Asado and other Argentinian Gastronomy

On Sunday I attended my first asado. Basically, it's a BBQ. We went over to the neighbor's house, where they had a picturesque backyard - sunlight falling on gorgeous vines that grew over the veranda awning - and delicious food. They had grilled pork, beef, blood sausage, empanadas (meat inside bread, like grilled pirogi), and ribs. All this for no more than ten people on a tranquil Sunday afternoon. Of course all of this was accompanied by salads from potatoes, tomatoes, and carrots. And of course by wine. The conversation around the table floated from anthropology to the FIFA to politics in Argentina and the US and back to the FIFA (like all South American countries, Argentina is obsessed with the Mundial - and after reading the article on the BBC about those Argetines who were deported from South Africa because they were deemed "too violent" I believe if it is strong anywhere, it's here). In short, it was wonderful and wonderfully filling (I didn't eat until lunch of the next day because I was so full).

As far as other Argentinian food is concerned, these are few things I have noticed so far (I have been here 1 week now):

1. They love to boil their vegetables. We had a nutritionist interviewing for a position here and she made some lunch yesterday - boiled pumpkin, carrot, and cabbage. It was quite good, but not exactly something I eat everyday in the States.

2. They love bread. One of the girls from the house told me that last night she was having dinner with some local friends, eating tortillas, and they asked "where's the bread? You forgot to put bread on the table." Considering tortillas are a common substitute for bread in Latin America, it struck me as amazing that they love it so much (but hey, I love that they love it).

3. Formosa is very famous for its ice cream. For that reason they have as many ice cream shops as New York has Starbucks. Incredible. Just some of the shops: "Balomerro", "Grido", "Aloa", "Cremo Latti", and just simply "Ice Cream." So far I have tried forrero rochero flavored, creme de leche, and some kind of strawberry - and I confirm, they are indeed fantastic. Not too sweet but extremely rich.

4. Did I mention they love bread? There is a snack called chipa - hard bread with cheese baked in - and it fills you like none other. It's like carrying a brick in your stomach. But hey, if you're out in the field all day doing work, it's good to eat for breakfast.

Otherwise, I have started cooking on my own. Aside from salads I have make eggs with tomatoes, pasta, potatoes, tuna sandwiches, and cereal. I know, I'm talented :P

That's all for now! Au revoir!