The Travel Chica

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Eating My Way Through BA Part 6: Porteña Gourmet

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Do you know what Porteña Gourmet is?

(And you do pronounce the “t” in gourmet in Argentina.)

Neither did I until I heard about Tomo 1.

It is best explained on their website.

The concept of “porteño gourmet” is a little tricky, especially for those who believe that something belongs to a tradition only if it has been actually created – as opposed to adapted – by its inhabitants, as if the French had invented cheese and steak aux frites, or the Spanish tortillas.

They go on to use a comparison with architecture.

Buenos Aires is a city whose architecture has been influenced by many different styles which combine in a wholly unique way. Its identity lays both in the combination of traditions and in the way these traditions have been adapted.  Some people call that style chaos; to us it is just Buenos Aires.

That last line is brilliant and true on so many levels.

 

 

Now back to the restaurant…

Tomo 1

The Service at Tomo 1 May Be the Best in the City

As a solo diner, I have the luxury of observing what is going on around me.  And what I observed is that Tomo 1 knows how to give excellent service to its customers.

The ratio of servers to tables is like nothing I have seen in Buenos Aires.  They observe what is going on in the dining room and know exactly when to clear you plate, top off your glass, wipe crumbs from the table, bring out the next dish, or simply stop by to see if you have any questions about the dishes.

The service helped make this an extra-special dining experience.

But of course, the food has to be the star in any great restaurant.

The Tasting Menu

I have a new obsession with tasting menus after eating at Tomo 1.

Tasting menus are a great way to try a variety of dishes, and it seems that the chef (yes, I got to meet him) enjoys the opportunity for creativity and showing off a variety of flavors and techniques.

I apologize in advance if these photos make you drool.

3 Starters:  Endive Salad, Carrot Soup with Coriander, and Prawn Dumpling

Of the three, the prawn dumpling was my favorite.

Salmon in Phyllo

This salmon tasted incredibly fresh (reminded me of the delicious fish I had in Chile) and was perfectly cooked.  The phyllo added nice texture and a savoriness but without overpowering the salmon.

Mushroom Ravioli in Pesto

This was my favorite dish of all for flavor, technique, and presentation.

The pasta shell was very thin, and the ravioli was bursting with mushroomy-goodness. So good it deserves 2 photos.

Pork

 

I am guessing this dish has a fancier name, but I did not write it down.

All I know is that this was some of the best pork I have ever eaten.  Very juicy and slightly sweet with a fruit relish.

Cleanse the Palate with Grapefruit with Reisling and Pear Sorbet

Yes, even the plate cleanser deserves to be highlighted.

This small bite was a wonderful surprise with perfectly balanced sweetness and acidity.

I would have been satisfied with having this as a dessert.

Well, until they brought the real dessert out.

Dessert Duo

Of the two desserts, the passion fruit parfait was my favorite because it is one of my favorite fruit flavors, and I also loved the texture.

Don’t Forget the Coffee

Tomo 1 is the type of restaurant where even ordering a coffee is special.  I love that my coffee came with a plate of dainty, light sweets.

Because you can never have enough dessert.

The Verdict

Tomo 1 has a reputation for being one of the best restaurants in Buenos Aires, and now I know why.

With their excellent service, upscale atmosphere, and seasonal tasting menu, this is a great option for those wanting an elegant night out at a classic Buenos Aires restaurant.

What do you think about porteña gourmet cuisine?

Living in or visiting Buenos Aires?

Check out my previous posts in the Eating My Way Through BA series for tips on excellent dining experiences.

 

 

 

Comments

  3. If tasting menus weren’t so expensive… it is all I would eat! Trusting the chef is always the best way to go. I never went to Tomo when I was in BA, but not highly regret it!

    The description and comparison of the food and architecture is spot on. So many things make BA what it is, but a big part of it is the beautiful chaos and mixing of other traditions.
    Tony recently posted..How One Night At The Hyatt Regency In Paris Could Have Saved Me A Semester’s Worth Of B-School Tuition

  4. It might be because I’m sitting in DFW around lunch-time waiting for a flight, but all of that food looks delicious! Wait, on second thought, it probably be cause you’re really good a your job.

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