The Travel Chica

Live Simple. Consume Less. Experience More.

Eating My Way Through BA Part 5: Cubierto is Mala Onda

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I hate cubierto.

In fact, I have already written about how ridiculous some restaurants in Buenos Aires are with their cubierto.

For those who have yet to experience the irritation of being charged cubierto, it is basically an extra charge each person has to pay for being provided a place setting at their table and if you’re lucky some bread that is hopefully on the less stale side.

If the cubierto is around AR$4, I can deal.  If it is AR$8 or higher, it makes me not want to eat at that restaurant.

That is why I was thrilled to discover this little gem written on the bottom of the menu at Baraká.

No cobramos cubierto.  Nos parece de mala onda.

(I love the translation of mala onda to bad taste.)

So Baraká and I already started off in agreement.

 

And then they brought the menu, full of creative options.

  • Do I want a licuado (smoothie) with ginger, carrots, beet, and orange or one with strawberry, mango, black pepper, and ginger?
  • Do I want a quinoa salad or one with arugula, basil, and spinach?
  • Do I want pumpkin gnocchi or saffron chicken?
  • Which of the 15 blends of tea do I want?

I decided to go with the set lunch menu, which is the best value.

It included a salad, main dish, and a dessert.  If a restaurant can do a good set lunch menu, the rest of their food is usually good too.

Tea

I have never been much of a tea drinker, but I figured I should try it, since it seems to be a specialty.  Quite tasty and made me feel a little fancy.

Bread

Even though they do not charge cubierto, they provide great bread (with actual grains!).

Salad

Eggplant Lasagna

The cheese on this was perfectly cooked.  And I was very happy to be eating vegetables in Buenos Aires, since much of my diet has been steak.

Rice Pudding

Lamb and Veal Burger

My friend ordered the lamb and veal burger and was nice enough to give me a bite.   It was delicious and huge and came with these perfectly cooked and seasoned potato wedges.  I love that they don’t skimp on the tomato slices.

Check out Baraká!

Baraká is a medium-sized café in the heart of Palermo Soho at Gurruchaga 1450.  The owners of the restaurant believe in Sufism, and you can get a sense of that with the décor.

The service is friendly.  There is a nice patio upstairs and outdoor seating on the sidewalk as well.  If you are looking for something healthy with some different flavors or just a cool place to hang out and drink a licuado or tea, Baraká is a great option.

 

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

  5. I hate the concept of “cubierto” too. In Brazil I had to pay for “artistic couvert” once. I walked in the bar/restaurant, had a juice… A girl started singing and playing guitar 10 mins before I left (she wasn’t even there when we sat) and paid for her performance more than for my juice! Also had to pay for knife+fork on room service in Sao Paulo although we asked for 2 dishes for 2 people and they only gave us ONE knife + ONE fork!!

    Now on a positive note: your food photos looks so yummy! :)

    • It can easily add a couple bucks per person, and they also charge at least 2 bucks for bottled water. (Even though tap water is perfectly fine to drink, they usually won’t give it to you).

      Wish I could help you out with the food. I’m guessing you are discovering some great (but very different) dishes in Cambodia.
      Stephanie – The Travel Chica recently posted..A Roving Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires

  11. I’ve never heard of being charged for a cubierto! That is a little messed up. I’m glad you found this restaurant. The eggplant lasagna and lamb burger made my mouth water.

  14. I hated cubierto too! But it wasn’t as bad as in Portugal, where they bring you a parade of little items before the meal, which have probably sat on someone else’s table (or several people’s tables) before you. Each item costs a different overpriced amount if you touch it.
    Andrea recently posted..What If You Could Travel the World? Would You?

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