Hey, do you have $140 extra dollars? If so, fly to Buenos Aires and pay the visa fee---NOW! Argentina had always been on my list as exotic and the place where I could learn to tango---or not. Even though I might have two left feet for dancing, there was plenty to see and do while in the Argentine capital. Oh, and since we're talking about the city known as the "Paris of South America" then don't forget about the cuisine. Since many Italian, Spanish, and German immigrants came to this country post-WWI, you can just imagine how eclectic the food can be. However, don't you dare think that Nonna's pasta will be the same. I've found the pasta to be let's say not as "al dente" as many would like, but considering the number of wannabe-Italian restaurants in the States that sell "parmesan," then pasta their way is fine by me.
But I didn't go to Argentina for the pasta. I enjoy chasing the local fare, and that means plenty of empanadas, carne, and malbec. I chose to stay at the Plaza Marriott hotel due to its central location that allowed to me explore the adjoining streets for food, tango, and cafe culture. I found Parilla al Carbon "El Establo" while experiencing extreme hunger after an 11-hour flight from Atlanta. And wow, I was not disappointed. The empanadas were absolutely amazing. And let's not forget about the vegetables. Is it me, or do vegetables taste better outside the States? No one has ever served an eggplant as good as the one pictured here.
Now on the beef. Let's face it, you can't be a vegetarian in Argentina. So, pour a glass of Malbec and get that steak knife ready. It's customary to try "bife de lomo" first since it's a ubiquitous menu item. Of course, after ten days, you don't need to worry about a low iron count anymore. And make to sure to leave room for Havanna Alfajores afterwards. These soft cookies filled with dulce de leche make walking the miles back to your hotel worth every single step. And if you're looking for the perfect souvenir for friends and family, you can buy them in boxes. However, they're hard to find in the States and I found a knock-off version once at a gas station near Miami International Airport (PALES IN COMPARISON!!). And don't worry, that visa fee you paid will allow you to travel to Argentina for ten years, or at least until your current passport expires.
It all looks so good!!
ReplyDeleteA good friend in grad school went to several countries in South America on his honeymoon, and I did a couple of favors for him in lab while he was away. As a thank-you, he brought me back a box of those cookies. They were delicious! Maybe one day I'll get to eat a freshly-baked one. :)