So far and by far my favorite milonga in Buenoas Aires: Club Gricel, nickname "Jurassic Park" because of the high percentage of dancers in the age category 70 +. Each milonga has its public and style. Gricel is a popular place where people come to dance and enjoy themselves - no tango snobbery here, just dance, drink champagne (Argentinian produced champagne with names as Chandon and Reims), 35 pesos per bottle (1 EUR = 5 pesos) and have fun.
The old milongueros are crazy about Sanhsara, she gets a lot of dances and as she said last night; it's about getting as many dances with them now while they're still alive - in 10 years they will be gone, and maybe with them this special atmosphere. I understand why they want to dance with her, she's dancing very well and has a happy and uncomplicated appearance - very attractive. I dance with Sanhsara and some young (40 - 45) girls we have met several times. They are very cute and also very smiling and happy. The rest of the woman jealously observes when we're dancing. With all the attention I get it's not easy to stay humble but I will try. It is not about me and my dance anyway, it is about this fantastic tradition of going out dancing and having fun - even when you're 60 - 70 - 80 +. It keeps these people alive and vigorous, thats very obvious. This was confirmed by a guy Sanhsara danced with last night who said that "this keeps me alive" - very much alive I might add.
Another reason for having Gricel as a favorite is the music. They always play good music. Last night was not as good as usual but still far better than other places. But maybe my view is colored by my preference. When I worked in the wine business in France many years ago the golden rule was to never place an order when you were tasting the wine at the chateau. The ambiance of the place, vineyards, sun and nice people could easily influence your judgment. Maybe with Gricel it's a little bit the same. The happy crowd of dancing dinosaurs, who so generously share their place with us is might affect my judgment.
Go to Club Gricel when you come to Buenos Aires! Also if you're not dancing, just sit and watch.
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