Comments on: La Cabrera http://www.buenostours.com/la-cabrera Buenos Tours offers private guided walking tours of Buenos Aires, the capital city of Argentina. Also a free online guide to the city Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:59:53 -0800 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 hourly 1 By: Ben http://www.buenostours.com/la-cabrera/comment-page-1#comment-2039 Ben Mon, 27 Jul 2009 15:57:45 +0000 http://www.buenostours.com/la-cabrera#comment-2039 I just don't get it. We went last night and the experience was horrible. I'm treated much better at my corner parilla. I would never go back and I would never recommend La Cabrera to anyone. In fact in my 2.5 years in Buenos Aires it was by far my worst dining experience. <em>(Edit by Alan: The below section was added by Ben in an email to me when I asked him to clarify his experience a little further for the benefit of our readers - he gave permission for me to update his comment in this way. I can confirm that he is indeed a real person and not a competitor trying to slam La Cabrera)</em> In general the staff was very rude. I made reservation for 9pm. The guy on the phone was rude but that didn't really bother me, I figured he was just in a hurry. I arrived at 9:05 and they yelled at me that I was very late and that they had given my table away. They told me they only hold tables for 5 minutes. I explained that it was 9:05 and if they hold tables for 5 minutes it should still be there. The went on to tell me that they were doing me a favor for giving me a reservation at 9pm anyway (which they didn't tell me on the phone) and that they weren't at all sorry that they didn't have a table for us. They straight out said that they get so many people that we don't matter. I left. I didn't eat there and I never will. For me no food is worth being treated like that. Its supposed to be the #1 restaurant in Argentina but I would assume part of that has to be maintaining customers. I went with my family who is visiting from the states and they were all so excited to eat at La Cabrera, and so angry and disappointed after interacting with the staff. Anyway, now I think I'm just venting. But I do think people should know this about the place. Had I known I certainly wouldn't have put myself in that situation. After thinking about it, it is definitely the worst, most embarrassing, and rudest restaurant experience I have ever had, and we didn't even get to sit down. I just don’t get it. We went last night and the experience was horrible. I’m treated much better at my corner parilla. I would never go back and I would never recommend La Cabrera to anyone. In fact in my 2.5 years in Buenos Aires it was by far my worst dining experience.

(Edit by Alan: The below section was added by Ben in an email to me when I asked him to clarify his experience a little further for the benefit of our readers – he gave permission for me to update his comment in this way. I can confirm that he is indeed a real person and not a competitor trying to slam La Cabrera)

In general the staff was very rude. I made reservation for 9pm. The guy on the phone was rude but that didn’t really bother me, I figured he was just in a hurry. I arrived at 9:05 and they yelled at me that I was very late and that they had given my table away. They told me they only hold tables for 5 minutes. I explained that it was 9:05 and if they hold tables for 5 minutes it should still be there. The went on to tell me that they were doing me a favor for giving me a reservation at 9pm anyway (which they didn’t tell me on the phone) and that they weren’t at all sorry that they didn’t have a table for us. They straight out said that they get so many people that we don’t matter. I left. I didn’t eat there and I never will.

For me no food is worth being treated like that. Its supposed to be the #1 restaurant in Argentina but I would assume part of that has to be maintaining customers.

I went with my family who is visiting from the states and they were all so excited to eat at La Cabrera, and so angry and disappointed after interacting with the staff.

Anyway, now I think I’m just venting. But I do think people should know this about the place. Had I known I certainly wouldn’t have put myself in that situation.

After thinking about it, it is definitely the worst, most embarrassing, and rudest restaurant experience I have ever had, and we didn’t even get to sit down.

]]> By: Horacio http://www.buenostours.com/la-cabrera/comment-page-1#comment-1954 Horacio Wed, 18 Mar 2009 22:33:19 +0000 http://www.buenostours.com/la-cabrera#comment-1954 I have not tried this place, but you should include: Las Nazarenas (presidents dined here), La Chacra, and La Estancia ... all three not too far from micro-centro and all three have their own flavour while retaining some similarities. But they all serve a 1-lb steak, and parilla, and even veggies if you ask for them .... but this is a beef eating nation - una nacion de CARNE ! I have not tried this place, but you should include: Las Nazarenas (presidents dined here), La Chacra, and La Estancia … all three not too far from micro-centro and all three have their own flavour while retaining some similarities. But they all serve a 1-lb steak, and parilla, and even veggies if you ask for them …. but this is a beef eating nation – una nacion de CARNE !

]]> By: Michael Zullo http://www.buenostours.com/la-cabrera/comment-page-1#comment-1917 Michael Zullo Fri, 23 Jan 2009 08:32:55 +0000 http://www.buenostours.com/la-cabrera#comment-1917 Thankfully, our retired American friends from New York City living in Palermo told us dinner at La Cabrera is a must. Reservations are needed. We had a delicious tenderloin steak (lomo) dinner with a tray of La Cabrera's side dishes -- comes with your dinner. One order is enough for two. The wine selection is very good. The cost -- very, very reasonable. Our waiter was fantastic. Great service, a little crowded indoors but perfecto. My wife, a Manhattan Chef gives La Cabrera 3-Stars. Michael Zullo, Upper East Side, New York City Thankfully, our retired American friends from New York City living in Palermo told us dinner at La Cabrera is a must.
Reservations are needed. We had a delicious tenderloin steak (lomo) dinner with a tray of La Cabrera’s side dishes — comes with your dinner. One order is enough for two. The wine selection is very good. The cost — very, very reasonable. Our waiter was fantastic. Great service, a little crowded indoors but perfecto. My wife, a Manhattan Chef gives La Cabrera 3-Stars. Michael Zullo, Upper East Side, New York City

]]> By: Pete Howell http://www.buenostours.com/la-cabrera/comment-page-1#comment-1610 Pete Howell Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:30:26 +0000 http://www.buenostours.com/la-cabrera#comment-1610 I must say that La Cabrera is the best steak place we've eaten at -- we can't wait to go back. We showed up at 8:30pm and they were already full. The doorman walked us down to their other restaurant and we were able to get a table there. I have to mention that we got our first fake bill there -- a $50; however, the management was very apologetic and exchanged it for us. Generally, people tell you to watch your change with cabbies, but it just goes to show that you can get counterfeits anywhere. I must say that La Cabrera is the best steak place we’ve eaten at — we can’t wait to go back. We showed up at 8:30pm and they were already full. The doorman walked us down to their other restaurant and we were able to get a table there.

I have to mention that we got our first fake bill there — a $50; however, the management was very apologetic and exchanged it for us. Generally, people tell you to watch your change with cabbies, but it just goes to show that you can get counterfeits anywhere.

]]> By: Alan Patrick http://www.buenostours.com/la-cabrera/comment-page-1#comment-1603 Alan Patrick Fri, 11 Jul 2008 07:21:45 +0000 http://www.buenostours.com/la-cabrera#comment-1603 PS - The fact that the same patrons that arrived at 8.30pm were still there at midnight is normal in Buenos Aires. Very rarely is anyone rushed away from their table in this city, in cafes and restaurants, and I for one think that is one of the few good things about service in this city :-) It is not something that just happens at La Cabrera. Thanks again for your comment... keep reading! Alan PS – The fact that the same patrons that arrived at 8.30pm were still there at midnight is normal in Buenos Aires. Very rarely is anyone rushed away from their table in this city, in cafes and restaurants, and I for one think that is one of the few good things about service in this city :-) It is not something that just happens at La Cabrera.

Thanks again for your comment… keep reading!

Alan

]]> By: Alan Patrick http://www.buenostours.com/la-cabrera/comment-page-1#comment-1602 Alan Patrick Fri, 11 Jul 2008 07:18:57 +0000 http://www.buenostours.com/la-cabrera#comment-1602 Hi Chris, I'm not sure I would go as far as to say "don't lose your time waiting for this one" about La Cabrera. Granted they have become extremely popular over the last couple of years [I sometimes arrogantly wonder if it had something to do with my blog post ;-)], and that seems to have caused them some growing pains. And of course some other people have raised some concerns about the staff and service. However, to say that the food is just OK and not worth the wait flies in the face of the majority of opinions. OK, so they are only opinions, and you are offering one of those up too, but the large majority seem to go with the fact that despite all the other problems, the food at La Cabrera is above average, for Buenos Aires, and indeed compared to other major cities. The truth is, I haven't been to La Cabrera for a little while, mainly because I don't eat out so much these days, so I don't know the extent of the problems there with service and wait times. But I can offer some advice... Try going for lunch, or earlier in the evening, say 8.30pm - I'm sure there will be less wait then. Or alternatively, if La Cabrera is full, try La Cabrera Norte just a block away down Cabrera street, which has the same menu and levels of quality. Chris, perhaps with less waiting and annoyance you would have been more impressed with the food. Some psychological tests argue that the way we perceive food quality has more to do with state of mind, often caused by the environment we are in, than anything else. So maybe your longer wait than promised meant you were not able to give the food the evaluation it deserves... certainly a possibility. Anyway, I guess it's time I went back to La Cabrera again to see what's up and report back. Looking at my photos on this post is already making me hungry... Cheers, Alan Hi Chris,

I’m not sure I would go as far as to say “don’t lose your time waiting for this one” about La Cabrera.

Granted they have become extremely popular over the last couple of years [I sometimes arrogantly wonder if it had something to do with my blog post ;-) ], and that seems to have caused them some growing pains. And of course some other people have raised some concerns about the staff and service.

However, to say that the food is just OK and not worth the wait flies in the face of the majority of opinions. OK, so they are only opinions, and you are offering one of those up too, but the large majority seem to go with the fact that despite all the other problems, the food at La Cabrera is above average, for Buenos Aires, and indeed compared to other major cities.

The truth is, I haven’t been to La Cabrera for a little while, mainly because I don’t eat out so much these days, so I don’t know the extent of the problems there with service and wait times. But I can offer some advice…

Try going for lunch, or earlier in the evening, say 8.30pm – I’m sure there will be less wait then. Or alternatively, if La Cabrera is full, try La Cabrera Norte just a block away down Cabrera street, which has the same menu and levels of quality.

Chris, perhaps with less waiting and annoyance you would have been more impressed with the food. Some psychological tests argue that the way we perceive food quality has more to do with state of mind, often caused by the environment we are in, than anything else. So maybe your longer wait than promised meant you were not able to give the food the evaluation it deserves… certainly a possibility.

Anyway, I guess it’s time I went back to La Cabrera again to see what’s up and report back. Looking at my photos on this post is already making me hungry…

Cheers,

Alan

]]> By: Chris http://www.buenostours.com/la-cabrera/comment-page-1#comment-1601 Chris Fri, 11 Jul 2008 04:40:25 +0000 http://www.buenostours.com/la-cabrera#comment-1601 We arrived @9:30 without a reservation and asked how long a wait. "30 minutes" We went for a walk then drank a few glasses of champagne. At 11:00 pm, One of us asked why we were told 30 minutes. We could have gone elsewhere and come back tomorrow. Many excuses, but, the fact remains that there were still tables that were originally occupied at 8:30 that were still occupied at midnight by the same patrons. We finally were seated at 11:30 pm. It was definitely not worth the wait and the lie. Food was ok. Portions very large. There are hundreds of great restaurants in Buenos Aires; don't lose your time waiting for this one. We arrived @9:30 without a reservation and asked how long a wait. “30 minutes” We went for a walk then drank a few glasses of champagne. At 11:00 pm, One of us asked why we were told 30 minutes. We could have gone elsewhere and come back tomorrow. Many excuses, but, the fact remains that there were still tables that were originally occupied at 8:30 that were still occupied at midnight by the same patrons.
We finally were seated at 11:30 pm. It was definitely not worth the wait and the lie.
Food was ok. Portions very large. There are hundreds of great restaurants in Buenos Aires; don’t lose your time waiting for this one.

]]> By: tienshiao.org » Blog Archive » The Secret to Grilling http://www.buenostours.com/la-cabrera/comment-page-1#comment-1578 tienshiao.org » Blog Archive » The Secret to Grilling Wed, 25 Jun 2008 08:24:35 +0000 http://www.buenostours.com/la-cabrera#comment-1578 [...] Anywhere you go, whether it is (was) a hidden gem like La Cabrera in Palermo Viejo in Buenos Aires (review, review), or some random buffet, you’ll get awesome steak (at least my American standards). [...] [...] Anywhere you go, whether it is (was) a hidden gem like La Cabrera in Palermo Viejo in Buenos Aires (review, review), or some random buffet, you’ll get awesome steak (at least my American standards). [...]

]]> By: Angela http://www.buenostours.com/la-cabrera/comment-page-1#comment-1210 Angela Mon, 17 Mar 2008 23:21:50 +0000 http://www.buenostours.com/la-cabrera#comment-1210 The best steak we had the whole time in Argentina. Already recommending the restaurant to other friends that plan to visit next month. The best steak we had the whole time in Argentina. Already recommending the restaurant to other friends that plan to visit next month.

]]> By: Dave http://www.buenostours.com/la-cabrera/comment-page-1#comment-1209 Dave Tue, 30 Oct 2007 19:14:44 +0000 http://www.buenostours.com/la-cabrera#comment-1209 My wife and I had dinner at La Cabrera on October 3, 2007 in Palermo Viejo and were very disappointed with the waiters. We started with the Chorizo Sausage which was excellent, and my wife had the Bife de Chorizo for her entree which was cooked a perfect medium rare and very flavorful. We soon realized that we ordered too much food and should have split some of the dishes like the Bife de Chorizo. So, my wife asked the waiter to wrap the steak in a to-go box. As we were sitting there digesting our meal my wife mentions to me that she sees one of the waiters eating her steak. I said it was probably untrue and that the waiter was probably finishing his steak from earlier in the night. Unbeknownst to me the next day when we opened our to-go package from the night before revealed scraps of various cuts of beef and not our Bife de Chorizo. I thought it might have been a mistake with someone else’ order but when I looked closer at the scraps I could see that these were indeed discarded trimmings of beef that no one in their right mind would want. Unfortunately we were not staying closer to the restaurant or I would have gone back just to throw the scraps at the window! So, while the food may be excellent at La Cabrera, be careful of the waiters, some of them are real scumbags! My wife and I had dinner at La Cabrera on October 3, 2007 in Palermo Viejo and were very disappointed with the waiters. We started with the Chorizo Sausage which was excellent, and my wife had the Bife de Chorizo for her entree which was cooked a perfect medium rare and very flavorful. We soon realized that we ordered too much food and should have split some of the dishes like the Bife de Chorizo. So, my wife asked the waiter to wrap the steak in a to-go box. As we were sitting there digesting our meal my wife mentions to me that she sees one of the waiters eating her steak. I said it was probably untrue and that the waiter was probably finishing his steak from earlier in the night. Unbeknownst to me the next day when we opened our to-go package from the night before revealed scraps of various cuts of beef and not our Bife de Chorizo. I thought it might have been a mistake with someone else’ order but when I looked closer at the scraps I could see that these were indeed discarded trimmings of beef that no one in their right mind would want. Unfortunately we were not staying closer to the restaurant or I would have gone back just to throw the scraps at the window! So, while the food may be excellent at La Cabrera, be careful of the waiters, some of them are real scumbags!

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