It’s no secret South America is a meat-eater’s heaven and we have some tasty reasons why you should fly LATAM direct to Latin America. Scott Podmore and Vatsala Gurunath investigate.
When continents collude…
IF you’re a natural born meat-eater Down Under, barbecues play a big part in the life of most Aussies.
One continent that takes its barbecues as seriously in tradition and identity as we do is South America so strap on your apron and prepare your tongs.
Say hello to Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Peru, among others in Latin America, who are our brothers-in-arms when there’s a parrilla (iron grill) at the ready and a juicy steak on offer. Whether it’s clinking a beer or a Pisco Sour, there’s no question: our taste buds are in sync.
To cut to the chase, LATAM Airlines’ breakthrough last October in offering non-stop services between Melbourne to Santiago in Chile means we can now fly directly into the smoky aromas and tasty allure of some South American culinary adventures.
Endless options flying LATAM
Once lobbing in Chile, there is no doubt Santiago is a hotspot for the mighty asado experience, but don’t forget Argentina in particular is known as the “steak capital” of South America.
So if you are looking to expand your barbecue skills and learn a trick or two to elevate your knowledge and skill level with the tongs, factor in the two-hour flight on LATAM from Santiago to Buenos Aires.
Just like the humble barbecue is a primary fixture in every Aussie community gathering, a parrilla has a sacred place in every asado, the Latin American equivalent of the barbecue.
Essentially, an asado is a social gathering over a cook up. It’s a cultural dining tradition handed down from generation to generation and, just like at home, it’s about family, friends and food.
Long-held Gaucho traditions
Where did it all begin? As one of the world’s major meat producers, red meat is an especially common part of the Argentine diet. Chile, Brazil, Argentina and other South American countries share a gaucho (cowboys of Argentina) heritage of grilled meats for the love of asado and you may still be unable to vote for just one over the other.
The tradition dates back to the days when gauchos (cowboys) would sit down to slow-cooked dinners over a wood fire and a cup of tea after a long day herding.
To experience the tasty and authentic Latin American flavour you can go on an exclusive ‘Parrilla Tour’, discover fascinating restaurants where the locals go, learn about culture and traditions, and taste food the local way. On that point, every Aussie on their way to Santiago, Buenos Aires or Rio de Janeiro and beyond should have a little knowledge of what’s hot and where one should be experiencing the asado phenomenon.
So, meat-eaters, try these suggestions for size.
It begins in the air
The moment you sit down in your comfy seat onboard a LATAM flight you can get a taste for the best of Latin American hospitality and their world-famous cuisine. After all, only last week LATAM Airlines was chosen by PAX International readers as the best airline in South America offering exceptional meals on-board. Two awards within six months given it also bagged “Five Star Global Airline” through the official APEX 2018 Airline Scores!
In expanding the airline’s offering in Australia and widening access to LATAM’s comprehensive network across Latin America, LATAM operates three non-stop flights per week between Melbourne and Santiago, with onward connections from Santiago to more than 124 destinations across Latin America.
So what’s cooking? Lots, not just tasty meat. LATAM has replaced the traditional tray – normally associated with in-flight dining – with a choice of individual gourmet dishes that are 50% bigger with fewer peripheral elements, which showcase Latin American, international and vegetarian cuisine.
Smokin’ hot Chile restaurant
There’s no shortage of great restaurants in Santiago, but after freshening up from your direct flight from Melbourne, one popular port of call is the amazing Carnal Primes Steakhouse in Alonso de Cordova.
This bustling barbecue restaurant and bar claims to be first to specialise in imported American beef and certified Angus Aberdeen, and in preparing its meat the chefs use a special infrared broiler that achieves temperatures up to 700 degrees celsius which apparently creates “a particular texture and flavour that is not found in the most traditional method of grill”.
Apart from the lively atmosphere at night (it’s an ideal business meeting venue by day), one of this venue’s higlights is the Raw Bar with menu items from different corners of the globe including Chilean Sea Bass and the Lobster of the Caribbean. There are also great burgers and cocktails in a groovy terrace setting the locals claim is one of the best in South America.
Buenos Aires and the vineyards of Mendoza
“The logical authentic Buenos Aires dining choice is beef as Argentina produces the finest in the world,” says Kimberly Rosbe, our luxury travel writer who gave us 8 Great Reasons To Visit Buenos Aires last year.
“And there is no more fitting red wine to accompany red meat than a sticky Malbec, an Argentine wine somewhere between a Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, the best of which are produced in the vineyards of Mendoza,” she says. “Cut your tender meat with a spoon, sip a Malbec and breathe in the authentic soul of Buenos Aires.”
Buenos Aires central, too, is a haven for asado style eateries. You can’t go past city hotspots such as Parrilla Pena, La Estancia and super popular Steaks By Luis.
Fabulous Fogo De Chao in Rio
A stay in Rio can’t go without visiting every vegetarian’s nightmare, better known as a churrascaria, and a favourite gaucho steakhouse among locals is Fogo De Chau right in front of the bay.
The founders of Fogo de Chão were raised on a traditional Southern Brazilian farm in the Serra Gaucha and learnt their cooking craft in the churrasco grilling tradition that is extended to this beautiful restaurant with amazing views. The restaurant prides itself on working with a colorful palate of natural, fresh and flavorful ingredients from South America, inspired by “the farm tables and open markets of Brazil”.
Check out Mister Brazil’s take on it in the video above.
Colombia the Comeback Kid
The colourful cities of Colombia are still crazy, but not so dangerous any more, and one of the hottest destinations on the planet.
Colombian cuisine is inspired by the traditions and styles of the country’s Caribbean shoreline, Pacific coast, mountains and ranchlands, but a hot spot famous for its Argentine style barbecue and wild party atmosphere is Andres Carne de Res serving typical Colombian cuisine with some wickedly delicious barbecue fare.
Unmissable colourful decor screams Colombian culture and the venue is renowned for being a haunt where locals and visitors mix together and enjoy the spoils of the kitchen’s offerings.
Buenos Aires Asado Adventure
The Buenos Aires AsadoAdventure invites you to become part of the family and experience creating an Argentinian asado. This is all about a real hands-on authentic experience in a day-in-the-life-of-a-local kind of way.
The tour is organised into small groups (up to 10 people), where you are guided through the cooking and social traditions of the Argentine asado.
Check in at private residence where you can get to know each other a little and then head off to visit the local butcher, baker and wine merchant. It’s a chance to live like a local in experiencing a traditional Argentine asado while also be getting a walking tour of the very hip and trendy neighborhood of Palermo Viejo and enjoying some street art along the way.
Wash it all down
With the food taken care of, what about the perfect beverages to wash it down?
For Aussies who take their beer seriously, Argentina can teach you scrummy new concoctions to brew and boast about back at home.
A Pisco Sour or a Malbec could be your best new accompaniments once you try them with the Porteño flavours in Buenos Aires.
If you are a true-blue Aussie who takes your coffee seriously, trust the Brazilians and Columbians to not disappoint you with their brew, after all they grow the world’s best coffee and even ship it to Australia.
So whip out your cowboy hats and loosen your belt. South America and Australia clearly share the spirit for food and adventure. Get ready to experience the flavours of a vibrant land 12,700km away.
Call your CT Connections travel advisor today for all your travel arrangements.
