In 1971 sisters Ada and Ebe Concaro opened Tomo Uno in the district of Belgrano, just north of Palermo. In 1980 Ada won a Golden Spoon for her efforts, and the Tomo Uno we now know shifted downtown to the Panamericano Hotel in 1993.
rn
rnTo be honest, the two go together as well as turnips and olives: one of Buenos Aires’ most sophisticated restaurants housed in one of Buenos Aires’ largest (albeit stylish) hotels, which sits beside the obelisk in the centre of Capital Federal. However, somehow this seemingly star-crossed alliance manages to work.
rn
rnTomo Uno is highly rated among Argentina’s top chefs, primarily because of the flavour-filled rabbit, pheasant, duck and lamb dishes. The Patagonian lamb, in particular, is as fresh as you will find in Buenos Aires. The message hot from the kitchen is that the food represents ‘sophisticated experimentation, without the unnecessary fashionable and exotic extras with which so many restaurants tart up their menus’. Ada’s son Federico, the manager, will recommend a bottle of Quimera, a Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Franc Blend to accompany the lamb. Come here for the food, but not the rather reposed atmosphere.