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Hot Picks: Argentina and Chile
Diane Sukiennik,
Associate Editor, Food and Wine Access
Michael
Reiss, Editor, Food and Wine Access
Photo by Michael Reiss
Argentina and Chile, long known for their wines, are becoming world class culinary destinations as well. Many of the wineries are located near enough to cities so that you can combine tours of the wineries with first class dining and accommodation all at an affordable price. This makes the journey especially worthwhile.
The warmth, graciousness and conviviality of the Latin
cultures can be felt from the moment you arrive. The fine selection of
restaurants and wineries is dizzying. However long your stay, you will
regret leaving so soon and vow to return. We have just begun our exploration
of these exciting destinations and we will add to our list as time goes
on.
Here are some options for your visit!
 Where to Stay |
 Where to Eat |
 What to Do |
Hot Picks: Argentina and Chile
Diane Sukiennik, Associate Editor, Food
and Wine Access
Michael
Reiss, Editor, Food and Wine Access
Where to Eat
1884 Restaurant- Francis Mallman
The clay oven at 1884 Restaurant- Francis Mallman adds a unique
flavor to the food.
Photo by Michael Reiss
Francis Mallman represents the finest culinary traditions
of France and South America so it is no surprise that his restaurant in
Mendoza, Argentina is no exception. Under the able direction of the Executive
Chef , this restaurant, housed in a winery located about 10 minutes from
the city center is a must for food and wine connoisseurs.
Your first decision is whether to dine in the romantic garden with its
dramatic clay oven's flames aglow or in the chic dining room within sight
of the glassed in kitchen. Either venue provides the appropriate ambiance
for the refined Argentina recipes that are at once, simple yet exquisitely
representing the culinary traditions of the country. Besides starters,
there are creative tapas to whet your appetite and complement the wines
of the region. Your waiter is available to suggest appropriate pairings
or to simply discuss the encyclopedic wine list with its endless possibilities
for new wine adventures. This is a quintessential culinary experience,
unique to Mendoza. Try 1884 Restaurant- Francis Mallman!
This is the chic dining room at 1884 Restaurant- Francis
Mallman.
Photo by Michael Reiss
Favorite Appetizers:
Assorted Tapas
Baked pumpkin salad with arugula and pecorino cheese
Favorite Entrees:
Clay oven roasted baby suckling pig with arugula and onion salad
Rib eye steak with "chimichurri" and cubed potatoes
Favorite Dessert:
Peaches and plums burnt in the clay oven with ice-cream
.
Many dishes at 1884 Restaurant- Francis Mallman are beautifully presented and delicious.
Photo by Michael Reiss
1884 Restaurant- Francis Mallman
Belgrano 1188-(5501) Godoy Cruz, Mendoza, Argentina
Tel. 0261-424-2698
ZUR
Photo by Michael Reiss
Mendoza, in the heart of the Argentina wine country, offers
many dining options and one of the most intriguing is ZUR, where
cuisine, wine and art combine in an elegant, contemporary setting.
Chef/Owner Mariana Toledo offers warm hospitality, changing art
exhibits and memorable cuisine. Her loyal, local patrons appreciate her
fusion of Argentina and Mediterranean influences which heighten the enjoyment
of traditional recipes.
Her menu and art change with the seasons and her wine pairings compliment
and enhance the experience. Finding ZUR is finding a culinary gem
waiting to be discovered by the discriminating tourist.
Zur's upbeat dinning space is graced with
beautiful contemporary art work.
Photo by Michael Reiss
Favorite Appetizers:
Empanadas
House Salad
Favorite Entrees:
Rib Eye Steak with chimichurri
Risotto of the Day
Favorite Dessert:
Chef's special
.
This is Zur's civiche--beautifully presented.
Photo by Michael Reiss
ZUR
Av. Mariano Moreno 111. Mendoza, Argentina
Tel. 0261 428-4170
Le Mistral
Photo by Michael Reiss
Located on the lobby level of the FOUR SEASONS HOTEL in Buenos Aires, Le Mistral, named for the Mediterranean wind, offers dishes influenced by Argentina, Spain, Italy, France, Greece and Northern Africa.
Using the finest local products, Executive Chef Matthias Zumstein,
creates personal interpretations of each countries dishes which are visually
stunning and excite the palate. Whether choosing from the perfectly prepared
grilled selections or the innovative selections from the Mediterranean
inspired menu, you are sure to be delighted with the chef's attention
to detail and savory results.
The wine pairings, chosen from an impressive list of Argentina's finest
bodegas, complement and enhance the cuisine. Tourists and locals alike
will delight in this gourmet dining experience served by gracious and
knowledgeable staff in an informal, refined setting.
This is Le Mistral upbeat contemporary
dinning room.
Photo by Michael Reiss
Favorite Appetizers:
Moroccan quail "bastela" served with warm tomato and saffron
vinaigrette
Gorganzola risotto with apples and grilled Portobello
Favorite Entrees:
Tagine of prawns, lemon confit and roasted couscous
malbec braised beef short ribs, baby vegetables and crispy potatoes.
Favorite Dessert:
Chef's Special
.
Executive Chef Matthias Zumstein is presenting his gourmet dishes
with great passion and flair.
Photo by Michael Reiss
Le Mistral
Four Seasons Hotel
Posadas 1086/88, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Tel. 54 (11) 4321 1200
Le Sud
Photo by Michael Reiss
The Restaurant Le Sud is located on the ground floor of the Sofitel Hotel. This sophisticated space provides a fitting backdrop for the culinary artistry of award wining Executive Chef Thierry Psonka.
His menu offers traditional and contemporary Mediterranean cuisine prepared with the panache and finesse of a Michelin-starred chef. His presentations inspire awe, and his dishes are complex, expertly executed and palate pleasing.
A knowledgeable sommelier is eager to introduce you to some of Argentina's finest wines to enhance your dining experience. This is Michelin-level dining at its best in Buenos Aires.
This is the tranquil and eloquent dinning room at Le
Sud, found in Sofitel Hotel in Buenos Aires.
Photo by Michael Reiss
Favorite Appetizers:
Smoked Salmon on blinis with creme fraiche and cucumber slices
Poached pear with a gratinee of roquefort. Shrimp sautéed with
curry.
Favorite Entrees:
Dover Sole with a black truffle custard, braised endive in an orange
sauce
Paparadelle pasta with a symphony of seafood in an olive oil and basil
sauce
Favorite Dessert:
Variations on the theme of Chocolate, white, milk and dark
.
At Le Sud this is one of Executive Chef Thierry Psonka's gourmet and dramatically presented dishes.
Photo by Michael Reiss
Le Sud at the Sofitel Hotel
Arroyo 841/849, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Tel. 54 (11) 4131-0000
Indomita
Photo by Michael Reiss
Perched high on a hill overlooking the vineyards of the
Casablanca Valley, in Chile is a modern castle devoted to the art of fine
food and wine, Indomita.
This architecturally stunning edifice provides magnificent, unobstructed
vistas of the surrounding are and establishes the high ground for gourmets
and wine aficionado in Chile. Executive Chef Oscar Tapia comes
to Indomita with experience in Italian and Thai cooking traditions.
Each dish is a creative fusion that blends his background influences into
a unique melding of flavors, textures, sights smells and tastes ,and most
importantly his original recipes work!
They are palate pleasing and provide a perfect marriage for the excellent wines produced by the estate of the same name. About equidistant on the route between Valparaiso and Santiago, this vineyard and restaurant are well worth the journey.
Executive Chef Oscar Tapia presents one of his creative
gourmet dishes at the modern and architecturally pleasing Indomita
Restaurant.
Photo by Michael Reiss
Favorite Appetizers:
crab and edam cheese ravioli barbecued seared in sesame oil placed
on greens dressed with balsamic vinaigrette
Mixed green leaves, laminated smoked salmon, mixed spouts, sliced goat
cheese, thyme and lemon dressing
Favorite Entrees:
Sealed, barbecued tilapia fillet, quinoa risotto in lobster broth, garlic prawns, orange cardamom reduction
Tender filet of beef in a pistachio crust, accompanied by date and wild mushroom strudel with an exotic blackberry and merlot reduction.
Favorite Dessert:
Chefs Selection
.
This is Indomita Restaurant's "tender filet of beef in a pistachio crust, accompanied by date and wild mushroom strudel with an exotic blackberry and merlot reduction."
Photo by Michael Reiss
Indomita
Casablanca & Maipo Vineyards
Ruta 68, Casablanca, Chile
Tel. 56 32 754 400
.