Although it bears an Anglo-Saxon name, “brunch” is a permission that, in one way or another, everyone in any part of the world seeks to give ourselves from time to time. This sort of late breakfast took hold in the city of Buenos Aires a few years ago and is here to stay as a possible treat, especially on weekends.
There are many proposals available today and it is not just the heritage of cafeterias: restaurants, bars and fast-food alike offer it, each with its own personal stamp. Its inspiration is usually North American, but more and more alternatives are found with some particular imprint, relying on cuisines from other parts of the world, on healthy eating or on the creativity of its makers.
In general, complete menus are served that include infusions, fresh drinks and cocktails in some cases, artisanal baked goods, classic or signature pastries and savory preparations. However, there are also places that add “little dishes” worthy of a good brunch to their menus and invite everyone to choose “their own adventure”.
Some complete menu recommendations
– At Hierbabuena Restaurant (Av. Caseros 454, San Telmo) they have just launched a “Natural brunch” in line with their healthy and natural gastronomic offer. Here it is possible to take a tour of super fresh and homemade recipes made with organic raw materials, natural ferments and seasonal vegetables. It consists of two infusions (there is French press coffee), two cocktails (there is Bellini and Mimosa), two fruit juices and five sweet and salty delicacies. Among them, the sourdough & walnut bread with cashew cheese stands out; the Avocado Toast in croissant dough with avocado, brie cheese and raspberry jam; and the baked potatoes with vegan Vienna sausage, poached eggs and hollandaise sauce. It is priced at $7,500 for two people and is available on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays between 11 am and 3 pm in its picturesque space on Boulevard Caseros de San Telmo.
– Lovers of flour and of trying new things should have Paris Crepas (Gurruchaga 1686, Palermo and more locations) on their radar since it offers much more than its famous crêpes. In their different locations they serve a “Bonjour brunch” with five signature creations such as their forceful cinnamon roll with a walnut topping, Nutella or Oreos; its original wrap with chipá dough stuffed with chicken, roast cover or sautéed vegetables; and his avocado bagel with spinach, cheese and arugula pesto. It is worth clarifying that all their baked goods are self-made. It is accompanied by Lavazza coffee and a variety of lemonades, it has a value of $3,460 to share and is served without time limits to consume in its well-cared rooms or for delivery/take away.
– For a complete outing, you can go for a walk through the beautiful Patio Bullrich and take a break at the Gourmand Food Hall (Posadas 1245, Retiro), an exclusive gastronomic space located inside the shopping center that brings together proposals of the highest level. Your brunch consists of two infusions (tea or coffee), orange juice, yogurt, granola, a croissant with tenderloin and brie cheese, scrambled eggs with bacon, toast with cream cheese and jam, a plate of fresh fruit and a selection of cheeses and cold cuts. It costs $3,900 for two people and is served from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
– If you are looking for a very classic and abundant option, the Blossom restaurant & café (Av. Libertador 16246, San Isidro and other locations) serves a brunch with traditional and high-quality recipes every day and throughout the day. Bring fresh fruit salad, toasted ham and cheese, puddings, stuffed croissant, homemade bread with spreads, a pastry of the day, a raw ham sandwich, a toston with avocado and soft egg, and a portion of salmon gravlax with pickles. To drink there is coffee with milk or tea plus natural juices. If consumed at Dolce by Blossom, the local artisan ice cream parlor located on the ground floor, they add an unmissable ending: a ¼ of their choice of frozen creams. Its price is $3900 for two people.
Build menu options
– AVG Eléctric Café (Av. Infanta Isabel 110, Palermo) has just opened in the Arcos del Rosedal, a spot that fuses a beautiful setting, specialty coffee, simple and tasty cuisine by Valentín Grimaldi and musical cycles. In its two open patios and its spacious lounge, you can enjoy flat whites, macchiatos, cold brews and more infusions prepared by baristas with Registered Coffee blends. For brunch, recipes based on bread and organic eggs are offered, such as toasted sourdough pita bread with tomato and tybo cheese ($700); poached eggs on potato bread with natural ham, Mornay sauce and chives ($900); and the omelette with tybo cheese and portobellos ($900). There are also fresh bowls (with natural yogurt or fruit smoothies) and classic pastry options. For something fresh, we recommend the pomegranate with thyme and Jamaican water ($350).
– Gontran Cherrier (Zabala 1901, Belgrano and other locations) delights with delicacies from the French boulangerie, patisserie and viennoiserie. Some suggestions to take to the center of the table and share at brunch are the iconic croissants made with French flour and butter ($300); the classic Bostock, a slice of artisanal brioche bread soaked in syrup and served with homemade strawberry jam, almond cream, and slivered almonds ($320); the parmesan cheese scones ($350); and the baguette with smoked salmon, avocado, cream cheese and arugula ($1,350). Its Parisian-themed premises provide the ideal setting for a unique experience, accompanied by coffees with beans from Coffee Town, exclusive tea infusions and fresh juices.
– The menu at Buenos Aires Verde (Gorriti 5657, Palermo) invites you to get lost (or find yourself) among a large variety of recipes based on purely organic or pesticide-free foods. That is the specialty of its owner and chef, Mauro Massimino, who raises the flag of smart and sustainable food. What to order for brunch? The bowl with homemade granola, seasonal fruits, honey and almond or coconut milk ($980) is recommended; scrambled eggs with french toast and honey ($820); toasted organic pategrás cheese on your choice of sourdough bread ($495); and the vegan red fruit muffin ($600). They have specialty coffee, tea blends, super juices, smoothies and lemonades.
by RN