via Black Book

While weekend waits at this Upper East Side Argentinean eatery can be long, they are completely worth it. The one and only drawback to sitting at Libertador Parrilla Argentina’s well-designed dark wood bar and sipping creative twists on the tried-and-true Latin American cocktails for 45 minutes is that every plate leaving the kitchen wafts a tantalizing scent across the dining room that will surely have you fantasizing about your upcoming meal rather than paying attention to your conversation.

Now, I always give props to those eateries, especially ones where you have to endure a long wait, that appreciate how famished you are when you finally take your seat. Before we had even decided what to order, our adventure began when the waiter presented us with French bread coupled with what I can only describe as hummus with a South American flair. It was a chickpea-based spread with roasted red pepper, garlic, and olive oil, but with an intensely smoky flavor that’s unlike any roasted red pepper hummus you might find at your local Food Emporium.

On to the appetizers. The first item that immediately jumped off the menu to me was the yellowfin tuna carpaccio ($12), which is marinated in a lime vinaigrette and served with “avocado cream.” While this flavor combination is indeed as epic as it sounds (Nicole is still talking about it), I must take issue with your average guacamole being billed as “avocado cream.” Still, admit it, you love guacamole, and this dish really is worth the price. The same might not be said for the empanadas. The creative flavors on the menu are certainly enticing, but the $15 we spent on six of them might have been better spent. Unfortunately, the dough, the gateway to the chicken and potatoes, or the corn, or the “saltena” style beef, proved to be sadly sub-par. The fillings themselves could also have been executed better. The meats were cut a little too small and a little too square, whereas shredded chicken or larger slices of beef might have been more appetizing. To give credit where it is due, the empanadas were certainly tastier than they looked, but there are much better ways to spend your money at Libertador.

For example, the frugal set will be happy to know that the “mixed grill for two” ($44) can and should be shared by a larger party. The sizzling patter arrives brimming with meat: short ribs, skirt steak, sausage, blood sausage and roast chicken, and served with chimichurri, salad, and either french fries or mashed potatoes. There were three of us (including one hungry male), and we still didn’t manage to finish all that meat. Which, by the way, was scrumptious, especially slathered with the fresh, house-made chimichurri. And, lest we forget, the fries “provencal” we chose as a side dish were nothing short of a revelation. Just salty enough, just herb-y enough, and zero grease factor.

Even if you are a hungry bunch, I still recommend sharing the mixed grill for the simple reason that you will have room for dessert! We had the almond charlotte and the apple crêpe ($10 each). The former is a creamy, flavorful slab of almond ice cream dusted with nuts and chocolate. The latter is just what it sounds like, but is no ordinary crêpe simply by virtue of its outstanding dough. Or, if you’re a chocolate lover and are feeling a little adventurous, the chocolate martini ($12) is an absolute must. Made with 70% dark chocolate and Stoli vanilla, it’s sinfully decadent but surprisingly drinkable.

So while Libertador’s prices might put it in the splurge category, the way to go here is definitely to order a few things for the whole table to share and enjoy. You’ll save money while getting to experience more of the delights this up-and-coming gem has to offer.

Posted by: Kim Partrick
Order: yellowfin tuna carpaccio, half-dozen empanadas, mixed grill, almond charlotte, apple crêpe
Price: $$$
Location: 1725 2nd Ave. (at 89th St.)
Type of Food: Argentinean
Veggie friendly? N

Feast your eyes on the deliciousness, after the jump!
(more…)