Hotel’s USD 40 million renovation includes two fabulous new places to drink and dine in the heart of La Recoleta
Buenos Aires, Argentina – 2013-01-02 — /travelprnews.com/ — Welcome to the Argentine capital’s newest hot spots for dining, drinking and socializing: Elena, a stunning two story courtyard restaurant; and Pony Line, a club-like bar inspired by the sport of kings.
“With mouthwatering anticipation, the city’s food and drink lovers have been waiting for this moment as the word spread over the past few months that something new and exciting was about to be unveiled,” says Rebeca Selley, general manager of Four SeasonsHotel Buenos Aires. “Now at last we present two entirely new concepts, and welcome both local porteños and travellers from around the world to Elena and Pony Line.”
Elena Restaurant: Dry Aged Beef, Rotisserie, Charcuterie and Argentinian Wine
In a gorgeous double-height space bathed in natural light, gourmands and people who simply love to share a great meal with friends and family will come together at Elena. Modeled as a courtyard – a traditional gathering place for important events and celebrations – the space features a dramatic spiral staircase to the balcony level, where private dining areas are available. The look is fresh and open, yet a welcome escape from the busy city just outside. Rich interior furnishings – including a glass doored dry ageing case, marble butcher’s table manned by an expert chef and locally-sourced antiques – seamlessly blend South American and European cultures in true Buenos Aires fashion, with hand-crafted finishes by local artisans adding a unique character.
The restaurant is named for Elena Peña Unzué, the bride of La Mansión, a historic building that houses the Hotel’s most opulent suites and hosts the city’s most glittering social events. La Mansión is visible through the skylight at Elena.
On the menu at Elena, guests will find a broad selection of the meats so beloved by locals, from precision-cut dry aged steaks and Argentinian kobe beef to the highest quality pork, chicken and other meats, and abundant fresh seafood. Expertly prepared on the rotisserie, mains are accompanied by lushly presented seasonal vegetables.
“I don’t know any chefs who are not getting back to basics now, using techniques learned from their grandmothers to replicate dishes from their childhoods, with ingredients straight from the farmer and the fisherman,” notes Executive Chef Juan Gaffuri, who recently returned to the city after an international tour of duty at Four Seasons properties on three continents. “What’s different here is our obsession with preparation. To really celebrate each ingredient, every dish must be prepared perfectly, every time.”
A changing menu of entrees may include glazed pork belly garnished with pine nuts and fig balsamic vinegar; confit of baby goat with smoked eggplant and creamed corn; or housemade pasta served alongside osso bucco. Imaginative starters may include grilled brie with blueberry preserve; or octopus with truffle-scented potato broth.
Restaurant Manager Santiago Lambardi’s recommendation from Elena’s charcuterie table is the Felix Platter for two, with fuet, prosciutto, brie and cacciocavalo. “It’s named for Elena’s groom, Félix Saturnino de Álzaga Unzu, so as you may imagine, it’s a very happy marriage of flavours.”
To accompany Chef Juan’s creations, Sommelier Sebastien Maggi has spent weeks personally visiting the country’s vineyards to select wines as well as beers and spirits. Along with French Champagnes, the wines displayed on a dramatic rack in the middle of Elena are almost entirely Argentinian. For guests interested in the very best bottles, Sebastien has a surprising response: “The best wine is the one that ideally enhances what you’ve chosen to eat, and that suits your own personal taste. That is always the basis for my recommendations, regardless of price or label.”
Pony Line Bar: Polo Lifestyle, Handcrafted Cocktails, Artisanal Beers, Sparkling Wines
Inspired by the sport of kings, the new bar at Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires brings to life the casual chic of La Dolfina polo lifestyle. Pony Line balances urban sophistication with the carefree elegance of polo in leathers and other fabrics, riding motifs, art by Alejandro Moy, and rugged yet refined elements such as pergamino-clad trunks that act as cocktail tables.
The mood at Pony Line is lively and fun, a great place for casual meetings with colleagues, after work cocktails and lingering evenings with friends. Here, Maggi’s expertise in spirits as well as wines comes to life in an intriguing cocktail menu that he anticipates will grow and evolve with the city’s changing tastes, international trends and the expertise of his bartending team.
“In the past, locals have tended to stick with one drink, ordering the same thing every time. Now there’s growing interest in new concoctions, so we’re presenting many of the classics such as martinis, mojitos and margaritas in fresh new ways. Our international guests have also left their mark as we combine local libations such as Crios Torrontés wine with St-Germain elderflower liqueur from France in the Des-Coya martini, or add Hesperidina aperitif to Mexican tequila in our Sunny Margarita.”
Also on the drinks menu: artisanal beers, such as the locally produced Lothar and Stallion beers; and a wine list highlighted by bubbly selections including Champagne and sparkling wines.
To accompany one’s beverage, a new “urban bites” menu has been devised that includes choices such as housemade chorizo and oxtail empanadas, as well as international dishes such as hummus and focaccia, and universally-loved favourites including mini burgers (done Latin style with spicy chipotle), and truffled french fries. A selection of sandwiches and salads offer excellent choices for lunch or a light supper, and funky pizzas are ideal for sharing with a pitcher of local beer.
For the Latest News, Follow Elena and Pony Line Online
Don’t miss a moment of the fun with up-to-the-minute details on events, specials and other news.
- Follow Elena on Facebook and Twitter @ElenaResto
- Follow Pony Line on Facebook and Twitter @PonyLineBar
More to Come
Part of a USD 40 million renovation that also includes a new lobby, landscaping and fresh new looks in the Hotel’s guest rooms and suites, the new spaces were created by renowned design firms WAI and 40NORTH.
In 2013, all meeting spaces on the Hotel’s mezzanine floor will sport a new look, and Chef Juan and his banqueting team will also introduce a bold new catering concept for weddings, social functions and corporate events.
Hotel Press Contact
Gabriel Oliveri
Director of Marketing
Posadas 1086/88
Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina C1011ABB
Email Gabriel Oliveri
T. 54 (11) 4321-1634
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Executive Chef Juan Gaffuri
Sommelier and Beverage Manager Sebastien Maggi