2 Things For Which The 14-Hour Trip is Well Worth It...

When people say to me: "Bob, how was Buenos Aires? Did you have a good conference (yes)? Did you get work done (yes!)? And then ask, "Would you go back?", here is what I will say:

Of course!! Not only is it a "starts with 'B' City"and thus inherently cool -- Berlin and Beirut, here I come -- and delightfully cool in July... but...

there are two MORE things that will ALSO compel me to make that 14 hour journey...

#1. GOD'S OWN EMPANADA

La empanada de dios [not it's official name]

I already raved about this on another posting but since we went back to eat more of them, I snapped a picture before it was gone. Fried goodness... yet not icky inside. Everything contained within is primo quality and just moist enough... which raises the question: How does it hold together?

How to acquire said piece of manna: Go to Gran Parrilla del Plata

#2: GANCIA AMERICANO APERITIF OR WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN ALL MY LIFE??

Happiness. On the rocks with a bit of soda. Bye-bye bottle...

I had seen this in various liquor stores about town but the bottle itself did not look altogether convincing (the box packaging is wicked though, what with the bold Italian font). However, when we stopped for an early lunch at La Perla in La Boca, I decided to take a shot. There is just something about this mix of botanicals and grape that makes me very, very happy. It's not super strong (14% or so) it's just good. I brought one bottle back with me but now the question becomes where to find it in Ontario...

How to acquire said bottle of joy: Go somewhere enlightened where they sell it. Buy me some, too!