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© 2009 Dan Perlman
Casa SaltShaker
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Chef: Dan Perlman
Host: Henry Tapia
February 19-21, 2009
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Comments from some of the guests:
"D... and I thoroughly enjoyed our time at saltshaker it was well hosted and good to have relaxing conversation and the food very tasty." - I.A.
"I thought the concept was very appealing but I would be less than truthful if I said I really enjoyed the evening. The night we attended, aside from ourselves and the T...s, the other guests were all North Americans (US) and all off of the same cruise ship. So much for lively conversation in a variety of languages! I would like to say that the food was the redeeming factor but the “lamb” was really tough and my portion consisted of 1 chop with literally 1 bite of meat. At 150 Arg. Pesos per person hardly good value! Price wise it was up with some of our more expensive meals. I really enjoy cooking and trying new food and I gather from reading reviews that some of your evenings are wonderful. Maybe we just hit an off night." - P.F. [While I generally hate to contradict guests, everyone was served a double or triple lamb chop, depending on the size, and weighing in at approximately 8 ounces per person, with bone - no one got just a single chop, they weren't even cut that way; and, for the other part, we don't screen people based on what culture they come from in order to mix things up, it's first come, first served, still, only five out of twelve people were from the cruise ship the diner mentioned (including two from her own party), while three people were locals, and another two from Asia - though, it is true that everyone spoke English, which made communication around the table much easier.]
"Since our return, we have spread the word about our wonderful experience at your "dinner party". We have told our friends that it is a "must do" on their future travels to B.A." - M.B.
"My review: Walked home, did some chores and rested up for dinner at CASA SALTSHAKER. As most of you probably know, this is a private home dinner experience. There were 12 ‘guests’ there to enjoy the chef’s selection: Menu Mediteraneo. (nice not to struggle with a menu in Castillano). We met in the living room and terrace and had a get to know you apperitif (I forgot what it was, but DH remembers plum and Vodka) Then, we seated ourselves (without sitting near those with whom we came) at 2 tables. And the dinner began: Pizza Nicense paired/w Las Perdices Extra Brut – very very tasty Sopa de Hinojo con falafel – paired/w Colome Torrontes. I love fennel and Torrontes, so - excellent. Cous-cous con salsa de Atun Albacore y Bamia – paired w/Weinert Montfleury Garan Rose - loved the wine. Cordero a la Plancha, Pesto de Pecanes – paired w/Dan Baltazar Cabernet Franc. My lamb was very good, but my husband’s was a bit dry. The wine was very fine, but at this point I no longer qualified as taster. Cheesecake con Duraznos Estofados – just delicious – paired w/ S. Felipe Tardio – too sweet for my taste, but others liked it well enough." - M.B.
"Had a great time, enjoyed the mix of people, too many other tourists, but as you said that night, it was high tourist season and summer vacay for locals. Especially loved the soup, creative as hell! Lamb was delicious and cooked just right for us but a little hard to eat, those baby chops, finally just picked it up and said the hell with the knife and fork! We'll be back!" - T.J.
"Dinner was great." - K.B.
