Similar to any other culture, food is a defining characteristic. Argentina is known for their Asado (barbecue), Empanadas (croissant-like bread with any type of filling), Matamebre Arrollado (meat), Dulce de leche (Creamy sweet dessert) and many other traditional dishes. Many of us have had these types of meals before, but nothing compares to the experience of eating it in the original, beautiful city of Buenos Aries.
Our first dinner in the city was a group event at 7pm. In Argentina, dinner time is usually between the hours of 8pm and midnight, so 7 was considered to be quite early. We attended a very nice place called Las Nazarenas Restaurant. In the showcase window right next to the front door, displaying their love for meat, was a smoker that slow roasted full pigs that were stretched out over the fire. The look of terror on my classmates faces was priceless. Some "eww-ed" and some took pictures, but it was a great way to start out with the understanding of their passion for food. Some waiters spoke english and some didn't but between hand signals, similar sounding words and the helpful spanish speaking students scattered among tables, it wasn't too difficult to know what was going on. They first asked what type of water we wanted, and just like any other place to eat, the water comes in glass bottles. You can get other carbonated drinks, but the water is usually brought out first with the option of it being carbonated or regular. We received a salad for an appetizer along with french fries, an empanada and a block of cheese that was the thickness of a deck of cards.
It was semi cooked and had seasoning on it. However, this is when the pictures began again. The confusion among the students varied from enjoyment to panic. I surely was never served a 5 inch block of cooked cheese before, and I'm sure it was the first for many others as well. Our main course was a delicious steak that was the size of my head and the coffee that was served after that was in a cups a tad larger than a shot glass. Needless to say, the proportion sizes sort of threw us off.
It was semi cooked and had seasoning on it. However, this is when the pictures began again. The confusion among the students varied from enjoyment to panic. I surely was never served a 5 inch block of cooked cheese before, and I'm sure it was the first for many others as well. Our main course was a delicious steak that was the size of my head and the coffee that was served after that was in a cups a tad larger than a shot glass. Needless to say, the proportion sizes sort of threw us off.
It is easy sitting down for a meal as a group because even though the meal is already planned out, the quality is always excellent. It is different when we read on the itinerary "Students pay for own lunch/dinner", because that means we must fend for ourselves.
With more than half of our group not knowing the language, it is difficult to know the difference between what you think you order compared to what you will actually receive. There are certain tips and tricks that I would have loved to know before ordering what I thought would be a chicken salad, but turned out to consist of a bowl of rice with an onion.
We receive breakfast at the hotel which consists of some bakery items, yogurt, cereal, eggs, fruit, juice and coffee. Pizza, pasta, salad and meat are common in many of the walk in restaurants that we normally find ourselves at.
Another discrepancy among ordering was when myself and five other girls ordered a chicken salad (yes, attempting this again) and empanadas for lunch. The empanadas were delicious, but the salad came out drenched in mayonnaise and some toasted bread. We were able to eat some of the chicken and pieces of salad but none of us were able to stomach the mayonnaise dressing. I'm sure it is enjoyable for many people, but it was just not what we are used to, and yes, I am going to end my desire for chicken salads until I return to the US.
Another common dinner option rather than meat is an array of pastas. While out at a restaurant named Filo, my roommate and I ordered Gnocchi and Spaghetti which was based in marinara sauce. We really enjoyed that meal, it was delicious, but we will not return to that restaurant, as an attempt to try as many different places as possible. One observation that we have all noticed while in this trip is that unless you personally ask you waiter or waitress to come to your table for more food or even the bill, you could sit there for hours before you are given attention again. It is obviously something different compared to restaurants in the US.
The opportunity to try many native and traditional meals in Argentina is an incredible experience. Nothing can compare to actually being here, messing up an order and receiving a dish that you weren't expecting. I am excited to see what the rest of Argentina has for us to experiment with and then have the transition later in the trip to Santiago, Chile!
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