Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Moderate
El Castillo de S an Lorenzo One of S alta's most distinctiv e hotels is a Tuscan-
style pile dug into the side of a leafy hill just 10 minutes ' ride fr om the city . I talian
immigrant Luigi Bartoletti built it in the late 1800s as a summer home in the style of an
Italian castello. Tall palm trees shade the imposing mansion housing a boutique hotel and
slightly ramshackle restaurant that produces excellent food. The rooms are different but
all are comfortable and furnished with antiques. Room no. 3 has a Jacuzzi tub and large
windows with views of the lush grounds. The two-story suite comes with a fireplace and
a giant candelabrum. The restaurant serves excellent regional specialties. There are count-
less outdoor activities in the ar ea, and the friendly E nglish-speaking staff will be happy
to make arrangements for you.
Camino a la Quebrada, Villa San L orenzo. & /fax 387/492-1052. w ww.hotelelcastillo.com.ar. 8 units .
$85-$106 (£58-£72) double; $132 (£89) suit e. Rates include continental breakfast. MC, V. Free parking.
Amenities: Restaurant; lounge; beautiful outdoor pool; room service. In room: TV.
219
WHERE TO DINE
The Northwest has its own cuisine influenced by indigenous cooking. Locro (a corn-and-
bean soup), humitas (a sort of corn-and-goat cheese soufflé), tamales (meat and potatoes
in a gr ound corn shell), empanadas (a turno ver filled with potatoes, meat, and v egeta-
bles), lechón (suckling pig), and cabrito (goat) occupy most menus. Traditional Argentine
steaks and pasta dishes are usually available, too. In addition to the locations listed below,
the Mercado Central, at Florida and San Martín, has a number of inexpensiv e eateries
serving regional food.
Moderate
Café van Gogh CAFE “Our mission is to make ev eryone feel at home, no matter
where they're from,” says one staff member , who proudly displays a collection of coffee
cups from Argentina, Europe, and North America. This cheeky cafe, surrounded by little
white lights on the outside and decorated with v an G ogh prints inside, ser ves pizzas,
sandwiches, meats, hot dogs, and empanadas. Come ev ening, the cafe-turned-bar
becomes the center of Salta nightlife, with live bands playing Wednesday through Satur-
day after midnight. Café van Gogh is also a popular spot for br eakfast.
España 502. & 387/431-4659. Main courses $8-$10 (£5.40-£6.80). AE, DC, MC, V. Daily 7am-2am.
Casa Moderna DELICATESSEN/WINE BAR Casa Moderna is located 2 blocks
from the central plaza, and has a warm, genuine, old-world feel. You can dine in a lovely
small courtyard or the adjacent black-framed sun house. I ndoors, ham hangs fr om the
ceiling o ver shelv es crammed with wine, chocolates, cheese, and whiskey , while giant
coolers sit behind a long old-fashioned counter that str etches back to a dar k salon. The
menu includes platters of empanadas and homemade pasta, along with wine and beer ,
cheese platters, and fondue and fr uit salads, the most delicious of which is the r oasted
pear. The owners have opened a second branch sev eral blocks away at Vte. Lopez 423.
España 674. & 387/422-0066. Main courses $8-$12 (£5.40-£8.20). AE, DC, MC, V. Mon-Sat 8:30am-2pm
and 6-10:30pm.
El Solar del Convento ARGENTINE Ask locals to point y ou to S alta's best
“typical” r estaurant—the wor d used to describe places ser ving traditional Argentine
fare—and they won't hesitate with their answer. This former Jesuit convent has long been
an outstanding parrilla (grill), serving quality steaks (the mix ed grill for two is a deal at
8
Search WWH ::




Custom Search