Tapas and Dinner With Cristina

I blame our lack of entries on the insufferable high temperatures.  Stuart and I have spent the past few days in my apartment paralyzed by 95 degree heat. I even made him watch my all time favorite movie, Moonstruck. We adopted a nocturnal lifestyle; avoiding the sun at all costs.

 

On Monday night we went to a “tapas” bar. We share an affinity for all things Spanish. Yet, we quickly realized many of the norms of Spanish cuisine do not translate perfectly in Argentina. Different produce and Italian style cooking influences alter the nature of each dish. For example our selections included staples like papas bravas. Rather than amazing crisp potatoes with spicy aioli our waitress severed mushy chunks with bland tomato sauce. Good cuisine is often a result of geography and perfected tradition. Of the 7 small dishes the best included those from Argentina like yucca stuffed with meat.

 

 

 

 

 

However the interpretations of Spanish cuisine vary Sangria seldom disappoints. We headed to Todo Mundo in Plaza Dorrego with the intention of such refreshment. Just as my foot met the curb a giant bear swept me into a forceful hug. Juan introduced us to his mutt, Shakira and asked Stuart several question in broken Italian. Any fulfilled trip to Buenos Aries could have been easily completed by this encounter. We hesitated leaving the air conditioned bar and did not return until 4 am.

The next day passed in a similar stifled fashion as the previous day. We ventured as far as the corner Parilla.  We ordered to grilled staples; Choripan and Lomito sandwich. A local sang a few lines from a Gardel song when he found I was from NY.

 

Later that night we met Cristina and her sister for drinks and dinner. On the way our subway stalled leaving us amongst annoyed Sweaty Portenos. We emerged from the depths and hailed a cab. I gave Cris her belated Christmas present of exclusive American luxuries; Garnier Shampoo and Conditioner and Reeces Peanut Butter Cups.  In the excitement of conversation I drank far too much wine and ordered a massive steak. During dinner a magician came to our table and preformed several tricks. I remember hailing the taxi and then ordering him to drop us 9 blocks from my house. It has just started to rain but I felt we should walk. Stuart seemed a bit confused when I fell on the sidewalk. Little did we know this graceful fall would only be the start our troubles…

 

 

~ by aedlund on January 8, 2009.