Tag Archives: south america

Argentine Talents: José Larralde

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Argentine folklore is characterized for its poetic representation of the land and the local people. Talented songwriters and singers have helped to configure the identity of indigenes and gauchos, rivers and birds, and the ever-present Argentine nostalgia of farewell. One of the most low-key and yet stunning voices of the local folklore scene is José Larralde, who has recorded over twenty records since the late sixties, dealing with themes of injustice and inequality. The singer and songwriter has also worked as a construction worker, mechanic, and rural worker amongst other jobs that colored his music with the experience of the common working man.

International Artisans Fair

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(Photo by JOSE-MARIA MORENO GARCIA = FOTOGRAFO HUMANISTA)

The annual international artisans fair is taking place at La Rural in Palermo until the 9th of December, and it is a great opportunity to purchase beautifully crafted objects, art and decorations and to watch the talented artisans at work.

The fair exhibits traditional, regional, artisanal pieces from Latin America and around the world, and more contemporary displays. It is divided into sections offering pottery, basketwork, knives, leather goods, clothes, musical instruments, jewelry, games, woodwork, pieces crafted in metals, paper, knits, textiles, glass and more. Additionally, there are specially selected pieces that are awarded for their craftsmanship.

If you´re looking for a unique silver encrusted mate to take home, marvel at the meticulous weavers, or think a charango would make a great Christmas present, then a visit to this fair is a must. Tickets cost 26 pesos and opening hours are from 3pm to 10pm.  Av. Sarmiento 2704, Palermo.

The Rules of Mate Brewing

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(Photo by juanpol)

The world of mate is full of tradition and there are many details to keep in mind for this typical beverage to come out just right.

1. The preparation stage of the mate is crucial. To do so properly fill ¾ of the gourd with ‘yerba’ and then place the palm of your hand over the gourd and shake it. You should find some fine mate powder covering your palm. Once you have done this one or two times insert the mate straw on one of the sides of the gourd and don’t move it.

2. Rule of thumb: never brew a mate with boiling water. The water should be hot, between 85-95 C. If the water is boiling it will burn the yerba and destroy its flavor. Plus, if you’re around experienced mate drinkers they will never look at you the same again!

3. One of the most annoying things that happens when a mate isn’t well prepared is that the straw gets clogged. This usually happens when the dust isn’t shaken out (step 1) or when the straw is moved around once its been placed. The straw should be still, in the same place from start to finish.

 4. Another thing to avoid is blowing on the straw to cool it or unclog it. This is inconsiderate to others in the mate round and not very hygienic. The same goes for salivating the straw. Placing your dry lips on it should be enough to enjoy the beverage.

5. Finally, change the ‘yerba’ once its lost its taste , don’t insist on drinking a washed out mate, and never pass a washed out mate on to the next person unless you wish to insult them!

A few things to keep in mind:

The mate gourd must be cured before it can be used or it will tinge the mate with a foul taste. To do so wash it out well with hot water until the water is clear and free of pigments from the wood. Then fill the gourd with yerba up to the top and pour hot water on it. Leave it overnight and wash again well.

When sharing mates with others a few basics must be taken into account; the mate brewer, who must brew the mates for everyone in the round, must drink the first mate to make sure it’s ok, the mate should never be passed on once water has gotten cold and everyone’s turn must be respected.

The Argentine Flag

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(Photo by franciscocellini)

On Monday the bicentennial anniversary of the creation of the Argentine flag will be celebrated around the country.

General Manuel Belgrano  first raised the eye-catching light blue and white national symbol, inspired by the Argentine cockade, on The 27th of February of 1812 in Rosario during the independence war. Although the first triumvirate did not approve the flag, it was allowed as a war flag until 1816, when it was finally made official after the declaration of independence.

There are different theories regarding the symbolism behind the choice of colors of both the cockade and the flag. On one hand it is said to have been taken from the blue and white colors of the Spanish Borbon family, whilst another explanation associates the choice of colors with the Virgin Mary. The most popular explanation is that it was inspired by the sky. Allthough the Inca sun symbol Inti  might lead to think that this last explanation is the correct one, it was a later addition to the flag.

Below we share Aurora, a himn to the flag and Marcha de la Bandera, or march of the flag.

 

Wine Regions of Argentina: La Rioja

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(Photo by pablodf)

Although Mendoza is Argentina’s top wine region, La Rioja, is one of the oldest and has the longest continued history of wine production in the country.  The Spanish-named province was planted with grapes by Jesuit missionaries who settled there in the 16th century, and is the main producer of our white, crisp Torrontés Riojano, an indigenous grape from which truly local wine is made.

The main winemaking area in La Rioja is Chilecito where the Famatina Valley is located. The high altitude, low humidity, the sandy loam soils and sunny weather make this an ideal place for viticulture with Torrontés Riojano and Bonarda as the main cultivated varieties, although Muscat of Alexandria, Pinot Grigio, Malbec and Syrah are also thriving in the area. Other interesting wine producing areas are Nonogasta, Vichigasta, Anillaco, and Famatina, representing roughly 3,7% of the total area with vineyards in Argentina.

For a special sample of Argentine wines, accompanied by snacks from HG Restaurant, don’t miss our weekly tastings every Thursday starting at 7PM at Fierro Hotel.  Soler 5862, Palermo. 3220 6800. recepcion@fierrohotel.com.

This Week in Buenos Aires

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Monday

(Photo by Luis Muñoz)

Head to La Rural in Palermo to check out Expotrastiendas Art Fair, organized by the Argentine association of art galleries.

In the evening don’t miss out on La Bomba del Tiempo a percussion orchestra that has become one of the local absolute musts.  For some great post dancing pizza, head to nearby Los Cocos and order a fugazetta pizza, an onion and mozzarella local specialty.

 

Expotrastiendas at La Rural

Av. Santa Fe 4201, Palermo

 

La Bomba del Tiempo at Centro Cultural Konex

Sarmiento 3131, Abasto

4864-3200

 

Los Cocos

Córdoba, Av. 3303, Almagro

4963-0457

 

Tuesday

(Photo by reflectification)

Take a guided tour in English at 11am or 4pm of the spectacular Congress Palace.

In the evening the centric and hip Le Bar is serving some of the best drinks in town, and also showcasing a interesting photography exhibit by Pix Talarico.

 

Palacio de Congreso

Hipólito Yrigoyen 1849, Downtown

Tours available Mon, Tue, Thus, Fri at 11am and 4pm.

 

Le Bar

Tucuman 422, Downtown

5219-0858

 

Wednesday

(Photo by Mellagi)

ANDA Responsible Travel is a tour agency that promotes social and environmentally friendly tourism.  One of the alternatives they offer is booking one of their experts to discuss in-depth economy, politics, history and culture of Argentina over coffee.  Choose one of the city’s historical cafes and get into context.  More information here.

In the evening get your dose of tango at Centro Cultural Torquato Tasso where orchestra Ojos de Tango will be playing at 21.30.

 

Centro Cultural Torquato Tasso

Defensa 1575, San Telmo

4307 6506

 

Thursday

(Photo by Luciano Belviso)

For those of you interested in economics and Argentine economic history, head to the Museum of External Debt where you can find out more about the economic evolution of the country. Audio guides in English are offered.

Later on Book your place for the Fierro Hotel’s Thursday wine tasting and sample some great Argentine wines, chosen by the president of the Argentine sommelier association Andres Rosberg and in-house Sommelier Martin Bruno.  Tastings cost 25 USD per person and are limited to 7 people.

Jazz fans will get a special treat on Thursday evening as the John Scofield Quartet will be playing at the Gran Rex Theatre starting 9.30pm. Tickets available here.

 

Museum of External Debt

José E. Uriburu 781, 1st floor, Downtown.

4374-4448

Open: Mon-Fri 11am-7pm

 

Fierro Hotel Buenos Aires

Soler 5862, Palermo

3220-6800

 

Teatro Gran Rex

Corrientes 857, Downtown.

4322-8000

 

Friday

(Photo by Jackie_oh)

Weather forecasts anticipate a warm sunny day, ideal for a walk in the ecological reserve in Puerto Madero where you can get the best view of the city!

In the evening head to aphrodisiac restaurant Te Mataré Ramirez where a free temporary exhibit of contemporary art is being displayed from 8.30pm onwards. Staying for a rather expensive dinner with an erotic puppet show is also an option.

 

Ecological Reserve

Av. Tristán Achával Rodriguez 1550

4315-4129

Open: Tue-Sun 8am-6pm

Saturday and Sunday

 

Te Mataré Ramirez

Gorriti 5054, Palermo

4831-9156

 

Saturday and Sunday

(Photo by capitanbar)

Head to the off the beaten path Caballito neighborhood where you can visit the natural sciences museum, a large market (Mercado del Progreso) and take a ride on antique trams.

Wine Regions of Argentina – Patagonia

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(Photo by ARACELOTA)

The Patagonian landscape is well known for it’s beauty, and tales of  dwarfs, gnomes and fairies. More recently however, the country’s Southern region is becoming increasingly known for brining promising new wines to the country’s viticultural industry.

Due a lower latitude and altitude, the area is very different from the northern Mendoza, San Juan and Salta regions and much cooler. Additionally many of the vineyards lie on the Patagonian dessert which receive irrigation from the a canal system providing water from the Colorado,  Rio Negro and Neuquen rivers.

The two main wine making areas in the South, Rio Negro and the more recently developed Neuquen, are acquiring a name for producing the exclusive Pinot Noir grape, as well as other grapes such as Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Semillon which are also acquiring a great reputation.

This unique wine making area of Argentina is undoubtedly very different from the traditional viticulural regions, however  and although it is still developing, it is proving to be a promising land for top quality wine production.

For a special sample of Argentine wines, accompanied by snacks from HG Restaurant, book your place at our exclusive weekly tastings every Thursday starting at 7PM at Fierro Hotel.  Soler 5862, Palermo. 3220 6800. recepcion@fierrohotel.com.

Jorge Luis Borges

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(Photo meetaires)

Jorge Luis Borges was one of Argentina’s most prolific authors. His writing is centered on themes such as time, infinity, mirrors, mythology, identity, the labyrinth and the city amongst others.

His bilingual background, the origins of his family and his time spent living in Europe and then returning to his native Buenos Aires reflect in his writing where there is a confluence of European influences and the native imagery and characters. This combination perfectly expresses the local social and cultural construct whilst his metaphysical influences draw you into a dreamlike abstract tour of the city he both knew and imagined.

 

For more on Borges you can visit the Centro Cultural Borges where a new permanent exhibit was inaugurated commemorating the 25th anniversary of his death. Included in the display are some of his drawings, his books and creative process, a map of the places in Buenos Aires which influenced him, photographs, and other elements of the Borgean imagery.

To get some of his books in English, head to the Kel bookstore in Recoleta.

 

Centro Cultural Borges

Viamonte 525, downtown

5555 5358

 

KEL

Marcelo T. de Alvear 1369

4814-3788

Whats up with Fernet?

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(Vintage Fernet Branca add. Photo by stolen w-heels)

Those of you who have already gotten a taste of the local nightlife may have noticed the popularity of “Fernet con Coca”, a strange alcoholic beverage made up of, you guessed it, Fernet and Coke.  If there is a classic nightlife Argie drink, then this is definitely it.

The origins of Fernet are unclear. Some say it was originally concocted by a Swedish doctor as a medicine for cholera, others rumor it was invented by an apothecary who was looking for a cure for menstrual cramps,  and yet another theory (from an unreliable drunk source at a bar) states that it was prepared by an medicine woman in Sicily to expel demons from haunted widows. In any case, although the last theory sounds a bit dubious, we are almost certain Italian immigrants imported the beverage to Argentina.

Made of herbs and spices, there is a general consensus that the unique taste of Fernet is to be paired with Coke, and although many claim it to be an acquired taste, there are many more locals that love it. Our recommendation is to try it and see what its about.  After all, even if you don’t like it it’s still a great digestive, and anyway, clubbing doesn’t start until 2-3am so there’s plenty of time to drink up!


This Week in Buenos Aires

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As the chill of winter approaches, indoor activities become the choice pastimes. Visiting art exhibits, visiting the Colon Theatre or attending special film screenings, such as the 8th exhibition of European Film which is on this week, are great ways to enjoy the city when it’s cold.

 

Monday

This is the last week to visit the exhibit of Argentine artist Oscar Grillo’s  drawings of people from London at the Centro Cultural Recoleta.  Stop by traditional bar La Biela afterwards for an afternoon snack.

In the evening head to Mundo Bizarro for great drinks in a quirky 40s-50´s ambiance.

 

Centro Cultural Recoleta

Mon- Fri 2pm-9pm

Sat-Sun 10-9pm

Junin 1930, Recoleta

4803 1040

 

La Biela

Av. Quintana 596, Recoleta

4804-0449

 

Mundo Bizarro

Serrano 1222, Palermo Viejo

4773-1967

 

Tuesday

(Mamba museum by Juanele)

Check out French video artist Pierrick Sorrin´s exhibition at the recently reopened MAMBA (Museum of Modern Art). For a great meal just a few blocks away head to Cafe San Juan.

In the evening 20´s style Virasoro Bar in Palermo is screening “Paycheck” directed by John Woo at 9.30pm.

 

MAMBA

Mon-Fri 12-7pm

Sat-Sun 11am-8pm

Av. San Juan 350, San Telmo

4342-3001

 

Cafe San Juan

Av. San Juan 450, San Telmo

4300-1112

Tue-Sun 12-4pm and 8pm-closing

 

Virasoro Bar

Guatemala 4328, Palermo

4831-8918

 

Wednesday

(La Manzana de las Luces by clixyou)

Guided tours at 3pm of The Manzana de las Luces, an old Jesuit residence from the 1700’in the San Telmo area, are worth taking.

Later on at 7.30pm get a glimpse of an imaginary future at La Fabrica where artists Federico Lamas and Monica Hellers exhibt their video installation “Brutal.”

Top off a great day by having a savory dinner at El Baqueano where you can taste native meats such as quail, chinchilla and llama amongst others.

 

Manzana de las Luces tours.

Mon-Fri 3pm

Sat- Sun 3pm, 4.30pm and 6pm.

Starting at Peru 272, San Telmo

4342-3964

 

La Fabrica

Peru 442, San Telmo

 

El Baqueano

Chile 495,  San Telmo

4342-0802

Opening Hours: Tue- Sat 8pm-12pm

 

Thursday

(Mercado del Progreso by blmurch)

 

Take an off the beaten path day in the Caballito neighborhood where you can visit the natural sciences museum, a large market (Mercado del Progreso) and antique trams.

For a great lunch or dinner in the area check out Lo de Cholo, an apparently low key canteen which offers top quality local food with a gourmet twist.

In the evening the Wayne Shorter Quartet is playing at the Gran Rex Theatre. Tickets here.

 

Natural Science Museum

Open everyday from 2-7pm

Av. Angel Gallardo 470, Caballito

4982-6595

 

Mercado del Progreso

Mon-Sat 8am -1pm and 5pm- 8.30pm

Av. Rivadavia 5430, Caballito

4901-3038

 

Antique Trams

Emilio Mitre 500, Caballito

 

Lo de Cholo

Av. Gaona 1699, Caballito

4584-7601

 

Friday

(Orchid by richardoyork)

If you like orchids you wont want to miss the Fiesta de las Orchideas being held until Sunday.

In the evening top the week off with a visit to the Colon Theatre to watch Il Tritico.

 

Fiesta de las Orquideas

Fri10-Sun12 – 10am-7pm

Centro Okinawense

Av. San Juan 2651

 

Teatro Colon

Cerrito 628

4378 7100

 

Saturday and Sunday

(Japanese gardens in Palermo by Rafaelgomez)

All June Saturdays- Samba and Feijoada at 1pm in Notorious.

The Dance and Movies party on Saturdays invites you to enjoy movies that inspire dancing. Jorge Newberry 3663, first floor. 7pm.

Sunday is a great day to visit the Palermo parks and while your there, stop by the Japanese Park and watch the Sumo wrestlers!