I have absolutely nothing negative to say about the ubiquitous Argentine parrilla, but on occasion (especially if you live in Buenos Aires and are on a diet that is about 60% meat!) you need different flavors. Thankfully, there is super-swanky French-inspired Cluny to satisfy my cravings for anything other than ojo de bife or chorizo.
Situated in Palermo Hollywood, Cluny’s uber-chic atmosphere, with couches instead of tables, sets the tone for a romantic and upscale meal. Their menu offers classic French-influenced dishes (risotto, cheese tatin, salmon carpaccio, mushroom and brie strudel) and each of the dishes I have tried has been perfectly executed.
What I love:
Their professional waitstaff
Their food-friendly wine list (it seemed much more thought-out than many from other BA restaurants)
The well-executed dishes by Chefs Luis Cambre and and Juan Manuel Harvez
Great, classic cocktails
A wine list that pairs well with dishes
The modern (but not pretentiously stylish) design
What we ate:
The delicious tomato and provolleta cheese tatin with crispy mollejas and sweet pepper oil.
Creamy mushroom and parmesan risotto with veal and a parmesan crisp
Flavorful lomo en croute
What we drank:
The Saint Felicien Cabernet and the Ruca Malen Malbec, both on the recommendation of the waiter. The Saint Felicien was weighty enough to stand up against the lomo, while the Ruca provided a nice acidic and earthy accompaniment to the gamey veal.
Recommended? Highly
Perfect for: tourists, date night, night with the girls, parents-in-town, upscale cocktail before dinner