Brea Cocina
A different proposal 
On National Route 68, right next to Tierra Colorada Winery, Brea Cocina opens its doors under the management of Matías Nanni.
Inside there are two spacious rooms plus another more private area on the mezzanine, where the spontaneity and casualness of the contemporary style stand out, a feature of the host reflected in the deco of the place. Everything is completed with the integrated kitchen, fully exposed.
But being the breeze of the Calchaquí Valleys so enjoyable, even when the heat of its characteristic sun is strong, the gallery is the outstanding sector. That was the place chosen by @tripticity_ for that very pleasant Sunday lunch.
In short, everything is said in its name. Brea is not a restaurant, it is a kitchen that is part not only of the family winery but of the landscape as a whole. Its menu offers three options for each step. Yes, it is a small menu but super varied. In fact, the star is the vegan variant of fried chickpea and sesame falafel with fresh salad and natural yogurt dip. Of course, we chose it and loved it! Although going in chronological order, we started with the duo of meat and quinoa empanadas, accompanied with the traditional hot sauce. Lots of flavor in a lighter version than usual. For mains, in addition to the falafel, the driver and cadet went for the sliced beef with ham and cream cheese, with golden potatoes and a salad of freshly harvested greens. The beautiful feeling of homemade and fresh food was confirmed by Matías, who confessed that this meat option was in fact the great ancestral recipe of his family.
We paired it with the Tannat 717 from the winery's reserve line. The varietal grows very well in the Calchaquíes Valleys and is gradually imposing its quality in the markets, on a par with the eternal Torrontés, so we were not surprised by the balance of intense flavor and body of the 717 from the Finca Chimpa terroir, the vineyards on the "other side of the river" in Cafayate. Superb, among the best we have had in recent times.
While we enjoyed it in that hot December siesta we were able to learn a little more about the life story of Matías, who opened his dining room in February 2021 seeking to offer a different variant to what we are used to and, mainly, to create a meeting place. Therefore, in his plans, the idea of live music evenings under the starry sky of Cafayate, when the wind and traffic on the road subsides, is a priority. A meeting point for friends around a fire that brings together good energy, dreams, character, creativity and ideas.
Something that @tripticity_ celebrates every time these coincidences happen. That long hour we shared with Matías, far from making us feel like 45 year olds, he infected us with his drive and convictions.
All accompanied by a first class gastronomy.
We hope to be able to live one of those nights in Brea soon!