From Argentina With Love

Milanesa a la Napolitana--'Neopolitan-Style' Schnitzel

 

Months ago, I wrote about how the iconic Milanesa got it's name--and while the dish was pilfered by an Austrian Count during a stay in Italy and  adopted by the Austrians as Wiener Schnitzel, those in Spanish-speaking countries use the name that's a nod to the city it came from.

In Argentina, they are so Italian that even their Spanish is spoken with an Italian accent (more than 60 percent of the population is of Italian descent) but don't let that fact or the name Milanesa a la Napolitana confuse you--this milanesa  is 100 percent Argentinean.

It starts with a grass-fed beef cutlet, breaded and fried.  But then, it dresses itself up as if it were a countess going to a costume ball in the era of Count Radetzky, a frilly, layered swath of temptation.  First goes on a  slice (or two) of thin, salty prosciutto.  A generous dressing of tangy tomato sauce.  Topped with thick slices of Mozzarella.  And the final touch--it's placed under the broiler until the cheese topping browns and bubbles.

Martini de Yerba Mate--Yerba Mate Martini

 
Sometimes life throws you lemons.  And if you're an optimist, you make lemonade.  Or, you use the rind of said lemon and use it to make a twist in an awesome martini and wait for things to get better.

One of my favorite haunts when I was in my early 20s is the time-honored Cruise Room at Denver's Oxford Hotel.  It opened the day after Prohibition ended in 1933, and has been open ever since.  A quintessential example of Art Deco design, the Cruise Room was modelled after a bar on the ocean liner the Queen Mary.  Carved panels of cultures around the world saying 'Cheers!' line the walls, basking in dim pink light.

Pionono de Dulce de Leche--Caramel Jelly Roll

You know if you're a parent that moment when your toddler is quiet, and you allow yourself a momentary  mental sigh of relief.  And then, you think, wait--it's too quiet, and discover them in the bathroom, an entire roll of toilet paper unraveled around them, or the in the kitchen with the bubbles from the dish soap overflowing all over the kitchen floor, or all of your makeup taken out and spread all over the place.  (Not that this has happened to me,  ummm, I'm just saying!)

Tomates Rellenos con Arroz--Rice Stuffed Tomatoes

Another holiday favorite in Argentina and it's easy to know why--in the heat of a South American summer, nothing is as precious to the palate as a fresh tomato, picked at its peak.  If you think that phrase is a mouthful, consider biting into one of these lovely, vine-ripened treats, stuffed with perfectly seasoned rice studded with bits of hard-boiled egg. 

When it's summer and the appetite wanes from the heat, these tomatoes are the perfect small lunch or dinner, served with a bit of crusty bread, some cheese and a glass of chilled Torrontes.  Alongside a holiday meal, it's a wonderful addition to heavier foodstuffs like Lechon, roast turkey, ham, and all the other side dishes; the stuffed tomatoes aren't overly filling.

Ensalada Rusa--'Russian' Potato Salad

As its name suggests, Ensalada Rusa, Russian Salad, has its origins in Russia.  Over generations, it inched its way west to Spain, Portugal and Italy, and then made the jump to South America with waves of European and Russian immigrants.

At its most simple, it consists of boiled potatoes, peas, and carrots swathed in a generous helping of mayonnaise.  Served as a main dish, one can add  sliced hard-boiled eggs,  baby shrimp, cubed chicken or ham.  Some people add beets or asparagus; it's all a matter of taste.