Ask any well-traveled person who loves Latin America about Argentinean cuisine, and they’ll rave about things like empanadas, steak, pasta and pizza. But one particular dining concept in Buenos Aires is dedicated not just to helping foreigners enjoy the best food, but also to get inside the minds of porteños (the people from Buenos Aires).
During my most recent visit to Argentina (on an assignment for a cover story in TravelAge West), I contacted Borello Travel & Tours, a New York City-based travel company that specializes in South America vacations. Sandra Borello, the company’s president, immediately recommended setting me up with an evening at The Argentine Experience, which — as the name implies — is more than just a restaurant, and more than just food. It’s a total experience, that teaches patrons a bit about Buenos Aires culture and the way that porteños think. It’s fascinating and delicious.
••••••
ARGENTINA TRAVEL TIPS: Rojo Tango Stages a Sexy Buenos Aires Tango Show
••••••
Located in the trendy Palermo neighborhood, The Argentine Experience offers a hosted evening of food, drink and entertaining presentations by personable hosts, who explain the ins and outs of Buenos Aires food and culture.
The venue is an attractive, handsome place, with hardwood floors and high tables that are conducive to conversation and interaction. Upon arrival, I received a much-appreciated welcome cocktail made with Malbec, and took a seat. This is a group experience, and my 14-person table was impressively international, with people from Colombia, Europe and the United States.
••••••
THE WORLD’S MOST BEAUTIFUL BOOKSTORE? El Ateneo Grand Splendid in Buenos Aires
••••••
We were treated to Patagonia trout tartar, accompanied by Argentinean wine, to start. (Actually, there’s wine with every course, if you want it. And it’s included). To get in the mood, we were all encouraged to don a chef’s hat and apron. That made us look the part as we learned how to make an empanada (which happens to be my absolute favorite food from Argentina). It’s relatively easy, although I overstuffed mine and had trouble folding it into the appropriate shape that indicates what’s inside.
The main course was absolutely mouthwatering steak, served with gaucho-style vegetables. After that, we learned how to prepare and drink mate, a traditional Argentinean drink, and nibbled on alfajores, an intensely sweet experience with homemade dulce de leche.
••••••
THINGS TO DO IN BUENOS AIRES: Once South America’s Tallest Building, Palacio Barolo Lets You Choose Between Heaven and Hell
••••••
The food was tasty and the cooking lessons were fun, but a big part of the pleasure from The Argentine Experience comes from the people. They’re more than just wait staff or cooking instructors. They are guides and gatekeepers to the culture and people of Buenos Aires. They taught us everything from hand gestures and common sayings (the higher your hand raises when you ask someone “¿Qué te pasa?” the more upset you are).
By the time I left, I was stuffed — not just with food and wine, but also with knowledge and a greater appreciation for all that it means to be from Buenos Aires.
HOW I TOURED BUENOS AIRES:Borello Travel & Toursputs together customized and group tours in Buenos Aires, including vacation packages that include extremely good room rates at various hotels, based on your taste and budget.
HOW I GOT THERE:I flew United Airlines, on the amazing new United Polaris business class service, which is now available on nonstop flights between Newark and Buenos Aires.
https://departurelevel.com/argentina/5-amazing-ways-to-enjoy-tango-in-buenos-aires/