Passport to Argentina
Celebrate the food and wine of Argentina on its bicentennial
By Virginia B. Wood, Fri., May 7, 2010
Culturally speaking, few countries in the world have as much in common with Texas as Argentina. We're sports-crazed beef eaters who share a romantic history of cowboys (gauchos) and cattle ranches, our regional cuisines reflect Hispanic and European influences, and our vintners create food-friendly wines. Argentina is celebrating its bicentennial this year with a world tour promoting its foods and wines. Central Market stores are the Texas stops on the tour from May 12 to May 25.
If you've ever been curious about the foods and wines of this fascinating country, now is the time to experience them firsthand. Store shelves will be stocked with Argentine imports such as yerba maté and dulce de leche. Bakeries, meat counters, and prepared food areas will present everything from alfajores to empanadas and special grill cuts to chimichurri. Some of Argentina's best wine exports will be for sale. The cooking school is getting into the act as well, presenting a series of classes featuring classic Argentine dishes. While some of the classes will be taught by Central Market staffers, others will showcase the expertise of Argentine restaurant chefs, food television personalities, and winemakers.
The two-week tour culminates with a May 21 booksigning and outdoor, live fire-cooking class with chef Francis Mallmann, author of Seven Fires: Grilling the Argentine Way (Artisan, $35, 278pp.). Mallmann will sign copies of his book before the grilling class on the deck, where his dishes will be paired with select wines from his homeland. The class will be followed by a tango demonstration. For complete details about any and all classes and to make necessary reservations, go to www.centralmarket.com.
