Best Brunch in Buenos Aires

After a full week of intensive lessons at Elebaires, come Saturday morning you really feel you deserve a bit of a lie in and of course a little weekend treat. If the sun is shining, we here at Elebaires can’t imagine a better way to spend a Saturday morning than at one of these perfect brunch spots. Having enjoyed a lazy morning, you have probably already missed the opportunity to tuck into some breakfast, so why not head down to one of these trendy spot for a full blown meal!

Oui Oui, Nicaragua 6068, Palermo Hollywood

This French/Italian styled restaurant, in Palermo Hollywood, is one of the most popular brunch spots in Buenos Aires and is recommended by all who go. Everything from the deco to the menu and music in this place is quaint stylish and of course delicious. Enter to a world of pastries, sandwiches, crêpes and bagels, as well as teas, juices, milkshakes and coffees. Whether you’re fighting back a hangover or you simply want to enjoy the weekend, this is the perfect spot.

Useful Info – Open Tues-Fri, 8am-8pm. Sat-Sun 10am-8pm. Brunch: every Sat-Sun 10am-8pm. Prices from $40-$75.

Home Hotel, Honduras 5860, Palermo Hollywood

Certainly the best place in town for a full English fry up! Brunch runs every weekend as well as feriados from 12.30 – 4.00pm, and as well as a good old English breakfast you can also choose from other favorites such as Eggs Benedict! Once you enter, you can see why it’s so popular, with an open fresh garden, a stylish deco inside, friendly staff, and big portions!

Useful Info – Open Mon-Mon, 8am-midnight. Brunch: every Sat-Sun, 12.30pm-4.30pm. Prices round $40.

Casa Mua, Soler 4202, Palermo Soho.

This charming brunch spot has a relaxed ambience, which really makes you feel at home. The menu will certainly have something to meet whatever craving you may have, from fruit salads to a full on New York style breakfast you can be sure to be satisfied at the end of your meal, what’s more all the dishes are served with juice and coffee/tea.

Useful Info – Open Sun-Wed, 9am-10pm, Thu-Sat, 9am-1am. Brunch, Sat-Sun, all day long. Prices from $20-$40.

bBlue Deli & Natural Bar, Armenia 1692, Palermo Soho

This spot offers a selection of Brunch options including smoked salmon or scrambled eggs to lighter options such as bagels and muffins. Also on offer is a big selection of salads and sandwiches, so what ever mood your bound to find something here. Don’t forget to order a big smoothie to finish off your order.

Useful Info – Open Mon – Sun 8.30 – 21.30

Bs As Best Shopping

After a full morning of intensive classes at Elebaires, what better way to relax than a little retail therapy – whether you want to buy some souvenirs for friends and family, or even just a little something to treat yourself, you can be sure you will be able to find all things weird and wonderful here in Bs As. In a big city, which is packed full of shops of every kind, it can be hard to know where to start and what to buy, that’s why we here at Elebaires thought we would act as your personal shopper today to save you time  of wandering around and give you more time to hit the shops.

The best shopping malls;  for a full day of shopping head to one of these mainstream shopping malls!

Alto Palermo, Avenida Santa Fe 3253,  (Subte D, Bulnes)

Right in the heart of bustling Palermo, you can find most things here. With international and local brands, there is something for everyone. Don’t forget to wander round the surrounding shops too!

Galerías Pacífico, Florida 737,  (Subte B, Florida)

Situated in the city center in one of the cities most impressive buildings, this mall has it all- selling local goods as well as all the famous brands and labels such as Christian Dior and Lacoste. Whilst you’re in this area of town make sure you check out the rest of Florida Street for shops and street vendors selling all sorts of bits and bobs.

The building itself warrants a visit, and what’s more, with more than 240 shops to choose from, you will be able to find something for all your friends and family here.

BEST MARKETS; for something a little more artisanal, head to the stalls of one of these markets.

Feria plaza de Francia, Plaza Francia & Plaza Alvear,  Avenida del Libertador

It’s on every Saturday and Sunday right by the Recoleta Cemetery. With a variety of different stalls, from jewelry, to leather bags and caricatures, what ever you need you’ll be able to pick it up here.

Feria San Telmo, Plaza Dorrego

Starting at Plaza de Mayo right down to Plaza Dorrego this is Buenos Aires’ biggest and most popular market. For everything vintage and some classic South American souvenirs this is the place to hit. What’s more is that you can also find some good deals here.

What to buy? The best Argentine Souvenirs.

ALPARGATAS – with millions of different colours and patterns, why not buy a few pairs? Our favorite place to buy – Arandu Paraguay 1259 or Ayacucho 1924. 50 pesos a pair. Whilst you’re there you can pick up any polo or gaucho souvenirs too.

LEATHER GOODS – The city is packed full of boutiques full of everything leather, from bags and belts to wallets and jackets, there are plenty of options where to buy top leather! Our favorite place, Calle Murillo.

RED WINE -   As one of Argentina’s main exports make sure you don’t forget to buy a bottle of Argentine Malbec.

Despedida de NURIA

Unfortunately there always comes a time to say goodbye, we here at Elebaires are used to saying goodbye to all our students coming and going, however this week we had a very special Goodbye!

This week was Nurias last week at Elebaires, having worked here for 5 years as the Educational Coordinator we thought it was only right to mark the occasion in style.

On Thursday night we all headed to the popular 1810 restaurant in Palermo, for a full blown Depedida supper! We all enjoyed some delicious local food and of course a few bottles of wine to celebrate Nuria time with Elebaires and wish her the best for her trip to Europe.

As the Educational Coordinator Nuria has organised all our students courses and tracked the progress made by each individual. She ensured that all our students are happy with their classes by tailoring our courses to suit each individual – she makes sure that everyone is having fun, satisfied with their clasess and really making the most of their experience in Buenos Aires. All in all it is thanks to Nuria that all our students enjoy their language experience with Elebaires.

I know that I speak on behalf of all the past and present students and staff at Elebaires when I say she will be hugely missed and we wish her the best of luck with her trip to Europe.  Un abrazo fuerte!

A day away from Buenos Aires- Best Day Trip Options

Whilst in Buenos Aires it is hard to find yourself getting bored. In a city that never sleeps there is always something to do whether it may be an art gallery, a museum, a football match, a tango show, or a polo game, the city is packed full of exciting things to do.

Nevertheless, however much fun you are having it is always nice to be able to escape the hustle and bustle of Buenos Aires and explore new places after a weeks intensive lessons.

We at Elebaires thought we would shed some light on the best day trips.

Tigre

Just a short train or bus ride away Tigre is a popular spot for weekend or day trips. Although the town in pretty and there is a crafts market each day, make sure you take a boat ride down the Paraná Delta either to one of the delicious restaurants or simply just for a trip around the Delta.

A different way to enjoy eating out in Buenos Aires

Walking around the city, wherever you look you will find Italian restaurants, sushi restaurants, Peruvian restaurants you name it, it’s there.  Although there are certainly restaurants that are unique and different none of them quite capture the true authentic Argentine way of life.

So we here at Elebaires thought we would let you into the secret of “Puertas Cerradas” or closed door restaurants as they are a special feature very particular to Buenos Aires. They allow you to experience a very intimate and delicious meal in someone’s home while here in Buenos Aires. It’s a different and unique way to enjoy eating out, and gives you the opportunity to try something new which you might not always choose in a restaurant. However make sure you reserve well in advance as they are hugely popular.

This phenomenon is more common here in Buenos Aires than you would think, but you need to know where to look. We at Elebaires thought we would point you to some of our favorites so after a long day of Spanish lessons you can relax and enjoy this unique experience.

Casa Salt Shaker (Uriburu & Pena)- Join Henry, the charming host and Dan the chef for a delicious 5 course meal, usually focused on a historical theme. Expect Mediterranean cuisine as this is the chef’s specialty. Maximum capacity is 12, so book in advance and be ready to meet some new people whilst enjoying fresh and unique food.

Casa Felix (Av Felix de Olazabal 4882 )- This is probably one of the most famous of the closed door restaurants and highly recommend by all who go. With a tasty menu and great service (run by a lovely husband/wife team) it’s no surprise it’s so popular. The set up is slightly different here than the other puertas cerradas and mingling with other guests is less common.

Cocina Sunae (Roseti, between Heredia and

14 de Julio)- It is difficult to find decent oriental food at good prices out here in Buenos Aires, however here at Cocina Sunae, the chef whips up her best dishes at great prices.
Mis Raices (Arribeños 2148)- This is the oldest Puerta Cerrada in Buenos Aires. It is run by a sweet woman who cooks the most delicious traditional food. Make sure you go with a big appetite as the portions are absolutely enormous, and the quality is top notch.

Elebaires Special Programs

Islas Malvinas – Falklands Islands

Hoy no podemos dejar de escribir sobre este día que significa un momento importante para Argentina. La mejor manera de aprender del pasado es pensar en las personas que vivieron ese momento histórico y que superan las divisiones políticas, los orgullos personales y las persecusiones de vanagloria. El 2 de abril de 1982, Argentina lleva sus tropas a las Islas Malvinas. Y en medio de todas las operaciones bélicas, hay dos hombres que en ese momento no se conocieron personalmente: un argentino y un inglés. Ellos, luego de mucho tiempo son para nosotros la mejor manera de revisar lo que pasó y pensar en lo que va a pasar.

El Comodoro Mariano Velazco conducía un avión que fue derribado por una unidad terrestre inglesa donde Neil Wilkinson disparaba. Ambos sobrevieron y se buscaron después de muchos años: Neil consternado por haber terminado con una vida humana buscó desde siempre noticias sobre ese avión que había derribado hasta dar con el soldado argentino.

Los invitamos a leer algunas notas que narran y manifiestan lo que estos dos hombres vivieron, lo que piensan y lo que sienten sobre este tema.

Pensamos que en el mundo entero, en cada conflicto político o social, hay una gran falta: las personas reales que protagonizamos los hechos no somos escuchados. Si pudiéramos escucharnos más, cada conflicto sería menos hostil y la solución se encontraría mucho más rápidamente.

Esta historia cumple 30 años, y ojalá existan más micro historias como ésta que valga la pena difundir en nuestro humilde medio de comunicación de actualidad.

Notas sobre el encuentro de los soldados:

Diario Crítica (noticia en español)

BBC UK (news in English)

Recordamos a todos los héroes que dejaron sus vidas en las Islas.

Semana Santa in Argentina

Made any exciting plans for the long weekend to celebrate Easter? If not then don’t worry, we here at Elebaires thought we would give you some advice on how to make the most of your long weekend away from your  intensive language courses.

As you have 4 days (Thursday – Sunday), why not use the opportunity to escape the city and spend a few days exploring a different part of the country and enjoy new experiences whilst exploring the natural beauty of Argentina.

Head to Mendoza to explore the magnificent vineyards’ and enjoy tasting a grand selection of Argentine wine. Red wine is, along with steak, Argentina’s major export after all. Make sure you don’t for get

to grab a bottle of Malbec, Agentina´s best grape, to take home.

For the more adventurous lot of you out there why not travel down to the south of  Argentina to Barliloche and El Calafate to explore Lake Argentino and Los Glaciares National Park. Even though the winter has yet to fully kick in, be sure to pack some warm clothes.

For those not quite up for the cold of the southern part of the city, Iguazu, in the north, is a must on every traveler’s itinerary. Take in the spectacular waterfalls, whilst also exploring the jungle.

We at Elebaires can help with hostel recommendations and travel arrangements to make sure you have an exciting, stress free trip. Try to book your bus tickets as early as possible as it is a very popular time to go away.

For those wanting to stay in the city, there is plenty to keep you busy. Semana Santa, is a major religious holiday in the Hispanic world and therefore processions are held in a number of the cities neighborhoods, however the best is on Good Friday from Congreso square up Avendia de Mayo up to Plaza de Mayo, right outside Elebaires. Whether you are Christian or not there is plenty to keep you entertained throughout this religious holiday. What’s great is that many people go away for the weekend, so the whole city is a lot more relaxed and less chaotic.

Afternoon Activities with Elebaires

What’s great about the courses at Elebaires is that they are all accompanied by a range of afternoon activities.  This gives you a great opportunity to meet people and make some new friends but also means you can fully immerse yourself into the culture of Buenos Aires. You start to learn the social way of life by going to some hidden spots unknown to many guidebooks and you can be sure that you won’t miss any of the “must see” spots that Bs As has to offer.

With our own personal city guide, Agustin, there is no doubt that your afternoons with Elebaires will be packed full of exciting things to do. Varying from cultural, educational, sporting, social and day excursions there will be something that takes your fancy, whether a polo match or a dance class, so that you can really make the most of your experience here in Argentina – but don’t worry all activities are optional, all you have to do is sign up and you’re ready to go!

The most popular activities are the walking and bike tours around some of the cities oldest neighborhoods, trips to the best museums and of course football matches and tango shows. We normally meet in the office at 2.pm so you have time to grab some lunch and recuperate after a morning of intensive classes.

As well as the activities with Elebaires we also have recommendations for each afternoon and evening – so if you feel like exploring on your own there is always a good place to start. We also have some guestlists and good offers at some of the clubs and bars throughout the city. For those looking for something a bit more adventurous there are also some great weekend trips too – if you want to get out the city for a day or two and experience a traditional day in the campo make sure you sign up for the estancia (gaucho ranch) trip – you might even be able to catch a game of polo or head to for a relaxing day on the Delta head to Tigre.

Each week we offer different activities – For more information and a calendar of all our upcoming activities click here

Exámenes internacionales de Español D.E.L.E.

Elebaires te puede ayudar a obtener un certificado internacional de Español.

¿Por qué es útil tener esta certificación? Este video te puede dar algunos testimonios de estudiantes de Argentina que se postularon para obtener el DELE. Cada persona tiene una motivación diferente pero es importante pasar por la experiencia.

Exámenes DELE en Argentina SEA Idiomas

¿Cuánto tengo que preparme?

Elebaires ofrece un programa de 4 semanas para estar listo y en condiciones  con un excelente asesoramiento y una prueba de nivel DELE gratis (escrita y oral).

¿Qué validez tienen estos certificados DELE?

El Instituto Cervantes es una institución española de larga trayectoria internacional que examina alrededor del mundo y certifica el conocimiento de millones de personas año tras año. En Buenos Aires, la Asociación de Centros de Idiomas es la sede oficial del Instituto Cervantes para examinar en Buenos Aires entre otras entidades.

Podés leer más sobre los exámenes y sus fechas acá.

¿Hay un examen internacional argentino? ¡Sí! Se llama CELU (Certificado de Español, Lengua y Uso) que lo otorga la Universidad de Buenos Aires. Elebaires también te prepara para estos exámenes y te puede brindar una prueba de nivel gratuita.

¿Y si ya no estoy en Buenos Aires? Nuestros cursos online son una excelente manera de continuar practicando para los exámenes desde cualquier lugar del mundo.