Located at the eastern foothills of the Andes, Mendoza is the fourth largest city in Argentina. It is known worldwide for its extensive vineyards, love of wines and amazingly sunny days. There are numerous wines consumed by Mendocinos however, those made from Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon are the most renowned and popular. Cabernet Franc is also rising in its popularity. Malbec a is a dark inky grape variety which is widely consumed with the quintessential Argentine asado.

The core dish of asado is grilled meats, lots of it. This is a barbeque experience that you will find at its highest expression in Argentina. Sundays are dedicated to asados. Local families get together for hours to prepare and enjoy a variety of local foods. Asado involves more than a few pieces of grilled beef. We are told the calculation for beef is half a kilo per person. Usually, it begins with grilled provolone cheese, morcillas (blood sausages), empanadas-a turnover like dish made with a flour dough and a juicy stuffing of meat, cheese, onions, or vegetables. The preparation of asado is a valuable and almost sacred activity in Mendoza and all over the country. You can sometimes find three or four generations enjoying an evening conversations over this meal. Politics is openly discussed during this time so be prepared for the passionate and sometimes heated conversations that can occur.

The afternoon runs from asado to merienda, or afternoon tea. The conversation lingers and you find yourself drinking mate, tea or coffee with pastries into the early evening. Sometimes you will go home with some of the meat from lunch, for a light dinner!.

Wines are liberally consumed by the adults as the children delight in drinking cups of sodas mainly (Coca Cola and Fanta). Pastries, ice-cream, coffee, and tea are often consumed before the meal ends. Another favorite is the shared drink of Mate. Mate is a mixture of local herbs prepared by pouring hot water over the herbs in a special container. The hot drink is served directly from the container with a metal straw and passed around to each person for a sip.

TIPS

When visiting Mendoza, if you are invited to an asado eat only a light breakfast. Go prepared to spend several hours eating, drinking and talking, bring a desert to share, ice-cream is lavishly consumed by all. For a great dessert you can visit Reggi Gelato.

Until next time.

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