Argentines are passionate about both soccer and steaks--luckily both can be found at Buenos Aires in the East Village. A moderately sized dining room with exposed brick walls, dark wood tables, and a few flat screen tv's is appropriate either for a celebratory dinner with family and friends or an afternoon soccer match with your pals.
A selection of both hot and cold appetizers off the meat-heavy menu will satisfy a range of palates--from the sweet-and-salty melon wrapped in serrano ham to the pionono pie (a plantain-based fritter stuffed with meat and vegetables) to an assortment of empanadas, the turnover-like dough filled with meat, spices, and vegetables. Hot semi-circular pastries (two per $4.00 order) are filled with one of four fillings--ground beef flavored with onions, peppers, cumin and assorted spices, chicken, spinach and cheese, and sweet corn--then baked until delightfully hot. Gothamist's favorite was the savory and slightly sweet corn empanadas, a perfect compliment to the flaky dough; the traditional beef variety rang in second.
A handful of uninspiring salads are available for vegetarians or just veggie lovers who're tagging. A Russian potato salad, Italian Caprese salad with mozzerella, and Waldorf salad with apples and hearts of palm all grace making one wonder what the Argentines are really eating these days. Gothamist recommends skipping straight to the entrees, specifically the grilled meats, which are the stars of the meal and all reasonably priced under $25.
Gothamist split the Entrana, a chewy thick cut of skirt steak, grilled and rubbed with coarse sea salt, and the bife de costilla, a bone ribeye steak, similar to a t-bone steak. Requested medium-rare, both were generous slabs cooked perfectly to order, tender throughout, and accompanied by chimichurri sauce, a popular parsley-garlic sauce, and a moderate portion of sizzling hot homemade papas fritas (french fries). Grilled filet minion, vacio (flap steak) and mixed grill are available for those interested in trying a variety of cuts; there is plenty to share.
For those less than keen on steak, breaded cutlets of chicken and beef topped with melted cheese and vegetables are also available, in addition to half a dozen pastas like spaghetti bolognesa and fetuccini pesto, clearly not native to the country, but still commonly eaten there. Though options are abound, Gothamist recommends doing as the Argentines do, selecting one of the malbec varietals off the restaurant's thorough wine list, enjoying a well-grilled steak, and finishing the night with a crepe spread with dulce de leche, the nation's sweet obsession.
Buenos Aires is located at 513 E. 6th Street between Avenues A & B and open for lunch and dinner, 7 days a week. (212) 228-2775.
