We knew that we wanted to go out in Bariloche for a really nice dinner one evening, so our hotel suggested Cassis.  It was actually located back on the same lake we’d kayaked on earlier that day, but we still enjoyed the view from dusk to dark.

It was a short 10 minute drive to Cassis Restaurant, where we descended down the stairs and were greeted by candlelit tables.

 It was a very small restaurant- maybe 8 total tables, but we loved the atmosphere & how the chef (owner) tried to use many ingredients from his own garden and locally available foods to serve.

 The menu isn’t actually choices, rather a declaration of what you will be served that evening.  Although this was much fancier than we were used to eating, it all sounded delicious.  The owner offered us trout as an alternative on the main course, and we both jumped on that option to go with our bottle of Mendoza wine.

This will go down as one of the Top 5 most extraordinary meals I’ve ever had!  I’d never eaten a flower before, but it was quite tasty as was the entire salad.  The trout was to die for & the dessert was amazing.  You could just see how much attention had been paid to the details and how much passion went into each dish.

 This was technically an early anniversary dinner and it was so memorable!  It’s not often that I dedicate an entire blog to a restaurant review, but Cassis definitely earned it with their immaculate service and five-star dining in a beautiful setting.

GOOD NEWS OF THE DAY: For all the things my parents help me with, I was able to help them out today with some plumbing.

By the time we made it to the bottom of the teleferico, we decided we had just enough time to grab a bite for lunch and drive out to Llao Llao Resort.

 I’d read many incredible reviews & there’s no other place in Bariloche that can compare to the grandeur and majesty of Llao llao.  However, it was more than twice as expensive as our room at Charming (for a very basic) room & it was about a 20 minute drive into town from this end of the lake.

 We walked around a bit inside, but I didn’t take any photos.  It’s a very old, elegant resort that has an incredible history & beautiful architecture.  However, the reason to stay here is the mountain and glacier out your back door though.

 My pictures seriously do it no justice- I had about 5 minutes to walk around snapping shots & the enormous lodge is set among one of the most beautiful spots I’ve ever laid eyes upon.

I am glad that I ended up switching our hotels to Charming at the last minute.  This would be a fabulous resort to come back to year after year, bring your family, play golf, enjoy the spa and more, but we wanted to explore Bariloche and the Andes while were there.

 The resort is surrounded by 2 lakes, this smaller one with lovely summer activities and also access to the  main lake.

 I was so glad we drove out there & soaked up these views, but I wished we’d planned it better to enjoy a leisurely lunch or cocktail hour at the property while enjoying its incredible views.

 As you exit the compound, this is the view over the golf course and back towards the main lake near the marina & beach- simply stunning!

 After all that, I was still thrilled with our little private porch,  soaking up the afternoon sun, a delicious glass of Malbec and my trusty laptop back out our lovely room at Charming Lodge.

GOOD NEWS OF THE DAY: Hubby is off to Orlando for work this morning, but will be home tonight.