Recreation and Travel Information

Besides the endless geographical highlights and cultural activities in argentina the country is almost as popularly known for its wine and steak than anything else. Whispers of inch-thick filets and other fabulous cuts at a fraction of normal prices have reached the ears of eager travelers and the world famous wine which accompanies the meat are rumors almost too good to true. Except that in Argentina, it is.

It is generally considered among most Argentines as well as among its visitors, that an Argentina vacation without gorging on steak and wine would be a serious tragedy. These world-renowned Argentine icons have proven themselves worthy of their reputation time and time again with quality beyond compare at legendary low prices. Nowhere in the world is steak and wine of this caliber replicated, adding to Argentina’s charm by ensuring that every meal is astounding.

Nearly all of the steak in argentina is grass-fed, eliminating the need for debate over the difference in quality between free-range beef and grain fed commercially produced meats. You will be dining on the best South America has to offer and taking place in a cultural landmark of Argentina. Escaping the presence of steak in Argentina is nearly impossible; parillas, or steak houses, are the one restaurant present in every Argentine city. Even smaller versions or roadside grills pop up in parks and street corners and it isn’t uncommon to smell the aroma of meat cooking well before lunch. Its no joke that many Argentines dine on large sirloins before you have even finished your morning coffee and unless you’ve picked a Sushi, Thai or Vegetarian restaurant, steak will be somewhere on every menu. One of the best things about the steak in Argentina is that regardless of the restaurant, the quality remains high. In terms of meat, when you pick a higher end restaurant you may be paying more for the ambiance than any difference in meat quality. Steak meals do not typically fall under the category discount travel but one can’t discuss Argentina without talking meat! Argentina lays claim to some of the most amazing steak houses and restaurants in the world and the high-end treatment and food you receive when dining at such a place in Argentina is without parallel. The only thing better, are prices at a third of what you’d expect to pay.

As daunting as the abundance of steak varieties in Argentina are the wine lists which accompany them. The malbec in Argentina has become world famous and as sinful as it is to skip on the steak, it is equally so to miss out on the wine. Having only just recently made its way into a global scene Malbec is the ‘new thing’ among wine aficionados and bottle upon bottle of Malbec and other fine wines can be found in argentine restaurants everywhere. Most of Argentina’s wine comes from the Mendoza, Argentina region and much of it is consumed within the country. For the most part, if you order a bottle of wine in Argentina it is locally made, meaning lower prices and more of that amazing quality. If you have the chance to visit Mendoza you may need to pinch yourself to ensure you aren’t dreaming. Malbec blends are currently very popular and Syrah of very high quality is also coming out of Mendoza. If you happen to see a bottle made from one of Argentina’s cooler regions like Patagonia, jump at the chance to try it. These are becoming very popular and some of these cool-climate varieties haven’t yet made the splash that they are sure to in a few years.

Argentina has as many different wine choices and meat-cuts as it does different places to see, meaning if you order a different type of steak in each of Argentina’s gorgeous cities, you may just be able to get through them all. In Bariloche, Argentina, order a Malbec-Cabernet blend and treat yourself to Bife de Lomo (an Eye Fillet) after a day of hiking or an afternoon on the slopes. In Mendoza, order the nicest bottle they have and then another to bring home while enjoying a Bife de Costilla, or T-bone steak. The mountain views of Patagonia, and the fine dining of Buenos Aires are perfect for a dinner of Bife de Chorizo (Sirloin or Porthouse) or any version of beef or lamb you may want. It is common to order a Chorizo, or sausage to be enjoyed with bread beforehand and Provoleta is grilled provolone cheese served as an appetizer, spruced up with herbs and spices. Argentines love their Asasdos, or grills, and if you have the chance to enjoy watching them cook, many restaurants have an open view of the meat turning on the large grill.

Aside from the highest quality combination of meat, wine and scenery, the prices are so low you’ll feel like your stealing. That probably won’t stop you, and shouldn’t, from ordering a postre (dessert), champagne or another bottle of wine. While very few people would choose to fly thousands of miles just to eat, the food and wine of Argentina are almost worth it. Luckily, the country itself is so incredibly intoxicating and has such a variety of culture you will be able to enjoy the greatest mix of food, wine and culture in a country that will take your breath away.

Tags: argentine restaurants | steak in argentina | steak and wine | argentina | mendoza | mendoza | malbec

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This entry was posted on Friday, March 14th, 2008 at 11:47 pm and is filed under Travel vacation package. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.