Paying What It’s Worth A La Gorra: Pagano Club Social

I never thought this would exist in Buenos Aires. A trend that has somewhat spread throughout European and American cities, but a model that seems very foreign to the culinary scene in Argentina: restaurants a la gorra. No set prices, you simply pay for what you think the meal is worth. Despite the economic risk, this beautiful Recoleta apartment transforms into Pagano Club Social not for the profit, but for the love of opening their home to share good moments with family, friends and even strangers.

The apartment on José Pagano was always the go-to place where friends and family would gather for birthdays, parties and many other casual social events, quickly converting into a form of social club.  The owners took this idea to the next level, by creating a prix-fixe meal and converting the living room into a puerta cerrada.  The operation is a family affair, with the gracious host and owner of the apartment, Patricia, running the restaurant with the help of her two children.  A very intimate, relaxed atmosphere, this would be a great place to go with a group of friends, a romantic date or even as a tourist visiting the city to get the chance to go inside a traditional upscale Argentine home.  Located in a baller classic walk-up apartment near the Bibloteca Nacional, this may be the ultimate stereotype of how one would picture all Argentine homes: elegantly decorated filled with antiques, multiple balconies that overlook a quiet, tree-lined street, high ceilings and lots of eclectic fun items that looked like they have been collected from abroad.

Part of the deal is that diners do not know what they will be eating until they arrive – they are asked prior about any food allergies or restrictions, but other than that, the menu is a surprise. 

Course #1: Cheese croquette with greens and a balsamic vinaigrette.  I know I might be alone on this one, and my Wisco Badger cheeseheads would be quite disappointed in me, but I’m not a big fan of breaded and battered fried cheese. Shocking, I know. 

Course #2 – Calabaza Soup.  Things took a turn for the best with these shot glasses filled with a rich, flavorful velvety soup.  True, I could eat calabazas all night and day, but this soup was extra special.  Made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

Spaced out nicely, there was time in between courses to snoop around the house, chat on the patio and even sneak into the kitchen to watch the chef at work. You know that you’ve reached a mature stage in your life when you get off on beautiful kitchen tiles. Eeks.

Course #3: Cazuela de mariscos.  Although grandly presented, with a large prawn adorned on the top of each plate, the fishy seafood flavors overpowered the rice and sauce.

Seafood usually isn’t my choice when ordering food in Buenos Aires.  If I saw this on the menu, I probably wouldn’t order it.  The chef clearly had skills in the kitchen, but this course was a miss with not much flavor other than fish.

Course #4: Apple Crumble with homemade whipped cream.  Rich, crispy, fruity, creamy, sweet with sprinkles of salt – really tasty, and the sprinkle of salt gave the sweet some great contrast.

At the end of the meal, the check for the wine is dropped off at the table, along with the gorra (hat) for the guest to decide how much they want to pay.  It could have been an off night, and even though I wasn’t overly excited about the food itself (the main course), it was made up by a wonderful experience filled with great company, tasty wine and a beautiful ambiance.

By reservation only (exact address given once reservation is made)
Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday with a capacity for about 20 people.
Tel. 15.6688.1919
Email: paganoclubsocial@hotmail.com

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