Private Argentinian Market Exploration and Cooking Class

Experience overview

Gabriela's passion for culinary arts is palpable, and she eagerly shares her love for food with fellow travelers. A naturally social individual who readily assists those she encounters, Gabriela is the ideal native guide for culinary exploration and any questions about your visit to Buenos Aires. Meet your host Gabriela at her home and walk a few blocks to Mercado de Belgrano for your market tour, an animated indoor market favored by local chefs for its gourmet offerings. Stroll through the bustling market, guided by your host, as you discover an array of local and regional produce, fish, and meats from her trusted vendors. You'll sample local delicacies and select a handful of ingredients to be used in your upcoming cooking session. Take a moment to savor sweet treats at the market's outdoor tables, a unique opportunity to indulge in cheeses and jams hailing from various Argentine provinces, before making your way to Gabriela's residence. Begin your culinary experience on Gabriela's expansive balcony, weather permitting, with a welcoming glass of wine or beer, accompanied by a picada - a traditional Argentine platter comprising cheeses, jams, and nuts. After indulging in refreshments, Gabriela will teach you the art of crafting empanada fillings, divulging her personal secrets for achieving the perfect blend. Please note that the cooking portion of your experience will unfold at Gabriela's dining table, as her kitchen is modest in size. Under Gabriela's expert tutelage, you'll learn the intricate process of crafting empanada dough for a sample batch; given that you'll be preparing nearly 50 empanadas, she will supplement your efforts with dough she's procured from her local grocer. Go on to create three distinct fillings, which may encompass a delectable chicken, onion, and leek blend, a flavorful zucchini, onion, and cheese mixture, and the quintessential Argentine combination of cheese and jam. Now it's time to relax and relish your freshly baked empanadas, served along with a crisp salad. Cap off your delectable feast with a classic Argentine dessert known as chocotorta - a layered confection of chocolate, biscuits, and dulce de leche, perfectly complemented by a steaming cup of coffee, should you desire it.