Argentina Going Out
Food and Drink
Argentine wines have flooded the international market in recent years and are famed for their quality and value. All the big brand spirits are found in Argentina - although at heavily inflated prices, but there are many fine local varieties.
National specialities:
• Bife de chorizo (rump or sirloin steak).
• Bife de lomo (tenderloin or filet mignon).
• Empanadas (little pastry pies stuffed with beef, chicken, vegetable or cheese).
• Parrillada (mixed grill) which might include morcilla (blood sausage).
• Alfajores (shortbread-type biscuits sandwiched with dulce de leche - caramelised milk sauce).
National drinks:
• Yerba mate (tea-like drink).
• Quilmes is the national brand of lager.
• Malbec wine.
Legal drinking age: The legal age for drinking alcohol in a bar/cafe is 18.
Tipping: Around 15% is acceptable in restaurants as well as bars (unless you were dissatisfied) which waiting staff rely on to survive.
Nightlife
Tango is the traditional music and dance of Argentina and each night performers showcase this heartfelt art form in clubs in most major cities. People who want to dance themselves can learn and practise the tango at lively milongas (tango nightclubs). There are many theatres and concert halls in Buenos Aires, Córdoba and Mendoza, which put on plays and performances by Argentine and international groups and orchestras.
Shopping
Leather goods can be made to measure in a few days. Native arts and handicrafts are also popular and can be purchased in special markets in most tourist areas. Chocolates from Bariloche and wines from Mendoza make particularly welcome gifts.
Try to shop ethically wherever possible. Beautifully crafted textiles, furniture and clothes are sold by Pasion Argentina (www.pasion-argentina.com.ar) which supports often forgotten indigenous communities. Tierra Adentro (www.tierraadentro.info) sells exquisite, fair trade native silver jewellery, textiles and furniture crafted by aboriginals.
Look out for the ‘Tax Free' shopping sign which means foreign visitors can claim back the 21% sales tax on any purchases made in the country. For more information, go to www.globalrefund.com.
Shopping hours: Generally Mon-Fri 0900-2000, Sat 0900-1300, but many shops close for a long lunch. Opening hours are often unpredictable.
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