Pacha

Signature Cuisine 

The gastronomic offer in Cafayate is enormous, one of the best in northern Argentina.

Among the many restaurants, Pacha stands out, a few meters from the main square. Reservations are essential to enter the establishment where the tables are arranged very close to the open kitchen, where the alchemy of ingredients is executed.

On the gray walls stand out the mural figures of the Pachamama and the coyas that accompany her, which pay homage to the typical sellers of the altiplano markets.

The menu is small and varies according to the season. As we approach the table, chef Tomás Casado reveals that he designs it according to the fresh food he finds in the local markets. Meanwhile, we savor homemade sourdough bread with lentil pâté.

@tripticity_ was shy in his choice of starter, reserving the big guns for the main course. 

First some vegetable fritters, with parsley gremolata and aioli. Then, paired with a Malbec gran corte from the Calchaquíes Valleys, a tremendous tenderloin Wellington, with pine mushrooms and green onions. To be honest, the pasta of choice had been the cheese capeletti with kid stew and green shoots, in the belief that the goat flavor would not take the lead. However, after a first tasting there was no doubt: the tenderloin of @tripticity_ 's assistant was the one. What could it be that the undecided always have the good fortune to find partners who agree to abrupt changes of orders?

The tenderloin in a shirt, as the Wellington is commonly known, or "filet de boeuf en croûte" in France, requires a rigorous elaboration. Legend has it that it was the general who won the famous battle of Waterloo, who, during his stay as ambassador at the court of Louis VIII, adopted it as his favorite... to the point that it was named after him. It is covered with herbs and, in this case, mushrooms, and then a layer of crispy dough. Simply delicious!

When it comes to sweets, there is no room for confusion. The one chosen without hesitation is the dulce de leche, caramel and flower flan.