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Buenos Aires, Argentina > Buenos Aires restaurants > Elles EllesHonduras 5916 (@ Ravidavia); Tel. +(011.54.11) 4777.9555
 Diners will have to keep a look out for the small plaque indicating the otherwise humble and hidden Elles restaurant on the dimly lit streets of Palermo. Photo by Jennifer Roglà. French owner Stephanie Rovero and Brazilian chef Gabriela Barreto have brought a truly unique fusion to Buenos Aires cuisine. Through a combination of seasonal menus and an emphasis on lighter meats and fishes, the decadent dishes of Elles manage to satisfy even the hungriest of patrons without overstuffing them – a feat seldom accomplished with the heavy meats and cheeses of Argentine fare. Breaking into the Palermo Hollywood dining scene in 2006, the exquisite mix of French and Brazilian dishes is amplified by the cozy interior of a one-time house and the exceptionally friendly wait staff. One could easily pass by the humble exterior of Elles, designated only by a small round sign above the doorway of a stark white building. The petite interior of Elles is sparsely decorated apart from nature-themed accents; white walls, light wood floors, and a mismatch of pale wooden tables and chairs instead draw the eye to the lovely crystal chandeliers, wide variety of lush green plants, and the very modern bar that lines the wall upon entering the restaurant. Large mirrors accent the lighting features and make the restaurant appear much larger than its twenty or so person capacity downstairs. Lofty French doors lead out to the softly-lit patio, where a few tables dot the courtyard. A set of stairs leads to more rooftop dining, which visitors may never realize exists. Group seating and a few smaller tables along with a secondary bar grace the red-tiled terrace above – call ahead to reserve one of these spectacular tables on a warm night. The menu offers diners only a handful of options for appetizers and entrees, changing with the season to ensure fresh ingredients. Dishes created by perfectionist chef Barreto are always made at the moment they are ordered and never leave the kitchen without her approval and finishing touches. Summer appetizers include dishes such as a delicately seared squid with corn, a cold melon soup with mint and black pepper, and a cucumber, avocado, and olive salad (ARG$12-17). The entrees boast dishes such as a rich white fish stew in coconut milk, ojo de bife(rib eye steak) with an almond and orange crust, and a goat cheese, zucchini, and mint risotto (ARG$22-36). Dishes are complemented by a long list of French and Argentine wines. Most patrons still have room for something off the constantly changing dessert menu, for instance chocolate mousse in an orange sesame sauce, a recipe given to the owner by her French grandmother as a present upon the restaurant’s opening. The emphasis on fresh, natural products at Elles added with the strong element of personal attention offers patrons an intimate dining experience; the delicious food, of course, does not hurt. —Elles review by Jennifer Roglà
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