La Vinería de Colonia

Most of the time, the best discoveries you can make are the most unexpected. While strolling through the quaint cobblestone streets of Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay a few weeks back, my media naranja and I came upon a little gem that is so great I wish there were a BA counterpart we could visit more often. La Vinería de Colonia is owned by Martín Rosberg, brother of Andrés Rosberg (Co-Founder and President of the Argentine Association of Sommeliers) and real estate developer / wine-lover / all-around cool dude.

La Vinería de Colonia provides quality wines from all over the world as well as intimate tastings in a unique setting. Since the space is located within the UNESCO-protected casco histórico of Colonia, you can imagine the warmth and ambiance provided by the exposed brick, massive windows, and charming back patio that’s being overtaken by green.

Tastings are currently held on the weekends and space is available for up to 8 people. Be sure to check it out when you’re in Colonia and get ready for some incredible wines, delicious bites, and an overall memorable experience in such a charming spot. Martín is crazy knowledgeable – and they even sell my favorite grappa by the Bernardi family! Go forth and enjoy.

La Vinería de Colonia
Calle de San José 170
Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay

Food Porn Friday

…. And I’m back. Yes, it’s nearly 9pm. Do you want to know where I was all day? Dancing my face off inside a boliche to celebrate the end of FY2012 with my incredible coworkers. I have been drinking champagne and caipiroskas since a very early hour and all that dancing has worked up a serious appetite. I realize it’s night-time and you’ve probably given up on this week’s Food Porn Friday. But do not fret, it’s never too late, especially when this is what I’m craving. Bon weekend & happy hangovers.

Photo Credit: Food Porn Daily

Review: Taste! BsAs

Last week Buenos Aires Delivery & Guía Oleo teamed up to host the second installment of its gastro-centric event, Taste! BsAs – a night that showcased 25 local restaurants offering free food to all. Held at the auditorium above the BA Design center in Recoleta, the event was literally bursting at the seams with guests but was overall a great night.

I was lucky enough to be invited to a pre-event sneak peek & tasting with other bloggers, journalists and photographers – which turned out to be a serious blessing. Once the doors opened to the general public, things got a little crazy and having time to enjoy each stand wasn’t in the cards. It was so nice to try places I had never tried and even revisit some old favorites. I hope that next year they’ll have a space that is adequate for the thousands (literally! what a great turn-out) of attendees, which will make it a better experience for everyone. Other than that, Taste! BsAs was a super fun event and I’m already excited to see what’s in store for 2013 (what can I say, I like to plan ahead).

The Ya Ya Beaners were there with their La Boca Roja sauce, which never disappoints. Bonus for the mini tequila shots. (Also, sorry I broke a bottle of sauce because I am a spaz).

Taj Mahal never lets me down. Fluffy samosas, fresh nan, amazing sauces. Loved seeing them there.

NOLAChef Liza Puglia was serving up her famous red beans & rice. Could eat it for days.

La Fábrica del Taco had perhaps the most colorful and festive stand of the whole group.

Sushi had a strong representation, with nice colorful pieces from several restaurants.

I loved the Green Monster‘s table! Amazing veggie burgers with creative sauces. Me likey.

A bit blurry but … Atlanta Wing Factory cranked out quality wings (spicy and sweet).

My favorite? Nazca, serving up traditional Peruvian flavors. I need more ASAP!

Of all the dessert-y stands… Top It was the star. Love me some pomelo froyo.

Thanks to BA Delivery & Guía Oleo for a great event! I wanted to try the deep dish pizza as well as some other spots so let’s hope more restaurants will want to participate next year. Now I’m hungry …

Food Porn Friday

Better late than never, right? It’s not that I forgot about you, but I have been swamped under boring things like conference calls and highlighters. This excess of corporate behavior has me craving a time when life was simpler … when my Mom still made my birthday cakes and when this was officially the coolest dessert known to man. Since I’m kind of a sicko I enjoyed watching my friends freak out at the sight of the plastic plant and terra cotta pot on the dining room table – thinking we were actually going to serve them dirt. HA! Nerds. Since dirt cake (crushed up oreos, vanilla pudding, gummy worms) isn’t very photogenic, bear with me. Just imagine the taste of childhood, and you’ll understand. Happy weekend!

NOLAChef Mexican Pop-Up at Tout Le Monde

Oh hello there friends. Hope you have had a great start to this funky week, what with the Wednesday holiday. I wanted to share some photos and other tidbits about the incredible NOLAChef Mexican pop-up night at Tout le Monde in Palermo Soho that you clearly have to try before this month is through. I’ve been lucky to experience Liza’s culinary greatness before, and was thrilled to be able to stuff my face with some authentic Mexican goodies at this weekly event (hurry, you only have two more weeks left! Liza will be cooking up a storm this Thursday at Taste! BsAs). There is a short but varied selection of starters and mains, and the accompanying cocktails are great too – be sure to get a few jalapeño margaritas. Tangy and spicy, a boozy surprise that had me slurring my words before I could finish my tacos. The guac was a nice warm-up for the main event – aka my favorite dish of the moment -call it a cup of heaven-sent crack, I don’t care. Esquites. Corn, chili, other goodies all mixing it up together that results in something you will want to eat for the rest of your life. So damn good.

Tacos de pastor – slow-cooked pork with black beans and the amazing homemade tortilla goodness from Pancho Villa Tortillas: delicious, savory, simple but satisfying. Gimme more porky yumyums ASAP por favor.

Let’s not forget the cocktail.

All in all, a great chance to eat some quality homemade food in a quirky setting in Palermo. Cash only, FYI. Surprisingly ended up being pricier than I’d thought, so keep that in mind. Next time I want to try the Torta de Res and make room for dessert (instead of another cocktail or 10).

What you need to know:

Where: Tout le Monde Cafe & Bar, Gurruchaga 1417 – Palermo Soho.
When: Thursdays from 3PM to 1AM, Happy Hour until 8PM.
Etc: Check out Liza/NOLAchef on Facebook, Twitter, & her lovely blog.