What´s going on in Buenos Aires

Must see places and information of Buenos Aires and Argentina: http://www.bue.gov.ar/home
General information in English, Spanish and Portuguese: http://www.sectur.gov.ar

PINK POINT BUENOS AIRES OPENING SEPTEMBER 2
On the second of September (2010) PINK POINT BUENOS AIRES will open its doors in Florida street, on the opposite side of Galerias Pacifico shopping mall. Pink Point is a gay and lesbian tourism office (hetero friendly) in the centre of Buenos Aires. A walk-in centre to get information about gay cultural life, gay pride groups, tourism agencies, all gay (friendly) businesses in Buenos Aires and Argentina in general, excursions, clubs, design & fashion, restaurants, gay (friendly) language schools and other services. The idea is basically coming from Amsterdam where they opened the first Pink Point stand during the Gay Olympics in 1998, although Pink Point Buenos Aires will be slightly different. Pink Point Buenos Aires will be the first gay and lesbian tourism office in this continent. Buenos Aires, where there is no special gay-area, will have its place where gays (national and international) can go to get all the information they need. Next to flyers, tickets for free drinks and discounts for gay and lesbian bars and restaurants, the information center sells all kinds of gay related souvenirs (and unique Pink Point items), people can book several excursions and/or tours. Pink Point is open between 09.00 and 20.00 hrs. from Mondays till Saturdays. Pink Point is planning to organize several cultural events during this upcoming season which will be published in the office and on the website:
Address: Florida street, on the opposite side of Galerias Pacifico.
Email: info@pinkpointbuenosaires.com
Web: http://pinkpointbuenosaires.com

Gay Marriage is Law in Argentina
In an historic pre-dawn July 15 vote, the Argentine Senate, by a margin of 33-27, made that nation the first in Latin America to grant same-sex couples marriage equality. Passage of the measure was a major victory for President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, who saw her governing coalition in the predominately Roman Catholic nation badly split over the issue. Argentina’s lower house had previously approved the measure. On July 21, in La Casa Rosada, the Argentine presidential palace, Fernandez de Kirchner signed the law, calling it "a beacon for all of Latin America."

The magic of Beauty and the Beast returns to Buenos Aires
Just like 12 years ago, when more than 200 thousand people enjoyed the marvelous spectacle in Argentina, the adaptation in Spanish of the original Broadway production "Beauty and the Beast"opens again in Buenos Aires. Based on the Walt Disney film, winner of two Oscars, "Beauty and the Beast" by Disney has been presented in over 120 cities and carries more than 15 thousand presentations in over 21 countries as diverse as Canada, Japan , Mexico, Ireland, South Korea, Britain, Spain, Brazil and Argentina. It has been translated into 8 languages: Chinese, Spanish, Portuguese, German, Japanese, Korean, Russian and Italian. This super production will feature over forty artists on stage, a live orchestra and an incredible stage design and dazzling special effects. More than 200 costume changes, 300 pairs of shoes, 250 natural hair wigs and 32 changes of scenery combine to give life to the tender love story between Beauty and Beast and introduce the viewer into a fantasy world of magic and wonder. Days and times: Fridays 8.30 pm Saturdays 5 pm and 9 pm Sundays 2.30 and 6.20 pm Tickets: at the theater or through www.ticketek.com.ar Make your reservation NOW! Call The Royal Family (Patrizia, Manuel, Matias or Erik) at 43831026 Address for this special event: Bolivar 650, San Telmo Just 35 USD for this unique night from 20.00 hrs (till about 22.30 hrs)
Address: Teatro Citi Av. Corrientes 860
Web: http://ticketek.com.ar

The International Queer Tango Festival 2010 will take place from 22 to 28 November.
From 22 to 28 November 2009 we will celebrate the fourth edition of the Buenos Aires International Queer Tango Festival at the most principal dance-floors and saloons of our city. Joining to the celebrations in the bicentenary of the Argentine Independence this year our festival it will be a big holiday in which we will cover different moments of the history of the Argentine tango up to our present, in which diverse forms of expression coexist. We will receive the city of Berlin like honor guest. Our festival will offer milongas, practicas every day of the week, the best shows, orchestras, performances and workshops with the most prestigious Argentinean teachers. We thanks very much those who year by year support our proposal and give enthusiasm to our efforts constructing a tango community more open and giving place to new ways of representation that are those which maintain alive and in permanent movement our dance and music.
Tel: 0054-11-15-3252-6894.
Email: info@festivaltangoqueer.com.ar
Web: http://www.festivaltangoqueer.com.ar

CITY TOUR BUSES TO THE BEST PLACE IN BUENOS AIRES
The service of tourist buses of Buenos Aires has worked since April 23rd, 2009. The vehicles – with two floors and open-top roof – are decorated with images that represent some of the most important attractions of the city: tango, sports, books, bars, art and design. The buses, with a capacity for 50 people, have a guide specializing in city’s tourism and travellers receive information printed in Spanish, English, Portuguese and French. Buses go around the city from 9am to 5.30pm. They depart every half hour from the corner of Florida and Av. Roque Sáenz Peña. The complete tour takes people 2 hours and 45 minutes but passengers can get off and on the bus in any of the stops. There are tickets for one and two days and there also are promotional prices for families. Handicapped people and children under 4 can take the bus free of charge. Tickets shall be bought on the bus or at two Centres of Tourist Information belonging to the City`s government, on Florida 100 and Dock 4 in Puerto Madero.

Palermo Flea Market
The Mercado de Pulgas (Flea Market) is located on the corner of Dorrego and Niceto Vega, on the Northern edge of Trendy Palermo. The large, hanger-like building houses stall after stall of vendors, some selling their own hand made or hand discovered goods, others selling whatever furniture hunters turn up. It`s full of old treasures, but if shoppers hit it right and have the right accent (i.e. no foreign accent at all) good deals can be found. One may also find anything from polished furniture to old 70`s-style television sets, playing the World Cup games just as good as new ones. The Flea Market is known to offer-up small, hand-designed wooden side tables for $30AR, aa well as country home-style coffee table trunks for $225AR. One can also find anything from lamps and paintings, to jewelry and sofas, and even rustic picture-framed mirrors, all with varying prices and quality. Come on weekdays to get the best deals possible as the vendors tend to be bored and are more willing to chat, possibly bartering prices down. A good attitude, a smile, and a genuine interest in the people selling their goods will get you much further than a stiff upper lip. If bargain hunters aren't able to get the right price, they can at least enjoy the great exchange rate while splashing out thier hard earned foreign currency on fancy road signs, old chairs, and other stylin` decorations.
Address: corner Dorrego and Niceti Vega

Restaurants

• Bar 6
Armenia 1676 || Palermo Soho
4833-6807
Is it a café? Is it a bar? Is it a restaurant? That’s the thing in Buenos Aires: many places are all three. Regardless of categorization, Bar 6 offers a credible brunch in funky faux-industrial surroundings. It’s comfortable as well, particularly if you manage to snare a set of the couches and armchairs that are set around low tables at the front. Brunch-wise Bar 6 has bagel options, toasted sandwiches (try the open lomo), and a good breakfast that includes the four staples: scrambled eggs; toast; coffee, and juice. If you’re in the habit of surfing après-brunch (it is a good aid to digestion) you’ll be happy to that know Bar 6 has free Wi-Fi; feel free to take your MacBook along and blog about what you just ate.

• Mark’s Deli and Coffee House
El Salvador 4701 || Palermo Soho

Whoever the eponymous Mark might be he obviously knows how to put together a great café, as this Palermo hotspot is one of the best in town. The corner location is bright and airy and filled with customers (local and expat) just about all the time. The downsides to Mark’s are actually several: it gets a little noisy inside; the service can be slow, and for Buenos Aires it’s not cheap. So why is it so popular? Simply because the food is brilliant: great coffee; muffins; scones, and tons of healthy sandwich and salad options make it an ideal spot for a spot of brunch, whatever time of day you make it there. http://www.markspalermo.com

• Evita Museum Restaurant
J.M. Gutierrez 3926 || Palermo
4800-1599 || Reservation || Great local food || $$
The Evita Museum Restaurant is a truly lovely respite from the busy city atmosphere that you encounter just steps from it’s front door. Whether you’re enjoying a quick coffee break after touring the museum, or making a special trip here for a relaxing lunch, this place is well worth a visit. The indoor cafe area is almost Parisian in ambiance, and is equally enjoyable when it’s quiet and empty or bustling and packed. The beautiful garden patio is a perfect place to stop for lunch on a sunny day. The black and white tiled floors and rustic white-painted walls give it a nostalgic energy, and the flowers and trees which surround the dining area create a sort of small sanctuary in the city.

• Green Bamboo
Carranza and El Salvador || Palermo Hollywood
4775-7050 || Reservation || Vietnamese Dinner || $$$
Best Asian eatery in Buenos Aires. Billed as a Vietnamese/Asian-Fusion restaurant, Green Bamboo provides an intimate setting for an amazing meal. As you pass through the front door into a dining room which holds at most 20 tables, the aromas of ginger-and-garlic accented dishes entice your senses. Once your eyes adjust to the dimly lit interior, you notice the Asian-inspired décor which includes little Asian dolls that line the bar, a dragon hanging from the ceiling, and strategically placed paper screens. Without a reservation, diners may have to wait hours to be seated. This is not a problem, however, as there is room at the bar to grab a traditional drink, or one of Green Bamboo’s original creations. Whether you choose the former or the latter, you will witness an artist at work as the full-time bartender masterfully chops, shakes, and stirs to create cocktails that are not only unique and delicious, but beautiful as well.( Ralf from ba4u loves that place )

• La Cabrera
Cabrera 5099 || Palermo Soho
4831-7002 || Reservation || Parilla Lunch or Dinner || $$$
La Cabrera is on of the best places to sample Argentinian beef done in the grilled style. The atmosphere is pumping from about 9pm til late. You should choose the "Bife de Lomo" or the "Bife de Chorizo". The dishes come to the table as a big chunk of meat and you cut off what you want to eat. The plates are shared with your dining companions. Leave a Comment

• Little Rose
Armenia 1672, 1er piso || Palermo Soho
4833-9496 || Japanese Dinner || $$$
Located on the second floor in Palermo Soho, Little Rose offers Japanese cuisine catered toward the Argentine palate. Quite frankly, this might be the single sexiest dining room I have seen so far in Buenos Aires. Everything is black: the walls, molding, ceilings, and carpet. The walls are decorated by eerie pictures of vampire-esque children with bright red lips and eyes that seem to follow yours everywhere. The lighting was focused such that while the restaurant was incredibly dark, the food on the table could be easily seen. Each table was wrapped in an intimate curtain of darkness which at times, made me feel like I was the only person eating, even when the restaurant was completely full, even when I could practically touch the table next to mine. It was very romantic, and very sleek at the same time. Even though people seemed to be talking loudly, the restaurant was quiet … must have been the vampire children on the walls working their magic. In the back of the restaurant lies the sushi bar illuminated by a cool blue glow. Very cool space. However, this is certainly not a place for diners seeking an authentic sushi experience; if that’s the case you will leave extremely unfulfilled. But, if salmon is all you seek, be prepared for a special dining experience.

• Milion
Paraná 1048 || Recoleta
4815-9925 || Reservation || Modern Arg Dinner || $$$
Milion is a mansion in 1913, has not been modified, still retains the same spirit, has a tapas bar and food on the ground floor, with a large garden, and a projection room where he also you can drink and eat. On the first floor is the dining room, bar drinks, and a second floor where there are six rooms, with sillones.Milion has been described by Newsweek International as one of the six best bars in America, and Elle magazine recently named her U.S. secrets and exclusive 21 places in the kitchen mundo.

• Miranda
Costa Rica & Bonpland || Palermo Hollywood
4771-4255 || Parilla Lunch or Dinner || $$
Come to Miranda for classic Argentine cuisine with ambiance. House specialties such as fresh pastas with a choice of sauces, Patagonian beef, and parrilla are the name of the game. Many are drawn to the classic ambiance, which includes outdoor seating in the summer months. Inside you find high ceilings, classy wooden tables, and a large bar. Located in the heart of Palermo's night scene, you'll be hard pressed to find a table on weekend nights. Come before 10pm or after 12am if you don't want to wait. Miranda is open daily for lunch and dinner and accepts major credit cards.

• Mott
El Salvador 4685 || Palermo Soho
4833-4306 || Cick || $$$
If you like food, you'll like the Mott. It's pretty simple - the food is excellent - fresh and tasty and not the same flavors you get elsewhere. Go someplace else if your idea of a good meal is a cheeseburger. Go to the Mott if you care about taste.

• Natural Deli
1672 Laprida, bw Juncal and Beruti streets || Barrio Norte - Recoleta
+5411.4822.1228 || Organic and Natural Food || $$
Natural juices and smoothies, tasty breakfasts, a wide variety of salads, wraps and muffins. All natural and organic food in a quiet ambience, just a few blocks from the noise of Santa Fe Avenue, this is an oasis ideal for breakfasts, brunchs or early dinners. website: www.natural-deli.com

• Olsen
Gorriti 5870 || Palermo Holywood
4776-7677 || Reservation || Brunch,lunch and dinner || $$$
Scandinavia has landed in Argentina. Olsen is built into what was once a warehouse, and it soars to churchlike proportions and has a mezzanine with a few tables overlooking the main dining area. The interior, complete with a central round metal fireplace, has a 1960s mod feel to it with blonde woods, straight lines, and funky dish settings with orange, brown, and black circles on them. The place is set apart from the street by a large wooden fence, which leads into a patio garden overgrown with vines, complete with a metal sculpture fountain on an adjacent wall. It's an extremely tranquil space, with only a few chairs and tables set out here. They sink into the grass, giving the feeling of a living room that has succumbed to nature. Olsen is very popular with tourists and locals alike, and each of the extremely attractive staff speaks English. Starters are fun and meant to be shared, such as an excellent selection of bagels, tiny pancakes, smoked salmon, smoked herring, caviar, and flavored cheeses and butters. Fish is the main point of this place, and a few of the meat dishes, though flavorful, tend to be on the dry side. Many people come just for the bar, and there is an enormous vodka selection. Absolut rules this part of the restaurant and is available by the shot or the bottle. On Sunday, try their brunch, which begins at 10am.

• Quimbombo
Costa Rica 4562 || Palermo
4305-1701 || Reservation || Healthy Indian / Vegetarian || $$$
Best vegetarian restaurant of Buenos Aires in all aspects. Just opened beginning 2008. Lovely ambiance, original menu and way of presenting, different places to lounge, lunch or dinner on different levels of building, highly recommended. In same building is a Yoga school.

• Sette Bacco
Aguero 2157 || Recoleta
4808 0021 || Reservation || Italian || $$$
Brick Walls, muted lighting and warm tones, make dining in Sette Baco comfortable and intimate. This restaurant, set in the Recoleta neighborhood, has plenty of old world charm and is perfect for a nice romantic meal. While you conjure up some magic with your date, let Chef Daniel Hansen ( good looking ) work his magic on a range of antipasti, pastas, risottos and other such delicious Italian fare. After the flavorful Italian fare satiates you, enjoy the wine and the sublime desserts like the Passion fruit Mousse. Enjoy your perfect meal and perfect company! The place is open from 12:30 PM to 04 PM and from 8.30 PM from Monday to Friday and from 8PM on Saturday. www.settebacco.com.ar