Buenos Aires - Argentina - page 95

PLAZA DE MAYO AREA
Moderate
Gran Victoria CAFE/ARGENTINE Watch the political world of Argentina pass
by your window at this great cafe overlooking Plaza de Mayo. This cafe sits in the middle
of one of the country's most important historic areas, with stunning views of the Cabildo,
Plaza de Mayo, Casa Rosada, and the Metropolitan Cathedral, in addition to the ex cel-
lent people-watching opportunities. Food is basic Argentine, with Italian touches, and a
great dessert selection. I'd recommend coming her e for a br eak after sightseeing in the
area. What's more, the waitresses have a pleasant sense of humor (I guess they 'd have to,
dealing with so many politicians).
Hipólito Yrigoyen 500 (at Diagonal Sur). & 11/4345-7703. Main courses $5-$12 (£3.40-£8.20). AE, MC,
V. Mon-Sat 7am-9pm. Metro: Bolívar.

97

MICROCENTRO
Expensive
Dora SPANISH/SEAFOOD Dora has been open since the 1940s, r un by the
same family (the thir d generation is no w in charge), but it has mo ved recently from its
former location. It's still loud, noisy, crazy, and chaotic—an odd mix of businesspersons
from nearby offices and casually dressed older locals who have been regulars for decades.
The specialty is fish, with a fe w beef, chicken, and pasta dishes thr own in almost as an
afterthought. The Cazuela Dora is the specialty—a casserole of fish, shellfish, and shrimp
thrown into one pot. It's expensive for Buenos Aires; appetizers alone run from $4 to $14
(£2.70-£9.45), though some of the star ters ar e made with caviar . The desser t menu
includes a surprisingly varied choice of light fruits in season. Because they serve so much
fish, Dora has one of the city's largest white-wine selections. U.S. dollars ar e accepted.
Reconquista 1076 (at P araguay). & 11/4311-2891. Main courses $12-$25 (£8.20-£17). V. Mon-Thurs
noon-1am; Fri-Sat noon-2am. Metro: San Martín.

5

Le Sud FRENCH/MEDITERRANEAN Executive Chef Thierry P szonka
earned a gold medal fr om the N ational Committee of F rench Gastronomy and gained
experience at La Bourgogne befor e opening this gourmet r estaurant in the ne w Sofitel
Hotel. His simple, elegant cooking style embraces spices and olive oils from Provence, to
create delicious entr ees such as ste wed rabbit with gr een pepper and tomatoes, polenta
with Parmesan and rosemary, and spinach with lemon ravioli. Le Sud's dining room is as
sophisticated as the cuisine: The design is contemporar y, with chandeliers and black-
marble floors, tables of Brazilian rosewood, and large windows overlooking Calle Arroyo.
After dinner, consider a drink in the adjacent wine bar .
Arroyo 841-849 (at Suipacha in the Sofitel Hotel). & 11/4131-0000. Reservations recommended. Main
courses $15-$25 (£10-£17). AE, DC, MC, V. Daily 6:30-11am, 12:30-3pm, and 7:30pm-midnight. M etro:
San Martín.
Plaza Grill INTERNATIONAL For nearly a century, the Plaza Grill dominated
the city's power-lunch scene, and it remains the first choice for government officials and
business executives. The dining room is decorated with dar k oak furniture, the owners'
90-year-old Dutch porcelain collection, Indian fans from the British Empire, and Ville-
roy & Boch china place settings. Tables are well spaced, allowing for intimate conversa-
tions. Order a la car te from the international menu or off the parrilla —the steaks ar e
perfect Argentine cuts. M arinated filet mignon, thinly sliced and ser ved with gratinéed
potatoes, is superb. Another interesting choice is v enison with crispy applesauce, ser ved