My partner and I own a condo in BA so we travel there frequently. However, we still don't feel like we know the the city that well.

My partner's 40th birthday is in March of 2010 and I am planning a gathering of his friends for a week long set of activities in BA.

I am looking for some advice ... thanks in advance:

(1) we know lots of restaurants -- we travel by our stomachs -- but I would not describe any of them as a truly authentic experience -- any suggestions?
(2) Any suggestions for a group of 16 people for a tango show?
(3) suggestions on tour guides / companies to arrange transport and some day trips?
(4) suggestions on someone to arrange a wine tasting?
(5) any other suggestions?

We will be there in late August to finalize plans ... any suggestions are appreciated.

Tim

Hello Tim.... if you will be here in late August, you may want to consider being part of the Cow Do events.... this is usually a good chance to meet the local FTers and also other folks that come down on an ad-hoc basis. Check the Community forums and look for " Cow Do V ".

I have a very professional TA that I can introduce to you... they are reliable and will be able to assist you with your points (2) and (3).

For your point (5)... I would suggest you consider the following:
- attending a soccer game
- estancia trip (day or perhaps even an overnight)
- professional shopping tour

As to point (1) we need to work a little on what you mean by authentic.... as this is a very broad and "volatile" term depending on who you speak to. Restaurants and "authentic Argentine" will invariably have a very relevant meat component.... so perhaps in March your choice will have to include a lot of dead cow and perhaps empanadas. My shortlist for this would be....

- La Brigada San Telmo
- Pura Tierra
- El Palacio de la Papa Frita
- El Obrero

Do you know any of these.... also, are you looking for a typical and authentic "eatery"... or do you want something more upscale that has nice ambiance and a good wine list... please elaborate a bit on the details and Im sure all the board regulars will have plenty of input for you.

Please PM me for details on the Travel Agent that will be able to help you with (2) and (3) above.

Cheers,
Gaucho100K

Authentic is indeed a loaded term.

I love upscale places ... and of course a great wine list ... so those suggestions are welcome.

When I used the word Authentic, I was looking for places that locals go that represent the culture and food. I am not sure if that definition helps, but that was what I was thinking.

I do not know any of the restaurants that Gaucho suggested, so thanks!

Tim

Tim-- from your above comment on a place that is both nice/upscale and frequented by locals... then it is a no contest, your place is Pura Tierra.

www.puratierra.com.ar

As Ive posted elsewhere here, in my view this restaurant is one of the best kept culinary secrets in Buenos Aires. They have an 8 course tasting menu that is amazing !!! ^