The King of Latin American Cuisine

This month's Conde Naste Traveler features an article on Francis Mallmann, the renowned chef from Bariloche, Argentina who has managed to turn the world's taste buds South to the latest culinary fashion: Latin American Cuisine. After spending several years in Paris training under influential chefs, Mallmann returned to his native Argentina to pioneer a revolution in Argentine dining.

Argentina has long been recognized for its strong European influence. Particularly Buenos Aires, which is referred to as the 'Paris of the South'. This influence is equally strong when it comes to food and dining. Most restaurants don't get going until 10:30pm and meals can last well into the night. Although Argentina's population is largely of Italian descent (which is evident by the number of Italian restaurants you will find), Mallmann's French cuisine was a hit. However, Mallmann soon felt confined by the traditional french sauces and preparation methods, and moved on to create his own unique style of 'nuevo andean' cuisine, featuring techniques and ingredients from his Patagonian upbringing. Before long he became a household name in Argentina, preparing meals for the president, Carlos Menem, among others.

Mallman became famous internationally when word got out about Francis Mallmann 1884, a joint venture with one of Argentina's most famous vintners, Nicolas Catena. Tucked away in the historic Bodega Escorihuela winery, in the wine region of Mendoza, 1884 serves a meal that is well worth the trip.

Check out On The Road Travel for information on visiting Mendoza, the wine region of Argentina which is famous for its Malbec grapes.