The Aromas Of Buenos Aires
This is a journal entry. These posts reflect a feeling or memory that I want to share and hopefully encourage you to experience more of the world. No travel tips or best restaurants here. Just me, my food, and my travels.
Walking around the streets of Buenos Aires reminds me of an American Fourth of July in suburbia with every family taking to their backyards for cookouts and BBQs.
That wonderfully pleasant smell of charcoal roasting red meat wafts through the neighborhood with billows of gray smoke.
This single day during an American summer triggers memories of a celebration filled day with unlimited food and laughs with friends and family. Buenos Aires smells like that. Buenos Aires feels like that.
My love obsession for open fire cooking resounds in my blog posts and podcasts not only because of the quality of flavor, or the technical mastery required to prepare amazing food, it’s the memories behind this style of cooking.
Growing up, my father taught me how to be a man. Not a macho, beer guzzling, let me open that pickle jar kind of man, but a man who provides and cares for those around him.
Although my mom cooked most of the meals growing up, during the national holidays, that was my father’s time to prepare the meal, and for me to learn the ancient tradition of cooking over a live flame.
Part of my manliness training was ditching the gas grill and cooking with charcoal; the only way men should cook meat.
From start to finish, he showed me how to prepare the coals, manage the heat, and when to baste on the sauces.
Yes, gas grills were faster and easier, but we’re men, and we do everything with 100% effort to the best of our abilities. NO shortcuts. NO excuses. Just do it right the first time.
No offense to gas grill loving men. I know there is a time and place for it, BUT the food tastes BETTER over charcoal, and the grilling experience is different entirely.
So, when I am in Buenos Aires, I’m reminded of my dad teaching his son how to be a man, and not just with the responsibility of cooking, but what it means to provide for his family with the very best he can offer.
When I have a house, you better believe I will be using hardwood and live fire to grill every chance I get.
Chris Kretzer has traveled the world visiting over 35 countries and eating his way through every city. With his wife Tiarra, they explore different food cultures and create food guides, podcasts, and travel articles helping everyone experience the world through food.