Gastronomy with names
Undoubtedly, Asado is the gastronomy icon in Argentina, even though it is more common to see porteño people eating breaded escalope with French fries. But, which are the favourite dishes for the most famous Argentine people? Inspired by this question, Héctor Campos, the executive chef for Hotel Intercontinental Buenos Aires, is presenting a gastronomic and cultural festival that ends today, on Wednesday the 21st.
The dish in homage to the writer Jorge Luis Borges, who had declared that felt that he had spent his entire life drinking white coffe, is a risotto in the Parmesan manner with fungus. Other writer, Julio Cortazar, is represented by a more recreational dish: partridge in chocolate fondue. The popular empanadas from the hills are presented because of the Che Guevara and a foei-grass with apples is the dish inspired by José de San Martín, the most important national hero.
Apart from this festival, the food is an interesting gate to the local culture. For instance, it is possible to walk along Buenos Aires drinking a French champagne as Gardel did… with ravioles or paella. Or the puchero (a dish made of boiled vegetables and meat) at Café de los Angelitos (Rivadavia Ave. 2100) has been served in his honour
Another must-see stop for the city’s people is Pippo (Street: Paraná 356), the temple of the vermicellis with sauce and pesto. This restaurant was frequented by the artistic world during decades. The comedians Alberto Olmedo, Jorge Porcel, Tato Bores and Javier Portales usually visited this place to fill their bellies after their performances. Pippo still offers generous dishes with popular prices in its traditional tables with paper tablecloths.
But the champion of the dishes of characters is undoubtedly Carlitos, the most famous pancake maker. Carlitos became famous in Villa Gesell, where he prepared sweet and salty pancakes devoted to Diego Maradona, Puma Rodriguez, etc. Today, his delights can be tasted in Olivos (Av. Del Libertador 1830), very near from the capital city.
Which porteño character would you prefer to eat with? Which would the representative menu be?
Noviembre 23, 2007 a las 14:59 Editar
i would like to eat with a beatiful portena a bondiola sanwich in constanera.
Noviembre 29, 2007 a las 3:55 Editar
I love beef, but have always to stress i Buenos Aires that I want it rare, more rare!
Please don’t overcook your beef, it’s delicious when red and bloody.
I recommend everybody a bife de chorizo con papas fritas.
My father, who was a Danish football player, told me that the best player he had played against ever was Bochini, so I would have asado with him in Buenos Aires!
Diciembre 3, 2007 a las 3:17 Editar
Adoro os vinos de Argentina!