Lasal, contemporary dining in Mendoza
Walking into Lasal, an intimate restaurant on Belgrano Avenue, it’s hard to know what will strike you first as the most different: the contemporary decor on two levels, the live guitarists, or the sign that says “sushi night is Tuesday night.” Diners who have fatigue of Mendoza’s many restaurants specializing in grilled meat (aka parilla) would do well to seek out the inventive cuisine here.
A starter salad of frisee with crunchy beef carpaccio was very good as was the insalata caprese (though the mozarella was local, not di buffalo). The best part? They were three US dollars each.
The main dishes, which range from about $7 – 10, include an unusual but effective beer and honey risotto, a vegetarian crepe with creamy vegetables and mushrooms on the side, and pork roast with vegetables. If this sounds eclectic but good, consider that the live guitar the night I was there last week ranged from Hava Nagila to flamenco.
The wine list is a well-chosen selection from the many excellent local wineries. I liked the fact that not only do they list the winery but also the winemaker. While the restaurant may be above average in price by local standards, it’s still an excellent value for American and European visitors, especially those craving culinary creativity.
Lasal, Belgrano 1069, not far from Plaza Independencia. Tel (54 261) 420 4322
On August 2nd, 2006 at 1:48 am ,Paulo wrote:
Right at you… I lived in Mendoza for 3 months and Lasal is a nice refuge from the regular meat OD. One of my favorites is thay chicken with chutney followed by one of the best Argentinean Rose, Lurton Rosado (from Bonarda). It is well balanced, lively and spicy and the bottle is for under U$7… at the restaurant.
Did you have the chance to try Lurton’s wines?
Great version of hava nagila!