Easter in Buenos Aires

By now the majority of you are knee-deep in the 4-day weekend, probably sleeping til past noon and eating chocolate for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Know that I hate you a little bit. But I love you. So much so that I have decided to give you a little run-down of all the places to satisfy your sugar cravings as you celebrate the resurrection of Jesus (Jesús?). For those not of the Christian persuasion, Happy Passover* – I’m pretty sure eating chocolate eggs and marshmallow chicks transcends any religious boundaries.

What to do in Buenos Aires this Easter weekend? Let’s just say a special thank you to their insane sugar addiction that will ensure no shortage of sweets to eat over these next few days. Usually Argentines just buy one huge chocolate egg thing wrapped in gold foil paper to really show off. The whole idea of an Easter egg hunt is kind of new – maybe it would be fun to watch your porteño pals run around fighting for the egg that has $20 hidden inside. Just a thought…

Now, let’s talk candy. You want it. Where do you get it? Marzipan chicks, chocolate bunnies, huge massive eggs – head up to the Abbey of the Benedictine nuns in Victoria (Zona Norte) or in Capital at Libertad 1240, Local #19 (telephone: 4519-8016).

Smeterling (one of my favorites) – headed up by Isabel Vermal – whipped up some special Easter cookies as well as a fruit & mousse cake. Uruguay 1308, Recoleta.

Basically the ultimate in chocolate, Vasalissa will have painted chocolate eggs (some with gold, fancyyyyy) and other Easter goodies. Check it out in Recoleta on Callao 1940.

Algodón Mansion in Recoleta has a giant neon bunny in its front window. That is all.

* Special Passover goodies can be ordered & bought at La Crespo – Thames 612, telephone: 4856-9770 – so check it out for your Seder dinnah.

Also, if you wanted to dye your own eggs, DIY that shit and use beets or turmeric to give your eggs some nice colors.

Photo Credit: People Pets, Smeterling, Algodón

Valentine’s Day in Buenos Aires

Womp womp. Most people are either totally into Valentine’s Day or just couldn’t care less. I’m ambivalent, because I think it’s silly to create such hoopla around just one day, but I also love an excuse to stuff my face and buy myself flowers. So whatever. Regardless of your real feelings toward St. Valentine, let’s look at some ways to celebrate (with food) here in Buenos Aires:

-Fuudis published a nice little list of places that are either offering a special menu or ooze with romantic ambiance. Check it out if you’re stuck.
-Planeta Joy never fails – 10 restaurants for your Valentine’s Day feast (as always, good variety)
-Guía Oleo has exclusive deals with La Cabrera, Milion, María Felix and more
-Pura Vida published a link to some raspberry heart tartes – for the healthy chefs
-Cocina Sunae will be open and serving up Southeast Asian delights. Nothing says love like spicy penang curry in Chacarita. Details at the link.
-Bengal will also serve a special tasting menu (AR$300/person) on the 14th. Call 4314-2916. (Arenales 837 – Retiro)
-Vasalissa Chocolates in Recoleta will satisfy any sweet tooth craving
-La Panadería de Pablo (which I’ve been dying to visit) is hosting a four-course meal. Details on their Facebook page

Whoopie Pies in Buenos Aires

I have loved whoopie pies since I spent some time in Maine one summer and gorged myself on them. The obligatory trend followed (in the footsteps of cupcakes, cake pops, mini pies, etc), but whatever. They’re delicious. I hadn’t even thought about them since living in Buenos Aires since I figured they’d never make their way down to this side of the equator. I was wrong!

Smeterling, a patisserie and chocolate boutique in Recoleta, makes some bomb pastries. Mini shortcakes, cookies, cupcakes, macarons, anddddd whoopie pies! I didn’t take a photo of the pie because I ate it. Sorry. But it was delicious. The filling – a dulce de leche cream – was perfect and the cake part was spot-on. If you’re a chocolate or pastry lover, get thee to the Smeterling stat, por favor. It’s a nice change of pace from the traditional old-lady cafés in the area, and the flavors are finally different from what you normally see.

Smeterling
Uruguay 1308 – Recoleta
5294-6070

Photo Credit: Flickr, Smeterling

Food Porn Friday

The Christmas season is officially here and in Argentina it’s being celebrated by a 4-day weekend. It’s the least they can do for making us Northerners suffer through fake trees, a lack of snow/cold/egg nog and a severe dearth of Christmas cookie parties. No, actually it’s pretty great – the long weekend that is – but thinking about the holidays has got my stomach thinking about all that comes with it.

So without further ado, this Food Porn Friday is dedicated to one of my favorite holiday treats – Peppermint Bark. Mmmmmm.

Photo Credit: Slash Food