Mike is a fine fellow that I met about 10 years ago through mutual friends back in the “Chico days” (as some might call it).
This entrepreneur started brewing beer during college and with his drive to make it happen, took his business mind to Argentina. He is now the successful owner of Fenicia Brewing Co in Rosario and welcomed me and Denise with open arms.
We walked a small neighborhood of the city. More street art:
Had some eats and local beer at his buddies restaurant called Antares .
Mike was invited to join a chugging contest on stage in which he won(excluding the guy that had a crowd yelling before the finish line).
And for desert he hooked up a local drink called “Mate”, pronounced Mah-teh. This traditional beverage is a “social” tea that’s served in a gord styled container with a metal straw. It’s hot enough that one doesn’t gulp or even drink for that matter. It’s more of a sip and taste then pass it along. Even though I awkwardly have one eye half closed, the flavor wasn’t bad. I would partake if this was offered, however I wouldn’t necessarily crave such a taste. Glad I got to try it though, thanks Mike! More to come of this fun gentleman when we hop a bus to Rosario for his St.Patties Day fiesta!
The following evening we met up with Stuart and Andrew, two guys I connected with during the layover in Brazil. At the airport, I was questioning the line I was standing in to board the flight when, to my relief, I heard English speakers in front of me. These friendly Canadians helped me out and we parted ways without any exchange of info.
I got off the flight and while waiting for my luggage here come my “heroes”. Another “thank you” to them and we cheers good bye.
Remember the market from my first Argentina post? As Denise and I were aimlessly strolling around, here come the boys with a pep in their step (yes, I said it… A pep). “Hey, I know you!”
We agreed that after 3 unintentional path crossings, it was in the books for an official connection. Info was finally exchanged and plans were made!
We met up and went for dinner at a place they suggested called Sagardi .
We enjoyed a brilliant bottle of local wine while we dished up our own pinchos from the tapas bar. This was our appetizer before the “Argentenean Steak” was brought out.
Obviously from my edibles page, I’m not a huge red meat eater, however again with the “when in Rome” idea…. Here we go!
Luckily we all agreed for some greens as well to complement this hunk-o-beef and enjoyed.
Apparently whosever tongue was the darkest had had the most wine…
A walk after that meal was refreshing and turned exciting when we heard music coming from the street… It’s after 10p on a Wednesday and theres a decent group of people gathered around tables. Giggling children chasing each other through the bundle of friends sipping coffee while others enjoyed a bottle of wine. All topped off with a live band and tango dancers as the center peice! The dark sky was lit with a few street lights and the ambiance overflowed with a local vibe. You would of thought Denise and I had found the gold at the end of a rainbow!
I wish the pics were more clear, but we plan on going back so I’ll try again.
Buenos Noches to our new friends and a quick group tango…
Her Happy Trails 