- bife de lomo is equivalent to a sirloin steak and is the leanest and most expensive cut
- bife de chorizo is cut from the rib near the rump and a very popular cut
- bife de costilla is a T-bone steak.
- tira de asado is a strip of rib roast big enough for two
- vacio is the bottom part of the sirloin porterhouse and flank and is the juiciest cut
You'll also see a matambre, which means kill hunger, and is a strip of flank steak rolled around vegetables and boiled eggs. It's often eaten cold as an appetizer. A parrillada is a mixed selection of beef cuts organ meat and sausages. If you like your meat rare, order it juogoso. Medium is al punto and well done is bien hecho or cocido.
You won't see many vegetables, potatoes, rice or other dishes with your meat entree except. However, salad and bread are traditional and the salads may be anything from a sliced tomato to a mixed salad with eggs and artichokes.
With their beef, porteños drink Argentine wine. Grown near Mendoza and Salta, Argentine wines either red tinto or white blanco,are good and very cheap. If you order vino común, or jug wine, splash in a little soda water to smooth the rough edges.
Argentines eat a light breakfast, usually bread and tea maté or coffee, a large lunch and then another large meal after nine - usually much later. If you get hungry, there are pizzerias confiterías where you can get deli type meals, including a pancho or hot dog. For dessert, you'll have a choice of fresh fruit, custard or cheese and preserved fruit, or queso y dulce the favorite dulce de leche or pastries made with dulce de leche. Juices are popular as are licuados or juice blended with milk. For a hot drink you can order coffee at any time but be aware that it will be very strong an espresso. You can also order:
- café chico - thick strong coffee in a small cup
- café cortado - small coffee with a touch of milk, often served in a glass. A doble is a larger serving.
- café con leche - with milk is served at breakfast only
Whenever you travel to Buenos Aires, you'll need a place to stay. Here is a partial listing of hotels to get you started. You can compare rates, amenities and locations to pick the one that suits you best.
If you have questions or comments about Buenos Aires, post them on the South America for Visitors Forum. If you're not already a registered user, you'll need to register, but it is easy and free.
Buen viaje!