A Taste of Argentina

You are invited to share in the adventure of an Argentinian “Asado” at the home of Chuck and Julie Johnson on Saturday July 15th. Argentinean asados are not a typical gas-fueled BBQ like most of us are familiar with, but a social gathering with meat prepared in its purist form with just a grill and a fire. It is as much about friends and family gathering together as it is about the food and wine. The gauchos, Argentinean cowboys, were the first asadores and relied on the wild cattle that traveled the Argentinean Pampas to provide their meals over an open campfire. They ate most of the cow including the organ meats or achuras, which include kidney, intestine, tripe, and sweetbreads. We will leave this part out of our evening.

Our effort to create this for YES members will rely on the grilling skill of our asador, John Vandervate. He will present three preparations of beef; short ribs, Tri-Tip, and Chorizo Sausages. Beef Empanadas will also be served. The meat will be accompanied by Grilled Vegetables with Burrata, Chipas (Argentinean Cheese Bread) and Chimichurri Sauce. Dessert will be a Chocolate/Dulce de Leche Brownie made by Marie Clark. In Argentina an Asado is a big meal. So, plan accordingly. We will be offering several wines from Argentina to accompany the asado, starting with a Torrentes, the most popular white wine in Argentina and a white Malbec. There will also be available great red wines to pair with all the meat including two Malbecs, a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Bonarda. In Argentina, the most popular wine is Malbec.

The cost of this feast will be $70 per person ($80 for nonmembers and $62 for non-drinkers). The event will begin at 4:00 pm with registration and wines. Please bring one wine glass. The address is 1850 State Route 821. We are approximately two miles on 821 from the freeway. Turn left at the 40-mph sign and go to the end of the driveway and through the gate. If at all possible, please consider carpooling as parking is somewhat limited.

The dress will be casual; jeans will work fine. We are limiting the event to 65 people, so get your reservations early. Hope to see all of you on the 15th.

-- Chuck and Julie Johnson