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Buenos Aires, Argentina > Buenos Aires restaurants > El Querandí El QuerandíPerú 302 (@ Moreno); Tel. +(011.54.11) 5199.1770
Café El Querandí is one of Buenos Aires’ classiest, most time-honoured institutions. Originally built as a school in 1860, in 1920 it was transformed into a restaurant and soon distinguished itself as the illustrious establishment it is today. As 'a living memory of the city' it claims, an experience here is, ‘an intimate encounter with Buenos Aires’. Standing proudly in this prominent corner of the manzana de las luces or block of englightenment (part of town known for its university buildings and educational institutions), El Querandí now boasts one of the finest tango shows in town as well as its international a la carte cuisine. The immaculately decored restaurant includes a stage and miniature grand piano, and the six-scene show is narrated and choreographed down to the finest detail. The dark wooden-carved interior is dotted with perfectly laid tables. Heavy black and white tablecloths are set with fine wine glasses and heavy silver cutlery while dark red roses add a dramatic touch with all the tragedy of the tango. The full dinner and show price is not for the feint-hearted, costing $230AR per person. The menu is spectacular with an enticing choice of hot or cold starters, pasta, fish, meat or poultry dishes and long list of deserts. Fresh tuna and veal stew are among the many options with entrecote steak and rice pudding being some of the more international choices. The a la carte menu is available for lunchtime diners and El Querandí is regularly a site for sharply turned out businessmen looking to impress their clients. Starters range from tablas of cold meats $35AR (to share between two) to brochette de langoustine for a princely $64AR. An extensive pasta, meat and fish menu caters to all tastes though perhaps not to all wallets as bife de lomo weighs in at $36AR and grilled salmon at $43AR. Famously steeped in Buenos Aires tradition, El Querandí is a popular choice for high budget visitors looking to experience the finest the city has to offer. Reservations for the evening are therefore recommended. Those wishing to see the show only can do so for a $170AR charge from 10pm onwards. —El Querandí review by Tessa Pettman
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