EATING OUT

Café, parrilla, wine, repeat — that's pretty much what the buzzing Buenos Aires dining scene has been about for decades. Porteños (people from Buenos Aires, the port city) are steak eaters, and many restaurant-going traditionalists don't consider a meal legitimate unless heaps of grilled meats abound at the table. But in recent years, a new generation of gastronomes look beyond the parrilla (steakhouse), and have sparked an interest for chef tasting menus and a diverse array of worldly flavors.

Logistical tips: This South American city with a European feel is home to a culture that loves to go out, frequenting cafés, restaurants and bars at any hour of the day. Locals eat dinner quite late, around 9 p.m. to 11 p.m., and restaurants won't start serving cena (dinner) until at least 8 p.m. Service can be at a snail's pace and many places only accept efectivo (cash). Overall, the BA food scene is quite affordable, but due to inflation and a rocky economy, prices and exchange rates are constantly changing. Order meat like a pro: As a general rule, order your steak jugoso (medium rare) or else it will probably be served overcooked.

Pick up the fork is a comprehensive EATING OUT Guide of Buenos Aires.

Do not forget the ice-creams, a must-taste in Buenos Aires.

Buen provecho!