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people especially enjoy barbecues, such as asado con
cuero, in which beef is roasted in its hide over an open
fire. Other popular dishes include pucheros (stews of
chicken or other meat with vegetables) and empanadas
(pastries stuffed with meat or seafood, eggs, vegetables,
and fruit).
Italian settlers introduced spaghetti and other pastas
into the Argentine diet. The English introduced teatime,
a custom many Argentines observe as they pause for a
cup of tea and a snack in the afternoon.
The national beverage of Argentina is mate, a tea brewed
from the dried leaves of a native holly tree. Mate is
traditionally sipped through a straw from a gourd. Soft
drinks have become increasingly popular. Argentines also
enjoy the many fine local wines.
Crillo De Pollo
This chicken and vegetable soup is an Argentinean classic.
It is as thick as a stew and as creamy as bisque. What
makes it more delicious are fresh ingredients like onions,
bay leaves, chicken stock, russet potatoes, arrowroot,
and cilantro-- a traditional Argentinean recipes.
Chimichuri
An Argentine asado or barbecue is not authentic without
this delicious marinade called chimichuri. It is similar
to a multi-spiced vinaigrette and is given an earthier
tone with the addition of saffron. Usually served with
poultry or shellfish.
The dining options in Buenos Aires are endless. This
is a city that takes dining seriously, and meals can
easily last a few hours. Like the national norm, nobody
here really starts eating until 9pm. Main courses usually
consist of an asado, a barbecue of excellent quality
beef. Beef is dominant, and it also comes in the forms
of bife de chorizo (sirloin steak) or empanadas (meat
pies). The local wine is also good, especially the reds.
You also might want to try mate, the traditional gaucho
drink. The national deserts are dulce de leche, a milk
jelly, and alfajores - Argentine sweets made from dulce
de leche.
Buenos Aires is never more alive than it is at night.
It is what you'd expect from a city that invented tango.
Avenues come alive with people on their way to restaurants
and theaters, especially Puerto Madero or Recoleta. People
like to dress up and stay out until dawn, and anyone
who visits the city should go and see a tango show. There
are several major venues, most of them in San Telmo.
After dinner or a night of dancing, Porteños like
to grab a coffee at one of the city's myriad cafes, chat,
and perhaps watch the sunrise.
Comprising almost the entire southern half of South America,
Argentina is the world's eighth largest country, covering
an area of 2.8 million square km. Argentina possesses
some of the world's tallest mountains, expansive deserts,
and impressive waterfalls, with the diversity of the
land ranging from wild, remote areas in southern Patagonia
to the bustling metropolis of Buenos Aires in the north.
© 2002-2006, Geographia.
All Rights Reserved.
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