EL GAUCHO - ARGENTINIAN STEAKHOUSE BRATISLAVA

Culture

Seamlessly combining an authentic Latin American experience with a strong European heritage, Argentina has forever been blessed with exquisite culture and world class elegance. Few things that come to mind when you think of Argentina are tango, Buenos Aires and Evita.  However, the reality behind the immense popularity of Argentina lies in its eminent richness and diversity of the three important lifestyle elements: culture, ethnicity and geography.

 

The second largest country in South America, located in the southernmost part of the continent, Argentina holds every imaginable landscape - peaks and prairies, woods and deserts, forests and steppes, glaciers and waterfalls.  

 

First discovered by the Europeans in 1502, Argentina became a colony to many European countries at one time. Thus, the majority (87%) of its population is of European descent and much of its art, architecture, literature and lifestyle reflects European influences. In fact, Buenos Aires is commonly called 'The Paris of the South' due to the similarities in architecture, attitude and fashion.  

 

Referring to the cultural identity of Argentina, it’s impossible not to mention tango. Writer Jorge Luis Borges defined it as "... the most outspread Argentinean production, which has insolently proclaimed the Argentinian name across the face of the Earth.”  Probably the most popular element of Argentine culture, tango has been thrilling dancers for more than 100 years. It is loved by dancers and audiences for its beauty, passion, drama and excitement. The essence of Argentine tango is life and, especially, a relationship between a man and a woman. It is an improvisational dance where partners bring their own styles and individuality to the dance which significantly contributes to the excitement and unpredictability of the experience. For Argentineans, tango is simply an addicting romantic fantasy – the three minute love affair… 

 

Another major element of Argentinean culture is cuisine. An important aspect of everyday life, cuisine is largely affected by country’s geography. Vast, rich soiled, green plains and a mild climate make a perfect environment for cattle and Argentinean beef is unlike any other in the world. 

 

Additionally, mild and dry weather, with a crystal clear sky and an abundance of sunshine creates a paradise for wine making in multiple regions of Argentina. Situated on wide valleys or sloping prairies, Argentinian wine regions have unique characteristics, altitude being the most important one. Due to the proximity to the Andes, some of the vineyards are located at the highest altitudes known for wine cultivation, averaging over 900 meters above sea level.  Their natural healthy condition is attributed to the purest melt water from the Andes irrigating the fertile soil and a distance from the urban areas avoiding the pollution. This combination of natural elements adds a unique feature to the wines such as intense colors, deep aromas and meaty but fruity flavors.

 

The most vibrant cultural and romantic symbol of the spirit of Argentine nation and the perfect embodiment of “argentididad” is the Argentinean cowboy, “el gaucho”. This near-mythical, legendary, brave, loyal and freedom-loving horseman of the Pampas is celebrated in Argentine poetry and prose, music and art. The word gaucho is of Indian origin. Letters "au" are not pronounced together but separately:"ga–u-tscho". Gauchos are cross-breeds and naturally descendants of Indians and migrants from Spain.

 

Our introduction to Argentinean culture would not be complete without the soccer. As in many Latin American countries, soccer is practically a religion in Argentina. On your trip to Argentina, make sure to attend at least one soccer game – it’s guaranteed to be the most energetic and lively sporting event you will ever experience.  

 

Hopefully, you will experience a piece of Argentina at el Gaucho, indulging in our delicious food and tasting our wine selection.