spaswinefood: Magical food and wine moments at Aramburu Restaurante, Buenos Aires

Late one summer’s evening this February we boarded a taxi in Palermo Soho for Aramburu Restaurante. We were about to discover why this restaurant tops the lists. Yes, why this restaurant is a must for a gastronomic affair. When a friend recommended this restaurant I first checked the reviews and then put it on my list. What Spaswinefood enthusiast would not want to dine at one of the top restaurants in Buenos Aires? While we were curious to discover why Aramburu gets top reviews we were equally excited about experiencing modern Argentine cuisine.

Dining at Aramburu Chef's Table © Spaswinefood

30 minute later our taxi arrived at what looked like to me to be a somewhat of a warehouse area. Some, perhaps might be a little weary of the setting. While we did not feel intimidated nevertheless our taxi driver made sure we were at the right place before he left. Since we were the first to arrive for a 8:30 pm seating we decided to set at the chefs table next to the window. Yes 8:30 pm is early to begin dinner in Buenos Aires however, in this case the dining experience lasts about three hours. When we walked into the restaurant we soon discovered that Aramburu has a glass enclosed kitchen adjacent to the dining area. This gives all diners a close-up view of the culinary action. Given that we were seated at the chef's table, next to the glass-enclosed kitchen, we had the best view for sure.

Once we were seated the tasting event began. We selected a 17 step tasting menu with Argentine wine. Over the course of the evening we were served seven wines and one beer paired with the 17 tastings. It is important to note that the restaurant does make adaptations for vegetarians and other dietary needs.

View onto the Chef's Kitchen, Aramburu © Spaswinefood

Capturing Food and Wine Moments
For those who enjoy capturing those food and wine moments this is the place. The first tasting presented at our table was a beautiful edible arrangement in a shell.

Tastes in a Scallop Shell, Aramburu © Spaswinefood

We enjoyed exploring the tastes and textures. This was followed by a sparkling wine.

Wine #1: Baron B, Cuvée Spéciale Extra Brut

Baron B Cuvée Spéciale Extra Brut © Spaswinefood

Kitchen: Through the Wine Glass © Spaswinefood

The next series of tastings arrived on a tray.

Tasting Menu, Aramburu © Spaswinefood

When the tastings were presented they were carefully displayed on the table and explained.

Tasting Display, Aramburu © Spaswinefood

The following tastings included both regular menu and vegetarian options:

Regular Tasting, Aramburu © Spaswinefood

Tasting Veggie Version, Aramburu © Spaswinefood

Tasting for Two #1, Aramburu © Spaswinefood

Tasting for Two #2, Aramburu © Spaswinefood

The next tasting, like the last series, was clearly not just focused on the taste but presentation as well.

Tasting Preseantation, Aramburu © Spaswinefood

I could resist taking a peck around the room that was starting to fill up.

Dining at Aramburu © Spaswinefood

The assistant waiter suggested that we get our photo taken. We agreed.

Toasting, Aramburu © Spaswinefood

The sommelier introduced one craft beer, as he had promised earlier.

Beer/Cerveza: Antelope: Honey Belgian Style, Artisanal Beer

Antelope: Honey Belgian Style, Artisanal Beer © Spaswinefood

The beer was accompanied by some bread.

Bread, Aramburu © Spaswinefood

Bread & Beer, Aramburu © Spaswinefood

Sampling Beer & Bread, Aramburu © Spaswinefood

While sampling the beer and bread we had a perfect view of the kitchen.

Wine #2: Perro Callejero Pinot Gris 2016

Perro Callejero Pinot Gris 2016 © Spaswinefood

The next tasting was a tempting meringue like dish (veggie and non-veggie versions).

Meringue Inspiration #1, Aramburu © Spaswinefood

Meringue Inspiration #2, Aramburu © Spaswinefood

When gazing through the window into the kitchen we could see the next tasting creation in the making.

Window onto Kitchen, Aramburu © Spaswinefood

Of course soon the next artistic creation arrived.

Tempting Textures & Tastes, Aramburu © Spaswinefood

Delightful Textures & Tastes, Aramburu © Spaswinefood

Wine #3: Luigi Bosca, Viognier, Chardonnay, Riesling 2014

Luigi Bosca, Viognier, Chardonnay, Riesling 2014 © Spaswinefood

Soon after the wine was poured the next tasting arrived.

Camarones, Aramburu © Spaswinefood

Vegetarian Version, Aramburu © Spaswinefood

Through my wine glass I could view the next menu tasting in progress.

Luigi Bosca, Viognier, Chardonnay, Riesling 2014 © Spaswinefood

Did I say, just pausing to take in the kitchen scene, the table setting, and wines was awesome.

Three Wines & a Beer #1 © Spaswinefood

Three Wines & a Beer #2 © Spaswinefood

Next tasting presented included fish and vegetarian options.

Fish, Aramburu © Spaswinefood

Vegetarian Option, Aramburu © Spaswinefood

Always with an eye on the kitchen staff as we dined I could see the same dish that we were eating being prepared for other diners.

Tasting being prepared for Diners © Spaswinefood

Menu Tastings with Red Wines
With the arrival of the next wine it signaled the start menu tastings with red wines.

Wine #4: Bodega Chacra, Barda Pinot Noir 2015

Bodega Chacra, Barda Pinot Noir 2015 © Spaswinefood

Next step in the tasting menu was paired with the Pinot Noir wine. It all began with an Asian inspired table setting, followed by steamed dumplings, both vegetarian and regular menu versions.

Asian Inspirations © Spaswinefood

Presentation of Steamed Dumpling © Spaswinefood

Sampling Steamed Dumpling © Spaswinefood

Trying to capture those special wine moments and kitchen views always leads me to dozens of shots. In the end I would select a few.

Four Wines & a Beer #1 © Spaswinefood

Barda Pinot Noir 2015 © Spaswinefood

The Patagonia Pinot Noir was spot on. Loved it. Those so inclined Jancis Robinson has written about this wine.

Four Wines & a Beer #2 © Spaswinefood

Yes, there were delicious mushrooms.

Pinot Noir and Mushrooms © Spaswinefood

Mushroom Tasting © Spaswinefood

While we sampled the delightful menu offerings there was time for kitchen and wine viewings.

Four Wines & a Beer #2 © Spaswinefood

Tasting the menu offerings, sampling the wines and viewing the culinary activities in the kitchen is gastronomy at its best.

Wine # 5: Doña Silvina, Malbec de Verano 2015

Doña Silvina, Malbec de Verano 2015 © Spaswinefood

Malbec de Verano 2015 © Spaswinefood

Given that Argentina is know for its Malbec it was not a surprise for the menu to end with two Malbecs. On the other hand, we did sample other excellent wines from throughout Argentina. Yes, Argentina is much more than just Malbec and Mendoza. The other wines served throughout the dining experience illustrated that point nicely.

Five Wines & a Beer © Spaswinefood

The Malbec de Verano 2015 was paired with pork (cerdo) and eggplant (vegetarian option).

The final wine pairing of the evening was a Colomé Malbec. Colomé is one of Argentina's top wineries. Fortunately we were able to visit the winery on an early trip to Salta. Their wines seldom disappoint me.

Wine # 6: Bodega Colomé, Autentico Malbec 2015

The Bodega Colomé, Autentico Malbec was paired with meat and pasta (vegetarian option).

Through the window we continued to view the culinary staff engaged in creative preparations.

Then the tasting shifts with a delightful palate cleanser.

Now The Finale

Yes, it was time to sample some desert. First, let's checkout the wine.

Wine #7: Bodega Catena Zapata, Saint Felicien, Semillon Doux 2012

This sweet wine was the perfect pairing with the desert tastings that were to follow.

Let the desert sampling begin.

Yes, Chef Michael Coco who introduced himself earlier took time for a photo op. It is always so special to meet the chef. Bravo to him, the sommelier and the staff for those magical food and wine moments.

At the end I could not resist trying to capture a photo of wines served that evening

After the most memorable dinner we boarded a taxi to return to our hotel. It was a bitter sweet for me as we crossed the city to return our hotel in Palermo Soho. Just one more day and our Argentine adventure would be over. YES, all too soon our Spaswinefood explorations in Argentina were coming to an end.

Buenos Aires the our final destination in Argentina is often called the Paris of South America. It is definitely that and more. It is after all the city of tango. The typical thing to do when you visit Buenos Aires is the touristy stuff. Naturally we did some of that (San Telmo, Recoleta Cemetery, etc.). Overall, it is a great city to explore. We also did a lot of walking in the Palermo neighborhood where we stayed. The more we explored Palermo, the more food and wine delights we found. I will write about these discoveries later.

It was indeed the perfect ending for our Argentine travels. Just in case you are wondering Aramburu was on Latin Americas 50 Best Restaurants 2016 list. If your travels take you to Buenos Aires put Aramburu Restaurante on your list. In this case reservations at the 16 seat restaurant are a must do. For something more casual checkout Aramburu BIS owned by the chef (Gonzalo Aramburu) who founded the restaurant. I invite you to join me in my travels in Argentina and elsewhere at Spaswinefood.

Sharon

February 2017

Buenos Aires, Argentina

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Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Magical food and wine moments at Aramburu Restaurante, Buenos Aires

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