Of all the many many Buenos Aires food places, it was difficult to limit it to a reasonable list. The Eater list (http://www.eater.com/maps/best-buenos-aires-restaurants) certainly did help but given many places are so spread out, eventually it came down to much transport (taxi/bus/train) or laziness. Lazy prevailed.
Finding food close to San Telmo isn't difficult, but in such a big city finding recurring recommended places is. Even though there are quite a few around that by walking past would seem to be completely fine, I had read a little about Desnivel as a decent parrilla and not overly expensive even though it hadn't made my final list. I'd been to Nuestro Parrilla and La Brigada was the other locally but probably a bit too pricey and showy for that night. The aroma down Defensa wafting from Desnivel made it likely a fine choice.
As with many places, there is a large grill over charcoal where the magic happens.
- Provoleta especial ARS99 - this magical piece of circular cheese with moderate saltiness and firm crisp melted peaks was covered with grilled red pepper and (nice, fatty and overall unnecessary) bacon. Fantastic with bread and salad;
- Bife de chorizo ARS195 - I asked for rare ("muy jugoso") and ended up with very medium on one side (chewy), a little under medium on the other side (quite tender). The beef itself tasted fine albeit not different to other good quality steaks;
- 1/4 Pollo ARS95 - drumstick and thigh cooked perfectly and so soft and juicy;
- Ensalada completa ARS74 - lots of ingredients and self-serve EVOO and balsamic.
The chimichurri was very zesty with a light hit of chilli and loads of parsley and garlic. Delicious to swathe the beef through it. I was a little disappointed in the beef overall - but looking forward to Don Julio where I expect them to get the rare perfect for me. A table nearby received a very rare steak and the staff were happy to recook it further. I'll have to emphasise the rareness more next time.