Bitten (Food Trials in Argentina)

When it comes to discovering a new culture, nothing beats trying its food. Breakfasts, lunches and dinners. Midday and late night snacks. Classy restaurants and spontaneous picnics. Packed office lunches and habitual cravings. Savory experiences and quick bites.

Study Abroad Special: Grilled culture spiced with local tastes, served up with a side of guilt-free consumption.

Alright, let's get Argentina-specific. Don't get me wrong, Argentina is massive and diverse. This much is evident by my trips to Bariloche and Córdoba, and my time spent here in Buenos Aires so far. However, some bites remain consistent along all Argentina's internal borders. I've taken the hardship of trying each dish and snack in order to better report what gets Argentine bellys a-growlin'.

Time to dish!

Choripan & Fernet: Grilled Sausage sliced and placed in
baguette bun. A strong licorice liqour that is often mixed with Coke.

Medialunas, Fresh OJ & Café con Leche: Fluffier versions of
croissants that come in either sweet or salty versions. Juice straight
from the peel. Espresso mixed with milk for a lighter wake-up.

Empanadas: Argentine hotpockets that host a variety of flavors
easily identified by the way in which the crust is closed and secured. 

Parilla: A grilling technique that encompasses a range of meat cuts
and veggies. You name it, you can grill it, but steak reigns supreme.

Other noteworthy bites (that may be followed up with pictures! per usual, stay tuned)-
-Jamón y queso tostadas: Ham and cheese sandwiched between thin white bread and grilled. Suitable snacks or light lunches best paired with café con leche.
-Cacahuetes dulces: Peanuts heated within a sugary syrup. I dare you to pass by a street vendor's cart and resist the overwhelming smell that perfectly exemplifies temptation.
-Mate: A strong herbal tea that has a meticulous set-up, but lasting result. No mate cup is complete without a tall thermos of hot water to continuously fill it up depending on the group size or energy demand.

One last cultural order. Argentine food and drinks are ordered to share. I've learned this lesson most from spending time with ultimate peeps and working alongside my Avant-Garde colleges. Everything is fair for grab... or better put, a reciprocal endeavor.

[P.S.- I'd just like to say, I'm very proud of my boy for winning his past TWO ultimate tournaments in KC. I hope he's ready to hit up some bbq when I get back.. okay, that is all.]