Opened just eight months ago by restaurateur Mariano Ambrosini (who set out on his own after working at the famed Cabana Las Lilas steakhouse in Puerto Madero), and sandwiched between the two locations of the better-known La Cabrera restaurant, Casa Blanca Fonda, with its stark but welcoming interior and superbly executed traditional cuisine manages to stand out from its more established neighbors.

Like many of the restaurants in the revitalized Palermo Soho neighborhood, Casa Blanca Fonda is housed in a very narrow space that was formerly a storefront. Two separate dining areas run the length of the restaurant and are separated by the open kitchen in the middle. There is always something to watch as the evening’s food is prepared, and each dining area has an intimate feel despite the overall size of the restaurant. For those who like alfresco dining, there is a charming, leafy little patio out back with several tables where you can while away the evening munching on a profusion of classic Argentine dishes with a special twist.

After a bread basket accompanied by delicious homemade pate, your choice of appetizers includes such classics as provoleta—a small casserole of baked provolone cheese mixed with herbs—empanadas, and even fried mozzarella sticks. If you want something more daring, go for the spicy Cajun shrimp or the cream of spinach nachos.

There is a small selection of salads including a garden salad, a Greek salad, and, of course, a Caesar salad. The Casa Blanca Salad, the house specialty, is made with spinach, tomatoes, blue cheese, bacon and croutons.

The menu of main courses is on the more traditional side, so if you feel like a moderately priced rib-eye, or even an entire tabla de carnes so you can try a little of everything, this is a good place to go for it. The pork ribs with barbecue sauce are also a great option, and come with a side of light, savory coleslaw. If you need a break from grilled meat (and you will eventually in Buenos Aires), there are several delicious pasta options like the meat and vegetable lasagna and the Penne La Fonda with chicken strips and peppers in a rich alfredo sauce.

In addition to the normal potato side dishes you can find in any parrilla, Casa Blanca also offers mashed pumpkin, as well as a simple medley of sautéed vegetables—so you can get in your daily fiber.

The extensive list of Argentine wines perfectly complements any combination of dishes you choose. The range of prices from economical to expensive ensures that there are options for every budget.

It might be hard, but definitely leave room for dessert. Try the warm, gooey Apple Crumble with ice cream, or the very American Sundae. Another good option is the moist chocolate cake served with ice cream. Or you can go traditional Argentine all the way and have the dulce de leche flan. Any way you choose, you can’t go wrong.

Apart from the delectable menu, Casa Blanca Fonda also has an attentive, enthusiastic and extremely friendly wait-staff. Eager to please, they put care into everything they do, from mixing the perfect cocktail, to the punctual presentation of each course, to the helpful suggestions on what to order for your particular taste. This is a wonderful place to spend an evening before taking a stroll past Palermo Soho’s galleries and boutiques, or heading to the bars at Plaza Serrano for a night out. Your only problem may be that you won’t want to leave.

Casa Blanca Fonda
5125 Cabrera
Palermo Viejo, Buenos Aires
Tel: +54-11-4834-6523
www.casa-blancafonda.com.ar

- Reviewed by Eric Rosen (rosen02@yahoo.com)

Eric Rosen lives in Los Angeles and works in film. His passions include writing and travel. He has lived all over the U.S. and a few places in Europe, and most recently spent a month traveling in Argentina, Uruguay and Chile.