I’m not usually a “festival” person. Long lines, massive crowds, getting jostled around without much to show for it… sometimes it’s just too stressful to handle. However, there are times when taking a deep breath and diving into the insanity is all part of the fun.
It’s time for Feria Masticar, the star of Buenos Aires’ burgeoning food movement, now in its fifth year running. Waving the #ComerRicoHaceBien flag, it promises four days of eating and drinking extravaganzas, with the city’s best and brightest talent showcasing their goodies for the people.
In an effort to make the experience more enjoyable for everyone involved, this year the fair is sort of an XL reloaded version of itself, having annexed a few extra blocks and open spaces surrounding El Dorrego. There’s a whole brasas section, a beer garden, tons of market vendor stands in the middle of it all, and more space overall to stroll/scarf/lie down when your food baby gets too big.
Let’s get down to business. Here’s my shortlist of what you can’t miss from this year’s edition:
Savory
- Chorichang by Astor Bistro (the wild boar raviolis are also the jam, slurp up that brodo, bro)
- Arepas de pollo y cerdo braseado by i Latina (#PuraSabrosura)
- Oysters from Patagonia (served both raw and breaded in Panko) by Crizia
- Chorifish + Cebichón by La Mar (be prepared for XXXL lines, however, everyone wants a piece of Gastón Acurio’s Peruvian magic)
- Empanadas de Yacaré by El Baqueano (yep, you’re going to eat caiman)
- 100-hour Bondiola by Pura Tiera (Chef Martín Molteni literally makes me want to live in a cabin)
- Pulpitos by my favorite neighbors BASA
- Pastrón by Mishiguene
- Prawns by Gipponi + Rastellino (#UnaToneladaDeLangostinos)
Sweet
- Sugar rush chocolates by Compañía de Chocolates
- Dolce Morte ice creams by Elena (smoked milk has never been so sexy)
- Elderflower sorbet by Cassis
- Cookies by Santa Teresita (if you weren’t lucky enough to summer in José Ignacio, now’s your chance)
- Chocolate Cardamom Mousse by the Nespresso Patisserie
Drinks
- Bar de Vinos by CAVE (rent a glass for 100 pesos and go to town on some fancy wines from Argentina’s best bodegas)
- Alfredo Romero + more by Ludovico De Biaggi at the Gancia Cocktail Truck
- Mimosa de Remolacha by Julep
- Negroni Balestrini at Florería Atlántico (points for their awesome floral garnishes and beards)
- Pisco Punk by 878
- Everything coffee by the Nespresso Patisserie (go for the coffee + chocolate pairings to really get your blood sugar roaring)
This obviously doesn’t cover everything, but these recommendations will guarantee you leave having sipped and nibbled one some of the best that Masticar has to offer this year.
Double up on patience before you arrive, be prepared to get pushed around by surprisingly strong Argentine grannies, and take a lap or two before you commit to anything. Crowds are more manageable later in the evening, and if you go on Sunday when things are winding down you might be able to take home some of the goods (one woman I spoke to made off with 14kg of clams last year… why that seemed tantalizing to her I will never know).
Feria Masticar
Zapiola 50 – El Dorrego
Now through Sunday, May 8, every day from noon-11pm
Entrance $80
Dishes & drinks range from $50-80
Be smart – Buy tickets in advance here
La Panza Porteña 