tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49073564256161662262024-02-20T22:42:22.603-08:00Molly Malone's Travel TipsThis blog explores savvy tips and tools for the world traveler. As an Argentine expat and experienced traveler of 30 years, I have gathered helpful information from recent trips of places to stay, great eateries, local art shows and must-see sights to help visitors get the most out of their stay. My blog covers places like Argentina, Cuba, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and cities in the U.S. such as Los Angeles, San Francisco and Miami.Molly Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06139341882625339514noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4907356425616166226.post-864939353818117312011-08-10T09:34:00.000-07:002011-08-10T10:30:51.282-07:00Best Authentic Burrito Around…but in Australia???<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-HNOm2oVIoglaIlEglSxgBPFD7kwstFnPsCK-afsqnA-P0bob4UCM0MhwFqBlY2puGXd6fkPxW1XN_aauZVCiXZ6TbbKaPckoFsZv8oPec4j_WvF4zvHMkwzbBTCUWEoWK2dF50Jl7FP/s1600/San+Francisco_New+Zealand+583.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-HNOm2oVIoglaIlEglSxgBPFD7kwstFnPsCK-afsqnA-P0bob4UCM0MhwFqBlY2puGXd6fkPxW1XN_aauZVCiXZ6TbbKaPckoFsZv8oPec4j_WvF4zvHMkwzbBTCUWEoWK2dF50Jl7FP/s200/San+Francisco_New+Zealand+583.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Brisbane: In Search of the Perfect Burrito</span></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">Yes, that’s right…Australia. For all you Mexican food addicts (myself included), you can now devour a mouthwatering burrito and Dos Equis beer at the bright, modern Tuckeria Fresh Mexican Grill in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley on Australia’s eastern coast. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Totally Mexican</span></b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjwJ_dHYuHkEy6lbhHtxv2q-Iqbm31blz9mEeUz_woAyoziNDHWc2eYpVUoCM4XTISvSY3TJ3Dlgkd6Z1Sdq4Y_Y6ffN28XJ8arBK-U63kBtL6fGi2SlExtZDBxlmpSllqaOT1X1jKCdbQ/s1600/San+Francisco_New+Zealand+590.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjwJ_dHYuHkEy6lbhHtxv2q-Iqbm31blz9mEeUz_woAyoziNDHWc2eYpVUoCM4XTISvSY3TJ3Dlgkd6Z1Sdq4Y_Y6ffN28XJ8arBK-U63kBtL6fGi2SlExtZDBxlmpSllqaOT1X1jKCdbQ/s200/San+Francisco_New+Zealand+590.jpg" width="200" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">My readers know that I’m very picky when it comes to food and I only blog about select local eateries that I come across during my travels. Tuckeria made the cut. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">No matter if you’re on a surf trip or backpacking along Australia’s coast, morning and night you’ll find chefs chopping, cooking, roasting, and marinating the freshest ingredients at Tuckeria, right in front of your eyes while you order. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRphsUXqdyqyORxizgMh2el5dElVARmGjgJs4VXfX9K_WC3KXjGMBar1zBJEccKxNY8mbPJMNXsZLDlAKSS2ImntXBunHZ_HoZePQiRTuOzjjzl9C_IH-Vz-CRjxUD204b_vtQ86vvCdPz/s1600/San+Francisco_New+Zealand+587.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRphsUXqdyqyORxizgMh2el5dElVARmGjgJs4VXfX9K_WC3KXjGMBar1zBJEccKxNY8mbPJMNXsZLDlAKSS2ImntXBunHZ_HoZePQiRTuOzjjzl9C_IH-Vz-CRjxUD204b_vtQ86vvCdPz/s200/San+Francisco_New+Zealand+587.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">The restaurant’s signature</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><i>pico de gallo</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">, as well as its</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><i>ranchera</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">and</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><i>tomatillo</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">salsa recipes come straight from the most bona fide taquerías in California and Mexico. Founder and owner of Tuckeria, Jordan Birchall, spent years investigating salsas, burrito combinations, and typical ingredients everywhere from high-end Mexican restaurants to roadside taco trucks. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqXeDqGz4_cgBCv_zWDsgba9Jo7FwXO_ey4c-ffUCL3t8MqUOovGmkqmZvgA9znWmf54A7fiqH3TEXtess9Ou1RIpyokh9R4hUpDFuFTL_xua2nruS_15FaYgvaR1rH9D7-5XXWSjlfUBJ/s1600/San+Francisco_New+Zealand+588.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqXeDqGz4_cgBCv_zWDsgba9Jo7FwXO_ey4c-ffUCL3t8MqUOovGmkqmZvgA9znWmf54A7fiqH3TEXtess9Ou1RIpyokh9R4hUpDFuFTL_xua2nruS_15FaYgvaR1rH9D7-5XXWSjlfUBJ/s200/San+Francisco_New+Zealand+588.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Founder, Jordan Birchall</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Burritos Deliciosos</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">Since Tuckeria opened just under two years ago, locals can't seem to get enough of what it has to offer. Birchall drew from a combination of his favorite tastes to create the menu. (That’s probably why some of the dishes at Tuckeria aren’t typically what you’d find anywhere else!) The wackiest item in my opinion is the “California Style Burrito” which comes with potato fries instead of rice wrapped inside the burrito. (However, my dad ordered it, and gave it two thumbs up.) </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirs17y-eZjepSme-kF6WUv__tJFARymdFqMShFXcQwziE0XBfSKMIjzLCzznyMAA5437dQFw2iGzhPmARfD6_UcN9hQO8ZvbS1AXl3HfoUeD8lMm_sJPXPnBOE2OP81ubltQlsInBgwXuo/s1600/San+Francisco_New+Zealand+600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirs17y-eZjepSme-kF6WUv__tJFARymdFqMShFXcQwziE0XBfSKMIjzLCzznyMAA5437dQFw2iGzhPmARfD6_UcN9hQO8ZvbS1AXl3HfoUeD8lMm_sJPXPnBOE2OP81ubltQlsInBgwXuo/s200/San+Francisco_New+Zealand+600.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the "California Style" Burrito</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><b>For the Dieter...or Not</b></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">The menu also has low-carb and gluten-free options for the selective eater. For example, the “Naked Burrito” has all the typical fillings of a burrito, but without the flour tortilla. For breakfast lovers, watch out…Tuckeria serves up a mean breakfast burrito all day long, with free-range scrambled eggs, beans, salsa, guacamole and your choice of chorizo or chicken filling. </span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_j3ghubJfpl9jkAVTgSDEc2ziMWRvAFZo2xST8NAVWb0uz_4nsMUcOF5niHxqHQCQskqdx2DkolPxFL5pEXTVXpvjrQhyphenhyphenzMeKbqM5w0oLRj_RM_5F96s8VqBq-nXgSMx4XxKBhJPDYA34/s1600/San+Francisco_New+Zealand+595.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_j3ghubJfpl9jkAVTgSDEc2ziMWRvAFZo2xST8NAVWb0uz_4nsMUcOF5niHxqHQCQskqdx2DkolPxFL5pEXTVXpvjrQhyphenhyphenzMeKbqM5w0oLRj_RM_5F96s8VqBq-nXgSMx4XxKBhJPDYA34/s200/San+Francisco_New+Zealand+595.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burrito Mojado (My favorite!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">My favorite dish is the "<i>B</i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">urrito Mojado" </i>with </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><i>carnitas </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">(wet burrito topped with red and green salsas with slow-cooked pork). A typical lunch which includes a burrito and beer will cost around $19.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Ordering Help<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">You must realize that you can’t just sit back and do no work while you order. Nope. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Tuckeria's menu is all about choices. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyWJSGjWU8vYkdMw_4uwB86r7-gluBmP6SbCKcVBhFopnFLHmqp9E1rZgca7pAWfQWPrQSpy7NJHw9UQDxO-h_xvrPLm2rFvvvIUKpqP5ZC1T7vt95D55DPLJEVshT4kAQeR_V8wXY6l9X/s1600/San+Francisco_New+Zealand+591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyWJSGjWU8vYkdMw_4uwB86r7-gluBmP6SbCKcVBhFopnFLHmqp9E1rZgca7pAWfQWPrQSpy7NJHw9UQDxO-h_xvrPLm2rFvvvIUKpqP5ZC1T7vt95D55DPLJEVshT4kAQeR_V8wXY6l9X/s200/San+Francisco_New+Zealand+591.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">You’ll need to be ready to choose which meat (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">carne asada, estofado de carne, pollo asado, carnitas, chorizo, camarones a la parilla, vegetariano</i>), salsa and bean combination you’d like. Oh, and all the extras. To download the menu go to:<u> http://tuckeria.com.au/tuckeria-menu.pdf</u></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguUNA87hEOof2Tb9dPz_2j3vgmI7qcjPueyCIWTZ0GuAqEjgioe9FylrW-QNOALmFTzAzux6boaWDnvtOLr8N74kN4ftqVPmxTs6YmWEYilyZPOGQPgsKGa6a7IuHujd6UltQwNDIeS8sT/s1600/San+Francisco_New+Zealand+596.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguUNA87hEOof2Tb9dPz_2j3vgmI7qcjPueyCIWTZ0GuAqEjgioe9FylrW-QNOALmFTzAzux6boaWDnvtOLr8N74kN4ftqVPmxTs6YmWEYilyZPOGQPgsKGa6a7IuHujd6UltQwNDIeS8sT/s200/San+Francisco_New+Zealand+596.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carnitas Meat with Mexican Beers</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Why Tuckeria? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Spanish speakers might be thinking, "poor Birchall, he doesn’t realize that he misspelled his own restaurant’s name." Luckily that wasn’t the case. Instead of the traditional Spanish spelling of “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">taquería,</i>” Birchall played with the word “tuck,” which in Australia is slang for “great grub,” hence the name Tuckeria. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs8p_AuVOpUaxeKU6GlPCX3CSASpOpp9C1UsUMuUQ9qClPv-krlZ_3REL9QDysN9VkAQBAr_KiMD5P2cQUibgDIE1DbNdYrNm670XpihitTDU4Kv4fLGyabzwxJxbBdCf0t9xXPBnPcWZv/s1600/San+Francisco_New+Zealand+592.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs8p_AuVOpUaxeKU6GlPCX3CSASpOpp9C1UsUMuUQ9qClPv-krlZ_3REL9QDysN9VkAQBAr_KiMD5P2cQUibgDIE1DbNdYrNm670XpihitTDU4Kv4fLGyabzwxJxbBdCf0t9xXPBnPcWZv/s200/San+Francisco_New+Zealand+592.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Location Information<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Tuckeria Fresh Mexican (Shop 13 Central Brunswick, 421 Brunswick Street; 0406-377-278; <u><a href="http://www.tuckeria.com.au/"><span style="color: black;">www.tuckeria.com.au</span></a>)<o:p></o:p></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">***All photos are taken by me, Molly Malone, unless otherwise specified. Photos are not available for re-posting or publication. Stay tuned to my next blog post on the September harvest in Healdsburg, California...</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>Molly Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06139341882625339514noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4907356425616166226.post-76918656177813279722010-09-13T22:42:00.000-07:002010-09-13T22:59:51.274-07:00Cuba: Sunny, Carefree…and Too Darn Expensive!<div class="MsoNormal"><b>Havana: Traveling on a Budget</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsszqshOJhkk2jp_C0Ml8wzATmu0_PGFRqXTtOmCuWdnr7wVPdXRu5wWduypqsFdS3PrORo-aldgq7SBYvOPcPDFKeDWNItK4Eq0SLEffOzM621tdzZJt3pXgp2e7Hh_mx4URdbIDl38JT/s1600/100_0155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsszqshOJhkk2jp_C0Ml8wzATmu0_PGFRqXTtOmCuWdnr7wVPdXRu5wWduypqsFdS3PrORo-aldgq7SBYvOPcPDFKeDWNItK4Eq0SLEffOzM621tdzZJt3pXgp2e7Hh_mx4URdbIDl38JT/s200/100_0155.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Humid days and mojito-filled nights. Sounds of African drums, Spanish guitars and maracas fill the air while you shake your hips to the rhythm of the Son cubano. White smiles, run-down buildings, waves crashing against the stone wall of the Malecon avenue...these were my first impressions when I took a 15-day trip to Cuba. Below are some useful travel tips when planning your trip to Cuba...so read on...</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We traveled by car around the island, starting in Havana, then to Cienfuegos, Trinidad, Varadero, Vinales and back to Havana.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3qyZe6w5see4WG0XGOhu4tM-J_XrcQjugjITlwtj1RxqyVQn0QjLDKDNNgDX8sJnA5V3sCY3QxgGM_eGUVTbWcvkqUKtBpHRhudIpSU8SrlByz1m9Fv6yamWEMEgYjYl37oe6VttqNv1s/s1600/Screen+shot+2010-09-13+at+10.19.13+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3qyZe6w5see4WG0XGOhu4tM-J_XrcQjugjITlwtj1RxqyVQn0QjLDKDNNgDX8sJnA5V3sCY3QxgGM_eGUVTbWcvkqUKtBpHRhudIpSU8SrlByz1m9Fv6yamWEMEgYjYl37oe6VttqNv1s/s200/Screen+shot+2010-09-13+at+10.19.13+PM.png" width="184" /></a>However, we did not stay in costly beach resorts, nor partake in pre-arranged educational tours, which run roughly $5000 per person for 7 days. Instead, we bumbled along the streets with the locals and stayed in <i>casa particulares </i>(homes rented out by families). We ate warm buttermilk biscuits, fresh pineapple and mango and drank the muddy coffee that the Cubans kindly served us for breakfast. <i>(photo of mojitos by www.growcookeat.com)</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>What to Expect</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3hoZzJR3ZShHNh4fsNV-9X9sMj-12_y5USaask7ACEeEhRowxJsw16qXMnpXnh7H9pUH5Nwc84SQJNTzEu0GlslKuK_YTOPoDChIwRwy8Fhykkio0AJPbyHQh8rqzlrNpscZVT-hnD_Kx/s1600/100_0186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3hoZzJR3ZShHNh4fsNV-9X9sMj-12_y5USaask7ACEeEhRowxJsw16qXMnpXnh7H9pUH5Nwc84SQJNTzEu0GlslKuK_YTOPoDChIwRwy8Fhykkio0AJPbyHQh8rqzlrNpscZVT-hnD_Kx/s200/100_0186.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">When we took walking trips to downtown Havana, it felt like a throwback to the communist Russia days. The depressed vacant window-displays were evidence that there was literally nothing to buy, due to lack of imports into the country. But ironically, there were plentitudes of workers inside each shop. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZIw-KRLqdLE1MiwQYLOS18tZzbiwbL_pxv4V8aerUYXp3COziP0Xqg2p396qg4x_HhKTTChI_kAY8RisJzUauoDdzp9GOBIWOYftVH7FZ8E8iqeZh0PKeHl3wd-6rK266ruVy2mbtDBBa/s1600/100_0305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZIw-KRLqdLE1MiwQYLOS18tZzbiwbL_pxv4V8aerUYXp3COziP0Xqg2p396qg4x_HhKTTChI_kAY8RisJzUauoDdzp9GOBIWOYftVH7FZ8E8iqeZh0PKeHl3wd-6rK266ruVy2mbtDBBa/s200/100_0305.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Lines for eggs, meat, pencils, weekly rations of rice and beans were a common site a well. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19px;">For anyone who has been to Cuba in the past 40 years, they know that these images have been frozen in time. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I guess we were basically prepared for those sights, but one thing definitely shocked us: Who knew that food, hotel, and transportation would be so darn expensive in a place where the average wage is $12 a month per person? Around the country we found that most basic double rooms start at $150, a meager breakfast of coffee and toast costs $8, and dinner at a decent restaurant costs around $25 per person. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Doing it Cheap</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmAry92zuMu0PkZv0e9qBhM6pt8tp4ULDkDEsKGlp7oA_2XziGRprqAanYKVjGaMp04-hQKDswO5UMgwRrx7ud-BHP-i2BJ7rXCO_-zLNzxFtvMqfLnPWlZP8H4wYFdu2Udq1F5uBUR4CX/s1600/100_0204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmAry92zuMu0PkZv0e9qBhM6pt8tp4ULDkDEsKGlp7oA_2XziGRprqAanYKVjGaMp04-hQKDswO5UMgwRrx7ud-BHP-i2BJ7rXCO_-zLNzxFtvMqfLnPWlZP8H4wYFdu2Udq1F5uBUR4CX/s200/100_0204.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Although expensive, there are ways to budget travel in Cuba, which we learned along the way. It guaranteed us cheaper costs and constant contact with the culture. Be sure to ask locals and tourists for a good c<i>asa particular. </i>A small blue triangular sign above the door points the way. These houses, converted into bed and breakfasts, have been inspected by the government, and they must be under good condition and have clean quarters. Prices vary in different regions of Cuba, but in Havanna we stayed in the center for $15 per person.The host family is usually very helpful, providing maps and directions, and they typically serves a large breakfast for 3$ extra per person. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz4KqHFcxJEkJh4MsHjiQ6XxHvknXR5Ll5-ajfZI9EUoeq9pzkNdV3uYtvy-s9slTxU55KG0_6Zb_WGxYLyBXkP9G-oN2-GPoZLctkAOSQT51AQpAdVuOPix52Kav59lHwEXhHGUC6EKy-/s1600/100_0154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz4KqHFcxJEkJh4MsHjiQ6XxHvknXR5Ll5-ajfZI9EUoeq9pzkNdV3uYtvy-s9slTxU55KG0_6Zb_WGxYLyBXkP9G-oN2-GPoZLctkAOSQT51AQpAdVuOPix52Kav59lHwEXhHGUC6EKy-/s200/100_0154.jpg" width="200" /></a>My personal favorite was staying at the cheerful "Aurora's Casa Particular."After dragging our baggage up two flights of steep marble stairs, we stayed in two large, basic rooms, with a shared bathroom.</div><div class="MsoNormal">From the house, we were just a few blocks walking distance to Plaza de las Armas. Along the way there were colorful fruit carts, people happily chatting on street corners, balconies heavy with laundry and white sheets flapping in the wind, tuk-tuk motorcycles zooming by, stunning cathedrals, courtyards, European architecture and quaint squares. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMfc0EBXxSebRQDMTc7PsJiJabwjtP-P9LjkZsXUsMTPdtYkXHtu7MouMs_yYpegfcmu7VLw_sWmCHj8EPiZQblAIRRoZMt-Spe8XuRiowp2ft-wYlF6mOtKUHcqs6uVERT5-NCGZqNcwg/s1600/100_0270.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMfc0EBXxSebRQDMTc7PsJiJabwjtP-P9LjkZsXUsMTPdtYkXHtu7MouMs_yYpegfcmu7VLw_sWmCHj8EPiZQblAIRRoZMt-Spe8XuRiowp2ft-wYlF6mOtKUHcqs6uVERT5-NCGZqNcwg/s200/100_0270.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">From there, we climbed the stairs to the roof-top deck overlooking Havana, at the hotel Ambos Mundos. They claim that Hemingway rented a room there in the 1960’s. We sipped on <i>cubanitos</i> (a bloody mary made with rum) and enjoyed the balmy evening.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Be sure to take a taxi to the fort. But be prepared for a plethora of political propaganda on billboards along the street. Billboards we saw said things such as "<i>Viva la Revolución"</i> (long live the revolution) with a picture of Fidel Castro's arm wrapped around Che Guevara and others that said "<i>La Injustia Tiembla</i>" (injustice shakes).</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2tNX-1wf4jmjiTGB9ESLO8haqqoke3Wyxz82tFqYWkHZmB1Ax_LCIpKTuIZFBz9B0XR1Gd8L3JLNCgBEQYkroUOHSjsQk-tAkvVXTv24yvj7CRCKOEd1IASo0SwhkBRhvNJk5n21nP3h/s1600/100_0249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2tNX-1wf4jmjiTGB9ESLO8haqqoke3Wyxz82tFqYWkHZmB1Ax_LCIpKTuIZFBz9B0XR1Gd8L3JLNCgBEQYkroUOHSjsQk-tAkvVXTv24yvj7CRCKOEd1IASo0SwhkBRhvNJk5n21nP3h/s200/100_0249.jpg" width="200" /></a><b>Havana Highlights</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">You won't want to miss the Museo de la Revolucion. It is a time warp and very interesting to see history told from the eye of a different storyteller. Eat at the <i>Fresas y Chocolate Paladar </i>(a home that has been converted into a dinner-time restaurant). It is quaint, romantic and they serve the fresh fish catch of the day.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj83cH2gDSDNwTWQqAZHD5TA5rbg-5LaZgE4dpWMstgV8uFo-TwlPrDDWcry4oU7XG0mvF0T2WjVLYhAtotFSuuxM8P5tJwy4T_-H3oc-rva8N4R-EjZLh3oOjBnBkOzeVDtZlCerCOHSWE/s1600/100_0295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj83cH2gDSDNwTWQqAZHD5TA5rbg-5LaZgE4dpWMstgV8uFo-TwlPrDDWcry4oU7XG0mvF0T2WjVLYhAtotFSuuxM8P5tJwy4T_-H3oc-rva8N4R-EjZLh3oOjBnBkOzeVDtZlCerCOHSWE/s200/100_0295.jpg" width="150" /></a>Walk to the Plaza Vieja, which had builings from the new UNESCO remodeling and from the old era. It was interesting to see the contrasts between the new/old world. It gave a taste of how Havanna once was. From there, hop on a rickshaw, like those typically seen in India, and ride to the National Art Museum of Bellas Artes. It's definitely worth it, housing a collection of Cuban modern art from the 1800’s through today. You can see how the artists were inspired by Picasso and Warhol.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZR8m0tf38Pjf4HhnTfw0pOGBAN3egkGJPsJ5zoLLNdTTYHWn5zI8DcfObSu5NqnKJ9Mg_ohdS6bv1WnoyOb1dih0FAWQdnUkNqhXEIYAsQswzL_JoB4uEkFEaBv6iOPcHL-cjdNy5twtN/s1600/100_0310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZR8m0tf38Pjf4HhnTfw0pOGBAN3egkGJPsJ5zoLLNdTTYHWn5zI8DcfObSu5NqnKJ9Mg_ohdS6bv1WnoyOb1dih0FAWQdnUkNqhXEIYAsQswzL_JoB4uEkFEaBv6iOPcHL-cjdNy5twtN/s200/100_0310.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Car Rentals</div><div class="MsoNormal">To take a trip around the island, we decided to rent a car, which was basically a crazy thing to do. Just know that the car you rent starts off with an empty gas tank. Drive immediately to the gas station and fill the car up, otherwise you'll be stranded, like we were. Also, be prepared to pay with cash. Cuba is a cash-based society (euros are even better to have on hand, you'll get a far better exchange rate).</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">***All photos are taken by me, Molly Malone, unless otherwise specified. Photos are not available for re-posting or publication.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stay tuned for my next post on the art of a</span>n Argentine asados....</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Molly Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06139341882625339514noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4907356425616166226.post-28024484630406699902010-07-26T00:12:00.000-07:002010-09-13T22:45:46.885-07:00Miami In Style<div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPfd7djcx_QVZJAwL_DHuNlJTToFYNY4CSiALhPTVZWMPP9H5FtpT-oCQImZSVfNw4FgorHzOnFzcdAfjVsvockLCY3XK6kIPxGAITPNr6xc4BzXKxLkJDncHlISuA2KQqBSmVaZflR0Zp/s1600/Picture+4.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPfd7djcx_QVZJAwL_DHuNlJTToFYNY4CSiALhPTVZWMPP9H5FtpT-oCQImZSVfNw4FgorHzOnFzcdAfjVsvockLCY3XK6kIPxGAITPNr6xc4BzXKxLkJDncHlISuA2KQqBSmVaZflR0Zp/s200/Picture+4.png" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">Mod, sexy and trendy…Miami oozes with steamy nights and cool people. Every trip I take, the scene becomes showier than the time before. If you’re ready for a wild ride, then follow my travel tips below to visit some of the hottest spots that Miami Beach has to offer…</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, 'Trebuchet MS', lucida, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">(<i>Photo of Miami Beach by wallcoo.com</i>.)</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-weight: normal;"></span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><b></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><b></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><b></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><b></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><b></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><b></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><b></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><b></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><b></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><b></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><b></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><b></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><b></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><b></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><b></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><b></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><b></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><b><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Where to Stay</span></b></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmpN5XUdL9g0jySPb85C4jyBKKYXSuagTfRJJRZAO3vu-S0C0M7P6WmsOJTf8hpBWBK0QybFrsJg2GxTP15SbPrnYCSwGeLXOxOUfVRgtvsXfHPTaCvQwnXCmOXFA1rpu3vrop3A2kKsOI/s1600/DSC01933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmpN5XUdL9g0jySPb85C4jyBKKYXSuagTfRJJRZAO3vu-S0C0M7P6WmsOJTf8hpBWBK0QybFrsJg2GxTP15SbPrnYCSwGeLXOxOUfVRgtvsXfHPTaCvQwnXCmOXFA1rpu3vrop3A2kKsOI/s200/DSC01933.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Pools, sun, 70's style shabby-chic bar, martinis…what more could you ask for? At the newly renovated<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/miasr-eden-roc-renaissance-miami-beach/"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Eden Roc</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">, you can get a room with a view starting at $219. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ne_Y6kJdsjTrbfWvW3IgFcctVrKdp5dIGG7uhcacmGn6kwYZE5xGzCD8U7u2iwlqAORYJ7CW4w6g3EXCv4W-WRiHxIPWUcvf3IWD6D7MvMUNuuZMFV6bozSrE_09nI75Kf_QcG2V_ujp/s1600/DSC01919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ne_Y6kJdsjTrbfWvW3IgFcctVrKdp5dIGG7uhcacmGn6kwYZE5xGzCD8U7u2iwlqAORYJ7CW4w6g3EXCv4W-WRiHxIPWUcvf3IWD6D7MvMUNuuZMFV6bozSrE_09nI75Kf_QcG2V_ujp/s200/DSC01919.JPG" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
The hip, white and orange lobby bar attracts visitors from around the world. On Saturday nights, relax with a cocktail in hand as you listen to a live DJ spin. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">The hotel has all the basics a traveler needs: Starbucks coffee shop, massage and spa amenities, as well as an eternity pool overlooking the beach. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHc1UfjAgpvJkcDIGS_EQ7gNgeLDKQpietFBEctFx6MTC4yDeoiR3zAPmKLmQJ61FFnsbmt-XBik16uDZALCh_lZ0gJbo4R64mxYjxxChpSC06QBAdOPCwTxXVBpCw81N5vc02NXamHai0/s1600/Picture+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHc1UfjAgpvJkcDIGS_EQ7gNgeLDKQpietFBEctFx6MTC4yDeoiR3zAPmKLmQJ61FFnsbmt-XBik16uDZALCh_lZ0gJbo4R64mxYjxxChpSC06QBAdOPCwTxXVBpCw81N5vc02NXamHai0/s200/Picture+3.png" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Located on 4525 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach Tel: 305-531-0000.</span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, 'Trebuchet MS', lucida, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;">(<i>Photo of pool by marriot.com</i>.)</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: 800;"><b><br />
</b></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: 800;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: 800;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: 800;"><br />
</span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Where to Go Out</span></b></div></div></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqBvn06Rt5B3OS81v0Uo9cho9vGUV2STg5TWgliml8IVGZ1nlZDDhvNSm3RynFeRXfjqetYBoXSx0sL77bccNGwsCqBUG60YC66ZfK7pj1Vtv34YoYFgDQ__TOd3Vg47FJeNXl1V1XftqP/s1600/DSC01938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqBvn06Rt5B3OS81v0Uo9cho9vGUV2STg5TWgliml8IVGZ1nlZDDhvNSm3RynFeRXfjqetYBoXSx0sL77bccNGwsCqBUG60YC66ZfK7pj1Vtv34YoYFgDQ__TOd3Vg47FJeNXl1V1XftqP/s200/DSC01938.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial;">Hit the chic<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b></span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.fontainebleau.com/web/bars__nightlife/bleau_bar"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Bleau Bar</span></a></span></b><span style="color: #7e7e7e; font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">at the legendary <b><a href="http://www.fontainebleau.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Fountaine Blue</span></a></b> hotel for a cocktail, where James Bond was said to play a hand in gin rummy. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZZ2P5fAoyNQcXNJpzWMfway61ZLR1_CiWK70NI37JuUvFkC7staOW8kj0_QGPXJn0wvrXQzIhyphenhyphenMaMBqk0VUEyNKz7M5fh3xMiuOLjxAsvaAXPQFJIJKz5WreTwkIyXuuM1BEBuRT0TfHx/s1600/DSC01946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZZ2P5fAoyNQcXNJpzWMfway61ZLR1_CiWK70NI37JuUvFkC7staOW8kj0_QGPXJn0wvrXQzIhyphenhyphenMaMBqk0VUEyNKz7M5fh3xMiuOLjxAsvaAXPQFJIJKz5WreTwkIyXuuM1BEBuRT0TfHx/s200/DSC01946.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial;">Continue on to the hotel’s pumping dance club,<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> </span><b><a href="http://www.livnightclub.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">LIV</span></a></b>. DJ’s spin rock, hip-hop and house all night. The crowd is mainly in their 20's, and the whole place seethes with energy. Stilettos, sheer mini-skirts, glittery jewelry, expensive cologne, long lines, VIP treatment – it's the real Miami deal. Located in the Fountain Blue Hotel on 4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach. Tel: 305-674-4680.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirz62yMBW1WQTnkAB9zMaGDDQ9GPIpV53qLHEzeBunPQjDmHlcOoMkqbZ-CcoMeP3P4HXWEAsshKjcdUUdCacix11V0sE0BOffTRrDoTyBHWUQtxfyUwT-TAW33vTOd5QIGDJzdab9N9do/s1600/DSC01881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirz62yMBW1WQTnkAB9zMaGDDQ9GPIpV53qLHEzeBunPQjDmHlcOoMkqbZ-CcoMeP3P4HXWEAsshKjcdUUdCacix11V0sE0BOffTRrDoTyBHWUQtxfyUwT-TAW33vTOd5QIGDJzdab9N9do/s200/DSC01881.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial;">Miami’s newest club is<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> </span><b><a href="http://www.wsouthbeach.com/nightlife"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Wall</span></a></b>, at the <b><a href="http://www.wsouthbeach.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">W South Beach</span></a></b> hotel. Look the hottest you’ve ever looked. Play it very cool. The shorter the skirt, the better. The hipper the dress shoes and the bigger the Rolex watch, the more attention you’ll get. Located at 2201 Collins Avenue. Tel: 305-938-3000.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Sunday bingo night at <b><a href="http://www.standardhotels.com/miami/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">The Standard</span></a></b> is a kick. Dress retro-casual and prepare yourself for a strong martini. Here you can relax, mingle and win something cool while listening to chill out music. Games start at 8:30 p.m. Get there early for a seat, otherwise, standing room only. Located at 40 Island Avenue, Miami Beach. Tel: 305-673-1717<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Where to Eat</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXZpIYwjTjCItTVR-EUwLLVGjy5GZapLm5GZ1PSG5YkTwZPIm-H7C5VNKQMWhU3L21eeYHxc5pRBP-wfyn0AbZ6WkXUHWDKrVuUwKC6u8Ahk78EQRzrY07xHcq_RG898i-FX5iFgQNuZ0r/s1600/DSC01875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXZpIYwjTjCItTVR-EUwLLVGjy5GZapLm5GZ1PSG5YkTwZPIm-H7C5VNKQMWhU3L21eeYHxc5pRBP-wfyn0AbZ6WkXUHWDKrVuUwKC6u8Ahk78EQRzrY07xHcq_RG898i-FX5iFgQNuZ0r/s200/DSC01875.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial;">Join the hip Miami crowd at this hot Italian spot. For delicious thin crust pizza, a mozzarella-tasting bar, and a decently priced bottle of Italian wine, go to <b><a href="http://www.casalepizzeria.com/pizzeria.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Casale</span></a></b> restaurant. They offer outdoor patio seating, perfect for a balmy Miami night. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Favorite picks on the menu include the Granturco anipasti (polenta with wild mushrooms and arugula). Clay oven-baked pizzas come out hot and fresh. Try the Catalana (pizza with chorizo, manchego, tomatoe and olives) or the Vegetariana (pizza with cipolline, zucchini, endive and radicchio). Pizza prices range from $9-$15 per pie. Located at 1800 Bay Road, Miami Beach. Tel: 305-763-8088.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHjEa0QUbborRt5psY94hxEzly5XA-73Nag1G9ZkDHceiVvwJqlM6Ioe4HsOLH4qBuYh3L_gOthbiiamSTFufOE9HV6jZmjCX3Pzl8CXPX3z_cFQVbmkxHZ_wQ3fAsbxNuYzhOwgQsK_Sz/s1600/DSC01901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHjEa0QUbborRt5psY94hxEzly5XA-73Nag1G9ZkDHceiVvwJqlM6Ioe4HsOLH4qBuYh3L_gOthbiiamSTFufOE9HV6jZmjCX3Pzl8CXPX3z_cFQVbmkxHZ_wQ3fAsbxNuYzhOwgQsK_Sz/s200/DSC01901.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial;">If you’re in the mood for Haitian food, you can’t miss out on<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> </span><b><a href="http://www.taptaprestaurant.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Tap Tap</span></a></b> restaurant. This colorful, casual, lively place offers mouthwatering dishes such as Griyo (lightly fried, marinated pork chunks), Kribish Kreyol (shrimp in Creole or coconut sauce), or Pwason Gwosel (poached yellowtail snapper with lime sauce). Be sure to order a fresh mojito. Meal prices range from $9-$17. Located at 819 5<sup>th</sup> Street, Miami Beach. Tel: 305-672-2898.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi3d4lhU33txf29ecToTGSRQcmJRi2oLtrISDI4IqfW2CmEetPkmx0L8jt5chvLo-Fs-L5OzfB0PFh02Z2WZFwAnGIn1hVOILeVfIeSekESmhgryvt5beGTmmi4csS8HBENDkdX0kIcIzL/s1600/Picture+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi3d4lhU33txf29ecToTGSRQcmJRi2oLtrISDI4IqfW2CmEetPkmx0L8jt5chvLo-Fs-L5OzfB0PFh02Z2WZFwAnGIn1hVOILeVfIeSekESmhgryvt5beGTmmi4csS8HBENDkdX0kIcIzL/s200/Picture+1.png" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial;">To be seen (and to get some great grub after a long night of partying), go to the<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> </span><b><a href="http://www.penguinhotel.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Front Porch Café</span></a></b> for brunch. This eatery has been voted the “best breakfast in town” by locals for years. Located in the heart of South Beach, the café is attached to the newly renovated Penguin Hotel. You can get all types of omelets, pancakes, health shakes, burritos and sandwiches. Located at 1418 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach. Tel: 305-531-8300. </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, 'Trebuchet MS', lucida, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">(<i>Photo of Front Porch Cafe by penguinhotel.com</i>.)</span></o:p></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">***All photos are taken by me, Molly Malone, unless otherwise specified. Photos are not available for re-posting or publication. Stay tuned to my next blog post on where to go in Cuba...</span></span></div>Molly Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06139341882625339514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4907356425616166226.post-74279527035093289372010-05-18T20:24:00.000-07:002010-05-19T13:11:35.355-07:00Venice Beach: Art Walk<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: auto;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR4N8jd1OhtPkfpF-lb9mcIXXaTAFLnB28bTmehc2uAYpG1sd9DH5SyZcEPoV_-nOn-k0o2OrM38rjoLU8dkf44N9vPiE9vWq1QFbLmA7vfSmYY__YkNQ9q5WVCvY4dpM-NskxnnfTL6rm/s1600/DSC01715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR4N8jd1OhtPkfpF-lb9mcIXXaTAFLnB28bTmehc2uAYpG1sd9DH5SyZcEPoV_-nOn-k0o2OrM38rjoLU8dkf44N9vPiE9vWq1QFbLmA7vfSmYY__YkNQ9q5WVCvY4dpM-NskxnnfTL6rm/s200/DSC01715.JPG" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Venice Beach, California. The doors are open. Hip onlookers check out eclectic sculptures and paintings while chatting with the artists in their private studios.</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjxNByjV7X6v8TmMPQPaqrD2DKMOGZ6bER-ld9ltpADWeqZ347kx-KgJUqq5ApWjs9dxkEW4BBqwKIPYZeVrg-3bDixTKA7R5eiN8WNbNeQG0jGSTuKaKm1fAjgPBxGg3eKbYatyz6Rcwe/s1600/DSC01710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjxNByjV7X6v8TmMPQPaqrD2DKMOGZ6bER-ld9ltpADWeqZ347kx-KgJUqq5ApWjs9dxkEW4BBqwKIPYZeVrg-3bDixTKA7R5eiN8WNbNeQG0jGSTuKaKm1fAjgPBxGg3eKbYatyz6Rcwe/s200/DSC01710.JPG" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This Saturday and Sunday, May 22-23, you’ll get a chance to meander down Venice walkways and visit over 50 art studios located in modern lofts, small cottages and cutting-edge spaces during the </span><a href="http://venicefamilyclinic.wordpress.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Venice Beach Art Walk</span></span></b></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> event. </span> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdCF2D4jg4eYbBwmf32H22uWVGUddBw_pST2mWgKZqqe0jrXqWxPDJUwWI2oB3sWbTOvg0BfVDreHlaBO3E9bpCglYO6T8cmt8zxq10k4vRKVSRZE66KI1pLryQF0-73wdupKtkqiLlfn1/s1600/DSC01676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdCF2D4jg4eYbBwmf32H22uWVGUddBw_pST2mWgKZqqe0jrXqWxPDJUwWI2oB3sWbTOvg0BfVDreHlaBO3E9bpCglYO6T8cmt8zxq10k4vRKVSRZE66KI1pLryQF0-73wdupKtkqiLlfn1/s200/DSC01676.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tickets are $50 for a self-guided walking tour or you can opt to take an organized “Art & Architecture Tour” for $100-$150. To purchase tickets online and for more information, visit: </span><a href="http://venicefamilyclinic.wordpress.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">http://venicefamilyclinic.wordpress.com/</span></span></b></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a few hours of art perusing, the hunger is sure to set in. Stroll over to Abbot Kinney Boulevard – a hangout for the Beat generation in the 50’s and 60s – where you’ll see an overflow of the creative crowd. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSiqcyO7F3LMq0fJxFU8xJH5xHqwOdRfg57oCKb7vUxj29kjTFfB2Hi-kRhgSvCpUIB8-7f3p2JSZ9Yv9JNs-O8-YtVWYG5c_KoQ9Uop8DAYNTr2Q95LTA1HrydqYII84SumWBJcxOsya2/s1600/DSC01718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSiqcyO7F3LMq0fJxFU8xJH5xHqwOdRfg57oCKb7vUxj29kjTFfB2Hi-kRhgSvCpUIB8-7f3p2JSZ9Yv9JNs-O8-YtVWYG5c_KoQ9Uop8DAYNTr2Q95LTA1HrydqYII84SumWBJcxOsya2/s200/DSC01718.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To hang with the Euro-chic, sip a glass of </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sauvignon Blanc</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and munch on Mediterranean-style tapas, then go to </span><a href="http://www.primitivowinebistro.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Primitivo</span></b></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, located at 1025 Abbot Kinney Blvd. 310-396-5353.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><o:p></o:p><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEKRAmPg5__9rarF73siSv1jQ7WY7_xs8bBksnugp3_KcGL0STQX9bK_8F8-lLSVdJS9tQ9UD78agalXYH7ae9i_hwykcyWHk5dTqj-ZRZXc6zMWKGwHlJu9Ri8uB0AGYyS6L2mv1sSjs/s1600/DSC01721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEKRAmPg5__9rarF73siSv1jQ7WY7_xs8bBksnugp3_KcGL0STQX9bK_8F8-lLSVdJS9tQ9UD78agalXYH7ae9i_hwykcyWHk5dTqj-ZRZXc6zMWKGwHlJu9Ri8uB0AGYyS6L2mv1sSjs/s200/DSC01721.JPG" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">***All photos are taken by me, Molly Malone, unless otherwise specified. Photos are not available for re-posting or publication. Stay tuned to next week's blog on Miami hot spots!</span></span>Molly Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06139341882625339514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4907356425616166226.post-41047289877707413912010-03-16T21:13:00.000-07:002010-03-19T22:56:40.579-07:00Patagonia: Chile - Where to Stay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE9cxljzzYLqz_jXAEsuQ1Ht82JopmMDdLuDcMvGENT005xjKZGn9TnPUEwovNCSotssZRpBCfFAp0qhV2fRyzTXTFuwpnJauUX8HDDrBBDZ7N9S6MYluG4E1LoQC2XDQ8D2S-ZeVHyrd8/s1600-h/Buenos+Aires+II+361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE9cxljzzYLqz_jXAEsuQ1Ht82JopmMDdLuDcMvGENT005xjKZGn9TnPUEwovNCSotssZRpBCfFAp0qhV2fRyzTXTFuwpnJauUX8HDDrBBDZ7N9S6MYluG4E1LoQC2XDQ8D2S-ZeVHyrd8/s200/Buenos+Aires+II+361.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">When you think you’ve seen all the beauty you can handle on the Argentina side of the Patagonia…sorry to let you know…but you’re wrong. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNE_6n_HD5GbseIOqindoG-Yi5vsFGPQ3Wu9wF9B9-_sZF6SCPsBKGEtU6-1Iu-ddXhRQSonYowLb36N2TCrNC5RayW9bbEkYx8fd-Ypc-iQKVhqBzFdrDGKN9N1RSTFjfyztTKHp62Q-C/s1600-h/Buenos+Aires+II+369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNE_6n_HD5GbseIOqindoG-Yi5vsFGPQ3Wu9wF9B9-_sZF6SCPsBKGEtU6-1Iu-ddXhRQSonYowLb36N2TCrNC5RayW9bbEkYx8fd-Ypc-iQKVhqBzFdrDGKN9N1RSTFjfyztTKHp62Q-C/s200/Buenos+Aires+II+369.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">The Torres del Paine National Park steps it up to a whole new level: picturesque views of </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">jagged snow-capped mountains, ice blue waters, rumbling rivers, alpaca and wild horses walking across the road in front of you…anyone who snaps a photo will realize that nature has turned him/her into an instant Ansel Adams. All of a sudden, those pictures that normally don’t turn out for you will develop marvelously. Why? Because the lighting is just perfect and the color contrasts create a precise balance in nature. I’ve never seen anything like it.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWg_WpIN9I4YYCRlo6hyphenhyphenimaxC3uwh96cAJOwcRo6QFwCun1pbwAlvHPzB1TCBFMAZfRX7FUuytTTMFyH4uJFUkNGprMvJM7UNtCkVSUqhojk6pid_zQVTUbvNTjkQt-F615WMGSZLgVlxk/s1600-h/Buenos+Aires+II+315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWg_WpIN9I4YYCRlo6hyphenhyphenimaxC3uwh96cAJOwcRo6QFwCun1pbwAlvHPzB1TCBFMAZfRX7FUuytTTMFyH4uJFUkNGprMvJM7UNtCkVSUqhojk6pid_zQVTUbvNTjkQt-F615WMGSZLgVlxk/s200/Buenos+Aires+II+315.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">Tips Before You Go</span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">However, there are a few things to note if you’re driving from Calafate to the Chilean border. It takes about eight hours due to rocky, dirt roads and poor signage. Before you head out, be sure to stock your car with sandwiches, snacks and water in Calafate, as there are few restaurants along the way. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAYPqm2isP7ma54vHT_zzpnZSIIQR4ttJNkL0N-WYXgPm8Q_8sKE93B4b49PPZvHdb0ryj6rvfFeH0lCUpMD3XSFuz2Y8B5cGwnxskiCMLxCpE3f9xuxhcsondLJnmGVxL9Goo-CRAXkuS/s1600-h/Buenos+Aires+II+342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAYPqm2isP7ma54vHT_zzpnZSIIQR4ttJNkL0N-WYXgPm8Q_8sKE93B4b49PPZvHdb0ryj6rvfFeH0lCUpMD3XSFuz2Y8B5cGwnxskiCMLxCpE3f9xuxhcsondLJnmGVxL9Goo-CRAXkuS/s200/Buenos+Aires+II+342.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Also, remember to leave early in the morning so that you’re not stuck at the Argentina/Chile border in the dark (it’s out in the middle of nowhere). The two last, most important tips are: FUEL UP BEFORE YOU CROSS THE BORDER and EXCHANGE MONEY TO CHILEAN PESOS! Both of these are a must, as there are no gas stations in the Torres Del Paine National Park, and everyone is reluctant to help since gas is so hard to come by. There are also no banks, and most places are cash only (Chilean pesos).<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-OlUoRnp5RKeTJEJoZEesRYYFinP_5amQ1xN6Cvoj17JnyK_Ef3ujnTrWIxDKUWT7NZAse0h0B2MifJqjYKQrTzfNydkjRISvatKOlTwGNGRbvYZO_9hbf1MPb3fPZ6c4WIVvN4xNcdX/s1600-h/Buenos+Aires+II+320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-OlUoRnp5RKeTJEJoZEesRYYFinP_5amQ1xN6Cvoj17JnyK_Ef3ujnTrWIxDKUWT7NZAse0h0B2MifJqjYKQrTzfNydkjRISvatKOlTwGNGRbvYZO_9hbf1MPb3fPZ6c4WIVvN4xNcdX/s200/Buenos+Aires+II+320.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">Places to Stay</span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">I stayed all four nights at <b><a href="http://www.lagogrey.cl/hosteria-lago-grey.php"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Hostería Lago Grey</span></a></b>, located on the west end of the park. However, I would recommend staying only one night there, and three nights at either the rustic, all-inclusive <b><a href="http://www.lastorres.com/our-hotel/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Hotel Las Torres</span></a></b> or at the upscale, all-inclusive <b><a href="http://www.explora.com/explora-patagonia/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Explora Lodge</span></a></b>. This way, you’ll experience a variety of areas of the park, and see starkly different breath-taking views while you dine, hike and explore.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoeMmOT0abTzZ4r3QSudOZBgyeXu5p6f6oWFPg3279yIY-kboXJRas5-sBYF7Qu3UGbB9I-Cr4sSrxg-NThL4W15_qJrIkMbaeY_0ML_0-CQz15l13HPkQcfWnitK2wjhg0OaRnP0nIUX8/s1600-h/DSC00963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoeMmOT0abTzZ4r3QSudOZBgyeXu5p6f6oWFPg3279yIY-kboXJRas5-sBYF7Qu3UGbB9I-Cr4sSrxg-NThL4W15_qJrIkMbaeY_0ML_0-CQz15l13HPkQcfWnitK2wjhg0OaRnP0nIUX8/s200/DSC00963.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.lagogrey.cl/hosteria-lago-grey.php"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Hostería Lago Grey</span></a></span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"> has comfortable and affordable bungalows settled in the midst of a tiny forest. The food is edible, but nothing to rave about. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFImsD3pTEnZHnOoPc5_OTHa_zx0BLn7Y3Zqy96_WWNP1tg-lCsuREOLTt67HxauKHkc-wMmWx81ZgrK0PsPqedEAkmByjvboXj57-e0VR6rX3nR2eJmNdPtDFw7LsR_INRtYqhoWd4pyY/s1600-h/Buenos+Aires+II+289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFImsD3pTEnZHnOoPc5_OTHa_zx0BLn7Y3Zqy96_WWNP1tg-lCsuREOLTt67HxauKHkc-wMmWx81ZgrK0PsPqedEAkmByjvboXj57-e0VR6rX3nR2eJmNdPtDFw7LsR_INRtYqhoWd4pyY/s200/Buenos+Aires+II+289.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">The best part is that the bar overlooks the Lago Grey Glacier and floating icebergs. You can easily take a walk around the lake from the hotel (however, be prepared for extremely high winds…bring sun glasses, a wind-proof jacket with hood, gloves, scarves, everything, because the sand whips against your face as you walk). There are also some pleasant day-hike loops nearby that bring you to small waterfalls.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj65u-2qhp1hd8wALqJb19f_Mi17JCg8sQnBQo2bgBDCv4E2cGItQIsEqYcnGaKanbQeeRoiPf-Z1A5Rz2tjDZAzP6dAWYDoGa9-yjXw8Oyp4WaqDdr-2xTcmDi0yKHoPDgDLr-otfHlV4h/s1600-h/Picture+6.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj65u-2qhp1hd8wALqJb19f_Mi17JCg8sQnBQo2bgBDCv4E2cGItQIsEqYcnGaKanbQeeRoiPf-Z1A5Rz2tjDZAzP6dAWYDoGa9-yjXw8Oyp4WaqDdr-2xTcmDi0yKHoPDgDLr-otfHlV4h/s200/Picture+6.png" width="200" /></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">The <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.lastorres.com/our-hotel/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Hotel Las Torres</span></a> </b>has a classy and outdoorsy feel. Its tall, wooden ceilings and large windows show off the base of the </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Torres del Paine Mountain. The hotel is located on the east side of the park and is only three miles from the famous Los Cuernos</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"> Mountain. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2j4Cnsepzzd3l5UZxLK_KEMAcIHzA7nZwSYxNs1R4Zt3QIJ0Z-l5UmIlhE97PD0WKo3nGPCBQravgkkyJ7chagsD8bZl0_zLJ52bl_S0cp5Y6lLAVp09-p8OXaHzFndIwjIAPYJbVSWYQ/s1600-h/Picture+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2j4Cnsepzzd3l5UZxLK_KEMAcIHzA7nZwSYxNs1R4Zt3QIJ0Z-l5UmIlhE97PD0WKo3nGPCBQravgkkyJ7chagsD8bZl0_zLJ52bl_S0cp5Y6lLAVp09-p8OXaHzFndIwjIAPYJbVSWYQ/s200/Picture+3.png" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">There is a minimum three-night stay at this lodge, which includes meals, full bar, guided treks and horseback riding excursions (roughly $500/night - three night minimum stay). This is also the jumping off point to the popular 4-7 day hiking loop. (<i>Photos of Hotel Las Torres by lastorres.com</i>.)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1wDsMw30vpCbeqkHwXYSbkyzaQ4UY99E7wfghn7pCaqHth82sXNMv66fmesTW1H32UHb0vwL0WCMtHAtTGepmjnyNhupE648rv3wqq3WyemdL8nPQHIFzEiQsATll_J6E-Mqb8owD24h/s1600-h/Picture+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1wDsMw30vpCbeqkHwXYSbkyzaQ4UY99E7wfghn7pCaqHth82sXNMv66fmesTW1H32UHb0vwL0WCMtHAtTGepmjnyNhupE648rv3wqq3WyemdL8nPQHIFzEiQsATll_J6E-Mqb8owD24h/s200/Picture+1.png" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">For a ritzy, fashionable, all-inclusive experience in the Patagonia, the<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> </span><b><a href="http://www.explora.com/explora-patagonia/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: none;">Explora Lodge</span></span></a></b> provides three gourmet meals a day, full bar service, a room with a view of Lake Pehoe, boat rides, horseback rides, bike excursions and guided treks, all for a very high price tag (roughly $1000/night - three night minimum stay). But I must say, everyone I know that has stayed there just adores this hotel. If you have the money, go for it. (<i>Photo of Explora by torresdelpaine.com.</i>)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjgrd_R_c2yxYe7QKS5cCaYND8YzcufepvuGE-XiNbHMa4skmQIswHIXnfFE7g1oi1W1Ey6vTSx2LpQ-oBRdgWcVhhoR6ymVFnWS5J5oBD4UCo_ZzXLyhlDGBSQ5mRBTJ6ymS7FwnsaepS/s1600-h/Buenos+Aires+II+324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjgrd_R_c2yxYe7QKS5cCaYND8YzcufepvuGE-XiNbHMa4skmQIswHIXnfFE7g1oi1W1Ey6vTSx2LpQ-oBRdgWcVhhoR6ymVFnWS5J5oBD4UCo_ZzXLyhlDGBSQ5mRBTJ6ymS7FwnsaepS/s200/Buenos+Aires+II+324.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">Patagonia: Argentina vs. Chile?</span></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">In my honest opinion, even though Torres del Paine is shockingly beautiful, I enjoyed the Argentina side of the Patagonia more. There are a few reasons why, so I’ll list them below:</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><ul><li>I received much more of a warm, gracious welcome from the Argentines in the Patagonia. The Chileans are nice, but cold.</li>
<li>Argentina is more accommodating with money. They accept dollars, pesos, or credit cards in most places.</li>
<li>The food is much better, the meat and fish taste fresher.</li>
<li>There seem to be more options of excursions and day treks from Calafate than in/around the Torres del Paine National Park.</li>
<li>The Chilean Patagonia is super duper windy! </li>
</ul><ol></ol></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">***All photos are taken by me, Molly Malone, unless otherwise specified. Photos are not available for re-posting or publication. Stay tuned to next week's blog on Miami hot spots, art shows and upcoming music events!</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Molly Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06139341882625339514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4907356425616166226.post-70180383568887105362010-03-09T23:24:00.000-08:002010-03-09T23:42:31.612-08:00Patagonia: Argentina - Where to Stay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxXV5XY1YHfFTjZfg4heQTD18W8m5VG74Wx2Q1jEDUWZzs2U9E_RAloLJfeQGARSWCcByjhePxgboHozKorHkrkmlQAjrgJo8kBqCOpiJJ1xcrWat9kKpkyJpnRn_XvKia0qmYFhIwLOT9/s1600-h/DSC00852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxXV5XY1YHfFTjZfg4heQTD18W8m5VG74Wx2Q1jEDUWZzs2U9E_RAloLJfeQGARSWCcByjhePxgboHozKorHkrkmlQAjrgJo8kBqCOpiJJ1xcrWat9kKpkyJpnRn_XvKia0qmYFhIwLOT9/s200/DSC00852.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">It’s the end of summer right now in Argentina and Chile. Why pack a bag full of scarves, wool hats, fluffy jackets and hiking boots to go to the cold Patagonia when you could slip into a bikini and relax on the beach in Punta del Este, Uruguay? For years I wrestled with this question.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlEMT7a1Mlm-oA1lgngLYxIVq4U4-Hha6magfEsVei0gZSrNYPadKEVyn5ZJFIeMHOLckTqtVO7zEtEGl_K7QJ0CwBL4bFblZ7ADcC5dg9xXk2sL_uCGuSrnRJ99JF0iZns8WERkfSrmv3/s1600-h/DSC01212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlEMT7a1Mlm-oA1lgngLYxIVq4U4-Hha6magfEsVei0gZSrNYPadKEVyn5ZJFIeMHOLckTqtVO7zEtEGl_K7QJ0CwBL4bFblZ7ADcC5dg9xXk2sL_uCGuSrnRJ99JF0iZns8WERkfSrmv3/s200/DSC01212.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I’ll tell you why: staggering mountains, crisp air, enormous glaciers, kind hospitality, gourmet food, stunning views…and the list goes on. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWXCPVbiTNs9IdqS9Pqzyl_VnWv_6XQmZmpGY5cYLEMsCpYSoLfkDnE7oU40wZMst2ZZyG71Amru1ujihE_yJXCkOl6ozmt8T_Wwvsvlf-sEHxiyhWnHAV-7qQUj3jVdeXGpK9_50Jl9Ym/s1600-h/DSC01240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWXCPVbiTNs9IdqS9Pqzyl_VnWv_6XQmZmpGY5cYLEMsCpYSoLfkDnE7oU40wZMst2ZZyG71Amru1ujihE_yJXCkOl6ozmt8T_Wwvsvlf-sEHxiyhWnHAV-7qQUj3jVdeXGpK9_50Jl9Ym/s200/DSC01240.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">After years of friends and family trying to convince me to go down to the Patagonia, I booked a rather “luxury” style all-inclusive 12-day trip through <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.exprinter-viajes.com.ar/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Exprinter Viajes</span></a> </b>travel agency. Previously, my friends had arranged the same trip through a U.S. travel agency, and it cost them three times more. I paid $4,400 for everything – airfare to Calafate from Buenos Aires, car rental, luxury hotels/B&Bs, trekking guides, gourmet meals, excursions, horseback riding, glacier boat trips…and every penny was worth it.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiLHe4IO2DabC1pCTmF1Dn94jyzyf96iylm6Qs9a1CNzso1PtyuWdbzzML9bxewE9aXp36A6lBRo50Xl-y2GssUciA6f_9_FMbrUG3mQw6aJtj9vA0SLc1CPpF_xD4fgDwgnosPNN0irU9/s1600-h/DSC01219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiLHe4IO2DabC1pCTmF1Dn94jyzyf96iylm6Qs9a1CNzso1PtyuWdbzzML9bxewE9aXp36A6lBRo50Xl-y2GssUciA6f_9_FMbrUG3mQw6aJtj9vA0SLc1CPpF_xD4fgDwgnosPNN0irU9/s200/DSC01219.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Below is my itinerary to the Patagonia (Argentina), with a few other important tidbits that I would have liked to know along the way before I left home. The best time of the year to go is late November to early March. I’ll write about the Patagonia (Chile) in next week’s blog post.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrRLEqb1DIGWSBckb8t7DT0AQZcbyP9rK4Y3v5aF2hh59-E2cf8rxWpT3gDpJg7UA13B6mrUaxotBB4DEE_34ElvW7LIxDZIfafJc7RzWPqL32hlK3ounyGpw-zaoDkKlrbozdWsJlU2d5/s1600-h/Orbitz.com.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrRLEqb1DIGWSBckb8t7DT0AQZcbyP9rK4Y3v5aF2hh59-E2cf8rxWpT3gDpJg7UA13B6mrUaxotBB4DEE_34ElvW7LIxDZIfafJc7RzWPqL32hlK3ounyGpw-zaoDkKlrbozdWsJlU2d5/s200/Orbitz.com.png" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.kauyatun.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Kau Yatún Hotel de Campo</span></a> (Calafate) </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">– I stayed one night here to jumpstart my trip. This hotel is comfortable, the service is great and it’s located fairly near town. (<i>Photo of Kau Yatún by Orbitz.com.</i>)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmmSXsgEop9-78eqmM9b8CCAAa8uSce91HBTx_f9273kULhhN8HykReVMJ1rqw7KgzJmdtbYTnORnxqOX2gwsZoiCwrW0I318Td6aJ_7CzkgJYWQWKOsGKRpQpWQy8nkucgVLb1vo9RNo2/s1600-h/DSC00794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmmSXsgEop9-78eqmM9b8CCAAa8uSce91HBTx_f9273kULhhN8HykReVMJ1rqw7KgzJmdtbYTnORnxqOX2gwsZoiCwrW0I318Td6aJ_7CzkgJYWQWKOsGKRpQpWQy8nkucgVLb1vo9RNo2/s200/DSC00794.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">They have a great restaurant on the premise, offering homemade emapandas, grilled steaks and a live show of Patagonian music/dance. Bikes are also available for hotel guests, so you can explore the one-street downtown or ride to the natural bird lagoon close by.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT-ENHcr5DchH3wpqdlK8e3I__6h8CUr82wc83oIKqga3w4SnupBX9LQOaM40IB9zVmhLze9vcdR_Mbdo1ChxFVqsbTVXl9lEUZGZ_gVblV30HzAWW8zC3XhXfZyhw_70PBUJ4YVNw4R_R/s1600-h/DSC01166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT-ENHcr5DchH3wpqdlK8e3I__6h8CUr82wc83oIKqga3w4SnupBX9LQOaM40IB9zVmhLze9vcdR_Mbdo1ChxFVqsbTVXl9lEUZGZ_gVblV30HzAWW8zC3XhXfZyhw_70PBUJ4YVNw4R_R/s200/DSC01166.jpg" width="150" /></a><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.hosteriaaltavista.com.ar/website/Eng/default.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Hostería Altavista</span></a> (Calafate) </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">– I stayed two nights at this lovely B&B, to get a more remote experience. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">This quaint, seven-room house is located on the outskirts of Calafate in the middle of rolling hills and pastures. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7jUsiEPGX7HCrymwr9BayOgAS6_wmTssQYSb7NPPLcGw3MTPdw5i6NU4uqO6yodLkpJwykrJ1hOwqV2ouxuXrQUeDsJ_5y4op5wsroJPpXe9E9uB0NSTbxGDwVd6bv5ZxdUThW2429Dey/s1600-h/DSC01193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7jUsiEPGX7HCrymwr9BayOgAS6_wmTssQYSb7NPPLcGw3MTPdw5i6NU4uqO6yodLkpJwykrJ1hOwqV2ouxuXrQUeDsJ_5y4op5wsroJPpXe9E9uB0NSTbxGDwVd6bv5ZxdUThW2429Dey/s200/DSC01193.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">The experience is all-inclusive, with home-cooked meals, glacier excursions, horseback riding trips, as well as tours to nearby estancias. The Argentine couple who runs the place is very warm and helpful. I would highly recommend that you include this B&B in your itinerary. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjreP0GuLXivuZ9rtjMy0k2yqVFeliHBYHtB5aoRDd_-rI-v0TN8lY8nt1DZt1aYjEcmssoY3DLjwz2nHqi0HChi8wkPTnNwWgcfgds6cIXi3w6nHTN9a8o14FEc9YvkAv4kL3jZ89tsK-y/s1600-h/DSC01222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjreP0GuLXivuZ9rtjMy0k2yqVFeliHBYHtB5aoRDd_-rI-v0TN8lY8nt1DZt1aYjEcmssoY3DLjwz2nHqi0HChi8wkPTnNwWgcfgds6cIXi3w6nHTN9a8o14FEc9YvkAv4kL3jZ89tsK-y/s200/DSC01222.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.losnotros.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Los Notros</span></span></b></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> </span></span><b>(Calafate)</b> – This hotel is extremely upscale and sits directly in front of the Perito Moreno Glacier. If you can't afford to stay here, then stop by for a cup of tea, and relax at its bar overlooking the lake. This is your jumping off point to go trekking on the glacier or take a boat ride around to all the various glaciers and to the national park.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEL-T2EAwm9KQEP0LFEhbTilhGlGJBHzH1OnIaBvILyjeeKgMENBt8OMJFoHQAW9z-ESavuiq7sQMEJp7BHEKpG9Ycl-hyQ-h0PQ6CUitmlebwj5EawEeS6CaIPJrTrPPI3-yrgxmzwjzc/s1600-h/DSC00805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEL-T2EAwm9KQEP0LFEhbTilhGlGJBHzH1OnIaBvILyjeeKgMENBt8OMJFoHQAW9z-ESavuiq7sQMEJp7BHEKpG9Ycl-hyQ-h0PQ6CUitmlebwj5EawEeS6CaIPJrTrPPI3-yrgxmzwjzc/s200/DSC00805.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.loscerrosdelchalten.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Hostería Los Cerros</span></a> (El Chalten)</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> – You won’t want to miss visiting El Chaltén. From Calafate, it’s just a three-hour drive north to the small trekking village nestled between mountains and glaciers. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">This town was the highlight of my trip, as it is remote and the Argentines are so welcoming. (As a side note, be prepared for strong winds. Make sure you pack a durable coat with a hood.) </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXlgYys5uK-8p8lgcGeDq88exR2amuYf6z0Yq2nYhaWvTsx3fqXANX3LVyIrJXSKRxLiV3rb5dk0CLO64kwUJ2yInulvpdW64r_dAszKD7Le2SgHgqqWwtRU1u6E8B-_CUCUwxYNjW4DB-/s1600-h/Los+Cerros+Hotel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXlgYys5uK-8p8lgcGeDq88exR2amuYf6z0Yq2nYhaWvTsx3fqXANX3LVyIrJXSKRxLiV3rb5dk0CLO64kwUJ2yInulvpdW64r_dAszKD7Le2SgHgqqWwtRU1u6E8B-_CUCUwxYNjW4DB-/s200/Los+Cerros+Hotel.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Los Cerros hotel is pure luxury for this tiny town. You’re greeted with champagne, beer or tea/coffee and a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">picada</i> (appetizer of cheese and cold cuts). </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Before you set off on your guided hiking excursion in the morning to see the famous Cerro Fitz Roy, you’re invited to feast at the breakfast buffet, which offers fresh fruits, nuts, homemade bread and </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">rosa mosqueta</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial;"> jam made from Patagonian berries. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeUFdTNjgn_JPGSvMvTPsWrLu7aOg3qcc3hOBa10wvIa_2JM9D1FW5kCpVioWdtbBo4Xn-kf7tYUBkSMh3M4rNRu5PvZ3tb5CAv1v34sM9FWoxiRfA9TYh2d80HHpRCvzMAy7ROvMDi_F8/s1600-h/DSC00830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeUFdTNjgn_JPGSvMvTPsWrLu7aOg3qcc3hOBa10wvIa_2JM9D1FW5kCpVioWdtbBo4Xn-kf7tYUBkSMh3M4rNRu5PvZ3tb5CAv1v34sM9FWoxiRfA9TYh2d80HHpRCvzMAy7ROvMDi_F8/s200/DSC00830.JPG" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">To completely spoil its guests, the hotel packs you a personalized lunch in a backpack for your day trip. And after your long excursion, you'll return to a relaxing jacuzzi dip or massage and</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> enjoy a gourmet three-course dinner, with your choice of fresh trout, beef or pasta. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgITwI2wXr15SBK6RGcyGB8y6nfAlnA2rmpzc6NgTDcVS0QtnFiQMbCdTd8tT65Jb3eEFT2BtCbjzs5ePnHHVXzWDx29jtyvpEGv34cYoSXYllmfissVlzFj7lVP4FeyE_OVnOkTwqD6_U8/s1600-h/DSC00926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgITwI2wXr15SBK6RGcyGB8y6nfAlnA2rmpzc6NgTDcVS0QtnFiQMbCdTd8tT65Jb3eEFT2BtCbjzs5ePnHHVXzWDx29jtyvpEGv34cYoSXYllmfissVlzFj7lVP4FeyE_OVnOkTwqD6_U8/s200/DSC00926.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">Since the town only consists of one pub, a wine bar and a few shops, you really can’t miss anything. But, make sure you stop into El Rincon wine bar and get a glass of Malbec and enjoy a fresh plate of salami with olives. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn6JUXgbQhOggv-SGCRyaplLaYor7m3pRe56apxWKes9CxO7P8S3nT8MjxVEqZ-GPSo45dkSu2a74ZQGiBRxYc9gBwMtSqKG99bE6qxq-7dEsoyRaFSBkXjOeVUV4J-p-wmxQicAlA3Mkz/s1600-h/Chalten+Pub.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn6JUXgbQhOggv-SGCRyaplLaYor7m3pRe56apxWKes9CxO7P8S3nT8MjxVEqZ-GPSo45dkSu2a74ZQGiBRxYc9gBwMtSqKG99bE6qxq-7dEsoyRaFSBkXjOeVUV4J-p-wmxQicAlA3Mkz/s200/Chalten+Pub.JPG" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">There is also a cozy, bustling pub, which sells its own beers on tap and dishes out bowls of crunchy peanuts. Trekkers and guides love to unwind at this spot after a long day in the mountains.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555544; font-family: Arial, 'Trebuchet MS', lucida, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">***All photos are taken by me, Molly Malone, unless otherwise specified. Photos are not available for re-posting or publication. Stay tuned to next week's blog on tips for traveling to the Patagonia in Chile....</span></span></div>Molly Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06139341882625339514noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4907356425616166226.post-34751388333619696772010-02-15T20:34:00.000-08:002010-02-18T12:20:27.955-08:00Mendoza: Where to Wine Taste, Eat & Sleep<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiordZn6Dk-ow9iEDWRtFwWYo1Uek8FhDZfw7SVr_2DQxcBnN9NavEReFSTX2XwU2o91O0JeXHIu-BY4_zaiw3jmHfId-QcHtQSQQmhJhASw6Fuv9iwCXiKKnCV_V1Apcm27671ydCUxYW/s1600-h/Picture+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiordZn6Dk-ow9iEDWRtFwWYo1Uek8FhDZfw7SVr_2DQxcBnN9NavEReFSTX2XwU2o91O0JeXHIu-BY4_zaiw3jmHfId-QcHtQSQQmhJhASw6Fuv9iwCXiKKnCV_V1Apcm27671ydCUxYW/s200/Picture+2.png" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">The barren surroundings, unmarked roads and mountainous backdrops of the Mendoza wine district serve as a goldmine for winemakers around the world. Located in the central west of Argentina, Mendoza snuggles up to the Andes Mountain range along the Chilean border. Mendoza’s century-old vines, rare microclimate and grape growth of up to 4,900 feet in elevation allow visitors to taste some of the world’s top wines year-round.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYM5nUuCrNykrcDFJDDxCtRCoUK2-6AgNokIDT055fFkbzD92QUI480fYFCpD5W6R_dmWALN9d45qb-oZsRAZ-aXHYXCnZF5qmNAaltaYVAhJKyeecTKbQ2wu_SW-LeTVMA0OSKcnmfkev/s1600-h/100_0589.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYM5nUuCrNykrcDFJDDxCtRCoUK2-6AgNokIDT055fFkbzD92QUI480fYFCpD5W6R_dmWALN9d45qb-oZsRAZ-aXHYXCnZF5qmNAaltaYVAhJKyeecTKbQ2wu_SW-LeTVMA0OSKcnmfkev/s200/100_0589.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">The main grape grown is the malbec, but you’ll also find the bonarda, syrah, cabernet, chardonnay, merlot and semillón grapes. When I was living in Buenos Aires, I wrote my journalism thesis on the vital relationship between Argentine and Californian winemakers in Mendoza, and I had the privilege of meeting some of the most famous wine gurus of our time. That being the case, I have a gazillion favorite places to wine taste and dine in Mendoza, but I’ll only name my top few below.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit3lLplsogz89GZd8iPOGUofsLtUCgxtbdHfzJDYdYIsxTi_-pu7_4e-HlvKsMcPHzrjXznN42eqfkIQP8j9bxj0Pth4ccIsVyNSl3GDHtFGD5YT1XDIqnL67lRlUjzTYYJ3edaublksRF/s1600-h/100_0281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit3lLplsogz89GZd8iPOGUofsLtUCgxtbdHfzJDYdYIsxTi_-pu7_4e-HlvKsMcPHzrjXznN42eqfkIQP8j9bxj0Pth4ccIsVyNSl3GDHtFGD5YT1XDIqnL67lRlUjzTYYJ3edaublksRF/s200/100_0281.JPG" width="200" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">Where to Wine Taste and Eat</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">In my opinion, one of the most spectacular sights in Mendoza is winemaker Nicolas Catena Zapata’s <u><a href="http://www.uxmalwines.com/index.html"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Bodega Uxmal</span></b></a></u>. In the midst of 370 acres of vineyards, this Mayan-inspired pyramid looks out onto the Andes mountain range and offers tastings of exceptionally made wines, such as the Uxmal cabernet/malbec blend.<o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVPWU2IuI8BSPIRMU1eA_euqsWcRGFfvgfjOSmKegC6CEcxvHwvkCNBwEcnIDWARf21nT73QDO17Rxcad6EohHF-xLNNQi99NkTFu1AlxSwoEXfwRrkLy0HL9BGZ6QGqMbfUzmzXElOj7w/s1600-h/Picture+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVPWU2IuI8BSPIRMU1eA_euqsWcRGFfvgfjOSmKegC6CEcxvHwvkCNBwEcnIDWARf21nT73QDO17Rxcad6EohHF-xLNNQi99NkTFu1AlxSwoEXfwRrkLy0HL9BGZ6QGqMbfUzmzXElOj7w/s200/Picture+3.png" width="200" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Zapata also co-owns the very chic <b><a href="http://www.1884restaurante.com.ar/index.php?id_menu=11"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">1884 Restaurante</span></a></b> with renowned chef Francis Mallmann. Located on the outskirts of town, this restaurant serves grilled, organic meats such as veal and lamb, exotically prepared vegetables and mouthwatering pastas. Be prepared to pay more than you think, but the 15 minute drive outside of town and the high prices are well worth the exclusive dining experience. <o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">(Photo of dining room by 1884restaurante.com.ar.)</span></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXG_N4mVhyLu8Yyp9zyzV_e_pyqchR3DGSO1ZKi7InzmEy6BgifT2u0c-89iRZ_Hs92sbmovwoZZcgHywqEKq11nPqFfQAEVnehOEb_UjDsTrosBSi_DzmX_UoH1niAfac0J54Rrml3CfJ/s1600-h/100_0548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXG_N4mVhyLu8Yyp9zyzV_e_pyqchR3DGSO1ZKi7InzmEy6BgifT2u0c-89iRZ_Hs92sbmovwoZZcgHywqEKq11nPqFfQAEVnehOEb_UjDsTrosBSi_DzmX_UoH1niAfac0J54Rrml3CfJ/s200/100_0548.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For a personalized wine-tasting experience, I recommend visiting the quaint, family-run winery, <b><a href="http://www.amalia.com.ar/index2.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Finca Viña Amalia</span></a></b>. They make exceptional malbecs and cabernet sauvignons under the labels Viña Amalia and their high-end line, Carlos Basso. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUWD92ZVa6GCMBEenDLIyrIONf5qUsFuLHMMNN6EsOHTdJLXrqokpfOTdM0z1d6CSVajsLN3tywwhfTtRWmTDOYwBfUt67vv08YyGGBYWvYd_htS4VhEsy2NrHGrdAFgUr9HP5ztJ_FBA9/s1600-h/100_0549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUWD92ZVa6GCMBEenDLIyrIONf5qUsFuLHMMNN6EsOHTdJLXrqokpfOTdM0z1d6CSVajsLN3tywwhfTtRWmTDOYwBfUt67vv08YyGGBYWvYd_htS4VhEsy2NrHGrdAFgUr9HP5ztJ_FBA9/s200/100_0549.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">Tastings take place in their winery, which was originally built in 1930. The building has since been renovated, but still preserves its original look with a rustic tiled roof, high ceilings and an adobe tower in the central patio.<o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">An ideal place to indulge in a hearty lunch around 1 or 2 p.m. is at the <b><a href="http://www.familiazuccardi.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Familia Zuccardi</span></a></b> winery. Here you’re served a never-ending flow of empanadas and grilled meats. And of course, your glass will stay full with some of the most full-bodied wines in Argentina. To arrive at the restaurant, you actually have to walk through the vineyards. The dining area is made up of large windows and a transparent roof, making you feel as if you’re picnicking among the vineyards. If you want to participate in a cooking class or help during the <i>cosecha</i> (harvest), you can organize it with a travel agency. If you choose to pick grapes during harvest time, remember that the seasons are opposite the northern hemisphere, so Argentine’s wine harvest takes place between February and April.<o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc5KbrfHDGY0qK5fFNqtT0AOrCDX6U_ANNU7pxdACVFYpgp7xJbmiES_61rMQ2OKp_gEhyWWv4Igz050dygHz0jvv9CQ5Re4RKOhek_8DEn4v2S6jVu3zezJXghCoVtXcAe6NNnYFJ-E2-/s1600-h/100_0263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc5KbrfHDGY0qK5fFNqtT0AOrCDX6U_ANNU7pxdACVFYpgp7xJbmiES_61rMQ2OKp_gEhyWWv4Igz050dygHz0jvv9CQ5Re4RKOhek_8DEn4v2S6jVu3zezJXghCoVtXcAe6NNnYFJ-E2-/s200/100_0263.JPG" width="200" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">To taste the most amazing and out-of-this-world wines, visit <b><a href="http://www.vinacobos.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Viña Cob</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">os</span></a></b> or pick up a bottle of winemaker Paul Hobb’s “El Cocodrilo” or “El Felino” in a local wine boutique. The only drawback about visiting Viña Cobos is that you must reserve a visit in advance.<o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">Where to Stay</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirKovNf_ThxkI1E2CnQTsKT5Bcp5uJTfiGuJiUo8o3fg8NW05H_dIBjyKfQ3byDBtnzWBRUOUn2h7oK0EsitNbdw_9Er58arrQU_bqk0xb0fRC_oW2WF2MVym9veFSn28p5_JZ03pcCfDb/s1600-h/100_0490.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirKovNf_ThxkI1E2CnQTsKT5Bcp5uJTfiGuJiUo8o3fg8NW05H_dIBjyKfQ3byDBtnzWBRUOUn2h7oK0EsitNbdw_9Er58arrQU_bqk0xb0fRC_oW2WF2MVym9veFSn28p5_JZ03pcCfDb/s200/100_0490.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Another great find is the restaurant and seven-roomed hotel, <b><a href="http://www.tapiz.com.ar/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Club Tapiz</span></a>. </b></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">This small hotel, restaurant and bar is located on an estate built in 1890 and is completely surrounded by vineyards. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZCtmVSz-zkSx-slkxfrjHPVr3sRzb2QXNmdh7kloKO5WRiND6HXEYfHKYHNg96a79LLH0i22VpzzWNRHuuUqx_u56sGbpJTwcyjy-HsnhqVU_cBg4D5ix5xyZC2djVaPYgEuMpDdn0rYV/s1600-h/100_0493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZCtmVSz-zkSx-slkxfrjHPVr3sRzb2QXNmdh7kloKO5WRiND6HXEYfHKYHNg96a79LLH0i22VpzzWNRHuuUqx_u56sGbpJTwcyjy-HsnhqVU_cBg4D5ix5xyZC2djVaPYgEuMpDdn0rYV/s200/100_0493.jpg" width="150" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The restaurant Terruño has warm burgundy and mustard colored walls with pinewood floors. The food is elegantly prepared and paired with Tapiz wines. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil-kuII98sg-m4GxuAEkNJ44ikXZYV_-M5t4KlcRs8pOvFg_2g-0bMrwScT6ReL0gqDGPs2i8_dRFKpyKpPOnAQ44TGONyCKMIUac4P0KifCtkDjcmk-0lZesdsjSUYeGvopJgh2eEd7bn/s1600-h/100_0510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil-kuII98sg-m4GxuAEkNJ44ikXZYV_-M5t4KlcRs8pOvFg_2g-0bMrwScT6ReL0gqDGPs2i8_dRFKpyKpPOnAQ44TGONyCKMIUac4P0KifCtkDjcmk-0lZesdsjSUYeGvopJgh2eEd7bn/s200/100_0510.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> If you stay the night, bring a swim suit for the pool, and be sure to request the room with a window, as there is only one available! Another idea is to stay at an <i>estancia</i> outside of town for a few nights. My friends, who recently traveled to Mendoza, recommend the three bedroom <u><a href="http://www.ranchoecuero.com.ar/"><b><span style="color: #001ff0;">Estancia Rancho' E Cuero</span></b></a></u><b>, </b>just a two hour drive from the city and located at the base of the Nivero de Plata Glacier. </span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWv9uT1t2oW2lk9tkNKB-ajY4Z57eZgJlYJF02SDnzpp_6rmKEzrnxHGuM41SolHsJaCBTkqOe8LWDyZU16TMMY5Qf7i8mn-9FMS6Aml1VwGUxrPrsr95YByb8DOK5pSsc_tanpj3_l2SV/s1600-h/Picture+5.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="84" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWv9uT1t2oW2lk9tkNKB-ajY4Z57eZgJlYJF02SDnzpp_6rmKEzrnxHGuM41SolHsJaCBTkqOe8LWDyZU16TMMY5Qf7i8mn-9FMS6Aml1VwGUxrPrsr95YByb8DOK5pSsc_tanpj3_l2SV/s200/Picture+5.png" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">They were spoiled with three meals a day, delicious regional wines and a traditional teatime in the afternoon. Activities at the estancia include horseback riding, hiking, condor watching and rock climbing in the nearby mountains. Otherwise you can opt to relax and read a book in the cozy library. </span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">(Photo of estancia by ranchoecuero.com.ar.)</span></o:p></span><br />
<br />
For a truly grand hotel experience, and to be situated in the town center, stay at the luxurious <b><a href="http://mendoza.park.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Mendoza Park Hyatt</span></a></b>. It has a fancy restaurant, a casino and a beautiful spa. Indulge and let me know what you think!<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">Activities to Do In/Around Mendoza</span></span></div></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7N7EbLsuYId13vVA2IywcDeTG2Nz1rnhyphenhyphen8lo_guKUK2Y68mE2DOInFGk9Fx1X0C1NOeijREX9DcYDyDNt7ZaunCqjqaTA7dtgOI1v5exnYnqM0e9gzFxYU5fwaf3vMHmhWlAnnLHRrEHj/s1600-h/100_0578.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7N7EbLsuYId13vVA2IywcDeTG2Nz1rnhyphenhyphen8lo_guKUK2Y68mE2DOInFGk9Fx1X0C1NOeijREX9DcYDyDNt7ZaunCqjqaTA7dtgOI1v5exnYnqM0e9gzFxYU5fwaf3vMHmhWlAnnLHRrEHj/s200/100_0578.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial;">If you have some free time to wander around the main town of Mendoza, visit one of its Spanish-tiled plazas or enjoy a <i>café con leche</i> along the pedestrian street. Just 25 miles outside the city is the Mendoza River, which has become a hot spot for whitewater rafting, kayaking, horseback riding, mountain biking and hiking.</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7LRrnO06-f8GkUNvoCQqSvOio4YwZZ42faxJfo4wTvSrvd9T7m0giLZK8oyat1pYssL9ocLbuzxxaN-J62-HKFQGjG0-D14wEu73zwp0HB3scxz3yQSNrEBDKZzh5kutil167WCxv9YoW/s1600-h/100_0432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7LRrnO06-f8GkUNvoCQqSvOio4YwZZ42faxJfo4wTvSrvd9T7m0giLZK8oyat1pYssL9ocLbuzxxaN-J62-HKFQGjG0-D14wEu73zwp0HB3scxz3yQSNrEBDKZzh5kutil167WCxv9YoW/s200/100_0432.jpg" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><br />
</span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">Booking Travel</span></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">You can easily purchase day-trip packages for wine tours and sporting activities, which provide transportation to/from hotel, and usually a rustic asado (Argentine barbeque) in the wine country or mountains. I recommend booking all day-trip tours and any additional travel around Argentina/South America through <b><a href="http://www.exprinter-viajes.com.ar/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Exprinter Viajes</span></a></b> or <b><a href="http://www.partirviajes.com.ar/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Partir Viajes</span></a></b> travel agencies. Both are very reliable and offer great rates. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhihPWWgSYy9eiXbPSL_fU8YE7T_QlZdQsEULcDesrVVfYL6u9jIaLQTq2sdr5tI0UcNy50Tp1o1gpBRuE3Nw-v9v7M3fsjmd4H7vfamWh9ibnt0zs22tDks-SG7oRGDzWFeU2ft8Hy4HLb/s1600-h/100_0425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhihPWWgSYy9eiXbPSL_fU8YE7T_QlZdQsEULcDesrVVfYL6u9jIaLQTq2sdr5tI0UcNy50Tp1o1gpBRuE3Nw-v9v7M3fsjmd4H7vfamWh9ibnt0zs22tDks-SG7oRGDzWFeU2ft8Hy4HLb/s200/100_0425.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">Using a trusted Argentine travel agency will save you up to 50% in costs, as opposed to booking travel and packages through a U.S. travel agency. Exprinter Viajes can also create very personalized tours if you have special requests. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">***All photos are taken by me, Molly Malone, unless otherwise specified. Photos are not available for re-posting or publication. Stay tuned to next week's blog on tips of how to enjoy luxurious travel in the Patagonia…</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></div></span></div></div>Molly Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06139341882625339514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4907356425616166226.post-68641488000716904332010-02-06T12:36:00.000-08:002010-02-06T12:47:44.369-08:00Northern Argentina: Estancia Colomé<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1t-czLEOBPvw6QEYvIzLtYJJ2Oi1OkTsRrGe0BP0nLdtMqlNqPxG8YMtKDVhm4MZ5mnNfrtaC8keRD8BWBLJkF3GGzQDzwOSOordfKf0ir6BjJoiwKjTpJpiWqEHERk8NNZTg3mDCqBLI/s1600-h/Salta+mapa.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1t-czLEOBPvw6QEYvIzLtYJJ2Oi1OkTsRrGe0BP0nLdtMqlNqPxG8YMtKDVhm4MZ5mnNfrtaC8keRD8BWBLJkF3GGzQDzwOSOordfKf0ir6BjJoiwKjTpJpiWqEHERk8NNZTg3mDCqBLI/s200/Salta+mapa.png" width="103" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It’s 90 degrees and dusty. I’m in Northern Argentina </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">near Salta. There’s no air conditioning in the rental car, so </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">with the windows rolled down, I wipe the sand from my eyes while driving up the switchback dirt road going from Salta to Molinos.</span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Photo of map by Wikipedia.com.)</span></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Reaching 7,500 feet in elevation, my destination is the highest vineyard in the world and the oldest in Argentina</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">, </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.estanciacolome.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Estancia Colomé</span></a></span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyRCK_t2h71HVS4PUjQW5GrK6PAIFixazLBpu_JEIPdZ__t_gmOYIjwLv-h9-J2UYvLt8E7mgrdyxJZOeZu4YuJ3khtq-enDZFKh1T77G_U2yqvlHA18OkuzssabRSSFMqeG-zTqH0DEtO/s1600-h/Colome+Estancia.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyRCK_t2h71HVS4PUjQW5GrK6PAIFixazLBpu_JEIPdZ__t_gmOYIjwLv-h9-J2UYvLt8E7mgrdyxJZOeZu4YuJ3khtq-enDZFKh1T77G_U2yqvlHA18OkuzssabRSSFMqeG-zTqH0DEtO/s320/Colome+Estancia.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Built by Swiss international winemaker, Donald Hess, this multimillion-dollar project converted an ancient one-room winery into a luxurious spa and small hotel. The vision of Hess’s estancia has </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">always intrigued me: wine-makers from California manning dry and rugged terrain, attempting to grow grapes at the world’s highest altitude with little water, no electricity and speaking broken Spanish. I dec</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ide to take a road-trip and see for myself. </span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(All photos of Estancia Colomé by estanciacolome.com.)</span></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfOOTsprIp1Ca32e5Jtsu8MFJNQ_MgN_NvuenfKGcHBZnyrBjSXUTicvtCNPrYqNJAGpO6hOWkTnqL-E23oDbRgaZWm1vxLKwprt1e87fYkou7NkINHTHBrTW39fUB8uMf6HkqvQ_lex-_/s1600-h/Colome+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfOOTsprIp1Ca32e5Jtsu8MFJNQ_MgN_NvuenfKGcHBZnyrBjSXUTicvtCNPrYqNJAGpO6hOWkTnqL-E23oDbRgaZWm1vxLKwprt1e87fYkou7NkINHTHBrTW39fUB8uMf6HkqvQ_lex-_/s200/Colome+1.png" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Along the drive, my eyes feast on jagged mountains, weathered gauchos on horseback and indigenous ruins with cactus-spotted foregrounds in the Calchaqui Valley. I feel completely distanced from any sign of urban life.</span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8KSioOCxKiRsUG6QV5uN0gRD5GHqFeFSsI7LL6z1tl067WU6LNktyHhY8zWdPMtIvp-uBSnlrAwUbE6psg-Hyb3PPA3fHqCGO8qS3Yr0Q4-8hOyUPqCscnKAwj5fsfLK5uZCWuT004JEi/s1600-h/woman+by+the+road.BMP" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8KSioOCxKiRsUG6QV5uN0gRD5GHqFeFSsI7LL6z1tl067WU6LNktyHhY8zWdPMtIvp-uBSnlrAwUbE6psg-Hyb3PPA3fHqCGO8qS3Yr0Q4-8hOyUPqCscnKAwj5fsfLK5uZCWuT004JEi/s200/woman+by+the+road.BMP" width="133" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I pass a string of pueblos and do some souvenir shopping in Cachí in the open-air plaza. I stop for lunch at a one-roomed restaurant and order </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">menú del día</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (daily special) with a glass of the region's Malbec wine, all for just $3. My lunch consists of </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">empanadas</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (puffed pastries stuffed with beef), a bowl of beef and potato </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">locro </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">stew, and sweet corn </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">humita</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> puree. By the time I pay the bill, the town is dead silent; </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">everyone is taking their afternoon </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">siesta </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(nap). </span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Photo of woman by the road by Daniel Grech.)</span></span></o:p></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I hop in the car and navigate the last stretch of the sandy, rocky and barren road. The drive from Salta takes me five-hours</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, but it’s worth the tense shoulders and stiff legs. I drive up a tree-lined driveway to the illuminated salmon-colored estancia where the concierge warmly greets me and two bellboys take my bags. I inhale the dry, clean air mixed with a sweet aroma of baking bread.</span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBizSj6aIFqYggUWCZPjJajRecF8Bzpssq2BIGUygCjLLwxKPl1hRwrOPKz1S9Gkm050xBe4SR4ehOoVwGL60AtlknICKLrULUQI9jdCh5x9WHhkxMH9AXe5kBACELe52RwsW3VN1EJn07/s1600-h/Colome+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBizSj6aIFqYggUWCZPjJajRecF8Bzpssq2BIGUygCjLLwxKPl1hRwrOPKz1S9Gkm050xBe4SR4ehOoVwGL60AtlknICKLrULUQI9jdCh5x9WHhkxMH9AXe5kBACELe52RwsW3VN1EJn07/s200/Colome+2.png" width="187" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’m shown through the open-air courtyard with rancho-style stucco walls, rustic wood benches, red-tiled floors and a trickling stone fountain in the center. The suites are positioned around the courtyard and my room is the same size as my entire apartment, nearly 600 sq ft. It’s equipped with a king-size bed, 1,000 thread-count sheets, fireplace, jacuzzi bathtub, a large private patio overlooking the staggering Calchaquies mountain range and Wi-Fi Internet connection.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After resting up, I’m invited by the concierge to have appetizers in the library at 9 p.m. (Argentines generally eat dinner between 9 and 12pm). I sit with the other guests on the large leather couches next to a crackling fireplace and we are served a plate of baked </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">empanadas</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and a glass of the red varietal, Colomé Reserve. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSHzzSgxKsrTCjSnXrFD8VRZGHIF16v2wCOCLsMhs7CRP-YqKD6MwN3EPEscaURS3hMPFRe6ZEaceBQD1HfdJdRvjVqVuJvc-BMXW8X2-bK8vBj-QhxDCBZaXcc2cEyyOu_-QdscDkBH_G/s1600-h/Picture+20.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSHzzSgxKsrTCjSnXrFD8VRZGHIF16v2wCOCLsMhs7CRP-YqKD6MwN3EPEscaURS3hMPFRe6ZEaceBQD1HfdJdRvjVqVuJvc-BMXW8X2-bK8vBj-QhxDCBZaXcc2cEyyOu_-QdscDkBH_G/s200/Picture+20.png" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next, they escort us to the dining room filled with candles glowing against the orange-colored walls. Our three-course meal consists of glazed wild mushrooms on mixed greens, top-sirloin stuffed with blue cheese and pine nuts, and a lemon tart pie with vanilla ice cream – all prepared with free-range livestock, fruits and vegetables cultivated on Hess’s organic farm. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To top it all off, I have a nightcap at the gaucho-style bar and loose to a game of backgammon (surprising, I know!).</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3xYews2tEsxGnU_kR0Z4bHSNspBSngUU3zn0p0s-eNdYcF5TEaxJnzqzR_1ZxgmzyldGi3i1j_xxTUjjopRCN3JofVggmQcSgntIcSQ-Z4QOMHMWr8xwf-wXJioApsLmrbuarOiJNyrwR/s1600-h/Colome.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="117" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3xYews2tEsxGnU_kR0Z4bHSNspBSngUU3zn0p0s-eNdYcF5TEaxJnzqzR_1ZxgmzyldGi3i1j_xxTUjjopRCN3JofVggmQcSgntIcSQ-Z4QOMHMWr8xwf-wXJioApsLmrbuarOiJNyrwR/s200/Colome.png" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At 8 a.m. I wake to a knock on the door. A breakfast tray overflowing with warm croissants and muffins, homemade granola and yogurt, fresh squeezed orange juice and coffee is waiting at my doorstep. I eat on my private patio with a pristine view of the sunrise, mountains, cactus and vineyards. Even though my visit is encroaching upon Argentina’s winter (July to September), it’s warm and the sun shines brightly.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></div><div align="left" class="MsoBodyText" style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXnYD1q05f642GQJ2JXejwnM0W-F2rrze0m6x6LMly_kJ7TNya99lrx78NXmwoUIm_XYEyDqjjMpm9MLHORJ9HHcZGWG7fkXjuPWK9IEgJ0lUX4FKXaIyyer7c0jfHUN0-ZXKGlMBKUhkZ/s1600-h/Peruvian+Paso.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXnYD1q05f642GQJ2JXejwnM0W-F2rrze0m6x6LMly_kJ7TNya99lrx78NXmwoUIm_XYEyDqjjMpm9MLHORJ9HHcZGWG7fkXjuPWK9IEgJ0lUX4FKXaIyyer7c0jfHUN0-ZXKGlMBKUhkZ/s200/Peruvian+Paso.png" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At 9 a.m. I take a tour of the winery and taste Malbec wines straight from the oak barrels. When I get back, the horses are already saddled for my ride. The docile </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Peruvian Paso</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> breed does everything I tell it to do. These horses are renowned for the way they push their hooves out to the side while walking, so I feel as if I’m floating rather than bumping along on a trail horse. I gallop through red canyons, sparse rivers, purple vineyards and rugged land full of </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">cardón</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> cactus plants. (</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photo of Peruvian Paso by cowboyfrank.net</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.)</span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5BccugtlQEinUwXR3oSLufbwqkvp-N-yubfz4M8aHwyi3A-HVSS7Avpm5v72K6TfDHWLCc6URdCtHFsY5izdaiGdGP4xBxmH_eLR6sEeYcFaJoxHUfKQaTteWihQi1ZbzUoFWEP_FZfD4/s1600-h/Colome+Lunch.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5BccugtlQEinUwXR3oSLufbwqkvp-N-yubfz4M8aHwyi3A-HVSS7Avpm5v72K6TfDHWLCc6URdCtHFsY5izdaiGdGP4xBxmH_eLR6sEeYcFaJoxHUfKQaTteWihQi1ZbzUoFWEP_FZfD4/s200/Colome+Lunch.png" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dismounting with aching legs, my lunch is waiting for me on the Spanish-style </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">terraza </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">surrounded by willow trees and a view of vineyards. I’m served yet another three-course meal which ends with a scoop of fresh lemon sorbet and coca tea to help with digestion and the high altitude. </span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuEN93ksdgjYzhK3bUehyK0rhnIy1DA4R-9htVXThb-eTvR53ji2sMBSYKXPfiXEHKYoWk3O0g3HmSmmPubdnrqReGPTSjhWUXRw6nTlkMW8iE5HER4HP7qU9_bDqTlvjo980CDsGS8dUB/s1600-h/Colome+Pool.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuEN93ksdgjYzhK3bUehyK0rhnIy1DA4R-9htVXThb-eTvR53ji2sMBSYKXPfiXEHKYoWk3O0g3HmSmmPubdnrqReGPTSjhWUXRw6nTlkMW8iE5HER4HP7qU9_bDqTlvjo980CDsGS8dUB/s200/Colome+Pool.png" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As you can imagine, I am truly exhausted from all the eating and horseback riding, so I pamper myself with a Swedish massage at the spa. Other afternoon activities I could partake in include yoga in the meditation room, putting on a green, playing tennis or bocce ball and going on a bicycle tour. Unfortunately the eternity pool is too cold to enjoy during the winter months, but it’s beautiful to look at among the cactus garden.</span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><b><br />
</b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Helpful Information About Colomé:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Web site: </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.estanciacolome.com/"><u><span style="color: blue;">www.estanciacolome.com</span></u></a></span></u></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When to Go:</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Year Round</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Getting there:</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Most visitors fly to Salta, and then rent a car for the 3-5 hour drive to Colomé. Transportation by the estancia is offered at extra cost from Salta Airport and Cafayate, also helicopter and private plane transport into Colomé can be arranged. American Airlines flies from Miami via Bolivia to Salta for around $1,200. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lodging at Estancia Colomé:</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Prices are all-inclusive with a three-course meal at lunch and dinner, breakfast buffet and afternoon tea. Wines are sold separately. Special two and three-day package deals are offered from $400 to $640/per person.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Reservations: </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A 50% advanced deposit must be guaranteed by a bank transfer or credit card. (A full refund will be given if the cancellation is more than 72 hours in advance). They accept Visa, Master Card and American Express. Check-in time is 3 p.m. and check-out time is noon. E-mail:</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"><a href="mailto:reservas@estanciacolome.com"><u><span style="color: blue;">reservas@estanciacolome.com</span></u></a></span></u></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Information:</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Tel: (from the U.S.) 011+54 (0) 3868 49-40-44, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fax: 011+54 (0) 3868 49 40 43</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Guided Tours: </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Guided tours are available in English, German or French around the Northwest area of Salta and Jujuy.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Need to bring: </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sun block, hydrating lotion, lip protection, a good hat and walking shoes.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Location: </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7,546 ft above sea level in the Calchaqui Valley in northwest Argentina.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Temperature:</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Summer: High 90/Low 68 F, Winter temperature: High 70/Low 38 F, with a mild, dry climate.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What to know: </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The conversion rate is $1 to 3 Argentine pesos. Visas are not required for U.S. citizens traveling within a 3-month time frame to Argentina.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Year-round Festivals: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="estilo52estilo129estilo149"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">National Poncho Festival in Molinos, February</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="estilo52estilo129estilo149"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Regional Food Expo in Cachí, March</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="estilo52estilo129estilo149"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Semana Santa</span></i></span><span class="estilo52estilo129estilo149"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> in Seclantas, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Easter</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="estilo52estilo129estilo149"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">May Revolution in Salta, May 25 </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="estilo52estilo129estilo149"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Empanada </span></i></span><span class="estilo52estilo129estilo149"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Festival in Salta, July</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="estilo52estilo129estilo149"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All Saint’s Day in Molinos, Nov 1 </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stay tuned to next week's post on my top recommendations of places to eat, stay and wine taste in Mendoza, Argentina…</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Molly Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06139341882625339514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4907356425616166226.post-18604272196134813192010-02-01T21:50:00.000-08:002010-02-20T14:29:31.712-08:00Buenos Aires: Where to Eat (Part 2)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhu2_Fzp7v2C_znQUaf8L3yXE-1rfL0dMlsticA13Em4K-_jr1Ivz0hKBS2B6aFREM4k9gkBfeqSS0Un9a8vHGbGeg_vE5E32vx76xqZGNhy8vTldBEJXb7N7j0xDFEvioMehFu5h9-MTa/s1600-h/Argentine+Beef.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhu2_Fzp7v2C_znQUaf8L3yXE-1rfL0dMlsticA13Em4K-_jr1Ivz0hKBS2B6aFREM4k9gkBfeqSS0Un9a8vHGbGeg_vE5E32vx76xqZGNhy8vTldBEJXb7N7j0xDFEvioMehFu5h9-MTa/s200/Argentine+Beef.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Let’s see, where were we...oh, yes…biting into a juicy piece of steak and swirling a deep red wine in your mouth…or not quite yet. In last week’s blog post, I wrote about my top recommendations of where to eat breakfast and lunch in Buenos Aires. Below are my top picks of where to order a juicy piece of steak or grilled fish, homemade pasta and the perfect glass of wine to accompany your dinner. In this post, I recommend my favorite <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">vinos</i> (wines) and places to eat <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">cena</i> (dinner) and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">postre </i>(dessert). But before I jump in...PLEASE remember that Argentines do not dine before 9 p.m. Regular dinner hours are anywhere from 9-12 p.m., so if you book a reservation before this time, you will find yourself dining alone.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzGICKs4lOKqg8enkWNjaOHYGdo38NadoevimZHt_6sgRdXWtkmagOoFuMMTNtswL0vK7WEsVVqyAagR0gi6RQAUnVY15lub2YDBxzq7xLZdK7wH0GRl_a4OgtaVrBCz443-N_8VfaJ12K/s1600-h/Picture+7.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzGICKs4lOKqg8enkWNjaOHYGdo38NadoevimZHt_6sgRdXWtkmagOoFuMMTNtswL0vK7WEsVVqyAagR0gi6RQAUnVY15lub2YDBxzq7xLZdK7wH0GRl_a4OgtaVrBCz443-N_8VfaJ12K/s320/Picture+7.png" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Vinos</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">: Wines<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For a mini-lesson on Argentine wines, the main grape grown in Argentina is the Malbec, which was brought over a century ago from Cahors, France. You will also find wines made from the Bonarda, Torrontes, Syrah, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot and Semillon grapes. In most restaurants there are some unique finds (and personal favorites) such as the intense, full-bodied <i>Carlos Basso Malbec</i> from the <a href="http://www.amalia.com.ar/index2.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Viña Amalia Winery</span></a> or the <i><a href="http://www.altoslashormigas.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Altos Hormigas Malbec</span></span></a></i>. Also, you can never go wrong ordering a bottle of a <a href="http://www.catenawines.com/index.html">Catena Zapata</a> wine, such as the <i>Alamos Mal<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">bec</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. </span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Photo of wine glass by kickbuttcoffee.com.)</span></span></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you are interested in learning more about Argentina’s booming wine regions among foreign winemakers, you can start by tasting wines from California’s own </span><a href="http://www.paulhobbswinery.com/vinacobos/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Paul Hobbs</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">,</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> who started</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.paulhobbswinery.com/vinacobos/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Viña Cobos</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> winery in Mendoza, Argentina ten years ago. Try the full-bodied 2002 </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cobos Malbec</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, which scored 95 points in the </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wine Spectator</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> magazine. </span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Cena:</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> Dinner<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_tgTB9eLSROLvKtwFlWnprykCNg3aWbe58D_aNDvWCG10Sj2hDqJwZ9vxmeso7OavOhQV0ICV1kmD0v5gah-aEqpUIUXplDPWgEMKi4h2n0RFDtq9pxKWzdxjfqkbvE2MTOB4dvbi1sx-/s1600-h/Picture+10.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_tgTB9eLSROLvKtwFlWnprykCNg3aWbe58D_aNDvWCG10Sj2hDqJwZ9vxmeso7OavOhQV0ICV1kmD0v5gah-aEqpUIUXplDPWgEMKi4h2n0RFDtq9pxKWzdxjfqkbvE2MTOB4dvbi1sx-/s320/Picture+10.png" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><a href="http://www.elmirasol.com.ar/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">El Mirasol</span></span></a></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and </span><b><a href="http://www.frommers.com/destinations/buenosaires/D55858.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Juana M</span></span></a></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> – Both of these restaurants </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">specialize in grilling almost every part of the cow and come highly recommended by Argentines and travelers alike. </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bife de lomo</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (filet mignon/tenderloin), </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">bife de chorizo</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (t-bone), </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">asado de tira</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (side ribs) and </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">entraña</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (center cut) are just some of the dozens of meat options. For fish lovers, try the white salmon from Argentina’s costal town, Mar Del Plata, or ask for the fresh-water trout from the Patagonia region. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlJnyOXRwurggGwJFshoQ1Cr_ILyANDOag3AvfObxRyvbjdyUdA-hy-NXLgVQrfHRwrexQsioy_n1bcsFRYVH3AIKOfJif_JgzGqRDvaNpk3sEztTLw5kT4tG_QCfIvmwAV9N3R6uuEx7Y/s1600-h/Picture+9.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlJnyOXRwurggGwJFshoQ1Cr_ILyANDOag3AvfObxRyvbjdyUdA-hy-NXLgVQrfHRwrexQsioy_n1bcsFRYVH3AIKOfJif_JgzGqRDvaNpk3sEztTLw5kT4tG_QCfIvmwAV9N3R6uuEx7Y/s320/Picture+9.png" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Remember that all beef dishes come a la carte, so if you want more food, order a salad or a side to accompany your meal. Some typical side dishes are </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">papas fritas</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (French fries) </span><span style="color: #292929;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">or </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">espinaca a la crema</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (creamed spinach). </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A three-course dinner for two with a fine bottle of local Malbec wine will cost around $30. Both restaurants are located in the Recoleta neighborhood (just click on the link for the addresses and telephone). </span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Photo of steak and salad by El Mirasol.)</span></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk66oknlx7G9wn_7MpiEOhReCPKTeVctpiMy-B5aHamSTse0vKl0xrCtA7-Mqd6BB3jEIRvzXV8dOw5e5NW1AakZITaGWqBk7UotAm2wUZpcuxIhsv_0GDcHsbWpH1YSRZsaW2rMWCeRKa/s1600-h/Picture+11.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk66oknlx7G9wn_7MpiEOhReCPKTeVctpiMy-B5aHamSTse0vKl0xrCtA7-Mqd6BB3jEIRvzXV8dOw5e5NW1AakZITaGWqBk7UotAm2wUZpcuxIhsv_0GDcHsbWpH1YSRZsaW2rMWCeRKa/s320/Picture+11.png" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><a href="http://www.elultimobeso.com.ar/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">El Ultimo Beso</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">– This restaurant is called "The Last Kiss" in Spanish, and it is truly for the romantic at heart. El Ultimo Beso is situated in a French-style house in Palermo, where the front half is a boutique clothing store, and the back area is a whimsical eatery and open garden. The white tables are scattered with rose petals and love-letters scribbled with poetry delicately dangle from the chandeliers. You feel as if you are lost in a lover’s embrace when you glance around the room at the black and white photos of couples kissing. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfU2KvifLoM04KKzfYeYAbP05zDMRgXFwtdP_RT2rEQt4tEq8njX4o0Or5qf9zcyc96Z6xaITYgD8NGscVfiOtlMMgTpKn-44DDjV6qyvDfP2osqE_jnjVX_NQXBNPImCclVBiBfTgvc3D/s1600-h/100_0604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfU2KvifLoM04KKzfYeYAbP05zDMRgXFwtdP_RT2rEQt4tEq8njX4o0Or5qf9zcyc96Z6xaITYgD8NGscVfiOtlMMgTpKn-44DDjV6qyvDfP2osqE_jnjVX_NQXBNPImCclVBiBfTgvc3D/s200/100_0604.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The food is extremely gourmet and the service is impeccable. Prices are reasonable too. The fresh fish of the day is always my favorite choice, as well as the homemade risotto. For dessert, be sure to try the </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">volcán de chocolate</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (chocolate fondant with vanilla ice cream)</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You’ll need reservations, so call a day in advance. Address: Nicaragua 4880, Palermo Viejo. Tel:</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></i><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(00 54 11) </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4832-7711</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikeRAZDpw-oCmU9azqgBD3fhdXXOHXviY-nRpKue4wvhHQUkXwc1oUREcinWuVgq1sjZ0H6pKh9-6kKWQdebDJUvMRfjXYaAKF8JgDIwm5ztz6Ka8qY071P_cs4jFAOsYnYh89BqqyV2JI/s1600-h/tn.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikeRAZDpw-oCmU9azqgBD3fhdXXOHXviY-nRpKue4wvhHQUkXwc1oUREcinWuVgq1sjZ0H6pKh9-6kKWQdebDJUvMRfjXYaAKF8JgDIwm5ztz6Ka8qY071P_cs4jFAOsYnYh89BqqyV2JI/s200/tn.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Casa Cruz</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> - </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For elite dining in the neighborhood, and an excuse to break away from Argentina’s carnivore-centric cuisine, you should try the stylish Casa Cruz Restaurant. Towering brass doors lead you into a softly lit room with an oval shaped bar, long sofas and burgundy velvet chairs. The entire back wall of the dining area is built of glass, converted into a transparent wine cellar with a view of the kitchen.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6_8Kipx37GB0Q3V_yMr8DZP8L-twtpWtks-diCD7__47ki9q28AWdGlc9Awj5JyXm1g6ji95sWWqiee-jqWjiu0tKzhCP_bGQK4BygWS3FGRmQ99v2h_ViR9lVsO8JMdd8nW-8rtRv26Y/s1600-h/Picture+12.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6_8Kipx37GB0Q3V_yMr8DZP8L-twtpWtks-diCD7__47ki9q28AWdGlc9Awj5JyXm1g6ji95sWWqiee-jqWjiu0tKzhCP_bGQK4BygWS3FGRmQ99v2h_ViR9lVsO8JMdd8nW-8rtRv26Y/s200/Picture+12.png" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The chef, German Martitegui, is among the most famous in Buenos Aires, preparing dishes that are substantial in quantity and always delicately presented</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some past menu items included lightly smoked red tuna with lentil bean salad or grilled octopus with passion fruit puree. An average entrée costs around $14. The list of 100-plus wines represents Argentina’s best, and ranges in price from $7 to $200 a bottle. If you’re just going for a drink, try the lychee martini…it is so smooth.</span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since it opened just a few years ago, Casa Cruz has become the craze for Argentine models and businessmen, where visits from international pop-stars like Enrique Iglesias (I sat next to him!) and actors such as Colin Farrell and Benicio Del Toro are everyday occurrences. Be sure to make your reservations at least two days in advance. Address: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Uriarte 1658, Palermo. Tel: </span><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(00 54 11) </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4833-1112. </span><i><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Photo of Casa Cruz by Casa Cruz and photo of lychee martini by Foodnetwork.com.)</span></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnU4E0BnBnDKb9sBECbvPOmbL-uVc-L70uugzFdR3XTzHXuflZz2sGgwkgqCuimWWam0s4Fqb4iO3VQNpVsxtTOlzIs1gqeQXsyHGTOAVoCe3_yKw4Z9Y-R7nw5__-oN1i9lBujeVAE9No/s1600-h/Picture+5.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnU4E0BnBnDKb9sBECbvPOmbL-uVc-L70uugzFdR3XTzHXuflZz2sGgwkgqCuimWWam0s4Fqb4iO3VQNpVsxtTOlzIs1gqeQXsyHGTOAVoCe3_yKw4Z9Y-R7nw5__-oN1i9lBujeVAE9No/s200/Picture+5.png" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><a href="http://www.baruriarte.com.ar/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bar Uriarte</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">– Just around the corner from Casa Cruz is a cozy restaurant that is perfect for before/after drinks or dinner. Get crazy and order Argentina's refreshing anise-flavored drink called a f</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ernet y coca</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (fernet liquor with coke on ice). With Bar Uriarte's own clay oven, you can’t go wrong ordering the fresh baked pastas or oven-roasted beef dishes. Most of my friends swear by the ribs dish. Usually no reservations are necessary.</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Address:</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Uriarte 1572</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Palermo</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tel: </span><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(00 54 11) </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4834-6004. </span><b><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Photo of Bar Uriarte by Jaunted.com.)</span></span></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Postre: </span></i></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dessert Spots</span><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQMLII8R0FyA2dqET-pEhTcMot_fSe7A4Reh1BUpp8GUNI9zqRg3DZzLd_S0ta4bTZyz7lWj1cCZ3pgMUbeNsVyfhsnpgYlB6avsmAVy_0ZkkwIpTwEq_Daacl8FePbBkI9Oz8fJfX5g6B/s1600-h/Picture+13.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQMLII8R0FyA2dqET-pEhTcMot_fSe7A4Reh1BUpp8GUNI9zqRg3DZzLd_S0ta4bTZyz7lWj1cCZ3pgMUbeNsVyfhsnpgYlB6avsmAVy_0ZkkwIpTwEq_Daacl8FePbBkI9Oz8fJfX5g6B/s200/Picture+13.png" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Munchi’s, Persico and Freddo</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> – All three chains offer the BEST gourmet gelato I have ever tasted in my life (and they deliver to your home or hotel too).</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These places are open until 4 a.m. on weekends, so you’ll notice crowds of Argentines going for a late-night snack after dinner or the bars. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My favorite flavors are the </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">dulce de leche granizado</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (caramel cream with bits of chocolate) or the </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">crema tramontana </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(vanilla cream, swirled caramel and chunks of chocolate). Ordering is a bit tricky. You must first stand in line, give the cashier your order (just tell him/her the size of the scoop, not the flavor) and then pay. He/she will hand you a receipt and you give that piece of paper to the gelato-scooper guy, who will then fill your cone or cup with the flavor you want. These gelato chains are located on almost every corner of Buenos Aires. </span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Photo of gelato by nclrc.com.)</span></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In addition to my recommendations above, I recently read an article in the NY Times Travel Section titled “36 Hours in Buenos Aires” and it gives some different suggestions on places to eat. You can read it here to find out more spots: </span><a href="http://travel.nytimes.com/2010/01/31/travel/31hours.html?ref=travel"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://travel.nytimes.com/2010/01/31/travel/31hours.html?ref=travel</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">***All photos are taken by me, Molly Malone, unless otherwise specified. Photos are not available for re-posting or publication. Stay tuned to next week's post on my favorite estancia in northern Argentina…</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Molly Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06139341882625339514noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4907356425616166226.post-9084620401402515672010-01-23T20:19:00.000-08:002010-01-27T08:32:41.418-08:00Buenos Aires: Where to Eat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMkZGCG902_7hS_VnDvCDDhFH6M3LUYq2tYljjgrb8bq6kcjXP81N0Z2538gJH-vb2dWNnA1yiB6TWWNQj1464aMo5hK1Z7oeAmHV934clEPco-DSPVorVWCKLRPtCF8o42yz5cYzyjQX/s1600-h/Picture+8.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="105" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMkZGCG902_7hS_VnDvCDDhFH6M3LUYq2tYljjgrb8bq6kcjXP81N0Z2538gJH-vb2dWNnA1yiB6TWWNQj1464aMo5hK1Z7oeAmHV934clEPco-DSPVorVWCKLRPtCF8o42yz5cYzyjQX/s320/Picture+8.png" width="320" /></a><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Finally! You get to the Buenos Aires Ezeiza International Airport and you’re starving, jet-lagged, disoriented and your taxi drops you off at your hotel. Where are you? Is there a place to get a cup of strong espresso, enjoy a plate of homemade pasta or indulge in a piece of juicy grilled steak? The next two blog posts will give you my top recommendations on eateries in Buenos Aires. I organized the article into typical Argentine eating times: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">desayuno </i>(breakfast), <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">almuerzo</i> (lunch), <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">merienda</i> (teatime), <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">cena</i> (dinner) and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">postre </i>(dessert).<o:p></o:p></span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp6t6Zg1CobMIgeBY-2RA1aZyiV-gT-WINpT0C8FGvI2hmlWsuxyktXRke-mBnZ5mHj2iO0Vk7FpFtcDmxzgHKbBkvQxdjdngk68hpYTnLAvmZFC3FoeDZnD7yOJ4q2tXcDjn_m6w23jzA/s1600-h/Como+en+Casa+Brkfst+II.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp6t6Zg1CobMIgeBY-2RA1aZyiV-gT-WINpT0C8FGvI2hmlWsuxyktXRke-mBnZ5mHj2iO0Vk7FpFtcDmxzgHKbBkvQxdjdngk68hpYTnLAvmZFC3FoeDZnD7yOJ4q2tXcDjn_m6w23jzA/s200/Como+en+Casa+Brkfst+II.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Like most Europeans, Argentines eat a very simple breakfast, so it’s hard to come across restaurants that offer eggs in the morning, but for the needy traveler, I’ve recommended one spot that offers a scaled-down version of an “American-style” breakfast below. In Argentina, breakfast usually consists of a piece of toast with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">mermelada</i> (jam) and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">queso blanco</i> (cream cheese) or <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">medialunas</i> (small croissants) and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">facturas</i> (bite-sized pastries). Argentines usually drink <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">café con leche</i> (cappuccino) or <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">yerba mate</i> (prounounced “shearba matay,” a strong, bitter, herbal tea sipped through a metal straw from a fist-sized gourd). Please note that restaurants do not offer <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">yerba</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">mate </i>on the menu. You can ask for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">mate codido</i> (a mate tea bag) so that you can taste it in a cup. </span><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkx0IZgPzDYwhOOSYg1gGOQsUsnZyKG1htsk6KE4a80n_osXu66g2P-6HZV6m1cdFCpOqm8oHo49KcbS6-j6itNI54r71A5wK2lRjMMUhJ6Zyqw5vXKRZKuiueOBv2tbs4gwDhGek3nOp6/s1600-h/Mate+Prep.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkx0IZgPzDYwhOOSYg1gGOQsUsnZyKG1htsk6KE4a80n_osXu66g2P-6HZV6m1cdFCpOqm8oHo49KcbS6-j6itNI54r71A5wK2lRjMMUhJ6Zyqw5vXKRZKuiueOBv2tbs4gwDhGek3nOp6/s200/Mate+Prep.png" width="148" /></a><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Traditionally, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">yerba mate</i> is shared between family and friends at home, in the park, at the beach, etc., and has a set of unspoken rules. The host usually brings the loose herbs and prepares the drink. Then he/she passes the gourd around the circle. Each person must sip all the hot water given to them, and then politely hand it back to the host to pour for the next person. If you have an Argentine friend and you are visiting their home, then kindly ask them to prepare you a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">yerba mate</i> so that you can try it. </span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Desayuno:</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> Breakfast Spots<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Angelica Café</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> – This restaurant has outdoor seating along the pedestrian boulevard Charcas, in Barrio Norte. It’s a great people-watching spot and aside from the traditional Argentine breakfast items on the menu, they offer scrambled eggs and omelets. The main drawback is that the service can be extremely slow, so leave ample time to eat. I used to live across the street, and I’d go in for a late breakfast all the time. I’d get a cappuccino and a <i>tostado mixto </i>(grilled ham and cheese sandwich), or in the evenings I’d order a fresh pizza and a Quilmes draught beer…but I’d always leave frustrated because the wait staff was so inattentive. I guess I never learned. Address: </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Charcas</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> 3386, Barrio Norte (cross street: Bulnes). Tel: (00 54 11) 4825-1111.</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihudmMKh422Uz69PAlQo3HbeXvbye9Z2Zr0Kfbk0iwkDiFVlYtWCf9Wja7-_3VChwrn3v8a1Kzi1FEzNioYG5zw6afh2eXUohn067-pUyqna7drmlaprtT_hqIznGaFyk97GSA2EbWfPEi/s1600-h/Soho+AllSuites_Brkfst.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihudmMKh422Uz69PAlQo3HbeXvbye9Z2Zr0Kfbk0iwkDiFVlYtWCf9Wja7-_3VChwrn3v8a1Kzi1FEzNioYG5zw6afh2eXUohn067-pUyqna7drmlaprtT_hqIznGaFyk97GSA2EbWfPEi/s200/Soho+AllSuites_Brkfst.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimegtkM2xxdsVHo8tAKJG1hj2WMSNOvOi8mi_txA_tKfLViFsjaWiR61ktFZGY5YCx-4vzYSGSLGDANOiwcaEdWa0FQkhAggqXbcYfAv8XmZ7SaqQBXxTr3R5CBzvTuW1RVsZaB2JJ7rTZ/s1600-h/SohoAllSuites_Garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimegtkM2xxdsVHo8tAKJG1hj2WMSNOvOi8mi_txA_tKfLViFsjaWiR61ktFZGY5YCx-4vzYSGSLGDANOiwcaEdWa0FQkhAggqXbcYfAv8XmZ7SaqQBXxTr3R5CBzvTuW1RVsZaB2JJ7rTZ/s200/SohoAllSuites_Garden.jpg" width="200" /></a><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.sohoallsuites.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Soho All Suites</span></a></span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> – This newly built, modern hotel located in the chic Palermo Soho neighborhood offers an over-priced, but well-worth-it continental breakfast. They serve a frothy and strong <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">café con leche</i>, accompanied with wholegrain toast, butter croissants, fresh cream cheese and a mixed-berry jam. The ambience in the private back patio area is Zen-like, with a trickling fountain, bamboo shoots and a floating water-lily garden. Address: Honduras 4762, Palermo Soho. Tel: </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">(00 54 11) </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">4832-3000.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Almuerzo</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">: Lunch Spots<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZQhGwndTP1v4E-KLOMyOsuazQ7siVymyi36tnxRn8boZbmVufGgJXxGDi-2zjipwe5ZpEidz_f2uxw9_8OW259UxvooieNoubP0KHtjTc2bYcrLoSC6HdLGF5_ZsuK0iC9b8cNQCBZCr/s1600-h/Casa+Roca.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZQhGwndTP1v4E-KLOMyOsuazQ7siVymyi36tnxRn8boZbmVufGgJXxGDi-2zjipwe5ZpEidz_f2uxw9_8OW259UxvooieNoubP0KHtjTc2bYcrLoSC6HdLGF5_ZsuK0iC9b8cNQCBZCr/s200/Casa+Roca.png" width="200" /></a><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.casa-roca.com.ar/"><span style="color: blue;">Casa Roca</span></a> - </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">While walking downtown amongst deafening busses and crowds of people that can easily onset a migraine, peace is found at Casa Roca. This 19<sup>th</sup> century Italian-renaissance style mansion was the home of ex-president Julio A. Roca. The high ceilings, crystal chandeliers, Persian rugs and wild pheasants roaming in the garden makes visitors feel as if they have been transported to the Tuscan countryside. </span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The house has been converted into a quiet refuge in the city center, offering a gourmet three-course <i>menu del dia</i>, for around $16/per person. It is open for lunch only, Monday through Friday from 12:30 – 4 p.m. and reservations are a must. Be sure to request a garden table. Address: </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">San Martin 579, Microcentro. Tel: </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">(00 54 11) </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">4393-5777. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p>(Photo of Casa Roca by Casa Roca.)</o:p></i></span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQV0943-FsgtwLufMQMCWv1e6jVY9bs5AoG0OJB_7oogOQ1puX00ZKy8D0VrcmEMYuPwsLCixscPdowZdgJphRHk7itlK9w_rpqAInT8du6K_DewWOAZ9jYwZWXXvT2ZRfTsf9VQqeivWn/s1600-h/Baraka_Outdoors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQV0943-FsgtwLufMQMCWv1e6jVY9bs5AoG0OJB_7oogOQ1puX00ZKy8D0VrcmEMYuPwsLCixscPdowZdgJphRHk7itlK9w_rpqAInT8du6K_DewWOAZ9jYwZWXXvT2ZRfTsf9VQqeivWn/s200/Baraka_Outdoors.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Baraka</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> – Located on a side street, just a few blocks off of Plaza Serano, Baraka tends to attract artists and yuppies alike. This place is known for its freshly made pasta dishes, warm loaves of multi-grain bread and chocolate cake. It has a small patio upstairs with umbrellas, a comfy indoor eating area with sofas, and an outdoor seating space on the street as well. Address: Gurruchaga 1450, Palermo. Tel: </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">(00 54 11) </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">4834-6427. Drop-in dining is recommended.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZBUh6tJ50Jbeca8kQG0tEvuuRZytKiihuQhOrH8ACZLWuH2jSrBQWvh3NvwpkVjZ-fwOaxkF95i9aypVK4oRSSUfBPJoQivRqyrXFfXFKP2Wfjg93rY0Co8fH3nTA4JyiqP-LTHiuBaY/s1600-h/Empanadas.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZBUh6tJ50Jbeca8kQG0tEvuuRZytKiihuQhOrH8ACZLWuH2jSrBQWvh3NvwpkVjZ-fwOaxkF95i9aypVK4oRSSUfBPJoQivRqyrXFfXFKP2Wfjg93rY0Co8fH3nTA4JyiqP-LTHiuBaY/s200/Empanadas.png" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">If you eat at a sit-down place anywhere in Buenos Aires, your dining experience will be around 2-3 hours, so allot yourself enough time to enjoy it. Remember, Argentines take pleasure in the company they’re with and the food they’re eating, so they dine at a leisure pace. If you’re in a rush, then forgo a long sit-down meal. Just grab a</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> homemade <i>empanada</i> at any corner <i>empanadería</i>.</span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><i>Empanadas</i> are <span style="color: black;">puffed half-moon pastries filled with mozzarella or Roquefort cheese, spiced beef, chicken, ham, spinach or <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">humita</i> (sweet corn). They are cooked either <i>al horno</i> (baked) or <i>fritas</i> (fried). <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(Photo of empanadas by Gadish of Wikipedia.)</i></span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Merienda</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">: Coffee/Teatime Spots<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj00ZIvF225u_YU4VX8ZsLZGHAKGKLxF6PTrAVLjTzvx6ba6_YG_3lmIETeQOoK5447V7PURTl57XL00YyCNKMQokXe26G_M58c3FJYX1sNKUFI6ZhiAzK4ePEfFscZDnfcmts1Q02d3a-K/s1600-h/Como+en+Casa+II.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj00ZIvF225u_YU4VX8ZsLZGHAKGKLxF6PTrAVLjTzvx6ba6_YG_3lmIETeQOoK5447V7PURTl57XL00YyCNKMQokXe26G_M58c3FJYX1sNKUFI6ZhiAzK4ePEfFscZDnfcmts1Q02d3a-K/s200/Como+en+Casa+II.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.tortascomoencasa.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Como en Casa</span></a></span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> – This is my favorite place to get an afternoon espresso or tea, hidden in the midst of the city bustle. At Como en Casa, there is a private French-style courtyard and fountain outside, so if it’s not raining, you can relax at an outdoor table and order from a menu that offers a plethora of chocolates, cakes or homemade quiches. Address: Laprida 1782, Recoleta. Tel: </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">(00 54 11) </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">4829-0624.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSaIt32-mVEmTNGJveiAyj_Z7GAgD2j4k7_lh_RAcrC4hRrF-3eAPHY5rdG24xMUNcPjRa4ZzW9CyLyOYL0Mv6l11wKeZ5zYmKVKHdITgmQ9ctQb6Q5Daw5uXPURvVmqsXE-_HkJ55GClk/s1600-h/Picture+7.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSaIt32-mVEmTNGJveiAyj_Z7GAgD2j4k7_lh_RAcrC4hRrF-3eAPHY5rdG24xMUNcPjRa4ZzW9CyLyOYL0Mv6l11wKeZ5zYmKVKHdITgmQ9ctQb6Q5Daw5uXPURvVmqsXE-_HkJ55GClk/s200/Picture+7.png" width="200" /></a><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.alvearpalace.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Alvear Palace Hotel</span></a></span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: blue;"> </span>– </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Walking down Avenida Alvear, which is considered the Rodeo Drive of Argentina, you will pass high-end designer shops (complete with Beverly Hills price-tags). Between 5-7 p.m. you may enjoy a traditional English tea at the upscale Alvear Palace Hotel garden room underneath a glass dome. The tea trays are filled with bite-size sandwiches and decadent pastries, as well as an assortment of authentic herbal tea blends. </span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOg3PRAYphZ8sYL8Wwd7XZrszC86neSjL1Mkm_5iQ93v6z3NHih0gepK_fsHqKMe5OzPmj87Pnd_weklUXjEP8NJNL8GEfprlFhQg35It-RNGwl1J8DObjxtgYd-XmmuJ0xZ4zvZAITVHt/s1600-h/Picture+6.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOg3PRAYphZ8sYL8Wwd7XZrszC86neSjL1Mkm_5iQ93v6z3NHih0gepK_fsHqKMe5OzPmj87Pnd_weklUXjEP8NJNL8GEfprlFhQg35It-RNGwl1J8DObjxtgYd-XmmuJ0xZ4zvZAITVHt/s320/Picture+6.png" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Each tray serves two people and costs roughly $17. Address: Avenida Alvear 1891, Recoleta. Tel: </span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(00 54 11) </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4804-2100. You’ll need to book a reservation in advance. </span><o:p><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Photo of tea and pastries by Alvear Palace Hotel.)</span></span></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">RECOMMENDATIONS on Tips, Cash & Credit Cards:</span></span></b><br />
</div><ul><li><span style="font-family: Arial;">When eating outdoors, always be aware of your surroundings and have your belongings on your lap, as there are children who will often beg at your table or pedestrians that might snatch your purse, wallet or camera.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">10% cash tip is suggested at all restaurants.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">In Argentina, there is no space to add the tip on your credit card receipt, cash tips only.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">Credit card receipts ask for three things: <i>firma</i> (signature), <i>aclaración</i> (printed name), and <i>número de documento</i> (driver’s license or passport number).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">Be aware that U.S. credit card companies can charge up to 15% for foreign transactions, you find out later when you receive the monthly statement. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">When in doubt, use cash in Argentina. You'll always get a better rate.</span></li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">***All photos are taken by me, Molly Malone, unless otherwise specified. Photos are not available for re-posting or publication. Stay tuned to next week's post on my top dinner spots, where a juicy steak comes accompanied by the perfect glass of Argentine wine…</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
</div>Molly Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06139341882625339514noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4907356425616166226.post-15722561328917307022010-01-17T23:51:00.000-08:002010-01-18T00:13:48.301-08:00Buenos Aires: Getaways<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhq0IdGRz1lZKNyjWp44LwOCPsQ4kWW2p3qN5D19_jtAAly_M9CHdfxSy8lScF3YKncXkHhzlFAjRoqVpuouFRZz3HF-AFN-0qe897DtnMCHTQwZexhVuDrm95Ytb5jJGvXA9spkzC9Oi/s1600-h/Dog+Walker+in+Buenos+Aires.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhq0IdGRz1lZKNyjWp44LwOCPsQ4kWW2p3qN5D19_jtAAly_M9CHdfxSy8lScF3YKncXkHhzlFAjRoqVpuouFRZz3HF-AFN-0qe897DtnMCHTQwZexhVuDrm95Ytb5jJGvXA9spkzC9Oi/s200/Dog+Walker+in+Buenos+Aires.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Uneven sidewalks, crowded streets, dog walkers, buses and taxis whizzing by…escaping the intensity of the Buenos Aires city life can seem perplexing if you don’t know where to go. </span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An e</span><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">stancia</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">18<span style="font-size: small;">th</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">century estate devoted to cattle ranching) is the perfect spot to get some rest </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">for a day trip or an overnight stay</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. Depending on the type of estancia, most offer horseback riding, a pool area for lounging, bike riding, a traditional high-tea time and an Argentine </span><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">asado </span></i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(beef barbeque). Read below for my top two recommendations on estancias located just outside of Buenos Aires, as well as a lodge on stilts on the Parana Delta River.</span></span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Day/Overnight Trip: Estancias</span></span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 11.0pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5WQslk6dmeQ99AlO7zyfTYWroiXsOFWyPfDogS18HIIQVfHqvzFyjpqk4Lq1q1TCMk4unYskj6Umxeey-XA-XkDIHN7sTUGXWn4Wsxsb6kisWlctWktit5eogroXQzKEfjVUM5fai1_ia/s1600-h/100_1056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5WQslk6dmeQ99AlO7zyfTYWroiXsOFWyPfDogS18HIIQVfHqvzFyjpqk4Lq1q1TCMk4unYskj6Umxeey-XA-XkDIHN7sTUGXWn4Wsxsb6kisWlctWktit5eogroXQzKEfjVUM5fai1_ia/s200/100_1056.JPG" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of my favorite </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">retreats – just a 50-minute drive from the city – is the </span><a href="http://www.estanciasanceferino.com.ar/home.htm"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: blue;">San Ceferino Hotel & Spa</span></b></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. Nestled among a lake and acres of greenery, this quaint estancia is a family-run estate. In addition to the activities listed above, San Ceferino has well-kept clay tennis courts, spa amenities and a farm where visitors can visit the free-range ostrich, sheep and cows roaming the grounds. </span><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyM8pW2Dpfw-4iT5tl1UBAbe7U0TWQ1a2cPSnTRS45snLcoosiZmYYe88jl9Gc06g2qRcBXHFYypu9vdHc03HsyqavJRV1hMF_nLv2uW4ZGAfAk4DU6j0lQkpU2jNJpINpbP1EToRkbKbN/s1600-h/100_1042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyM8pW2Dpfw-4iT5tl1UBAbe7U0TWQ1a2cPSnTRS45snLcoosiZmYYe88jl9Gc06g2qRcBXHFYypu9vdHc03HsyqavJRV1hMF_nLv2uW4ZGAfAk4DU6j0lQkpU2jNJpINpbP1EToRkbKbN/s200/100_1042.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Every day at 4 p.m. guests are invited to watch the “milking hour.” All of the estancia’s fresh cream and </span><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">dulce de leche</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (thick caramel spread) is made on premise. For a day visit, the price (roughly $80/person) includes all outdoor activities, as well as a three-course gourmet lunch and a lavish afternoon tea.</span><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYEzgHA3fCtDdvmL1IecJlvtn1dAy34JWQ9PTYhJG9KWrzIdyOfYWo5F6IfQ-6M44not8LPhYAGEotZwG6G0U8j7Zh-_3J68KNfJFnc472QknROOqOpqhv7SXli2hrC0hXD_kfG22klgWn/s1600-h/100_1034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYEzgHA3fCtDdvmL1IecJlvtn1dAy34JWQ9PTYhJG9KWrzIdyOfYWo5F6IfQ-6M44not8LPhYAGEotZwG6G0U8j7Zh-_3J68KNfJFnc472QknROOqOpqhv7SXli2hrC0hXD_kfG22klgWn/s200/100_1034.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For those who are interested in staying overnight, the San Ceferino rooms come with a lake view and are equipped with WiFi. Room rates start at $250/night and go to $500/night, which include breakfast, lunch, teatime and dinner.</span><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFSJUhxuN9T8rTkFe1bTmsAJH3w8HCfs-g-Xk_7kHAy8Ju8894ZNjLbts17nvrIaJFn4NWFUo5mveqvPJZrl1utoXR3VtY7Je3zJI0nd4Dt0MMe1C13DRimoNB6Wzqj3eEV8YoUuWd-Zi9/s1600-h/Dos+Talas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFSJUhxuN9T8rTkFe1bTmsAJH3w8HCfs-g-Xk_7kHAy8Ju8894ZNjLbts17nvrIaJFn4NWFUo5mveqvPJZrl1utoXR3VtY7Je3zJI0nd4Dt0MMe1C13DRimoNB6Wzqj3eEV8YoUuWd-Zi9/s200/Dos+Talas.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another highly recommended estancia (by friends who just spent their honeymoon in Argentina) is </span><a href="http://www.dostalas.com.ar/home_en.htm"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Dos Talas</b></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. This French-styled mansion is smack in the middle of the </span><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">pampas</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (grasslands), and comes complete with </span><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">gauchos</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (Argentine cowboys) to accompany you on your horseback rides. Other activities include bird watching in the lagoon and hiking on trails around the grounds. If you choose to stay the overnight, rooms start around $150/night, which include breakfast, lunch, teatime and dinner. </span><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Dos Talas photo by Dianne Bouton.)<span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 800;"> </span></span></i><br />
</div><h1 style="page-break-after: avoid;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Overnight Trip: The Delta River</span></span></b></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgAFK4P97LXfaV4H9gX_GoaBXHo_d65nIx0S9CXwQmUsd2d792e2A81rX48pnj0No8-dYbYdlRAsb4b4KKbtSrpg6UGLZ2n5TerxcJBfbeRvgwNOM6Zjnr6pzDyIQ4Nl53wdk2jl0ZSnK/s1600-h/Picture+4.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgAFK4P97LXfaV4H9gX_GoaBXHo_d65nIx0S9CXwQmUsd2d792e2A81rX48pnj0No8-dYbYdlRAsb4b4KKbtSrpg6UGLZ2n5TerxcJBfbeRvgwNOM6Zjnr6pzDyIQ4Nl53wdk2jl0ZSnK/s200/Picture+4.png" /></a><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Located only 18 miles north of Buenos Aires, there is an extraordinary ecological zone called the Parana Delta River. If you want an </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Out-of-Africa” feel, then I recommend exploring this area. </span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One place on the top of my list is <span style="font-family: Times;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><b><a href="http://www.labecasina.com/"><span style="color: blue;">La Becasina Delta Lodge</span></a><span style="color: black;">.</span> <span style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While jetting across the river on a private powerboat heading toward the lodge</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, you'll take in views of lush greenery, marshland and tall willow sticks dancing in the breeze. After a one-hour ride, you dock at the lodge’s entrance nestled among unkempt trees on a small side stream.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Located on a private island, this resort has 15 luxurious cabañas on stilts, each with a view of the river and the surrounding jungle.</span></span></b></span></span></span></span><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu_RJUddsw9_UJiKut6H8HC0VhDvwfDmF9Zxqf0ufE0dRKHc79egPZqsLS4vbtei5quDVj58hu2FB_22fiPeqOi9hmyGvUHiw7SPxwJ0E7gNYVrQ14Cb4OEOTTFg5o0DLfhKb9dEU7OQyU/s1600-h/Picture+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu_RJUddsw9_UJiKut6H8HC0VhDvwfDmF9Zxqf0ufE0dRKHc79egPZqsLS4vbtei5quDVj58hu2FB_22fiPeqOi9hmyGvUHiw7SPxwJ0E7gNYVrQ14Cb4OEOTTFg5o0DLfhKb9dEU7OQyU/s200/Picture+1.png" /></a><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Upon entering, you’re greeted at an open-air safari-style bar with a cocktail and a platter of Argentine cheese and salami appetizers. Next to the bar is a swimming pool enveloped by towering trees with a view overlooking the stream. The private bungalows are linked to the main building through raised wooden walkways on stilts and each cabaña comes with a large private deck equipped with lounge chairs and a mosquito net. </span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhndk0ZSYPp7cW6KbV1OAFP3rQcc3tFSjFc6GK7423JXaRGPJZsY3qSgCTE-APVhjyGmEjPJSRatctwsetyQTd7gskeCs2-K1S5h5TsOHPaZGA1lrdhJeIzTJGZGOhM8g7arKiNMn8m5mkc/s1600-h/Picture+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhndk0ZSYPp7cW6KbV1OAFP3rQcc3tFSjFc6GK7423JXaRGPJZsY3qSgCTE-APVhjyGmEjPJSRatctwsetyQTd7gskeCs2-K1S5h5TsOHPaZGA1lrdhJeIzTJGZGOhM8g7arKiNMn8m5mkc/s200/Picture+2.png" /></a><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The modest and clean bedrooms (rates start at $175/night) have hardwood floors, a king-size bed, ceiling fans and air conditioning. Guests also bathe with a view of the jungle!</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In my opinion, the best part about this place is that it is all-inclusive. Some of the daily activities include yoga in the open-aired thatched-roof hut and massages in the privacy of your own room. For the more adventurous types, the lodge offers kayaking and pedal-boating around the river. Other options are to hang out at the gaucho bar or read and play board games by the fireplace in the library. </span><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(La Becasina Delta Lodge photos by La Becasina Delta Lodge.)</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
</div><h1 style="page-break-after: avoid;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">For some additional ideas about Delta river activities, such as riding the </span></span><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Tren de la Costa </span></span></i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">or going fishing, you can read the article I wrote for “BA Insider Magazine” on page 27 here: </span></span><a href="http://issuu.com/bainsider/docs/bainsider02"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">http://issuu.com/bainsider/docs/bainsider02</span></b></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></b></span></span></span></h1><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">***All photos are taken by myself, Molly Malone, unless otherwise specified. Photos are not available for re-posting or publication. Stay tuned to next week's post on my top recommendations for local eateries in Buenos Aires…</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
</div>Molly Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06139341882625339514noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4907356425616166226.post-57962093086773306402010-01-10T21:28:00.000-08:002010-01-11T09:55:28.256-08:00Buenos Aires: Where to Tango<div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqEaxJgdDUULs6iI1LglIEeBr-Ha6AilgmiJeJI-G1jfLGQ3xwMJiyW-XBLCLLwv5feaE_jDChlxGsW6QQxb848FGBKhQgm2dZs4KoXdD6nXg8qWFejbnsV_iU7gG1sGol7q7z2a3q2rAr/s1600-h/Tango.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqEaxJgdDUULs6iI1LglIEeBr-Ha6AilgmiJeJI-G1jfLGQ3xwMJiyW-XBLCLLwv5feaE_jDChlxGsW6QQxb848FGBKhQgm2dZs4KoXdD6nXg8qWFejbnsV_iU7gG1sGol7q7z2a3q2rAr/s200/Tango.JPG" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bodies press together. Eyes lock. Flirtatious legs twist and hips rotate from side to side. Deep, sorrowful sounds from the </span><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">bandoleón</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> penetrate the air. This is tango in its rawest, most passionate form. </span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just last year, tango was declared part of the world's cultural heritage by the United Nations. In this blog post about Buenos Aires, I’ll give you recommendations about:</span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0POqMWMTItrE_Vsfoxfxv5624KLjS6f8UfMai0zph3rtD6F7FbagiI-whmPcyHBD9EL2-thQ0qB8rWPsjBeVXwgL-P8QyB2C6DKQ4EihDAWrQpV-OVVAvQNWdNlw4LXBaMQAyqMsJs8sA/s1600-h/Picture+8.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0POqMWMTItrE_Vsfoxfxv5624KLjS6f8UfMai0zph3rtD6F7FbagiI-whmPcyHBD9EL2-thQ0qB8rWPsjBeVXwgL-P8QyB2C6DKQ4EihDAWrQpV-OVVAvQNWdNlw4LXBaMQAyqMsJs8sA/s200/Picture+8.png" /></span></a>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Where to see an incredible tango show</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Who offers drop-in tango classes for beginner to advanced dancers</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why a milonga?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What to wear to a tango lesson</span></li>
</ul><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tango Shows</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXv6QiLorv_AkiM3WE5aIg905T3jKn8BIr-ydyJAhsyewZyMz8LhxcakVJHdIfSJHmCtomr9COARYQbMEEpDKk4xmQ9bhzrqarh4Bp1sIWLiV7I0HH60w9ST_3mNSAlZNZWoDlwiZI419g/s1600-h/Bar+Sur.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXv6QiLorv_AkiM3WE5aIg905T3jKn8BIr-ydyJAhsyewZyMz8LhxcakVJHdIfSJHmCtomr9COARYQbMEEpDKk4xmQ9bhzrqarh4Bp1sIWLiV7I0HH60w9ST_3mNSAlZNZWoDlwiZI419g/s200/Bar+Sur.png" /></span></a><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To watch an intimate and very well-executed tango show, head to </span><a href="http://www.bar-sur.com.ar/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bar Sur</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. Since there are only eight small tables in the place, you’ll feel as if you’re caught in the middle of the dancing couple’s ardor. This traditional tango bar, located in the San Telmo neighborhood, has been open for over 40 years and professional dancers perform from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. daily. The fee is about $35 per person, with appetizers included. Reservations are a must, so be sure to call a few days in advance. Tel:</span><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(00 54 11)</span><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4362-6086. </span><o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>(</i></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Bar sur</i></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> photo by Bar Sur and photo of tango shoes by PasionTango.net.)</i></span></o:p><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpkKjBHHk2MBzsmvfsJCFXDs0Y7r09KEEh5SEktiicKVJIABXO14HOaXCj7nK06lkN-5muRQdeTAz_07dfnxpoFKBB7vbjZeOvN1O2x6Wi6VS6t4kDZhiMHD-GkFGtZs4PWgibNZ0rl6hU/s1600-h/Tango+Rojo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpkKjBHHk2MBzsmvfsJCFXDs0Y7r09KEEh5SEktiicKVJIABXO14HOaXCj7nK06lkN-5muRQdeTAz_07dfnxpoFKBB7vbjZeOvN1O2x6Wi6VS6t4kDZhiMHD-GkFGtZs4PWgibNZ0rl6hU/s200/Tango+Rojo.png" /></span></a><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you’re interested in seeing a more upscale and showy tango performance – which includes dancers, singers and a live orchestra – then reserve a spot at the </span><a href="http://www.rojotango.com/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rojo Tango</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> show in El Cabaret room at the swanky </span><a href="http://www.faenahotelanduniverse.com/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hotel Faena</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. Designed by the famous Philippe Starck (known for hotels such as the Delano in Miami and the Mondrian in Los Angeles), the Faena occupies an old brick grain silo along the waterfront in Puerto Madero. Tango shows are held nightly at 10 p.m. The show alone costs $140, and a dinner/show combination costs $200. Call for reservations well in advance. Tel: (00 54 11) 5787-1536. (</span><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tango Rojo</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> photo by Hotel Faena.)</span></i><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a recommendation of what not to do…I’ve heard from many travelers that the </span><a href="http://www.senortango.com.ar/es/index.asp"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Señor Tango</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> show is expensive and gaudy, so be wary, and don’t let hotels persuade you into buying a pricey ticket from them.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Watch Tango for Free </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh82JopYna_sFGHjYVTCMnYfZFPz-DNZ93qt_Bmq13-5uIrPOYqMS8OLicyApky82KEscvWT_WXBPrfKq5u-8s949W3WjzTS_Fd7tTadegF2atgaScVzC7-uNVnvmDR_5zB7QNnUi7uxVxV/s1600-h/100_0025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh82JopYna_sFGHjYVTCMnYfZFPz-DNZ93qt_Bmq13-5uIrPOYqMS8OLicyApky82KEscvWT_WXBPrfKq5u-8s949W3WjzTS_Fd7tTadegF2atgaScVzC7-uNVnvmDR_5zB7QNnUi7uxVxV/s200/100_0025.JPG" /></span></a><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To see tango dancers and musicians on the street, head to </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plaza_Dorrego"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Plaza Dorrego</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> in San Telmo on Sundays, where Argentina’s world-famous dance is celebrated in performances and artwork. Meander around the area, exploring the cobblestone streets and old-standing apartments now converted into cafes and pubs. This is a perfect area to stop for a </span><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">chopp </span></i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(draft beer) and an afternoon </span><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">picada</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (assortment of sliced meats, cheeses and olives). </span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPgpkBLaRovktsMuw82ZWq1xJRZ3DcQdCHN9Y7M-N0lYd6RA42MvXkvDiEY43QsWl3Xdq23Vrzym-jGs2HwGWM_gAxjYXxQo6EbdvdfgAH_iVgyZFm6h282-mR-kOhc5UA3ICVYC9Ghpyz/s1600-h/All+Pictures+197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPgpkBLaRovktsMuw82ZWq1xJRZ3DcQdCHN9Y7M-N0lYd6RA42MvXkvDiEY43QsWl3Xdq23Vrzym-jGs2HwGWM_gAxjYXxQo6EbdvdfgAH_iVgyZFm6h282-mR-kOhc5UA3ICVYC9Ghpyz/s200/All+Pictures+197.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you venture towards downtown on a weekday, you’ll find tango dancers squeezed among the leather shops and multitudes of Argentines in suits walking to grab lunch on La Florida pedestrian street. In addition, </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Boca"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">La Boca</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> neighborhood is well known for its </span><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Caminito</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> street filled with spontaneous curb-side tango performances and colorful buildings. Take note that it’s quite a tourist trap, so I don’t highly recommend it.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tango Lessons</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjenQ2PcXVFbHwEQlfBQG5TNpcnh0QxvSWsrTFzjI5siD3CM1SDf9kj3RshYMc9tZSBi3gZrbIXzvPgYbr6TpVEASs4rm0rW0aiToqyZNObVLDc9xIy3EX3Az1NHleUDfpIgGtQ1iyHqZhf/s1600-h/Tango+in+the+Streets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjenQ2PcXVFbHwEQlfBQG5TNpcnh0QxvSWsrTFzjI5siD3CM1SDf9kj3RshYMc9tZSBi3gZrbIXzvPgYbr6TpVEASs4rm0rW0aiToqyZNObVLDc9xIy3EX3Az1NHleUDfpIgGtQ1iyHqZhf/s200/Tango+in+the+Streets.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Are you in the mood to learn a few tango steps or polish up on your moves? If so, you’re in luck. There are a plethora of drop-in dance studios in Buenos Aires for beginner to advanced dancers, but the top recommended places from expats and Argentines are listed below. Take note that classes cost about $5 and will be roughly a $7 cab ride from the Barrio Norte neighborhood.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Parakultural/La Catedral</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">: Classes for </span><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">principiantes</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (beginners) and </span><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">intermedios</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (intermediates) are held on Tuesday nights at 9 p.m. and the milonga directly follows at 11 p.m. Address: Sarmiento 4006, doorbell # 5 (neighborhood: Almagro). Tel: (00 54 11) 4342- 4794.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ADagUqGzVCbpfYItlHlQu-_GbFRVHR71iyCDJ_ITpRVpOQAuhHSKaBDE9uMzplemymk_mUB7U6o7GY9z2zfyrSNHPSY4dJvyhej1a999Ed-Qc1YKx5p0pqsnJm1Uv_wpjpNkz6YSGpN4/s1600-h/Picture+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ADagUqGzVCbpfYItlHlQu-_GbFRVHR71iyCDJ_ITpRVpOQAuhHSKaBDE9uMzplemymk_mUB7U6o7GY9z2zfyrSNHPSY4dJvyhej1a999Ed-Qc1YKx5p0pqsnJm1Uv_wpjpNkz6YSGpN4/s200/Picture+1.png" /></span></a><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><a href="http://www.visittangobuenosaires.com/Dinzel%20Studio-sp.htm"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dinzel Studio</span></a></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">: This is a small dance studio in Buenos Aires for intermediate to advanced dancers. For the past 30 years, Gloria and Rodolofo Dinzel have been dancing and teaching their own recipe of the tango. Address: Calle Jufre160 (neighborhood: Villa Crespo). Tel: (00 54 11) 4777-0405. (</span><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dinzel Studios photo by Jorgen Lindh.)</span></i><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<br />
<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Milongas</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The word </span><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">milonga</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> has a dual meaning. A milonga is a musical genre and it also refers to a physical place to dance tango, like an underground dance club. People who regularly go to milongas are sometimes called </span><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">milongueros</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. Below is a list of Argentine favorites, so when you visit them, feel free to sit back and watch, or dance if you feel comfortable. Be sure to take special note of the day of the week I recommend, as there is a large milonguero following on those specific nights:</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">El Niño Bien</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">: This smaller milonga dance hall has a much more mature crowd, where a very traditional tango is danced. You'll see men wearing formal hats and suits, and the ladies conservatively dressed. Thursday nights are recommended. You can read Frommer’s review of it here: </span><a href="http://www.frommers.com/destinations/buenosaires/N29307.html"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.frommers.com/destinations/buenosaires/N29307.html</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Address: Humberto Primo 1462 (neighborhood: downtown). Tel: (00 54 11) 4147-8687.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #142b3d; letter-spacing: 1pt;"><a href="http://www.confiteriaideal.com/public/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Confiteria Ideal</span></a></span></b><span style="color: black; letter-spacing: 1pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">: A very popular spot among Argentines and foreigners, “La Ideal” is well-known for its milonga on Thursday nights. Tango classes are offered at 9 p.m. and the milonga starts at 11 p.m. Address:</span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Suipacha 380 (neighborhood: downtown). Tel: (00 54 11) 5265-8069</span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span><a href="mailto:infoclubgricel@ciudad.com.ar?Subject=Visitante%20de%20Welcomeargentina.com"><span style="color: black; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></a></span><span style="color: #183348;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXKJ18gBvCcwiNNt3iipkWTJ4Yk5b7OtDWIsL3m2QL1MbC3sQSQeR2FUPnHTLk_Iv7o9LzJawDlbxA7ep-8ee1Kf7HV8XGE4skbkFcf4dtp5QNl2z-bUqlYCbQKnr8H_JpaXeZ-K8vnfYh/s1600-h/Picture+7.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXKJ18gBvCcwiNNt3iipkWTJ4Yk5b7OtDWIsL3m2QL1MbC3sQSQeR2FUPnHTLk_Iv7o9LzJawDlbxA7ep-8ee1Kf7HV8XGE4skbkFcf4dtp5QNl2z-bUqlYCbQKnr8H_JpaXeZ-K8vnfYh/s200/Picture+7.png" /></span></a><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><a href="http://www.visittangobuenosaires.com/La_Calesita-en.htm"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Calesitas Porteñas</span></a></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">: </span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This outdoor milonga is a great find during Argentina’s summer months (December, January and February). Saturday evening classes are at 9 p.m. and the milonga starts at 11 p.m. Address: </span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Comodoro Rivadavia 1350 (neighborhood: Nuñez)</span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. </span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tel: </span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(00 54 11) 4743-3631</span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. (</span><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Calesitas Porteñas </span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">photo by VisitTangoBuenosAires.com )</span><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-363</span></span><span style="color: white; font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1</span></span></i></span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What to Wear</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can buy tango shoes on Calle Sarmiento and Calle Suipacha in downtown Buenos Aires. They’ll cost about $50 a pair, but will last you for many years. (I wear my tango shoes around town as well. They are so comfortable!) Your shoes will need to have slippery leather soles. Women should wear high heels as well as comfortable, tight fitting skirts or pants. Nylons, tights and fishnet stockings are a good option too. Men should wear dress pants and a collared shirt. For an extensive list on tango shows, tours, classes and milongas, visit: </span><a href="http://www.welcomeargentina.com/tango/lugares_i.html"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.welcomeargentina.com/tango/lugares_i.html</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">***All photos are taken by myself, Molly Malone, unless otherwise specified. Photos are not available for re-posting or publication. Stay tuned to next week's post on overnight getaways from Buenos Aires…</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
</div>Molly Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06139341882625339514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4907356425616166226.post-36431980726652488162010-01-01T10:22:00.000-08:002010-01-02T06:17:15.081-08:00Buenos Aires: Where to Stay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqtQOq_vdoNdLIiWGevPJoTJMLH24OtbczsWa47nTUVhUb792tLzWJd1bXHNuYwqvnEJ319BvEvLZel3Sex5E4sY7gDRUioDHOAyv95pPsHKJ33F1pSr-CbW8-tU5prNYwVnyPCQ8iRkPV/s1600-h/Cafe+Liber.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqtQOq_vdoNdLIiWGevPJoTJMLH24OtbczsWa47nTUVhUb792tLzWJd1bXHNuYwqvnEJ319BvEvLZel3Sex5E4sY7gDRUioDHOAyv95pPsHKJ33F1pSr-CbW8-tU5prNYwVnyPCQ8iRkPV/s200/Cafe+Liber.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;">I’m still addicted. I’ll confess that for the past seven years, every spare travel moment I get, I book a flight on <a href="http://www.lan.com/">Lan Airlines</a> to Buenos Aires, Argentina. It all started off as a “study year” in 2003, when I did my master’s in journalism in Buenos Aires. </span><br />
<div><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"><br />
</span><br />
</div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;">But very slowly, the entire living experience started to seep into my <i>alma </i>(soul). I got sucked in. I found that I couldn’t get away from the city’s natural European</span><br />
</div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419432324193949394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhflLnwbqUFilBv-t-q8hfaFMTU7hjLPS-8HROo69fP3wS4nRqIYb5twa90xYiEawTrhKq4WdooiKRtw8raQwWYwTN2AtJRnuPVlXY4D0I_6iho-9MAZnFf66Pnb_mt59O4L1yu3b18-fzX/s200/Tango+in+the+Streets.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 200px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 150px;" /><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;">flare, strong Italian cappuccinos, late night dining and dancing, bodies and legs twisting together in a tango, and most of all, the warm <i>porteño </i>hospitality from Buenos Aires natives. <i>Mi querida Ar<span style="font-style: normal;"><i>gentina </i>(my beloved Argentina)…</span></i></span><br />
<div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p>As you can see, per my mad Argentina travel addiction, I thought it would be only natural to have my first few posts in “<a href="http://mollymalonestraveltips.blogspot.com/">Molly Malone’s Travel Tips</a>” blog focus on <a href="http://www.turismo.gov.ar/eng/menu.htm">Buenos Aires</a> and <a href="http://www.turismo.gov.ar/eng/menu.htm">Argentina</a>. I regularly get the same five questions about Buenos Aires from friends and family (as well as from strangers I meet at parties and on the street). If you are planning a trip there, see below for some helpful information. If you have any questions, just drop me a line!</o:p></span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDa6bt9cIQdQjFgHiPEQOvt_c1GGDo74ZvgEkWh7TmKmKlCsdcAqKD3pIxyZ00PSXQcwLYwyMXRqLJ3eBe0w3-jslf-zqC0A1mOCc51nSQROvmbKvafulyHPzEYyuyY50WlvzHtacV12VH/s1600-h/Buenos+Aires+Sky+Line.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDa6bt9cIQdQjFgHiPEQOvt_c1GGDo74ZvgEkWh7TmKmKlCsdcAqKD3pIxyZ00PSXQcwLYwyMXRqLJ3eBe0w3-jslf-zqC0A1mOCc51nSQROvmbKvafulyHPzEYyuyY50WlvzHtacV12VH/s200/Buenos+Aires+Sky+Line.jpg" /></a><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Top five questions I get about Buenos Aires:</span></b><br />
</div><ul><li><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;">Where do I stay?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;">Where can I see a good tango show?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;">What overnight trips from Buenos Aires should I take if I have some extra time?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;">Where should I go to eat?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;">What sights do you think are a “must see” and where do I go to shop?</span></li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p>After pointing my friends to the travel article I wrote for the “<a href="http://www.latimes.com/">Los Angeles Times</a>” titled “<a href="http://www.argentina-info.net/in_buenos_aires__the_living_s_.html">In Buenos Aires the Living’s Easy</a>,” my top recommendations for places to stay are posted below. REMEMBER: Stay tuned to my blog through January, as I’ll continue to give you weekly inside scoops on where to see intimate (and affordable) tango shows, go for overnight getaways, dine at highly recommended local eateries, and hit the “must see” sights and shopping spots when pressed for time.</o:p></span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Top Places To Stay</span></b><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.fivebuenosaires.com/">Five Cool Rooms</a>: Located in the heart of trendy Palermo Soho, the Five Cool Rooms quaint hotel comes recommended by friends who enjoyed staying there. Cost: $120-$240/night</span><br />
</div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419415027490781346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnNcOI2byWW6-MZrYYLZgnULeTYy193AJTflnaZWqJq3zbBYTG1yn23dEXtf_n1xuHZJYUWcpMd-U3vnpqziawT7dJwBOj2tJ2dpUkEV4b189rabuE_OZ_F0QQqYF-GcI_TwxgE7c_ccDJ/s200/Buenos+Aires+180.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 150px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 200px;" /><span style="font-family: Arial;">depending on the size of the room. The place is clean, small and the staff is friendly. There is a balcony for sunbathing and WiFi is available.</span><br />
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419434706324476450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVj_VcEr1C25L-pjePgkKHA7M9vF6-Z38dRWhTIJAQHIBB7x3VU7fZHqy1ClJizZdXkzAG5T2ypLsD7kEepWahmGF5oIGtJBYrER8UuKNexVEHmQwWtQAxpabNmHxskvX_0GUNkGJcJF_n/s200/Buenos+Aires+181.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 150px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 200px;" /><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"><br />
</span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Located nearby, you can eat lunch at a bustling <i>parrilla (</i>restaurant specializing in Argentine beef) and have breakfast or afternoon tea at many charming outdoor cafés where a strong cup of <i>café con leche</i> (cappuccino) and a plate of <i>medialunas</i> (small croissants) costs roughly $5 total (remember to always tip 10%). The only drawback to staying in this neighborhood is that it’s far from the subway (nine blocks) and a 15-20 minute cab ride downtown, which will cost about $8 per trip. <i>(Five Cool Rooms photos by Shannon Gomes.)</i></span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJStYBXFdBnti267eXW2YL8SOCcLgaKZ3b14J9Qx2m2kWBx55aodUbvMD-VUF-RfkM-JAsqFxBWQ5-3R91V8heYQ9TlKlUJhvi2V4dyKVqk5kX6SnU5IYdb7sqwzNm2_47Iq7Hd32LGI2B/s1600-h/Plaza+San+Martin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJStYBXFdBnti267eXW2YL8SOCcLgaKZ3b14J9Qx2m2kWBx55aodUbvMD-VUF-RfkM-JAsqFxBWQ5-3R91V8heYQ9TlKlUJhvi2V4dyKVqk5kX6SnU5IYdb7sqwzNm2_47Iq7Hd32LGI2B/s200/Plaza+San+Martin.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.latinoamerica.marriott.com/hotels/travel/buear-marriott-plaza-hotel-buenos-aires/">Marriot Plaza Hotel</a>: This is a prime location, but pricey. Room rates range from $350-$600/night, but visit their <a href="http://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-deals/buear-marriott-plaza-hotel-buenos-aires/">Deals at this hotel</a> page to find affordable last-minute prices for as low as $180/night. If a pristine, convenient and large hotel feel is what you’re aiming for, then the Marriot Plaza Hotel is where you’ll be most comfortable. You’re<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> just steps away from the swanky Recoleta neighborhood and the famous Florida pedestrian walk street, which is known for its upscale leather shops. Directly across<span style="font-family: Times;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> from the hotel is the lush Plaza San Martin park, offering a bit of tranquility in the midst of the hectic downtown rush. When I was living there, I splurged and stayed a night at the Marriot, which ended up as one of the best evenings my life. I walked to the underground</span><a href="http://www.melia-boutique-recoleta-plaza.com/dining/jazz-voyeur-club.html"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Jazz Voyeur Club</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> to watch a live jazz gig, ate </span></span><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">bife de lomo </span></i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(filet mignon) around the corner at </span><a href="http://www.elmirasol.com.ar/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">El Mirasol</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">steak house, and finished the night lounging on sofas in the lush gardens of the </span><a href="http://www.buenosaires.park.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Palacio Duhau Park Hyatt Hotel</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> with a </span><a href="http://www.fernetbranca.com/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fernet Branca</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> nightcap in hand.</span></span></span></span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/south-america/argentina/buenos-aires"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">VRBO</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (Vacation Rentals By Owner): For those of you who are staying in Buenos Aires for more than a few days, there are great options for apartments rentals on the VRBO Web site. Just make sure that you pick an apartment located in the Barrio Norte or Recoleta neighborhoods (or Palermo Soho if you don’t mind cabbing it to downtown.) A four bedroom/two bath runs about </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">$1200/week. Other recommended </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">apartment rental sites are: </span><a href="http://www.sibaires.com/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sibiaires</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, </span><a href="http://www.internationalnest.com/index.php"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">International Nest</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and </span><a href="http://www.bytargentina.com/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ByT Argentina</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">***All photos are taken by myself, Molly Malone, unless otherwise specified. Photos are not available for re-posting or publication. Stay tuned to next week's post on tango…</span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 174.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 174.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 174.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p><br />
</div></div>Molly Malonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06139341882625339514noreply@blogger.com4