Miami: A Hotbed of Argentine Culture

Miami, for many years, has been synonymous with Havana in its abundance of all things Cuban.  But after the political and economic system in Buenos Aires collapsed in 1999-2002, Argentines began flocking to Miami, changing the local landscape dramatically.  Today, that lilting Spanish conversation you hear on the sidewalk is just as likely to be spoken by Argentines as Cubans.  Since the influx began, the area has become abundant in Argentine culture, most notably in the form of restaurants, cafes,  and supermarkets.  Miami Beach’s 71st street area has even been dubbed Little Argentina.
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WHAT GIVES ARGENTINA ITS FLAVOR

Unlike other Latin American countries, Argentina has a strong Italian influence; in fact, a visit to its capital gives you a feeling of being in a European country.  Residents of Buenos Aires are referred to as Porteños, due to its port city status, and are easily identifiable by their Italian-sounding dialect.

Jokes abound concerning the identity crisis of the Argentine.  One maintains that an Argentine is an Italian who speaks Spanish, lives in a French house and thinks that he’s British.

There is some truth to this humor, as Argentina is indisputably a nation of immigrants.  The melting pot phenomenon that occurred in the US occurred here in a much shorter period of time, making it all the more difficult for the country to form a cohesive national identity.  Sadly, most of the indigenous population was wiped out by the Argentine army when the territory was first opened for European settlement.

In the culinary arena, Argentina is most famous for its steaks and its wines.  Its expansive rural areas made cattle-farming a national industry, while its mild, arid climates made it a natural for grape cultivation: although Chilean wines are more well-known, Argentina is the fifth largest wine producer in the world, its most popular export, Malbec, named for a varietal grape first introduced to the country in 1868 by French agricultural engineer Michel Pouget.

Argentina has the highest per capita meat consumption in the world, and it has been said that when you get a good steak in Argentina, it is the best on earth.

COMMON DISHES

Parrillas, as the local steakhouses are called, offer a selection of delicious items.  For starters, they typically offer empanadas—small, meat-filled pastries that also work quite well as meals on their own.

The steaks range in size and quality.  At the top of the line is the Bife de Lomo, which is equivalent to the anglo “eye fillet”.  One of the more popular cuts is the Bife de Chorozo, which comes from the rib area and is similar to Sirloin or Porterhouse.  Another is a rib roast known as Tira de Asado; it can be cooked on the spit, where the cut is thick and short, or the char-grill, where it is long and thin.

Churrascos (shank and chuck roast) and entrañas (skirt steak), are for more everyday use, given their cheaper price.

Dishes are typically served with chimichurri sauce, which was invented, ironically enough, by an Irishman named Jimmy McCurry.  It is a mixture of olive oil, minced garlic, finely chopped parsley and red pepper flakes.  Other ingredients, such as lemon oil, cilantro and paprika are sometimes added, and it’s also used as a marinade.

Another staple of Argentine cuisine is chorizo, a robust spiced sausage, made for the grill; sweetbreads are also popular, as are breads and cheeses.

ARGENTINE CUISINE IN MIAMI

On South Beach, the epicenter of the Argentine culinary experience is the family-owned Charlotte Bakery and adjoining Cafe Charlotte, located at 1499 and 1497 Washington in South Beach, respectively.

The bakery specializes in empanadas and dessert pastries at very reasonable prices.  The empanadas are available in a variety of different flavors: ham and cheese, beef,  and chicken, and are available in both the Argentine pastry style, as well as a Venezuelan corn meal style, which somewhat resembles the Mexican tamale in taste and texture.

Next door at the Cafe Charlotte, you’ll find a variety of reasonably-priced entrees, ranging from skirt steaks to marinated fish, making them some of the most exotic meals you can find on the Beach for under $10 a plate.

On the mainland, head and shoulders above the rest is Graziano’s Parrilla, 9227 SW 40th St,  305-225-0008.  Here you can enjoy the finest steaks at a fraction of the price they cost elsewhere, cooked on the grill or their “asador”, and finish off your meal with some dulce de leche (milk cake) or balcarce, an Argentine-style tiramisu.

Another local hotspot, winner of the 2009 Miami NewTimes award for best Miami restaurant, is Rincon Argentino, located at 2345 S Douglas Rd, in Coral Gables, phone 305-444-2494.  This restaurant is distinguished by its enormous fire-pit in the middle, and has been family-owned since its inception in 1987.  With their vast assortment of delicacies, they draw in the crowds.

IT TAKES TWO TO TANGO

While you’ll experience it most abundantly in the food, you can also enjoy Argentine culture in other ways, such as a tango class.  The focal point of the Miami tango scene is Oscar Caballero and Roxana Garber’s Tango Times Dance Company (1613 NE 163rd St, North Miami Beach, FL 33162, 786-221-5976)—where you can take lessons or watch the pros do it at the yearly milongas, which are places or events in which the tango is danced.  In addition, South Beach cafe Tapas y Tintos (305-538-8272) on Española Way recently advertised that they were offering tango classes, and other classes and groups pop up from time to time, but the schedules are subject to change, so it’s best to call ahead.  A good option would also be to consult meetup.com or the Miami NewTimes to find one currently happening in your area. 

MARKETS

For your Argentine grocery needs, the place to go is La Estancia Market, with locations in both North Miami (17870 Biscayne Blvd, 305-932-6477) and Coral Gables (4425 Ponce de Leon Blvd in the Village of Merrick Park, 305-445-3933).  Here you can stock up on all your freshly baked breads, cheeses, chimichurri, steaks, mate (an herb tea), mini-croissants, pastas, and dry goods.  The popular chain has still more locations in Kendall, Aventura and Miramar.  Check their website for details.

Another popular market is La Colonia Argentina Supermarket, located at 2024 West Flagler Street in Miami (305-541-7576).

CHAU, CHE!

So, next time you’re looking for a little culture in South Florida, you might want to look beyond the Cuban scene for some Latin excitement.  Argentina is alive and well and living in Miami!

Related Links: • Learn About Cuban Culture By Watching Related Categories: Spanish Forum Miami: Local News, Douglas Eames is a freelance writer, homespun philosopher and budget bon vivant who divides his time between Southern California and South Beach. See more articles by Doug. See more articles by Doug Was This Post Helpful? Please Share It With Others! Tweet

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