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Cuisine, Latin America

Raising the Steaks: This Buenos Aires Restaurant Makes Barbecue an Art Form

March 19, 2024 by Lucy Thackray No Comments
Dishes at Fogón Asado

Fogón Asado is no ordinary Buenos Aires restaurant. This petite parrilla (the name for this city’s expert steakhouses), with its exposed brick and leaping flames, is more like an immersive theatre experience melded with a supper club, all designed to introduce guests to the Argentinian art of asado. In an exclusive experience designed by the owners, Argentinian Alex Pels and his Danish wife Dani Jenster, the intimate space holds a maximum of 30 diners, who are given a ringside seat to this traditional, meat-focused feast.

Luxury Gold clients, visiting the Buenos Aires restaurant on the Argentinian leg of our Grand South America tour, are among the lucky few in attendance. Sitting at the polished countertop, you’ll watch the expert chefs smoke, sizzle and slice different cuts of meat, seasonal vegetables and the local provoleta cheese ‒ all on an elaborate, custom-made barbecue that executive chef José Gilberto Garcia calls “the Ferrari” of grills. We caught up with José to find out about this very particular style of South American cuisine.

Fogón Asado

A chef at Fogón Asado shows diners the way of the asado (Fogón Asado)

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Your Buenos Aires restaurant describes itself as “asado for a fine dining audience”. Can you tell us a bit more about this?

“Certainly. Asado describes the grilling technique – over a wood fire and its embers, but for Argentinians it’s also a kind of ritual, a traditional experience. It’s a very special moment to share with friends or with family. We usually gather at weekends for an asado, where we grill different cuts of meat for many hours. Everyone stands around the grill, enjoying wine and tasting the different cuts. At Fogón, we’ve tried to recreate that feeling for a fine dining audience. We like to incorporate innovative techniques and presentations to elevate the experience. Our tasting menu is designed based on the Argentine asado, but has a modern and unique approach.” 

What’s the origin of the cooking style, and how do you engage with that?

“The history of asado in Argentina dates back to the 19th century, evolving from the cooking practices of gauchos – Argentinian cowboys. As they roamed the vast pampas herding cattle, they developed simple, yet flavorful ways to cook meat over open fires. This method became ingrained in Argentine culture, blending indigenous techniques with Spanish influences. The gauchos had their tools, like the gaucho knife, the facón, which are very sharp. They used it for fighting, they used it for cooking and that’s really all they needed. We really wanted to include these tools in our dining experience. So a selection of these knives are presented to diners during the meal in a handmade wooden box, and each person can kind of choose their weapon. That’s our way of including a little bit of the culture and the history.”

Fogón Asado

Meat is grilled at Buenos Aires restaurant Fogón Asado (Fogón Asado)

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Can you tell me about the technical aspects of the fire cooking process?

“At Fogón we use two different types of wood that are typical here in Argentina; there’s one in particular called quebracho, which is one of the hardest woods in the world. The Spanish name for it actually comes from the phrase “to break the axe”. The white kind, quebracho blanco, is what we use to start the fire on our parrilla (grill) for the bigger cuts of meat to hang over; then we add the red kind (rojo), and once there are glowing embers from that wood, we cook smaller items like the rib eye or the bife el chorizo. It really adds a special flavour to the meat.”

How do you ensure the quality of ingredients?

“Quality is key at Fogón. We meticulously source our ingredients, prioritizing local, organic, and sustainably raised meats and produce. Our partnerships with local farmers and suppliers ensure that we receive the freshest and highest quality ingredients available. Each piece of meat is carefully selected for its marbling, age, and origin, ensuring that only the best makes it to our grill. This commitment to quality extends to every aspect of our dishes, from the vegetables and herbs to the specialty condiments. Unlike other restaurants, we only do one sitting per night, ensuring that each product is treated with respect and care.”

What are some of your favourite dishes on the menu?

“One of mine is the rib-eye cap, what we call the ceja (eyebrow), which we smoke with pine cones for an hour or so, something like that. Then we chargrill it over a strong fire for six or seven minutes more, until it’s rare to medium-rare. The flavour is very smoky and we serve it with a creamy cauliflower puree and corn cooked with a local technique called rescoldo, where we cook the vegetables over the fire. It’s smoky, salty, creamy, and even a little acidic because we add a little rice-vinegar to the cauliflower. It’s like a hug for your tongue.

“Another very typical street food here is choripan, which is usually local chorizo or morcilla sausage served in a baguette. This is something we eat at concerts, at the market or football games. But because we’re taking asado to a fine-dining experience, we reimagined the choripan for our menu. We put the two types of sausage on open-face, grilled breads, with a delicious apple and quince chutney on top, and flame-grilled pepper. In Spanish we call the combination “un matrimonio” (the marriage) because it goes so well together.”

Dishes at Fogón Asado

Dishes at Fogón Asado, Buenos Aires (Fogón Asado)

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What else can guests expect from the experience?

“Guests are greeted with a cocktail, a Negroni but crafted from Argentine ingredients, like mate (a caffeinated herbal drink), Patagonian elderflower, vermouth and Viognier wine. From there it’s a three-hour fireside dining experience; you sit at the bar and all the preparations are done in front of you, right on the fire. I’ll explain each cut of meat, and show you them on a big wooden board before we begin. It’s a very interactive experience, inspired by the fact that Argentinians often gather around the asado when cooking at home.

We also have wine pairings of regional and national wines; our owners don’t believe in set glasses of wine, so we are very generous with refills! You’ll try every classic asado dish that you would usually try, but in a fine-dining presentation: they’re smaller, lighter plates and a bit more creative. It’s a real performance: our team loves to work in front of people and answer questions.” 

Experience the art of Argentinian asado on our Grand South America journey

Fogon Asado has two Buenos Aires restaurants ‒ one in Palermo Soho and one in Palermo Viejo. Tasting menus from $60 for lunch and $80 for dinner; wine pairings available (fogonasado.com)

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Concierge Tips

Our Favourite Legendary and Lesser-Known Shopping Streets

July 7, 2023 by Luxury Gold No Comments

Meticulous craftsmanship. Exquisite materials. Prestigious brand heritage and attention to detail. When it comes to shopping for a travel souvenir, we understand you’re looking for something special to remember your journey by.

That’s why we’ve pulled together a list of our favourite shopping destinations in a selection of the world’s most glamorous cities – you needn’t look anywhere else. From browsing big-name luxury brands on the Champs-Élysées in Paris to shopping for men’s tailoring on London’s lesser-known Jermyn Street, these are just a handful of the exclusive boutiques and decadent shopping experiences that await you on your travels.

Bond Street, London, UK

Classic grey Porsche parked outside Bulgari store with orange windows on Bond Street, one of London’s most famous shopping streets

@Bondstreet

Acclaimed for its elegant stores, designer fashion brands, art galleries, fine jewelry and antique shops, Bond Street is one of the world’s most renowned shopping streets. It is also the most expensive and sought after strips of real estate in Europe.

This luxury shopper’s paradise has been at the heart of London’s high fashion since the 18th century and is where you find iconic flagship stores of Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, and Versace, showcasing the latest haute couture and ready-to-wear collections. As well as exquisite jewelry stores such as Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and Bulgari.

More than just a high-end retail experience, you can enjoy an auction at Sotheby’s or an exhibition at The Royal Academy of Arts. And with Claridge’s or The Ritz just steps away, treat yourself to a luxurious British afternoon tea.

While in the capital, gentlemen should also take a look at Jermyn Street. Dating back to 1664, Jermyn Street holds a worldwide reputation for high quality British artistry and craftsmanship. One of the more unique shopping streets you will find, it is home to the highest concentration of gentlemen’s clothiers in the city. The street hosts London’s finest men’s tailors, shirt makers and suppliers of leather goods.

Visit London on: British Royale

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Via Condotti, Rome, Italy

Vis Condotti in Rome, with the Spanish steps rising up to the 16th century church. The sun is rising behind giving a warm glow against a bright blue sky with pink clouds

@macdek

Synonymous with luxury shopping Rome’s Via Condotti is a destination in itself.  Where fashion, art, and history converge, the street is adorned with prestigious fashion houses and renowned Italian brands. Here you will find Valentino, Fendi, Bulgari, Gucci and Salvatore Ferragamo, and discover a rich tapestry of high fashion, exquisite leather goods and designer accessories.

One of the world’s most famous shopping streets, a day spent on Via Condotti is a day immersed in the grandeur of Italian fashion and craftsmanship. Opulent flagship stores and boutique showrooms bustle with attentive and knowledgeable staff providing a personalized service. Take a break from shopping at charming sidewalk cafes, savoring an espresso or gelato and drink in the street’s picturesque architecture and historical charm.

Often going under the radar Via del Babuino is also a charming shopping location. Running from Piazza del Popolo to the Spanish Steps, the street is dotted with high-fashion boutiques among which are Chanel, Cavalli, Tiffany, Sandro Ferrone and RedValentino brands.

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Avenida da Liberdade, Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon’s chicest street, Avenida da Liberdade, was conceived by the city’s urban planners who wanted it to mimic Paris’s iconic boulevards and shopping streets. Built in the 19th century, a thoroughfare was created in the center of the Portuguese capital featuring wide, leafy lanes. The cobblestoned promenades are paved with stunning Portuguese-style patterns, smoothed by the many pedestrians over the decades.

Because of its history, Avenida da Liberdade became the natural destination for opulent visitors. The most expensive street to buy or rent property on, it is adorned with grand theaters, townhouse-style homes of dignitaries and celebrities, and luxury hotels.

Unsurprisingly Liberdade is also the most sought-after address for big-name fashion labels. Cartier, Miu Miu, Louis Vuitton, Hermès and Gucci can all be found, offering a luxury shopping experience to rival Paris or Milan.

Treat yourself to a gourmet dining experience at one of the elegant restaurants, indulge in a delightful pastry at a traditional café or a stay at one of the luxurious hotels that adorn the Boulevard.

Chiado is also considered to be the best shopping district in Lisbon, in which fine boutiques and street markets coexist to offer a blend of classic and contemporary fashion. It is a great place to buy gold and jewelry as you often get a better deal here than anywhere else in Portugal.

Discover Lisbon on: Spain & Portugal in Style

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Avenida Alvear, Bueons Aires, Argentina

shop window on Avenida Alvear showing elegant rust coloured outfits with the grand architecture reflected in the window

@visitbuenosaires

One of the world’s most stylish and flamboyant cities, Buenos Aires just oozes sophistication and style. To fill your shopping desires head to Anevidar Alvear, one of the city’s most aristocratic avenues. Dating back to 1885 it is the home of architectural marvels like the iconic Teatro Colon, a grand opera house that has hosted world-class performances for over a century.

An impressive lineup of prestigious fashion houses and designer labels including Gucci, Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Prada can be found. Additionally, exclusive jewelry boutiques such as Tiffany & Co. and Cartier offer dazzling collections for those seeking timeless elegance.

To complete the experience, a tantalizing selection of upscale restaurants and cafes adorn the avenue. Indulge in gourmet cuisine or enjoy a delightful afternoon tea at the classic Alvear Palace Hotel.

A lesser known but must-visit destination for upscale shopping in Buenos Aires is Galerías Pacífico, an exquisite shopping mall that exudes both historical significance and contemporary glamour. This magnificent Beaux Arts style building, originally constructed in the late 19th century as a railway station providing access to the Pacific Ocean, has a captivating past. The basement of Galerías Pacífico was later revealed to have served as a grim torture chamber during the military junta of the 1970s. Today, Galerías Pacífico is home to an exciting range of upscale boutiques. Inside, you’ll discover an array of world-renowned brands, including Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss, Tommy Hilfiger and Lacoste, among others.

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Ginza, Tokyo, Japan

Image of futuristic Louis Vitton story in Tokyo, tall, silver and shining like it is covered in water

@future.architects_

Though not so much a street as a district, Ginza in Tokyo is a luxury shoppers paradise. The ritziest and biggest upscale shopping district in Tokyo is home to the city’s exclusive boutiques and glamorous department stores, such as the classic Mitsukoshi and avant-garde Dover Street Market. Dior, Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Prada, Burberry, Printemps, Chaumet and Hermes all have boutiques here.

The district is also dotted with art galleries, traditional tea houses and Michelin-starred restaurants, offering a fusion of artistic expression and gastronomic delights.

Also in Tokyo, Omotesando Hills is a sleek, chic shopping, dining, art and café space that opened in 2005, designed by the famous modern Japanese architect Takao Ando. While this leafy boulevard includes some of the most popular shopping malls in the city, it’s also one of the more unusual shopping streets in that it is home to some of the most amazing examples of human-scale modern architecture that you’ll find anywhere in the world. The Prada and Dior buildings are both are outstanding when lit up at night.

Discover Tokyo on: Majestic Japan

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Champs-Élysées – Paris, France

The Arc de Triomphe in Paris with the sun setting behind, creating a warm glow along the Champs-Elysees

@avenuechampselysees

The mile-long Champs-Élysées in Paris, gliding glamorously down from the Arc de Triomphe, is probably one of the world’s most iconic shopping streets. In a city where stye and chic are ingrained in every moment, this legendary boulevard epitomizes the elegance, beauty, and grandeur of France.

The Arc de Triomphe, majestically standing at the western end of the Champs-Élysées, commemorates Napoleon’s military victories and offers breathtaking views of the city. Further down the avenue, the Grand Palais and Petit Palais showcase magnificent Beaux-Arts architecture and host world-class art exhibitions.

High-end fashion boutiques, flagship stores and prestigious brands line the avenue, enticing fashion enthusiasts from around the globe. From Louis Vuitton and Chanel to Dior and Guerlain, the Champs-Élysées is a paradise for those seeking the epitome of style and refinement.

We also love Rue saint Honoré. Here you’ll find all the major fashion houses like Dior, Givenchy and Hermès, and lots of well-known brands mixed in with more niche designers. A favorite of magazine editors and style bloggers since it is just steps from the Jardin des Tuileries, where many fashion week runway shows take place, this is one of the shopping streets you should definitely have on your radar.

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Luxury Journeys

Seven of The Most Beautiful Buildings in Buenos Aires

September 18, 2017 by Luxury Gold No Comments

From its past life as a colonial Spanish outpost to its position today as a thriving cosmopolitan capital, the rich history of Buenos Aires is written all over its buildings.
Trace the city’s journey through time, starting at early Spanish-style structures such as the Cabildo, through to the Neoclassical grandeur of 19th century masterpieces like Casa Rosada. Walk along the city’s wide avenues – at their prettiest during spring, when the jacaranda flowers bloom – and fall under the spell of the Belle Epoque magnificence that dominated buildings in Buenos Aires in the early 1900s. Then, get to the heart of the modern day metropolis through the contemporary architecture and designs of burgeoning districts like the docks. For the ultimate guided tour of this eclectic city, all you need to do is look up.

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