Balance in BA

Going on a recommendation from a friend who had visited Buenos Aires, my parents and I went to Juana M’s for dinner one night in search of a relaxed and easy meal after a busy day of sightseeing; no big ordeal. Located at the top of “Micro Centro,” almost into Retiro, Juana M provided the perfect atmosphere for a tranquil dinner. It was a relaxed setting for discussion and debate, sharing a bottle of wine and enjoying some carné. The patrons were almost entirely Argentine and represented the comfortable upper class who live in the area.

The restaurant is located in the basement of a building, and after passing through the long, narrow front of the restaurant, the main dining room is surprising deep and large. The walls, tables and chairs are painted white. Contemporary art is hung throughout the entire restaurant and provides an interesting view from any seat. One candle adorns each table making for the perfect glow.

As in the majority of Argentine restaurants, the main attraction at Juana M is beef, and that is what we ordered. We began with a regular chorizo and a plate of mollejas (sweetbreads). The chorizo was decent, but I tend to like something a little less dry and a bit fattier. The mollejas were very well cooked, although they needed a little salt and lemon to set them off. For a main course we ordered one Lomo and one Bife de Chorizo. Both were excellent cuts perfectly cooked and tender.

One of the major things that sets Juana M apart is the tremendous salad bar. While most parillas will give you a mediocre salad to accompany your meal, Juana M offers a huge mix and match selection with any dish over 30 pesos. Aubergine, three different kinds of coleslaw, baby spinach, tomatoes, cucumber salad, beans--a veggie lover’s fantasy in a meat-eaters world. Well prepared and fresh, the salad bar was a welcome accompaniment to the delicious beef.

With a good wine list and decent prices, Juana M is a great setting for elegant yet casual dining. The romantic lighting sets off the white walls and furniture, and you won’t hear English at every other table like at some parillas I know. Juana M is recommended for all eaters in Buenos Aires. The ideal balance has been found.