Norman Stormin
01-10-06, 23:19
Rodriquez Peņa 1832 between Posadas and Alvear. Open everyday except Monday for lunch and dinner. I've been exploring the French cuisine as of late and had great expectations for this place. I was not disappointed.
I arrived without reservation at 13:30 and was greeted by a very friendly doorman who checked my umbrella. Very stately reception room with partioned barroom. The dining room was seperated by glass doors which were opened by a very friendly maitre d' who seated me rear center facing a beautiful atrium. All of this French cordiality was quite unexpected. I was, after all, an uninvited Yankee in King Louis's Court. But then again, these folks didn't speak French.
I had not seen the menu but had some very specific things in mind. Some were available and some were not. I started with the house pate. Excellent at 11p. I chose duck confit with a portabello wine sauce 32p as my main course. I asked for roquefort cheese to finish (not on the menu) but a large portion nicely gaurnished with fruits and nuts was provided for 16p. A glass of house cabernet turned into a full bottle 28p. Water 3p coffee 3p. No cover.
I was very happy with the portabello wine sauce but could not identify one of the ingredients and asked the waiter for help. He said he would ask the chef. Well suprise, suprise, here comes the chef in full mess dress. I am sure he wanted to investigate who was asking such a classified question. I did not pass his "need to know" criterion. However, he did allow me to know him. Juan Portela, the son of an Argentine diplomat who spent time in the US and Europe. He graduated from culinary school in Lausanne and did in fact speak French. He is also the owner of the restaurant under contract with the club.
I was very pleased with the entire experience: ambiance, service, food and price. By the way, they have a prix fix lunch of appetizer, main plate, desert and beverage (no wine) for 25p.
I arrived without reservation at 13:30 and was greeted by a very friendly doorman who checked my umbrella. Very stately reception room with partioned barroom. The dining room was seperated by glass doors which were opened by a very friendly maitre d' who seated me rear center facing a beautiful atrium. All of this French cordiality was quite unexpected. I was, after all, an uninvited Yankee in King Louis's Court. But then again, these folks didn't speak French.
I had not seen the menu but had some very specific things in mind. Some were available and some were not. I started with the house pate. Excellent at 11p. I chose duck confit with a portabello wine sauce 32p as my main course. I asked for roquefort cheese to finish (not on the menu) but a large portion nicely gaurnished with fruits and nuts was provided for 16p. A glass of house cabernet turned into a full bottle 28p. Water 3p coffee 3p. No cover.
I was very happy with the portabello wine sauce but could not identify one of the ingredients and asked the waiter for help. He said he would ask the chef. Well suprise, suprise, here comes the chef in full mess dress. I am sure he wanted to investigate who was asking such a classified question. I did not pass his "need to know" criterion. However, he did allow me to know him. Juan Portela, the son of an Argentine diplomat who spent time in the US and Europe. He graduated from culinary school in Lausanne and did in fact speak French. He is also the owner of the restaurant under contract with the club.
I was very pleased with the entire experience: ambiance, service, food and price. By the way, they have a prix fix lunch of appetizer, main plate, desert and beverage (no wine) for 25p.