Our (rainy) weekend in Buenos Aires

I shouldn't have painted those raindrops on my wall last week. I went overboard with the theme and the rain dancing party backfired--big time. Those naughty little cookie cutter shapes followed us to Buenos Aires. And it is a good thing we aren't made of sugar because it didn't let up for ten seconds--the entire weekend. Never mind, we strapped Georgia in the carrier, huddled under the umbrella, and marched through the puddles. I even managed a few photos in between downpours.

PS: It was the hottest and driest weekend of the month in São Paulo.

What we did aka Our Little Weekend Guide to Buenos Aires:

Where we slept: Home

It is possible for a hotel to feel just like home. (The owner lent us her nanny so we could have dinner a deux.)

Where we ate:
We had many a long leisurely meal while our feet were drying and backs recuperating (Georgia, 11 kilos). And even though we must have burned a lot of calories hauling our little (not so little) one, I think we were still digesting meat calories when we ingested more (meat). Oh and dulce de leche...

We tried and liked:
Social Paraiso--mostly locals and low key (no rush service) and a solid menu

Honduras 5182
Palermo Soho

Tegui--If I'm not going to a "joint" with good food, I prefer my fancier restaurants small (cozy with candles) and food simple (one page menus, please). This is not Tegui. Although it is less hedonistic than Casa Cruz (same chef), I still felt like I needed a much sexier outfit and some lipstick--which is good every once in a while. Most importantly, the food was excellent.
Costa Rica 5852
Palermo Hollywood

La Brigada--I love classic Parrilla restaurants (and so do other tourists it seems). But one can't keep everything a secret--especially with meat this succulent.
Estados Unidos 465
San Telmo

Bar Uriarte--The restaurant's kitchen is in the entrance, viewable from the street. Great shabby-chic interior. Appealing menu.
Uriarte 1572
Palermo-Soho

Café des Arts Malba Museum--I'm not sure what was more delicious: the glamorous people, the food, or the museum exhibition?
Ave. Figueroa Alcorta, 3415

What we saw:
Malba Museum-Andy Warhol Exhibition
Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes - Excellent permanent collection
Buenes Aires Zoo Lions, and tigers, and bears--oh my--in the middle of the city.
Recoleta Cemetery--Evita's grave and a colony of cats
San Telmo Flea Market--antique paradise

What we bought:
After all that culture and a favorable exchange rate, we didn't feel guilty doing a bit of shopping.

For Men:
Felix (preppy with edge)
Gurruchaga, 1670
Palermo Soho

Bolivia (hip but wearable)
Gurruchaga, 1581
Palermo Soho

Women:
Mishka (original shoes)
El Salvador 4673
Palermo Soho

Maria Cher (modern clothes)
El Salavador, 4741
Palermo Soho

Aida Sirinian (pretty clothes)
Gorriti, 5868
Palermo Soho

Home:
Muchatela - (think crafts and fabric)
Costa Rica 4448
Palermo Soho

Buenes Aires Design Mall (interior design bonanza)
Recoleta

Bookstore (in a historic theatre):
Al Ateneo
Av. Santa Fe 1860
Recoleta

Children:
Mimo--(Argentina's Baby Gap but with better shoes):
Throughout city

Next Time:

We didn't catch a tango show for fear of falling into a tourist trap. I hear it is better to go watch the locals dance at a Milonga or tango dance hall. The hotel gave us a list. And I am saving it for next time.

Check out designspongeonline for an extensive list. Thanks Erica and Gi for sharing your tips.