Since its opening two years ago, i Latina has been providing the flavors of Latin America to a curious and sophisticated audience. In a beautiful French-style house, in the neighborhood of Villa Crespo 3 Colombian siblings: Santiago, Camilo and Laura Macias, launched a project that involves a 7 course tasting menu that celebrates the unique and electric tastes of Latin America.
Head chef Santiago came to Buenos Aires at age 18 to study gastronomy, and a decade after completing his studies he returned Buenos Aires to start i Latina. According to the chef, Buenos Aires provides the perfect audience to show off his culinary delights: sophisticated locals who have the money and the flair to try new things, and tourists from around the world looking to sample the best of Latin American cuisine.
Having faith in the culinary arts of chef Santiago Macias, the Macias siblings opened i Latina where the preparation of the dishes can be seen in action, as the lounge has an open kitchen. In a warm and dim light atmosphere, the menu consists of 7 courses perfectly decorated, plus a bread basket of different breads and classic Colombian coffee to end the evening. Although the menu is Latin inspired, dishes are upgraded with an international flair. All menu courses are accompanied with the best Argentine wines, both from Mendoza and Patagonia.
Some of the dishes part of the seasonal menu include corn arepas with anise and Colombian hogao ; Duck confit in tamarind sauce with quinoa salad and patacòn ; Caramelized prawns with spicy pineapple and fennel; Barú style ceviche with seasonal fish, mango niche coconut and lychee; Peruvian Chupe with grilled octopus; braised pork in coffee and sugar cane reduction. And for a double dessert; Ecuadorian cocoa truffle with patagonian sea salt crystals and olive oil followed by Avocado and Aguardiente ice cream.
While consisting of different types of food that Argentines are not specifically used to, i Latina presents an exquisite menu for the adventurous palette. The mix of fruits with meats, sweet and hot sauces are certainly welcome to Buenos Aires.
The menu changes every 2 or 3 months and is only accessible by reservation. If a diner has any allergies or is vegetarian they can inform the chef in advance. While i Latina is by reservation only, it is not a “closed door restaurant”. Just make sure to pick a date and make your reservation.
The menu costs AR $ 600 without drinks per person; if you include the wine pairing the cost is an additional $280 per person.
While looking at the menu it might seem impossible to have enough room to finish all the dishes but they are so well balanced, the time between courses so well measured that it is impossible to not leave satisfied. With the feeling of attending a unique feast of different flavors, colors and textures with a Latin American twist, i Latina is an unforgettable dining experience.