Description
Over the last two years there has been a new culinary trend in Buenos Aires, with more and more Argentines becoming interested in international food. Thai, Moroccan, Indian and Japanese cuisine, among others, have been slowly creeping into the city’s restaurants from Palermo to La Boca. And as the economy has gradually improved, this exotic cuisine has become accessible to more and more Argentines.

Just as this movement was starting to take shape in Buenos Aires, Dan Perlman – an expat from the United States – began his now legendary blog, Salt Shaker, where he critiqued and explored the foodie scene in Argentina’s Capital. Known for his sometimes critical, but always honest remarks, Saltshaker attracted a loyal readership of fellow expats and locals alike that trusted his opinion on all things edible.

With the ongoing success of the blog, and his previous culinary experience, he decided to open a reservation-only restaurant out of his cozy loft in the Recoleta neighborhood. He had unintentionally started his own trend – private restaurants, hitting on the two things that Argentines love most: exclusivity and quality.

The food is prepared with local ingredients and can vary in theme from French to Northern Argentine. Upcoming dinners include Tibetan and Turkish menus. Throughout the evening, Perlman serves his own menu and matches local wines perfectly, explaining each course and accompanying wine when it is served.

Insider Tips
The chosen menu is posted beforehand for guests to see and reservations, which need to be made at least a day in advance, are taken via his website. With space for only twelve guests seated round a square table in his living room, it is hard to secure a spot. But with perseverance one will generally become available.

Make sure you advise of any allergies you have, check the menu when it is posted on the website and then when you arrive, be ready to immerse yourself in the local culture.

Although it is possible to reserve the entire sitting for your party, it is an experience in itself to sit with Casa Saltshaker’s usual mixture of locals, expats and tourists - in such an intimate setting.

	Information:
	Location Details Recoleta Casa Saltshaker is open only on Friday and Saturday nights (and sometimes one day during the week). Dinner generally costs $75 pesos (around $23USD) including three courses, bottled water and tea/coffee. If you would like the wine pairing option add another $30 pesos ($9USD). Make your reservations early through www.casasaltshaker.com and reconfirm with them a day beforehand.