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Buenos Aires, Argentina > Buenos Aires restaurants > La Esquina del Medio y Medio La Esquina del Medio y MedioPerón 1602 (@ Montevideo); Tel. +(011.54.11) 4371-6212
Medio y Medio (meaning half and half) takes its name from a Uruguayan tradition of adding half juice or other mixer to liquor to “stretch the drink” during tough financial times. A trip to this warm, inviting, centrally located gem of Argentine-Uruguayan cuisine, however, reveals that nothing in the place has been scrimped on, cut back, nor otherwise neglected. The ambiance alone lures passers in off the street with its colorful tablecloths, low lighting, and artful wall décor ranging from vintage advertisements to pyramid stacks of artichoke hearts. Painted records display the imposing face of Che Guevara and other cultural heroes. Everything about the look of the place sweeps you into the creative environment. The name could also refer to blend of Uruguayan and Argentine cuisine served up in mountainous helping. Their specialties are chivitos which in Argentina implies a goat dish but in the world of Uruguayan cuisine refers to your choice of steak, pork, chicken (and even, in some cases, soy) prepared in a variety of ways from smothered in ham, fried eggs, and vegetables to dripping with eggplant or raisins. All dishes are artfully prepared with a flair for the agridulce (sweet and sour) tickling the taste buds. Main courses range from about AR$10-$15 – an absolute bargain for the quality and quantity served – and not to be missed are the sweet potato fries and the fried banana. In addition to the mouth-watering specialties a wonderful range of pastas, savory crepes, and revueltoes (scrambled egg dishes) are available meaning there is something for everyone. If all this isn’t enough, diners can complete a perfect mean with a bottle of their 30 or so regional wines and while their isn’t likely to much stomach space after your indulgent dinner, the Uruguayan dessert Chaja (think biscuit, peaches, dulce de leche, and meringue sinfulness) should not be missed. This is a near-perfect restaurants experience and a hidden gem to boot. —La Esquina del Medio y Medio review by Clare Nisbet
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