Look out Newcastle’s East End, because a new foodie spot has just opened in the former Edmonds site and it’s bringing a completely fresh cuisine unlikely to be found anywhere else across town.

A warm welcome to our local food scene – Baires.

Brought to you by Argentinian couple, Matias Escobar and Claribel Bender, Baires, opening in late July 2023, is home to a selection of traditional Argentinian eats – available for breakfast and lunch from Tuesday through to Sunday, and dinner on Friday and Saturday.

The duo has been living and working out in the hospitality world in the Hunter Valley for the past seven years and have finally decided to go out and bring their own dream to fruition.

“We’ve had plans to run our own venue for years, but there was always something holding us back. When we returned from a recent trip to Argentina, we just decided to do it,” Matias said.

Whilst the interiors of the Pacific Street venue haven’t changed dramatically, it’s what the venue is to become known for that will change your perception of this spot. The food, unlike anything I’ve sampled before, is impossible to find elsewhere in Newcastle.

“Argentinian food is influenced by Italian, Spanish, and French cuisine. We have a real mix of flavours involved.”

The menu’s focus is absolutely on quality versus quantity and after one taste of Matias’ empanadas, you might just agree.

“I make the empanadas, and these are very traditional in Argentina. I used to make empanadas with my grandma so I’m doing the same recipe that I used growing up.”

The menu is simple, with everything made in-house from scratch including the baked goods that you’ll find on display. If you’re lucky and they haven’t sold out, be sure to get your hands on the Alfajores, a traditional Argentinian pastry filled with dulce de leche topped with coconut, or an Argentinian Croissant called Medialuna.

“We did our first batch of Medialunas and within half an hour we sold out. The dough is different from a typical French croissant and we brush it with syrup which makes it sweeter.”

The main menu also includes Milanesa, which is like chicken schnitzel, as well as Sorrentino – the Argentinian version of homemade ravioli.

The Newcastle East venue is also one of the very few spots in Newcastle that serves Yerba Mate, a traditional Latin and South American herbal tea drink that has caffeine – giving you energy and focus.

“It’s like tea but more strong. It has the same properties as a coffee, but less caffeine. It is filled with antioxidants and is much healthier than drinking a coffee.”

Additionally, the venue does hold a liquor license, with visitors soon able to sample the venue’s collection of both Argentinian and Hunter Valley wines on both Friday and Saturday evenings.

Before we forget, what does the name mean and how do you pronounce it? Pronounced BA – RES, Matias explained what it means.

“The name, Baires, is where we were born and grew up. It’s a slang version of Buenos Aires.”

Currently just staffed with Matias, Claribel, and their good friend Florencia, Baires is very much still finding their feet but they’re excited to share with Newcastle a taste of the unique Argentinian cuisine and culture.