Sunday Brunch at Alvear Palace with Avrooster
Sep 14th, 2016, 07:27 AM
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Sunday Brunch at Alvear Palace with Avrooster
Coming to the end of our five months jaunt around South America it was a unexpected surprise and a real pleasure to be invited to join Avrooster for Sunday brunch at the Alvear Palace.
After a pleasant morning wandering the street markets of San Telmo we arrived at the hotel around 2.00pm and whilst waiting for our friend to get back from parking the car, I had a long chat with the concierge, Julian. He was extremely welcoming, helpful and provided us with lots of information regarding the hotel, it's eating options and other places to eat locally. He also suggested we spend some time after lunch exploring the stalls at the craft market, just across the road, near the cemetery. A welcome change from concierges in some other 5 star hotels around the world I could mention who can tend to adopt a somewhat aloof attitude. Not here.
Sunday brunch was being held, not as usual in the very elegant L'Orangerie room as a barmitzvah was being held there, but in the Alvear Room. which is down in the basement. L'Orangerie itself reminded us of the Ritz and the Savoy hotels back home in London's west end. All very ornate and elegant.
We were a little concerned initially but need not have been as the Alvear room was very nice and, most importantly, very spacious. No overcrowding of table. The atmosphere was also great. A lot of people seemed to be celebrating birthdays and anniversaries. One couple were celebrating 60 years of marriage and told me they were also celebrating their 80th and 91 st birthdays. They asked us to join them for photos! Porteños are so friendly and really know how to celebrate.
We were seated at a very large table by our very attentive waiter Pablo, who provided exemplary service throughout the two hours we spent over lunch. Plates were cleared, glasses were topped up and the overall impression was tha we were being treated as VIP guests.
The drinks were very free flowing, the sparkling wine served was better than many champagnes we have sampled ( and there have been many!) The Malbec was also terrific example of Argentina's ubiquitous red wine. When i asked our waiter about the origins of the wine, he was very knowledgeable. Water and soft drinks were also readily available.
The food was simply sublime. Having tried many such brunches at some of the worlds top hotels, this was surely some of the best food of any we have tried.The seafood section had everything from salmon, smoked, teriyaki and poached. Ceviche, caviar, oysters, octopus and, for me, best of all, sashimi - the best I have had since Tsujuki fish market in Tokyo. The waiter serving the sashimi really knew what he was doing and must surely have trained in Japan!
After 5 months in South America I had been missing cheese quite badly. The cheese station did not disappoint! A whole Parmesan ( which I made quite a dent in!) a selection of blue, soft and hard cheeses all of which where excellent.
The temptation was to stick with the fish and appetisers as they were so good but then we would have missives out on some of the delicious main courses. These included beef in a variety of guises, lamb ribs, chicken and an array of pastas and an excellent roast suckling pig. All accompanied by a variety of vegetable dishes.
All the food stations were replenished regularly, were hot and delightfully presented even though we arrived quite late in the day when many other buffets would be tempted to scale things back towards the end of service - not here!
It was hard to fit in a dessert, but somehow we managed it? The crepes were delicious - I only know because I stole Avrooster's!!
This is by no means and inexpensive place to visit, but for the quality of food and service, it does represent excellent value. We have been fortunate to have had similar brunches in five star hotels all around the world from Asia to Europe - this is, without a doubt, one of the best!
My compliments to the chef, waiting staff and management. We had a great day and would not hesitate to return.
Most of all my sincere thanks to Avrooster for inviting us. My wife was delighted to be seated next to, in her words, "such a charming gentleman". I think I had better watch out!
After a pleasant morning wandering the street markets of San Telmo we arrived at the hotel around 2.00pm and whilst waiting for our friend to get back from parking the car, I had a long chat with the concierge, Julian. He was extremely welcoming, helpful and provided us with lots of information regarding the hotel, it's eating options and other places to eat locally. He also suggested we spend some time after lunch exploring the stalls at the craft market, just across the road, near the cemetery. A welcome change from concierges in some other 5 star hotels around the world I could mention who can tend to adopt a somewhat aloof attitude. Not here.
Sunday brunch was being held, not as usual in the very elegant L'Orangerie room as a barmitzvah was being held there, but in the Alvear Room. which is down in the basement. L'Orangerie itself reminded us of the Ritz and the Savoy hotels back home in London's west end. All very ornate and elegant.
We were a little concerned initially but need not have been as the Alvear room was very nice and, most importantly, very spacious. No overcrowding of table. The atmosphere was also great. A lot of people seemed to be celebrating birthdays and anniversaries. One couple were celebrating 60 years of marriage and told me they were also celebrating their 80th and 91 st birthdays. They asked us to join them for photos! Porteños are so friendly and really know how to celebrate.
We were seated at a very large table by our very attentive waiter Pablo, who provided exemplary service throughout the two hours we spent over lunch. Plates were cleared, glasses were topped up and the overall impression was tha we were being treated as VIP guests.
The drinks were very free flowing, the sparkling wine served was better than many champagnes we have sampled ( and there have been many!) The Malbec was also terrific example of Argentina's ubiquitous red wine. When i asked our waiter about the origins of the wine, he was very knowledgeable. Water and soft drinks were also readily available.
The food was simply sublime. Having tried many such brunches at some of the worlds top hotels, this was surely some of the best food of any we have tried.The seafood section had everything from salmon, smoked, teriyaki and poached. Ceviche, caviar, oysters, octopus and, for me, best of all, sashimi - the best I have had since Tsujuki fish market in Tokyo. The waiter serving the sashimi really knew what he was doing and must surely have trained in Japan!
After 5 months in South America I had been missing cheese quite badly. The cheese station did not disappoint! A whole Parmesan ( which I made quite a dent in!) a selection of blue, soft and hard cheeses all of which where excellent.
The temptation was to stick with the fish and appetisers as they were so good but then we would have missives out on some of the delicious main courses. These included beef in a variety of guises, lamb ribs, chicken and an array of pastas and an excellent roast suckling pig. All accompanied by a variety of vegetable dishes.
All the food stations were replenished regularly, were hot and delightfully presented even though we arrived quite late in the day when many other buffets would be tempted to scale things back towards the end of service - not here!
It was hard to fit in a dessert, but somehow we managed it? The crepes were delicious - I only know because I stole Avrooster's!!
This is by no means and inexpensive place to visit, but for the quality of food and service, it does represent excellent value. We have been fortunate to have had similar brunches in five star hotels all around the world from Asia to Europe - this is, without a doubt, one of the best!
My compliments to the chef, waiting staff and management. We had a great day and would not hesitate to return.
Most of all my sincere thanks to Avrooster for inviting us. My wife was delighted to be seated next to, in her words, "such a charming gentleman". I think I had better watch out!
Sep 14th, 2016, 11:18 AM
#4
Oh Crelleston - and Mrs. Crelleston - I am so happy to learn that you had this incomparable opportunity to enjoy the fabulous brunch at the Alvear Hotel, with AVRooster. I admit to envy, but pleasure as well to read that you enjoyed this delightful afternoon and meal with our mutual friend and the best Ambassador to this Forum.
Sep 17th, 2016, 07:59 AM
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I just happened to see this thread and what a delightful surprise it was. When I planned my Argentina visit many years ago, AVRooster gave me a good deal of excellent advice. One of the highlights was the champagne brunch at the Alvear. Sheer indulgence!
So glad to see AVRooster is still here helping people see the beautiful Buenos Aires and that the Alvear is still the Queen.
So glad to see AVRooster is still here helping people see the beautiful Buenos Aires and that the Alvear is still the Queen.
