The Argentina offers unique culture, cuisine entrees

The Argentina Steakhouse will offer a taste of culture unique to Springfield when it opens March 12. Named for owner Sandra Kim's home country, The Argentina is located at 1410 E. Republic Road the former site of Ossi Japanese Steakhouse.

A complete remodel transformation was performed under the direction of architect Larry Burns of Burns & As-sociates. Renovations began in early January and cost about $300,000.

The Realtor was McLoud & Company and owner Tom McLoud said the space was vacant for less than six months.

Kim moved to Springfield about a year ago and not only named the restaurant in her country's honor, but created it in the style and look of a typical Argentine restaurant, she said.

The most striking feature is the open fire area in the corner of the restaurant that allows guests to view their meal as it's cooked a common feature in Argentina, said meat carver Esteban Alvarez, also from Argentina. All that separates the restaurant's patrons and the fire pit are glass windows.

Alvarez said that is only one aspect of the restaurant.

Another is the cuisine prepared by Argentina native and chef Domingo Risoleo. Head server/supervisor Bill Johanpeter said the menu will consist of different chicken entrees, filets and other "traditional cuisine that you would get if you were to go out to eat in Argentina."

Johanpeter said entrees will range from $12 to $22.

Risoleo will also serve homemade desserts, such as an authentic flan, tir-amisu and chocolate mousse.

The third feature, Alvarez said, is the two Korean barbecue tables that seat eight people each by reservation only.

The 5,050-square-foot restaurant seats 150 in all, and there is room for 50 in the upstairs bar area that can be rented for private parties, Johanpeter said.

Kim said she and her family have had previous restaurant ownership in Argen-tina.

While the cultural differences may peak customer interest, there is the language barrier even for owner Kim many of the employees are learning to overcome.

But of the nearly 40 employees, 15 or 20 of them are multilingual, said Johan-peter, and will help the 10 originally from Argentina to communicate.

Burns said he had no problems communicating with the Kim family on a business level.

"Everything was basically interpreted when we discussed the renovations," he said. "Everything seemed to flow pretty well, it just took a little bit longer."

Johanpeter said this cultural diversity gives authenticity to the restaurant.

Johanpeter, a Springfieldian, said he has worked in the restaurant industry for about 10 years at such places as Bijan's, Gilardi's, Clary's, University Plaza and Maria's.

"I've been all over town pretty much," he said.

The restaurant will be open for lunch 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and for dinner 5-10 p.m., Monday through Thursday and later on the weekends. It will be closed Sundays.