Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Plan Your Trip
Eat & Drink Like a Local
Argentines take barbecuing to heights you cannot imagine. Their best piz-
zas vie with those of New York and Naples. They make fabulous wines.
Mate
, that iconic tea, doubles as a social bond between family and friends.
And your taste buds will sing as they sample Argentina's delectable ice
cream.
Tips for Eating Out
Reservations
Only necessary on weekends at better restaurants (or high season at Mar del Plata or
Bariloche, for example).
Budgeting
To save a few bucks at lunch, opt for the
menú del día
or
menú ejecutivo
. These 'set
menus' usually include a main dish, dessert and drink.
Large, modern supermarkets are common, and they'll have whatever you need for
self-catering, including (usually) a takeout counter.
Paying the Bill
Ask for your bill by saying,
'la cuenta, por favor'
('the bill, please') or making the 'writ-
ing in air' gesture. Many restaurants accept credit cards, but some (usually smaller
ones) only take cash.
At fancier restaurants, your final bill may arrive with a
cubierto
(small cover charge for
bread and use of utensils). This is not a tip, which is usually around 10% and a separ-
ate charge.
Staples & Specialties
Beef
When the first Spaniards came to Argentina, they brought cattle. But efforts to establish a
colony proved unfruitful, and the herds were abandoned in the pampas. Here the cows
