Rincon de Buenos Aires
Toasted Bread with Chimichurri
Ham and Cheese Empanada, Corn Empanada, Chicken Empanada
Provoletta – Grilled Imported Provolone, Oregano, Olive Oil, Chili Oil
Parrillada Argentina – Short Ribs, Skirt Steak, Sweetbreads, Sausage, Blood Sausage
Flan Con Dulce de Leche
Alfajor Cookie
Milhojas – Puff Pastry, Condensed Milk, Cardamom
Pasta Frola – Quince Pie
Located in the same Spring Mountain plaza as Cathay House and featuring signage indicating both their Argentinean roots and Italian influences, Rincon de Buenos Aires is the sort of spot that one could easily overlook in an area so heavy in Asian influence, but with strong endorsement from an out-of-town friend and another from Chowhound I finally decided to visit the sizeable space on Saturday with results more than exceeding modest expectations. Undoubtedly a spot where ‘regulars’ are expected while newcomers are welcomed with open arms it was just after 11am when my friend and I entered the Argentinean barbeque doubling as bakery, deli, as well as gourmet market and quickly seated beneath an LCD television displaying futbol while the rest of Las Vegas buzzed about the American collegiate variety it was as though we’d instantly been transported many miles away, our smiling server just efficient enough in English to guide our hand to a baker’s dozen of options served alongside toasty bread and herbal chimichurri that eschewed heat in favor of earthy notes and smoothness that complimented everything on which it was poured. Beginning first with a trio of empanadas that featured flaky puff pastry around intensely spiced chicken, cheddar studded in pork, and shucked corn with sweetness tempered by onions and cream one would be hard pressed to choose a winner amongst the group and turning next to the Italian Provoletta a similar theme emerged, the texture intensely creamy while diverse aromatics and just a hint of spice tickled the palate with each balanced bite. Unable to ignore the tabletop barbeque, presented still sizzling with pre-set options or choices a la carte, it was after perhaps thirty minutes that our enormous entrée arrived and featuring more than enough for a family of four to share we each sampled widely, the blood sausage particularly noteworthy for myself with a spice profile and texture on par with artisan sausages I’ve paid double for elsewhere while the tender sweetbreads were also beyond reproach. Transitioning to dessert I was fortunate to be dining with a friend who was more than willing to take the overindulgent approach and although I’m rather certain I consumed the majority of what was ordered there is no doubt that we were both invariably impressed by everything that arrived – the milky flan smooth yet rich while both the Milhojas and Alfajor presented a more restrained sweetness and textural juxtapositions of cream amidst crunch, a slice of quince pie rounding out the quartet with the fruit’s intense sweetness finding its foil in a buttery golden crust.
FOUR STARS: Every bit as good as the rumors, and the very definition of ‘hidden in plain sight,’ Rincon de Buenos Aires is the sort of place anyone looking for something ‘new’ or ‘different’ should investigate, the prices trending a bit higher than much of Spring Mountain but quality of product, preparation, and service far outperforming most of them as well. To the best of my knowledge the only Argentine barbeque in Las Vegas and one of the few places where blood sausage and sweetbreads can be bought by the pound even vegetarians will be safe here as the restaurant offers a number of unique pastas, pizzas, and produce driven options…not to mention prepackaged goods, ready-to-bake empanadas, and desserts that are well worth the effort even if you decide to take them home for later and skip the sizzling meats.
RECOMMENDED: Blood Sausage, Sweetbreads, Corn Empanada, Milhojas, Pasta Frola.
AVOID: Utilizing the tableside grill that allowed for additional cooking after arrival the short ribs were unfortunately cut a bit too thin to handle the heat, the results a bit dry and chewy compared to the fattier meats which all presented moist and nearly melting to the tongue.
TIP: Filling to 2/3 capacity around 12:00pm wait times from the small kitchen were being quoted at an hour to a table of six that had just sat down when we exited at 12:30pm, so those planning on a ‘quick meal’ may wish to plan accordingly and order in advance – both phone and internet options apparently offered as I saw one young man enter, pay, and exit with a sizeable bag of barbeque wrapped in foil.
WHAT THE STARS MEAN: 5 World Class, 4 Excellent, 3 Good, 2 Fair, 1 Poor
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rincon-De-Buenos-Aires/
