Empire Thai: The No. 1 Vodka Bar In Argentina
Snuggled halfway between Reconquista and San Martin on the two-block, pedestrian alley known as Tres Sargentos lies the greatest vodka bar in all of Argentina: Empire Thai.
“We’ve got 103 different kinds of vodka,” says Empire Thai owner and founder Kevin Rodriguez, a New Jersey native. Rodriguez came to Buenos Aires many years ago as a banker but he soon traded in his suit for an apron and started Empire Thai. He did so in the days before it was hip to do so and before Argentines started opening up their palates to foreign foods and spices.
It was, and is, a success. Empire Thai provides a unique taste of Asian flavor right in the heart of the Micro Centro. As for the vodka – or whatever kind of mixed drink you want – bar master extraordinaire Mona Gallosi will take care of you. Mona, a native of Cipoleti, in the province of Rio Negro, came to Buenos Aires and started working as a server at Empire. She eventually began learning how to mix drinks and had a natural flair for it.
“I studied to become a fashion designer,” says Mona. “And that influences the way I mix drinks. I have a feel for colors and texture that helps me be creative with drinks.”
Mona works with customers to make sure they get the right cocktail the right way. She has been so successful that she’s even had her own radio and TV shows.
So the next time you’re in the mood for something spicy or for a new kind of mixed drink, stop by and try out Empire Thai. And while you’re at it, say hi to Kevin and Mona.
Link: Empire Thai on Guiaoleo
Popularity: 13% [?]
Taos, you’ve been served by the English Grammar Police: it’s “culinary palate” as in “roof of the mouth”, not “palette” as in a swatch of colors. Also, the proper name for the town in Río Negro is Cipoletti, but I won’t hold this misspelling against you.
Ha, that’s great! Thanks very much for the corrections, Matias. I appreciate the help.
Take care,
Taos
Had a wonderful made to perfection Brazilian Caipirinha there, thanks Kevin!
Fred
Sounds awesome… of course only an expat would think to bring something new… argentine people are so closed minded!
Argentina has the most beautiful women in the world and here is one of them that will make Vodka Cocktails for you. It doesn’t get much better than that. Thinking about that and the best steaks in the world, I may make it to Buenos aires sooner than I thought.
I recommend a very friendly bar in Palermo Hollywood now renamed Ozmy.
The cocktail menu is not too large but the mixes are simply perfect and the house vodka is made by the owner himself who is a very kind and interesting person.
Alexandra