La Huella José Ignacio
Punta del Este , Uruguay
A true destination restaurant and one that I recommend anyone visiting this beautiful corner of the world to visit.
However before I say why – just recently I visited La Huella on the occasion of my Father in Laws 90th birthday. It was great to catch up with El Flaco Guzman , Martin and Gustavo – it suddenly dawned on me that I have know these 3 guys for over 30 years now with Guzman being the very 1st person to explain what working in Valle de Las Lenas was going to be like – in fact I was walking into a position he previously held as assistant to Francis Mallmann in Las Lenas. Gustavo was one of my very 1st Uruguayan Friends – we would sit on Solanas beach in the mid 80s me speaking no Spanish he no English and just hung out ….. the view was nice and we have remained friends since then. And Martin Pittaluga with whom I spent a few seasons working together in Las Lenas , competing with our restaurants Bleu Blanc Rouge and La Pomme in the late 80’s in La Punta itself. So sitting down for a Caipiroska with the 3 of them sampling some sushi made by Coco ( Martins Ex Wife and in charge of Sushi at La Huella ) was a great way to kick off our visit to José Ignacio to Celebrate Kings 90th birthday !!!
Our lunch there was fantastic – the setting, the vibe, the cocktails , el clericot , and the food on top of all the special attention offered by the 3 owners …… specially Guzman whose Dad was a very close friend of King.
I had the Sweetbreads which are a must when I return to La Huella as well as their Classic Zicchini pizza & Faina as well I tried Chiara’s Rice and loved my Rib Eye and “smashed” potatoes , Sabine just adored her fish while the desserts were great especially the “Volcan” de Dulce de Leche !!!
As always La Huella was packed and with pretty people of all ages – a number of Brazilians as it was Carnaval. La Huella is one of those places you just want to stay and hang out. Loved it as always and Celebrating Kings 90th with the entire Family was something to remember.