SHIP to SHORE
Oceania Cruisesʼ resident gourmet traveller, Bernie Carter (SVP and MD, EMEA) shares his top picks for where to eat in the Argentinian capital
If I were to define Buenos Aires in one word, it would be ‘flamboyant’. Argentina’s largest city boasts a vibrant culinary scene, a colourful medley of architecture, a mesmerising coastline and tree-lined avenues alive with tango music. It’s definitely up there with the cultural capitals of South America, and with 24 Oceania Cruises voyages docking here, I can’t wait to revisit.
At the very heart of Argentinian gastronomy sits asado, meat grilled over open fire. Carnivores will feel right at home at traditional steak house Don Julio, in the chic Palermo district. Thanks to the hearty, flavourful cuts on the menu, a friendly ambience, impressive malbecs and an open kitchen, locals and visitors seeking a proper experience rather than a quick meal have crowned it the top asado spot in town. Ask for the grill chef’s recommendations to taste the best of what’s on offer.
Prefer to dine alfresco? Head to the monthly, pop-up Buenos Aires Market for beef empanadas with chimichurri and lomitos (steak sandwiches) as well as regional produce like provoleta and reggianito cheeses and fresh fruit and veg.
For dessert, pop into any local restaurant for arroz con leche, a well-loved dish of rice cooked slowly with milk, cinnamon and vanilla. Or meander over to the theatre district, where century-old La Pasta Frola serves up the flakiest of quince-filled, sugar-dusted pastelitos, apple alfajores (honey and nut-based biscuits) and cakes oozing with dulce de leche. Stay for a coffee or take it away to stroll Avenida 9 de Julio – the widest avenue in the world – towards the Obelisk, a national history monument soaring over 67m high.
On the way back to port, take the opportunity to catch a world-class tango performance at the Astor Piazzolla Theatre and a tour of the pink-hued presidential palace, Casa Rosada
– its eponymous museum in the former colonial fort offers a fascinating insight into Argentina’s past. oceaniacruises.com