One of my absolute favorite things to do in new places is to try out local restaurants and cuisine. I’m a foodophile. Lately I’ve been on a quest for good pizza, and also trying out local recommendations around Palermo. A couple of the places I’ve tried out in the last week are Lucky Luciano’s, Mark’s Deli, and a return trip to La Cabrera for Katie’s welcome dinner.
Going out for a pizza is usually a highlight of anyone’s week, and although we’re all usually watching for high cholesterol levels and calorie intakes, there is many an old Italian woman, and she’s definitely eaten many a good pie, I’d hope. The restaurants on the list were an adventure and experience to remember, for the mind and the body.
Lucky Luciano’s is a tiny Italian joint in Recoleta, full of kitschy decor ranging from Scarface posters to a miniature David. It also plays a pretty smooth mix of of lounge music in the vein of Thievery Corporation. The main focus is on the food though, and they do Italian really well. My friend Suresh and I both opted for the margherita pizza. Lo and behold, this pizza actually had a decent amount of sauce! New York style slices don’t exist down here, but the Italian pizza we had was great.
Mark’s Deli isn’t actually owned by an American, which is strange given the name. It sits on a corner in Palermo and is an Argentine’s take on New York bagels, giant cookies, and deli sandwiches. Katie and I went there for lunch yesterday and it was great. Unfortunately, I forgot my camera so I’ll have to forego pictures until I make a return trip. If anyone reading is in town, go for #15 on the sandwich menu. Turkey, mozarella, tomato, spinach, and guacamole on white. Bomb.
The crown jewel of the culinary trifecta I tried out this week was La Cabrera. For those faithful readers that have been here from the beginning, this is actually my second time going to La Cabrera. And it was just as ridiculously good as the first time. We went last night for Katie’s welcome dinner and to give her an initiation to Argentine steak. I went for the lomo marinada con verduras (marinated rump steak and vegetables), and I’ve got a picture of it below. The picture actually is two portions, one for me and one for Alana, so don’t go thinking I eat that much steak in a normal sitting. Kelsey and Jo went for an artery clogging concoction of steak stuffed with tomatoes, cheese, and ham. Katie got the skirt steak. Every single one of the dishes we ordered was great. And you know a place is serious about beef when even its plates are shaped like cattle.
Speaking of food, I have an interview this week with a tour operator to start giving food tours to Americans. As far as I can tell I’d lead groups around Recoleta and take them to nice restaurants, and tell them what they’re ordering and what kind of specialties the restaurants have. And then I’d get paid for it. It could very well be the best job ever. I’ll keep you guys posted.
Oh, and you can click on the pictures to enlarge them.
