Dining at Portillo is nearly as important as the skiing. Master chef
Rafael Figueroa creates wonderful, hearty and healthy meals using
Chile's excellent fish, seafood, fruits, vegetables and wines, as well
as Argentina's wonderful beef and lamb. Vegetarian alternatives are
excellent and always available.
THE MAIN DINING ROOM
The main dining room is a special place. Giant picture windows lend a
magnificent view of the lake, and the handsome leather-paneled walls
are 50 years old. The maitre D', Juan Beiza, assigns guests a table
their first evening, which they dine at throughout the week. Many
guests invite other guests to join them for dinner and good
conversation. Breakfast is served from 8am to 10am, lunch from 12:30pm
to 2:30pm. Because dinner is served late in Chile, we served tea from
5pm to 6pm. North American guests who are accustomed to dining
earlier should take advantage of eating something during this hour and
then dine later at 8:30pm (popular with families) or 9:45pm (mostly
adults).
At Portillo, guests usually wear skiwear at breakfast and lunch, but
dress nicely for dinner. Jackets and ties are not required and clean
jeans are fine, but South Americans tend to dress more formally, so
nice, casual fashion is a good bet.
CAFETERIA
The self-service cafeteria on the first floor is open during the same
hours as the main dining room. Guests of the Inca Lodge take their
meals here, as do day visitors to Portillo, and the ski school. The
cafeteria is open to all guests of the hotel.
TIO BOB'S RESTAURANT
This slopeside restaurant offers stunning views of Lake Inca and the
Andes that surround it. For lunch Tio Bob's offers barbecued meats and
fish, and a delicious variety of salads. This restaurant is open from
11am to 3pm. Guests who lodge for a week at Portillo receive one lunch
free at Tio Bob's; you'll find the offer in your room. Tio Bob's is a
special place for a nighttime party - guests ride up the chairlift to
get there - and can be rented for private parties.
NOTE: On Thursdays the guests who do not wish to ski down are invited
to ride the chairlift to To Bob's without skis (1:00 pm to 3:00
pm).
LA POSADA RESTAURANT
This cantina-style restaurant can be found at the entrance to the
hotel's parking lot. This is where the employees hang out, and many
guests love to visit La Posada for its local flavor, and dance to
regional music. Sometimes parties at the La Posada can make the walls
shake! The La Posada can be rented for private parties.
THE BAR
As expected, the bar is one of the most popular attractions at
Portillo! The atmosphere is wonderful, with leather-padded chairs and
a giant stone fireplace. A bar snack menu is available, including
delicious fondue. Every evening, the guest band plays live music, and
guests often convert the bar into a dance floor! The bar can also be
rented for private parties.