Destination of the Week

Argentina                                  Check out Ken's Blog from Argentina

Buenos Aires is the capital of this gorgeous country which extends from Paraguay and Brazil south to the Tierra del Fuego.   Amidst all of the beauty, Argentina is possibly the most cosmopolitan country in the world.

In Buenos Aires, the ninth-largest city in the world, there are nearly 50 barrios which, like American neighborhoods, have their own unique cultures and backgrounds.   In the barrios, the history and culture live, including cobblestone streets, antique shops (in what they sell and in their construction) and a tremendous "Sunday Market" make the barrios worth visiting.  

At the opposite end of the spectrum is Recoleta - sauve, upscale and the location of the burial place of Eva Peron, her followers and enemies.  You'll find differences in each and a great deal of enjoyment - especially if you love eating and drinking. If you do, be prepared to spend a significant amount of time doing both.   Dinner can last hours but don't plan on seven o'clock reservations...nine's better or even ten.

Most of the time you'll find the recommended main course is beef.   It's logical since Argentina's known as the beef capital of the world (Argentinians consume more beef per capita than anywhere else).   The cuts may confuse you so here's a quick cheat sheet

•  Bife De Lomo - Filet Mignon

•  Matambre - A thin flank steak or London broil which is often rolled and stuffed

•  Costillas - Plain and simple . . . Ribs

•  Bife De Chorizo - Sirloin, like a New York strip

You don't have to take this along...most menus actually have some type of explanation.   While there, don't pass up the chance to taste the empanadas - tender meat pies that melt in your mouth.

You'll probably have a malbec varietal along with your meal.   Argentine wines are just now gaining the prominence and respect they deserve in the wine world and Malbec is leading the way with a deep, intense color and a perfume nose.

There are plenty of other varietals, though, including Barbera d'Asti, Bonarda, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignane, Cereza, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Tempranillo and Syrah.   If you get the idea that Argentina's wines are as cosmopolitan as its population, you're right on the money!

You can experience many of the varietals by going west - to Mendoza.   Yes, it's a favorite area for skiing but it's also the home of great wines.   Growing the grapes isn't as easy as elsewhere.   Besides rivers, man made irrigation is used.   Some vineyards use water directly from wells to provide the necessary water.

If you can, get down to Tierra del Fuego.   That's a lot like saying, "If you're going to New York, try to get down to Atlanta," but go if you can.  Tierra del Fuego is off the mainland, separated by the Strait of Magellan.   There are actually a number of islands together with the "toe" of the Andes extending all the way down to the west flanked on the east by the plateau of Patagonia.  

And what's there?   Well, it's called the "end of the earth" and you may remember from elementary school history the trials that Magellan and his men faced here.   Despite the wind and rain, the glaciers, the sheep ranches and just to say you've been there and experienced this southern-most point next to Antarctica make the journey fun.

When you plan your travel, think October or November.   Springtime can be beautiful.   If you like the sun and beaches, December, January and February are best.   Given Argentina's size, the weather patterns differ greatly and you'll find hot and humid in the north while it's much colder - and rainy - in the south.   Summer in Buenos Aires:   give yourself a break . . . don't go then!

When you do go, you'll find plenty of hotels and B&B's - even in Tierra del Fuego.   To get around, consider buses and trains.   The buses actually are pretty comfortable and very inexpensive.   Trains, too, go to a lot of areas.   It really doesn't make sense to rent a car.  Besides buses and trains, taxis are a better alternative for short distances than a rental car.

Enjoy the wine, savor the beef, dance the tango 'til all hours and celebrate Argentine fun.

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