Blog Archives
We All Scream for Ice-cream

(Photo by LWY)
Hot sunny days call for refreshing treats and there’s nothing like ice-cream to indulge in after visiting the city sites. Brought to the city by Italian immigrants, the delightful sweet cream has been made perfect by the quality local dairy and unique regional flavors amongst which, of course, dulce de leche reigns. As anyone who has walked the streets of Buenos Aires knows, ice cream parlors abound, which is why we have put together a suggested list of places to try the very best the city has to offer.
Persicco- Probably one of the most respected and well-known ice-cream shops in the city with many branches including one in the airport, in Palermo, Las Cañitas, Caballito, Downtown, Martinez, Recoleta, and Pilar. They offer two unique chocolate flavors; Chocolate Goldoni (chocolate mousse ice cream with white chocolate coated cereal) and Chocolate Persicco (chocolate ice cream with chocolate chips, cognac and nuts) and also serve kosher, light options, and some flavors that are approved for people with celiac disease.
Cadore- This traditional ice cream shop opened first in the late nineteenth century in the Italian region of Cadore. In the 1950´s the Olivotti family that founded it moved to Argentina opening up their shop in the Av. Corrientes theatre district, where the old family recipes are still prepared today. This is the place to go for a classic dulce de leche ice cream. Corrientes 1695, downtown. Buenos Aires. 4374-3688.
Jauja- This Patagonian ice-cream shop with a branch in Palermo offers top quality ice creams without artificial flavoring or additives. They also make their own chocolate, priding themselves on the quality of their ingredients. Their creative approach to ice cream making has led to an ever changing menu of flavors made from unique combinations and fruits such as quince and rasperry-malbec. Cerviño 3901, Palermo – 4801-8126.
Arkakao- Tea house, restaurant and most of all gourmet gelateria, this extension of the Italian Kakao and the Piemontese Venchi serves some of the best ice cream in town thanks to the imported Italian nuts and chocolates and the quality local milk, all without additives or preservatives and produced daily to ensure a freshness. The detailed care of the ingredients and process make Arkakao ice cream delectable and perfect. Additionally they offer a variety of serving options for those looking to span out of the traditional “cucurucho”. Quintana 188, Recoleta. 4813-7585.
Via Flaminia- Another of Buenos Aires’ renowned classic ice cream stores is this elegant downtown parlor, which was founded in1965 in Florida street. Their ice creams are known for their creamy perfection with traditional tastes such as sambayon, and chocolate flavors being their specialty. Florida 121, downtown. 5032-9911.
Religious BA

(Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral at the begining of the XX century- photo courtesy of la hipatia)
The influx of cultures brought upon Buenos Aires by the strong migratory currents colored the city with a variety of religious practices and places of worship. At each of the churches and temples, communities of immigrants gathered to celebrate their beliefs in their own languages and songs, before altars built in the architectural style of each tradition. Religion was not only a place to worship God, but also, a place of congregation and belonging.
Now a days, as the descendants of the immigrants become distanced from their ancestral customs, many of the services are in Spanish. Nevertheless the style and cultural tradition is maintained, making for interesting places to visit and understand the history and multicultural background of the city.
Some temples worth visiting are:
Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral
This historic landmark was founded in 1580 as the first Catholic church of Buenos Aires. After undergoing various transformations due to the effects of time and the quality of building materials, it stands today overlooking Plaza de Mayo and the Casa Rosada with a mix of architectural styles combining a Neo-Classic facade and Neo-Renaissance and Neo-Baroque decoration. It is also where San Martin’s remains lie in a mausoleum guarded by statues that represent Argentina, Peru and Chile, the countries the General liberated.
Open Mon-Fri- 7am-7pm, Sat-Sun – 9 am- 7.30pm
Close to the Cathedral is the San Ignacio church built in 1675 by the Jesuits. It is one of the oldest churches in Buenos Aires and is part of the Manzana de las Luces, a network of mysterious underground tunnels and buildings built in the XVII-XVIII centuries.
Tours in English of the tunnels and church are available on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons with prior booking. Tours in Spanish are available daily.
The church is also open to the public every day from 9am-8pm
Calle Bolivar Nº 225, Monserrat
4331-2458
The story tells that on one Yom Kippur in 1861, two Jewish men gathered at the Recoleta park to read their book of prayers and decided to summon a permanent minyán, that is a group of minimum ten Jewish men who together could ensure that God would hear their prayers. A year later the group was formed and they joined to celebrate Pesaj. This was to be the first version of the National Israeli Congregation.
In 1837 the founding rock was placed and following with a mix of Roman and Byzantine architectural styles, the first synagogue of the city finally found its place.
Now a days it can be visited as part of the tours offered by the Jewish Museum (which is right next door) from Tuesday to Thursday 3pm-6pm and Fridays 3pm-5pm.
*Due to religious festivities the Museum will remain closed on the 13th-14th-20th and 21st of October.
Libertad 769, Downtown
4123-0832
This ornate church with eye-catching cupolas in XVIIth century Russian style, stands in San Telmo in front of Parque Lezama and the Historic National Museum.
Its structure includes five blue cupolas with golden stars crowned by orthodox crosses, which are fastened with chains that face east. Inside are two murals and elaborate symbolic icons amongst which the holy trinity stands out.
Open Saturdays 5pm-8pm and Sundays 10am-midday. The church also opens occasionally on weekdays. This week it will be open on Thursday from 9am-11am.
Brasil 315 – San Telmo
4361-427
Also in San Telmo is the Danish Lutheran Church, which was founded as an institution in 1924, and the neo-gothic style Temple in 1931. The congregation found a common cultural place in the Danish Church where to this day many Danish traditions are still celebrated. Additionally they have a library with extensive Scandinavian literature.
The city also offers religious tours that take you to different temples on the first and third Friday of every month starting at 10AM. Book your place at cultos@buenosaires.gob.ar or visitasguiadasdgcul@yahoo.com.ar, or by phone: 4323-9410 / 4323-8000 int. 2855/2797
Top 5 Downtown Restaurants

(Photo by add1sun)
Tomo 1: Situated in the centric Hotel Panamericano, Tomo 1, which has been around for more than 40 years, offers some of the best local and French inspired gourmet food in Buenos Aires. The upscale elegant ambiance, the gorgeous bar, extensive wine list and the delectable food, make this a foodie haven to experience. Carlos Pellegrini 521, Downtown. 4326-6695.
Sipan: A recent boom of Peruvian-Japanese fusion restaurants have sprung in Buenos Aires and Sipan is one of our top picks. An upscale downtown restaurant with a secondary Palermo location, they offer product quality above all. Not only is their food exceptional but also, their wide range of piscos make it unique in town. If passion fruit, seafood, condimented rice and a pisco sour sound like a treat to you, then you will love Sipan. Paraguay 624, Downtown. 4315-0763. info@sipan.com.ar.
Dadá: This lively restaurant in the heart of the city is always full and for good reason. Its famous Lomo Dadá is reputed to be one of the best beef dishes in town. If you like a colorful, bustling atmosphere with a cafe feel and fantastic food then Dadá will deliver! San Martín 941, Downtown. 4314-4787
Club del Progreso: Traditional ‘Porteño’ food is served in this elegant historic club, which dates back to 1852. The stately restaurant with its antiquated decor, and open courtyard is the place to go to for a great meal and a trip back in time after, or before, an event at the Colon Theatre. Sarmiento 1334, Downtown. 4372 3380.
Club Sueco: Scandinavian food is great for sit down dinners and also for light on the go lunches. Open sandwiches on rich rye bread, salmon, cheeses, greens and great pastries are part of this northern European cuisine´s charm. The Club Sueco, on the 5th floor of a ideally located building the downtown area is one of the city’s best options for this kind of meal. The clean, well-lit room, and the top quality ingredients, and recommended dishes like fish pâté make it the go to place for a great meal in the city. Tacuarí 147, 5th floor, Downtown. 4342 0888.
5 Parties Not to Miss
Club Severino
This is the place to go on a Monday night for some hip-hop, R&B, rap, pop and retro rock. A great place to start the week off partying and, a good option to continue the party after La Bomba del Tiempo.
Hipolito Yrigoyen 851, Downtown
Monday’s 11.30pm
Dengue Dancing at Gong
This Thursday underground party is set in a seventies style mirrored floor with red lights and plenty of retro dancers who move to the carefully selected music all night long. The place to go for a kitsch, sexy night of fun.
Dengue Dancing at Gong
Cordoba 634, Downtown
Happy Hour 11.30pm-12.30pm
Club 69 at Niceto Club
This wild Thursday party has been going for more than a decade now displaying a burlesque show, glitter clad transvestites, clowns and belly dancers and more. Bizarre, colorful, and entertaining this jam-packed party doesn’t stop until the break of dawn.
Niceto Vega 5510, Palermo
Thursdays 11pm (Keep in mind that partying here doesn’t really start until 2am)
Ploox! at Wanna Club
These Friday parties have recently become a part of the city nightlife promising to be Miguel Salas and Will Aquinos next big hit after their popular Hip Hop Wednesday parties at Sugar. National and international DJs get both the local and the foreign adult crowds going, promising a night of fun and non-stop dancing.
Juan B. Justo 1636, Palermo
Fridays 12pm-6am
Fiestas Bubamara
This upbeat monthly party is inspired in Balcanic music and gipsy style. They were born in 2002 from a wave of artistic youth who came across the films and music of Emir Kusturica and decided to bring the increasingly popular gipsy aesthetic to the city nightlife. Now a days the parties have become so popular they have spread across the country offering boisterous nights of dancing, live acts and video projections in an unconventional party setting.
Check out Bubamaras Facebook page for news on their upcoming parties.
This Week in Buenos Aires
Monday

(MALBA by lili.chin)
Start the week by visiting the new exhibit on contemporary Argentine Art at the Museum of Latin American Modern Art (MALBA) in Recoleta.
In the evening head to Club Serverino for their cool beats night party where you can kick the week off with a party, Buenos Aires style. (Take cabs for safety.)
Avenida Figueroa Alcorta 3415, Recoleta
4808-6500
Hipolito Yrigoyen 851, San Nicolas
11pm. (Take a cab to and from here)
Tuesday

(Cafe de Los Angelitos by chinota)
The Isaac Fernandez Blanco Museum of Hispanic Art is exhibiting photographs of Brazil by Marc Ferrez. Both the museum and the exhibit are well worth the visit.
In the evening head to the beautiful traditional cafe Los Angelitos for dinner and a tango show. (Take cabs for safety).
Suipacha 1422, Downtown
4327- 0228
Open Tue-Sun 2pm-7pm
Av. Rivadavia 2100, Abasto
4314-1121
Wednesday

(Wine by dhammza)
If you don’t have time to go to Mendoza to check out the wineries and the wine, then we suggest a wine tour in Buenos Aires with Anuva. Book your tour online here.
Afterwards head to Trastevere Trattoria, an art gallery/Italian restaurant which will be serving lemonade and teaching bread making from 6-8pm Later, stay for some pasta.
Costa Rica 5595, Palermo
47709452
Thursday

(Templo Libertad by puroticorico)
Visit the Jewish museum next to the stunning Templo Libertad in the downtown area. The museum offers English and Spanish tours and shows the integration of Judaism into the Argentine society.
Later on head to the close by Colon Theatre to listen to their in-house orchestra at 8.30pm
Jewish Museum
Libertad 769, Downtown
4372-2474
Cerrito 628
4378 7100
Friday

(Buenos Aires bakery by xiaozhuli)
Take a day trip to the local bakery, butcher shop and market where Tersita will show you all the traditional foods and ingredients. Afterwards go back to her home and learnt to make empanadas before having a delicious gourmet 4 course meal with wine pairings! More on Teresitas culinary tour here.
In the evening the Fuerza Bruta group are staging a stunning visual acrobatic show at the Luna Park.
Av. Madero 420, downtown.
5279-5279
Saturday and Sunday

Have a very late Saturday brunch at POPA. La Madrid 822, La Boca, from 2-8pm
Festival Cuidad Emergente, displaying emerging art and cultural expressions of the city will be on from the 16th-20th of June at the Centro Cultural Recoleta. Junin 1930, Recoleta.
This Week in Buenos Aires
Monday

(El Estanciero, an Argentine version of Monopoly at the Museo de la Ciudad. Photo by i_gallagher)
Start the week off by visiting one of the few open museums on Monday, the Museo de la Ciudad (The City Museum). Current exhibitions include a display of the city’s doors, toys and musical instruments amongst others.
In the evening check out Opera Remix at the Maipo Theatre. This group of lyrical singers formed at the Colon Theatre present, as the name suggests, a remix of Opera, giving it a pop twist. Tickets here.
Don’t miss out on some of the best pizza in town on the other side of Corrientes Avenue at Las Cuartetas.
Defensa 219 / 223, San Telmo
4331-9855
Open: Mon-Sun 11am-7pm
Esmeralda 449, Downtown
4394-5521
Las Cuartetas
Av. Corrientes 838, Downtown
4326-0171
Tuesday

(A 10 peso note from the Santa Fe Province in 1882. Photo by lu6fpj.)
For those of you interested in economics and Argentine economic history, head to the Museum of External Debt where you can find out more about the economic evolution of the country. Audio guides in English are offered.
Just a few blocks away from the museum is Av. Santa Fe which is great for shopping, and for an outstanding lunch, ten blocks away from the museum, is Spanish restaurant Oviedo.
In the evening head to chic downtown bar Le Bar for some great cocktails and live music.
Museum of External Debt
José E. Uriburu 781, 1st floor, Downtown.
4374-4448
Open: Mon-Fri 11am-7pm
Oviedo
Beruti 2602, Recoleta
4821-3741
Open: Mon-Sat 12-4pm and 8pm-closing.
Tucuman 422, Downtown
5219-0858
From 10pm onwards
Wednesday

(Little Red Riding Hood in Palermo. Photo by Oye Apitoño!)
Explore the city by setting out to find these three odd monuments: The football monument in Plaza de Mayo, a monument of Little Red Riding Hood in the Palermo 3 de Febrero parks and a small version of the Statue of Liberty at the Barrancas de Belgrano Parks (Sucre and Vertiz).
In the evening head to the Centro Cultural Konex in the Abasto area for their Wednesday La Garufa event where you can take a tango lesson at 8pm and witness/dance in a milonga at 11pm.
Sarmiento 3131, Abasto
4864 3200
Thursday

(Warholized Borges by TheAlieness GiselaGiardino)
Walk the Corrientes Avenue and explore books stores, cross the 9 de Julio Avenue where the famous Obelisco is and then head to one of the Notable Bars/Cafes in the area. Because Buenos Aires is the 2011 book capital, these cafes and bars will have Borges books available for you to read whilst enjoying a cup of coffee with pastries. In the Corrientes area you can try La Giralda (Av. Corrientes 1453), El Gato Negro (Av. Corrientes 1669), and Mar Azul (Tucumán 1700).
In the evening head to the Boris Club de Jazz to check out Pablo Decal’s presentation of his new album at 10pm.
Gorriti 5568, Palermo Hollywood
4777-0012
Friday

(Ponchos by Eduardo Amorim)
Check out some of the cultural expressions of the rest of the country by visiting the exhibit of La Pampa artists and artisans being held in the Casa de la Cultura.
In the evening Cesar Ilella and La Negra Charga bring music from the north of the country to the intimate stage of La Trastienda in San Telmo.
Casa de la Cultura del FNA
Rufino de Elizalde 2831, Downtown
4808-0553
Balcarce 460, San Telmo
Saturday and Sunday

(Details from the pillars of the Casa Rosada)
Take advantage of the free weekend tours of the Casa Rosada (the government house).
Tours run from 10am-6pm.
On Saturday Dancing Mood is playing at Niceto Club, one of the city’s hottest nightspots.
Niceto 5510, Palermo
4779 9396
Our Dining Picks: Peruvian-Japanese Fusion at Sipan
(Ceviche al canto rodado.)
A recent boom of Peruvian-Japanese fusion restaurants have sprung in Buenos Aires and Sipan is one of our top picks. An upscale downtown restaurant with a secondary Palermo location, they offer product quality above all. Not only is their food exceptional but also, their wide range of piscos make it unique in town. If passion fruit, seafood, condimented rice and a pisco sour sound like a treat to you, then you will love Sipan.
Paraguay 624, Downtown
4315-0763
info@sipan.com.ar
This Week in Buenos Aires
Monday
Most museums are closed on Mondays, so it’s a good day to view the city’s architectural landmarks, such as the Casa Rosada, The Cavanagh Building, and Congress amongst others. Check out some suggestions and quirky finds here.

(La Giralda by azotesdivinos)
Browsing the Corrientes bookstores is also an enjoyable option that should be accompanied by a hot chocolate with churros at traditional cafe La Giralda.
In the evening go to Club Severino party at ‘Previous’ nightlcub for a peek at the Buenos Aires nightlife.
La Giralda
Av. Corrientes 1453, Downtown
4371-3846
Open: Mon-Sun 8am-closing
Cash only
Previous
Hipólito Yrigoyen 851, Downtown
4342-9151
Tuesday

(San Telmo corner by _high plains drifter_)
Street art, contemporary art galleries and the recently reopened MAMBA, make San Telmo one of the artistic epicenters of the city. Check out Masotta Torres Arte Contemporaneo and Arte 713. Also in the area is renowned silversmith Marcelo Toledo’s showroom. For some great food in the area head to Café San Juan where the delicious and abundant portions will surely leave you satisfied.
In the evening the majestic Colon Theatre is staging The Magic Flute.
Cafe San Juan
Av. San Juan 450, San Telmo
4300-1112
Open: Tue-Sun 12am-4pm and 8pm-closing
Cerrito 628
4378 7100
Wednesday

(Fainá by mteson)
If you’re planning on going to the famous Av. 9 de Julio and to the obelisco, Wednesday might be a good day as you can catch a free classical music concert in the close by Gran Rex Theatre at 1pm. Right across the street from the theatre is “Las Cuartetas” one of the most famous pizza parlors in town. We recommend you try the ‘Fugazzeta’ (an onion and cheese pizza) and fainá, a thin chickpea “tortilla”
In the evening British singer Jaime Lydell presents his last record, Compass, in Niceto Club in Palermo.
Gran Rex
Av. Corrientes 857
4322-8000
Las Cuartetas
Av. Corriente 838
4326-0171
Open: Mon-Fro 12pm-4pm and 8pm-closing. Sun 6pm-closing.
Niceto Club
Niceto Vega 5510, Palermo
4779-9396
Tickets: $100 cash only on location or buy them here.
Thursday

(Palacio San Miguel by Mario Pernicone)
Visit the International Decorative Art Fair ENIARTE at the stunning Palacio San Miguel. Walk 3 blocks to the Piedras subway station on Av. de Mayo and take a ride in this historic subway line, to either plaza de mayo or in the other direction to congress.
In the evening go to Señor Tango for an all out Broadway like tango show that, although pricy, will knock your socks off. Make sure to have the hotel and the theatre call a cab to go to and from this place as it is in a somewhat dodgy area.
Palacio San Miguel
Suipacha 84, Downtown.
4345-1534
ENIARTE open from 1pm-9pm
Señor Tango
Hipólito Vieytes 1653, Barracas
4303-0231
Mon-Sun 8.30pm- closing
Friday

(Reserva ecológica by ag2078)
Take advantage of the sunny weather and go for a walk to the ecological reserve in Puerto Madero where you can get the best view of the city!
In the evening head to Clásica y Moderna for a live musical concert “Un Tal Julio” inspired by the poetic universe of Julio Cortazar.
More live music in the Luna Park will be offered by John Fogerty.
Ecological Reserve
Av. Tristán Achával Rodríguez 1550
4315-4129
Open: Tue-Sun 8am-6pm
Callao 892, Recoleta
4812-8707
Luna Park
Av. Madero 420
5279-5279
Tickets here
Saturday & Sunday

(La Bombonera by lphtjes)
-Willy Gonzales & Micaela Vita- Modern Argentine folkloric music with jazz influences. Saturday 9pm. La Oreja Negra. Uriarte 1271, Palermo.
-Boca/River football match on Sunday at the ‘bombonera’ (Boca Stadium). Go to Boca Experience to coordinate your visit to the stadium, the museum and the match.
-Mariano Mores bids farewell. Legendary pianist, composer, orchestra and tango director plays his last show this Sunday at 8pm at the Teatro Gran Rex. Corrientes 857. Tickets here.



