Club will be presenting a live show next to Omara Portuondo at the Teatro Colegiales. Tickets here. Av. Federico Lacroze 3455, Colegiales.

Tuesday

(Photo by this is emily)

Book your place at the stunning Duhau Palace Restaurante and Vinoteca for the special Salta Cuisine menu paired with Colome wines that will be specially prepared throughout the week. Lunch: 300 pesos, Dinner: 400 pesos. Reservations at 5171 1340.

If you’re looking for a laugh don’t miss the Grin Go! Stand Up comedy Show starting at 9pm at the Absinth Resto Bar. Bartolomé Mitre 1695, Downtown. 4371-6486. Be sure to make a reservation by emailing gringo@comicosdepie.com.ar.

Wednesday

(Photo by ::d::)

Throughout the week the Buenos Aires artisan pastry week will be celebrated around the city in cafes and cake houses. Check out the special offers and discounts and go on an indulgent quest to find the best medialunas in town!

In the evening the Tango Championship semifinals will be held at 11.30pm in La Viruta. Armenia 1366, Palermo.

Thursday

(Photo by irargerich)

Stop by the Buenos Aires Planetarium to experience the immersive show “Journey to the Stars” which traces stars through time. The experience was created in collaboration with the NASA, the American Museum on Natural Science in New York and a group of renowned scientists. Tue-Fri 1pm, 4pm, 5pm. Sat-Sun 2pm, 3pm. 4pm, 5pm, 6pm and 7pm. Av. Sarmiento and Belisario Roldan, Palermo.

For a unique evening, book your place at Fierro Hotel’s Thursday wine tasting and sample some great Argentine wines, chosen by the president of the Argentine Sommelier Association Andres Rosberg and in-house Sommelier Martin Bruno. Tastings cost 25 USD per person and are limited to 7 people. Soler 5862, Palermo. 3220-6800.

Later on explore the city’s art galleries and museums with the rest of the crowd on the monthly Gallery Nights.

Friday

Friday is a national holiday as the May revolution is celebrated. Festivities will take place at Plaza San Martin starting 10am. Details will be updated on Thursday.

In the evening stop by La Peña del Colorado for some live guitar folklore and tango music by the talented trio Gorosito/Cataldi/de la Vega starting at 10pm.

Saturday and Sunday

(Photo by Peter Forret)

Throughout the long weekend the Japanese Gardens will be celebrating different culinary customs of the Japanese culture. Av. Figueroa Alcorta and Casares, Palermo.

On Saturday don’t miss  the City Tango Dance Finals, which will be held in the afternoon at La Usina de las Ideas. Tickets must be picked up on Friday at Casa de la Cultura ( Av. De Mayo 575) from midday to 5pm.

On Saturday at 8.30pm Chinese pianist Lang Lang presents Johann Sebastian Bach’s: Partita No.1 in E-flat major,  Franz Schubert’s Sonata in B-flat major, D. 960 and Frederic Chopin’s twelve studios, Op. 25. at the Colón Theatre.

(Courtesy of arteBA Fundación)

The local artistic community will be abuzz throughout the weekend, as the most important contemporary art fair of the year, arteBA, has kicked off at La Rural until the 22nd of May.

The fair, which is the largest of its kind in Latin America, will showcase the artwork from 68 different galleries, and also promote newcomers to the scene, award prizes, and stage conferences for collectors and 3 art talks with renowned local artists Marta Minujín, Julio Le Parc and Pablo Reinoso.  Additionally, this year the fair will be offering free iPhone and iPad apps, and free audio guides.

Tickets to the fair cost 50 pesos and can be bought online here. Opening hours are form 1pm-9pm. La Rural. Sarmiento 2704, Palermo.

(Photo by Facundo Prámparo)

Argentina is a vast country with many very different places to visit. Traveling to Buenos Aires usually means staying in Capital Federal, undoubtedly, the city has a unique magnetic pull; it is after all the country’s stunning capital. However, the province of Buenos Aires has charming towns that are well worth visiting to get the feel of the rural aspect of Argentine living. Many of these places are close to the city so they make great quick getaways. Below are some of our picks:

San Antonio de Areco:  This gaucho town, just 113 Km’s away North West from the city centre, is the perfect place to find typical customs, native silverwork and to enjoy nature. Some of the recommended places to visit include the Museo Gauchesco y Parque Criollo Ricardo Guiraldes, the Museo Taller Draghi, and La Olla de Cobre for fantastic homemade chocolate and alfajores. Getting there takes two hours approximately by bus to Retiro.

Where to stay: There are various estancias, inns and Bed & Breakfasts to choose from. Some of the more known options are Estancia La Porteña de Areco, and El Ombu de Areco.

San Pedro: A little further up North, on the banks of the Paraná river is this small town that was founded in 1907, surrounding a Franciscan convent. Now a day it is a one of the most important fruit ports in the country. Places to visit include La Campiña, a fragrant orange farm open to the public, the Plazoleta Fray Cayetano, and the Fernando Garcia Curten art museum. It is also a great place for fishing and other aquatic activities.

Where to stay: Hotel San Pedro Palace, the oldest hotel in the town which dates back to 1898 and is spick and span due to recent renovations.

Lobos: This small town just 100km to the south west of Capital Federal is famous for its estancias, lake and outdoor life. It is also a historical town where both gaucho and indigenous culture clashed and where General Peron was born. Attractions include the Laguna de Lobos, the Peron museum, a museum of natural sciences and various estancias.

Where to stay: Estancia la Candelaria-A top-notch estancia offering everything from gaucho shows to parachuting and massages in a gorgeous French style chateau surrounded by fragrant nature.

Tandil: Further down south, the town of Tandil sits on the edge of the Sierras de Tandil providing a rugged terrain, perfect for rock climbing and trekking. It is also an important historical landmark as it was a big military fort where important battles were fought. The biggest attractions are natural landmarks such as the Cerro Centinela, Monte Calvario and Piedra Movediza amongst others. Tandil is also a special place for cured meats and cheeses.

Where to stay: Posada de los Pajaros is set in the middle of the sierras providing for a tranquil atmosphere surrounded by nature. Otherwise stay at the Altos Avenida in the town center.