Get your palates ready. We are exploring Argentina today through our tongues. We enrolled in a food tour which I’d highly recommend. You get the opportunity to go to three authentic restaurants and taste traditional foods. It runs about 80 dollars per person and includes wine pairings at essentially all of the restaurants.
First stop
photo credit of google images
The tour took place in Las Cañitas, which is one of the little neighborhoods found in Palermo. This area has beautifully lined streets with trees, and is known for its historic polo fields. We began this trek at a Mexican bar called Lupitas where we sampled Choripan. This is basically a sandwich- that like it’s name combines two things: chorizo and bread (pan). I wasn’t able to get a picture of this delicious appetizer because I devoured it as soon as they set it down on the table. This appetizer was paired with carbonated water and wine. Carbonated water is increasingly popular in foreign countries and is delivered weekly like they used to deliver milk in the United States.
Who wants empanadas??
Next we went to La Guitarrita which has a sports bar vibe, probably because it was founded by two soccer players. It’s popular for its pizza, however we were there for it’s empanadas. Empanadas are stuffed bread, that once bitten into unleash the flavor of the Gods. Any interesting fact I learned, is that the way empanadas are folded is indicative of what they are filled with.
These baked goods were paired with a white wine called Torrontés, that was served from a pingüino. What better way to taste wine than from a porcelain penguin? Apparently, these pitchers hold up to a liter of wine and were marketable back in the day because of its ability to aerate such large quantities of wine.
Putting it all Asado
photo credit of trip advisor
Our final food stop before dessert was Las Cholas where we sample a variety of meats. Ever wonder what distinguishes Argentinian meat from the rest? It’s all in the grill.
They cook their meat on a low fire which prevents the meat from tensing up, and keeps it extra tender. I believe this is how they establish the zesty character of the meat, that leave your taste buds lingering for more.
Food is served on wooden platters that are meant for sharing. We helped savor the flavor of these authentic delights with Malbec.
BitterSweet Ending
With all this food, I barely had room for dessert. Nevertheless, who can say no to ice cream! I couldn’t, so we ventured on to Persicco which has amazing dulce de leche.
